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Help with writing

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You probably write at work every day in different ways, whether it’s sending an email, writing a report or making lists. You might have to

  • complete forms and documents
  • complete your personal development plan and review (PDPR)

Whatever you are writing, you need to be able to

  • write clearly
  • spell accurately
  • use verb tenses correctly

Writing is also an important skill if you are doing work-based learning. You will use different styles of writing when you are learning. 

Writing for SVQs

If you are doing a Scottish Vocational Qualification, you will probably  write a reflective account. A reflective account is an explanation of a work activity you have done. You should explain what you did, when you did it and how you did it. You should also explain why you made the decisions you made. 

Remember to:

  • Use the first person: ‘I checked with the Ward Clerk that the patient had been discharged’ or ‘I found out that the system was broken and I wanted to find a solution.’
  • Use the right words: Don’t use slang and keep your sentences short and clear. There should be one idea per sentence
  • Organise your writing: Use paragraphs and linking words so that the reader can follow your writing easily. Write in order of what happened. What did you do first? What did you do then…and so on

Some qualifications ask you for other types of writing, for example, writing about research you have carried out or writing a report.

Follow these links to find some tips and techniques for writing:

You can also find advice online at:

Many unions support learning in the workplace. If you are a union member, your union representative may be able to help you.

Your Local Authority may have information about courses in colleges, libraries and community centres in your local area.

The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) and UNISON work with Health Boards to provide learning. UNISON or other union learning representatives will be able to give you more information.

Ask staff at your local library about help for your learning.  

Writing for research reports and articles

You may want to improve your academic writing skills by practising and asking a colleague or friend to review, read articles in your field or chosen journal to learn from the style used by other authors. Reading your work out loud will help you to improve the flow.

Some useful hints for writing

  • Keep it simple, specific and to the point.
  • Use the ‘5-word rule’ i.e. readers should know the point of the sentence within the first 5 words
  • Sentence structure:
    • clear, concise and well constructed
    • mix of active and passive sentences
    • review each word you use
    • good grammar
    • appropriate punctuation
  • Check cohesion and linking between sentences and paragraphs.
  • Try to string sentences together in a fluid way to make the paper an interesting read (read aloud to check this).
  • Don’t bury your argument like a needle in a haystack.
  • Don’t over-state your results.
  • Keep illustrations clear and easy to read.

Avoid

  • superfluous and flowery words
  • doubling of words
  • spelling errors
  • sweeping / general statements
  • padded verbs
  • plagiarism
  • overuse of direct quotes
  • do not mix tenses
  • jargon 
  • clichés e.g. at the end of the day
  • everyday abbreviations eg phone
  • slang 
  • not gender neutral 
  • words/phrases that are over-used (a thesaurus is useful to help with this)
    • In order to
    • However
    • Therefore
    • Thus
    • Hence
    • In relation to

Below are links to further advice on writing: