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Introduction
How do I know what I think till I see what I say.
E. M. Forster
How do I know what I’ll say till I see what I think.
Anon.
This chapter is designed to help you think about how you
fit in to the broad culture of academe and the kind of
writing it asks for. It is about
r how to avoid procrastinating and how to discover a real
desire or ‘itch’ to write
r how to gain a sense of confidence that you are making
tangible progress with each piece of work you begin
r how to value your beliefs, prejudices, experiences and
past learning as a springboard for producing considered,
well-argued and adequately researched judgements
r how to relate in writing and in person with your
audience – the tutors who examine your work, their
expectations, academic traditions and foibles
r how, despite the difficulties, you can come to really enjoy
using language to articulate your thoughts and ideas.