HE writing skills tutorial
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Academic Writing Skills Gemma Holtam.
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Transcript of HE writing skills tutorial
Academic Writing Skills
Gemma Holtam.
What is expected in a piece of academic writing
What makes a good assignment
How to decode an essay title
Instruction words
Signposting words
What We’ll Cover Today
1
2
3
4
5
Task 1
List all of the things that you think a
tutor is looking for in a piece of
academic writing. For example what
goes at the start and the end of an
assignment, what type of words do you
use within an essay?
TASK
Academic writing
• Includes an introduction, main body and conclusion
• The different paragraphs constantly refer back to the assignment title
• Assumes the reader knows nothings about the subject, therefore they define key terms and make their points really clear
• Includes signposting words to guide the reader to the different point
• Applies critical thinking – positives/negatives, for/against
• Structures their discussion using a new paragraph for each new point
• Uses Harvard referencing system consistently
• Proofread – checking spelling, punctuation, grammar and layout
Academic Writing
• A good essay is thorough. It shows that you have done the reading you're supposed to do, and very probably some more reading as well.
• A good essay answers the question. So you shouldn't just put down everything you know about a topic. You need to organise what you know.
• A good essay shows that you can see more than one side to a question. You do this by putting forward your own argument, and also looking at arguments against you. You should show that your argument is based on evidence, not just on opinion.
What makes a good essay?
An assignment question can normally be broken down into four
main points. These points are:
Type What do you need to create? Is it a report, essay, case study?
Instruction How should you answer the question? For example should you
discuss, evaluate or review the information.
Subject What is the topic of the assignment
Focus What is the context of the assignment
Breaking down an essay title
In a 1500 word report, discuss the impact of student fees upon university services.
Type Instruction
Subject Focus
Match the instruction word with it’s definition
What do instruction words mean?
Describe = 8
Provide a detailed explanation as to
how and why something happens
Break an issue into its smaller parts. Look in depth at each part using supporting arguments and evidence for and against as well as how these interrelate to one another.
Analyse = 4
Give your verdict to what extent a statement or findings within a piece of research are true. Provide evidence from a wide range of sources that both agree and contradict. Come to a final conclusion, basing your decisions on what you judge to be the most important factors and justify how you made the right choice.
Critically evaluate = 6
Make a case by providing a body of evidence to support your ideas and points of view. In order to present a balanced argument, consider opinions which may run contrary to your own before stating your conclusion.
Justify = 2
To specify in clear terms the key aspects relating to a topic without being overly descriptive. Refer to evidence and examples where appropriate.
Compare = 3
To specify in clear terms the key aspects relating to a topic without being overly descriptive. Refer to evidence and examples where appropriate.
State = 3
Identify the similarities and differences between two or more phenomena. Say if any of the shared similarities or differences are more important than others. 'Compare' and 'contrast' will often feature together in an essay question.
Compare = 7
Means give a detailed description of something.
Give an account of = 9
What do you think needs
to be included in a
paragraph?
What words come to mind?
Structure of a paragraph
What
Evidence
Example
Do
How to structure a paragraph
Each paragraph should contain:
-The topic sentence stating what point
you are making
-Evidence/an explanation to support
your topic or sentence
-An example to illustrate the point you
are making
-Summing up sentence: what do you do
with the evidence, ask yourself so what
W = The existence of Teaching Assistants (TAs) in the classroom does not in itself ensure that pupils benefit.
E = Consideration is needed as to how the TAs are deployed.
E = The DfEE (2004) argues that, it is essential that teachers and TAs work together.
D = The best way to ensure this collaboration is to be clear about roles when planning pupils’ lessons
An example WEED
The perfect paragraph
All sentences in the paragraph should focus
on the main idea or topic
All sentences in the paragraph are clearly
related to each other
Make sure your main idea is supported by
sufficient details to give your writing authority
What is signposting?
Signposting words
Signposting means using phrases and words to guide the
reader through the content of your assignment.
There are two main types of signposting:
Major signposts: introductions, conclusions and outlining
main arguments/ the direction of the argument in
paragraphs/opening phrases.
Linking words and short phrases: connecting words help
guide the reader through the argument by linking ideas,
sentences and paragraphs.
• Remember – you know where you are going with your assignment – you need to signpost your reader to help him/her arrive at the same place
• Use clear signposts to guide your tutor through your discussion
• Never make sweeping statements
• Always back up what you say with evidence and examples
Signposting Words
Worksheet - match the word to the correct header
Task:
Listing Indicating addition information or information which is similar
Indicating contrast
Giving a reason
Indicating similarity
first(ly) also however for this reason similarly
Signposting words
More study skills words can be found on
the HE Study Skills Moodle Page.
•What is expected in a piece of academic writing
•What makes a good essay
•How to decode an essay title
• Instruction words
•Signposting words
Today’s session covered:
