This paper discusses our findings resulting from SWAP funded project - On The Beach. SWAP funds support research into SUPPORTING WRITING FOR ASSESSMENT PURPOSES :creative approaches to reading, note-making and writing development. A Second Life handbook was produced to enhance learning and teaching of writing skills within the context of new media technology platforms. The project interprets the notion of an essay is an investigation into a topic by an author - be it visual, textual or kinaesthetic or if well done - through all these inter-relational modes, with attention to content, structure, style and language accuracy.