Today I'd like to talk about writing and the challenges you might face when tackling essays and other written assignments as part of your studies. The purpose of writing is to communicate your ideas and understanding to an audience in a clear and concise form. Unlike in conversation, there is no opportunity to clarify or use body language to help convey your meaning, so the written piece must stand on its own. This means that you must really engage on a deep level with the topic and fully understand it before you can explain what you think about it to your readers. Although this process can be extremely demanding, it is also rewarding because it is how learning takes place. Even though it may seem initially daunting, writing is a skill you will develop throughout your studies. And, being able to write clearly and to present your point of view effectively is a transferable skill that will serve you well not just at college, but also in work and in society generally.