Don't think I'm going to get TMA finished on time

IceCold

For various reasons which I won't go into I've left my TMA to the last minute. It's due in tomorrow however I've been trying to get it done and I'm just really struggling with it. I just know I'm not going to be able to finish it and even if I do finish it I just know it's going to be a rubbish assignment.

I don't know whether I should just not bother sending it in and just get a 0 and then work extra hard on my next assignments to make up for it or whether I should just do what I can, submit that and hopefully get a few marks out of it. If I do that I would also e-mail my tutor to explain why it's like that.

Andypandyboy

Is it too late to ask for an extension? I know that if it is due to illness then it is at the discretion of the tutor.

tomtontom

Do what you can. If your reading is up to date you should be able to get something half decent done in an evening if you focus - which means getting off the internet!

I'd treat any request for an extension at this late stage with suspicion, given that the work should be finished by now.

duchy

I'd ring my tutor and ask for an extension - however I was an OU student when my son was a toddler and I also worked - I would quite often end up writing an entire essay the night before it was due. I found so long as I had done my reading....the marks I got for the written in one go without drafts and revisions always got better marks than the carefully considered and rewritten ones. Never worked out why that was the case- but it was Maybe it'll be the same for you !

I'd put everything to one side and write the blooming thing - anything is better than a zero and you might surprise yourself. I'm guessing you are a first year student if you are asking this so remember - all you need is a pass mark it doesn't have to be brilliant- just adequate.

I'd definitely submit something.

duchy

tomtontom wrote: »

Do what you can. If your reading is up to date you should be able to get something half decent done in an evening if you focus - which means getting off the internet!

I'd treat any request for an extension at this late stage with suspicion, given that the work should be finished by now.

This wasn't my experience with the OU. I found tutors did understand that life will throw curve balls and often students with family and or jobs to juggle will often find that they are always tight on time and a crisis at work or family can play havoc with time usually set aside to study . For a one off I don't believe they would be as judgemental as you and it's definitely worth asking for an extension - Many OU tutors have been through the same thing themselves as students and live in the real work where life doesn't always go to plan.

IceCold

I've being trying to write it all day but not having much luck I just can't wrap my head around what I'm supposed to be writing about which is frustrating as I'm usually good at writing essays and usually get through them quickly.

If I decide not submit anything would it be best to e-mail my tutor and tell him not to expect anything or just leave it?

IceCold

And yes I've done all the reading and work leading up to it but I'm just really struggling to put my thoughts into words and making them make any sense.

duchy

IceCold wrote: »

And yes I've done all the reading and work leading up to it but I'm just really struggling to put my thoughts into words and making them make any sense.

You are just panicking
Start by writing your introduction. Don't even think about the main section- just introduce what topics/arguments you will be exploring.

Once that is written you'll find the main part comes easier because you've mentally unjumbled your thoughts as you define what you are going to be writing about.

It won't make any difference if you let your tutor know or not- the only reason to contact them is to ask for an extension. It really is worth asking - the worst they can say is no-and they might say yes !! You've nothing to lose by asking.

IceCold

Well the good news is I managed to complete something resembling an essay which I think will be passable. The bad news is I think it's the worst essay I've ever written so I'm not expecting a good grade for it.

Voyager2002

IceCold wrote: »

Well the good news is I managed to complete something resembling an essay which I think will be passable. The bad news is I think it's the worst essay I've ever written so I'm not expecting a good grade for it.

Well done: you have got more than zero (guaranteed) and might be surprised by how much more!

Now give yourself a treat that does not involve the internet...

Voyager2002

IceCold wrote: »

For various reasons which I won't go into I've left my TMA to the last minute. It's due in tomorrow however I've been trying to get it done and I'm just really struggling with it. I just know I'm not going to be able to finish it and even if I do finish it I just know it's going to be a rubbish assignment.

I don't know whether I should just not bother sending it in and just get a 0 and then work extra hard on my next assignments to make up for it or whether I should just do what I can, submit that and hopefully get a few marks out of it. If I do that I would also e-mail my tutor to explain why it's like that.

The best advice in this situation is to contact the tutor (that is what they are there for) and AsK!

Other posts say that you have done all the reading and understand the topic, but are having difficulty dealing with the essay subject. That could mean that the title was badly worded (not your fault) or there is something about it that you misunderstood. Either way, a tutor can help.

Next time, please ask for help at the point where you find yourself struggling!