What makes a good TMA?
Writing TMAs Size: 52.52 kB – File type: pdf
Good TMAs are easy to spot. They look good, for a start – the layout is neat and tidy, there are no spelling mistakes and they are attractive on the eye.
To make your TMA look good:
* Use a word processor rather than handwriting
* Use a standard font
* Use readable type
* Use type set left (not justified)
* Use black text
To make your TMA look bad
* Use a fancy, unusual font
* Use really small type
* Use unusual line spacing
* Use justification
* Fill the page with colour
If your pages look good, they are more likely to make for a positive approach to marking! Bad looking pages mean I have a negative frame of mind before I start.
The next thing to be sure about is writing well. Good writing has:
* Short sentences of 12-20 words
* Short paragraphs
* ‘Normal’ everyday language
* Correct spellings
Bad writing has:
* Long sentences with lots of clauses
* Long-winded paragraphs
* Fancy language
* Poor spelling
So, if you write it well and make it look good, you are on to a winner. Unless of course your content is poor!
Getting high marks
To make sure you get high marks be certain you answer the TMA questions as set – in other words if you do this you will have the right content. Re-read the instructions several times and make some notes so that you are certain of what is being asked. If you have any doubts whatsoever, check with me. Many students lose marks because they answer what they think they were asked not what the question actually asked. Not answering the TMA as set is the main reason for lost marks.
Another reason for losing marks is ‘just answering’ the question, but not going deeply enough into the core subject. Essentially, you need to give evidence or examples that back up your points. Every time you make a point, consider adding evidence or an example. Also make sure you reference your material – say precisely where you got it.
A further major contributor to lost marks is not being academic enough. You are studying a degree level course. This means you need to take an academic approach to the TMA. In other words, do not write in the first person unless explicitly asked to do so. Make sure you reference your sources so they can be checked against what you say. Also, be sure to have an introduction and a conclusion. These should be able to be read together to form a complete summary of your TMA. In addition, a good introduction will explain the scope of the TMA – saying what it will contain and what will be excluded.
Maximising your marks
You will get higher marks if you:
* Demonstrate a clear understanding of the subject matter – not just repeating what is in the course materials
* Explain the reasoning for selection of evidence or examples
Other factors When you are given a word count – stick to it. You will not get more marks for more words. In fact, if you go above the word count you could be penalized and lose marks as a result. The word counts are given to provide you with a specific task of being able to summarise what you have learned in a short amount of space.
Deadlines are there to be met! However, if you are going to find it difficult to meet the deadline, let me know in advance as I can help extend the deadline.
Some tips
Imagine your reader (i.e. ME!) has never read the material of the TMA and has no idea about the subject! In other words your TMA should be able to be read in isolation, as it should provide the complete picture.
Try to draw conclusions about what you say, rather than just provide lists and comments.
Writing TMAs Size: 52.52 kB – File type: pdf
