Diagnostic Writing Assessment for Thesis Students
The Diagnostic Writing Assessment (DWA) for Thesis Students is an Academic Skills Centre (ASC) programme for Master’s and PhD students for Whom English is a second or other language (ESOL) and who may require help with academic writing. It aims to identify students’ specific writing needs early in the thesis writing process and provides customised support to address any issues that emerge.
The assessment tests for common ESOL grammar errors as well as basic principles of academic writing including paraphrasing and structure. The process involves completing a one-hour assessment via LEARN.
A DWA is also available for native English speakers on an ad hoc basis subject to Learning Advisor availability. These students will provide a writing sample such as a research proposal or other similar work and will receive feedback on the issues such as structure, grammar and writing style.
After their work has been reviewed by a Learning Advisor, students and supervisors will receive detailed feedback on the student’s writing, and students will be invited to attend a debrief appointment to develop a learning plan with ASC. Supervisors will receive periodic updates regarding students’ engagement with ASC services during the first year following completion of the assessment. For this reason, if you have self-referred for the DWA, please consult with your supervisor(s) before enrolling. If your supervisor has referred you to this programme, or you have discussed it with them, enrol below.
Please note: If you are in the final 2-3 months of your thesis, please contact us to book an appointment to review your writing rather than enrolling for the assessment.
If you have any questions, please contact us at academicskills@canterbury.ac.nz.
Dates and times
- ESL (not a native English speaker) Assessment: Available online Thursday, 24 - Monday, 28 October 2024. Can be completed any time.: passed
The next set of dates for this learning event has not yet been scheduled.