Writing Essays at University Dr Michael X. Savvas Student Learning Centre Level 1, Student Centre (8201 2518) http://www.flinders.edu.au/SLC Academic Writing Versus Creative Writing Good creative writing leaves gaps that encourage readers to draw their own conclusions. Academic writing is about explaining your ideas fully and clearly, so that readers understand your meaning and don’t draw the wrong conclusions. Don’t make your meaning mysterious! The reading/writing process involves: Analysing your topic Planning Researching Reading Note-taking Drafting Redrafting Editing and proofreading Reading with a purpose You must always know why you are reading – whether to get additional information on a topic, or whether you want to find the answer to a specific question. This provides focus for your reading, and ensures you select relevant sources Approaching an essay 1. Think about your conclusion, to find out your main points. 2. Plan the essay using these points. 3. Write the body. 4. Write the conclusion. 5. Write the introduction. 6. Complete the reference list. Lecturers want evidence of: a. wide, current reading (with references). b. broad research c. critical thinking d. proofreading e. organisation Nurses should be paid more. Discuss. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Why? What are your main points? Recording your ideas on paper Brainstorming Mind mapping Discussion This is the first step towards forming the main points of your essay. Brainstorming: Plus Minus Interesting Mind map plan Background to the situation Agree Compensation for irregular hours Acknowledging nursing’s value Disagree Cost to hospitals May encourage focus on money and not passion Plan with points listed Nurses should be paid more. 1. Background to the situation in Australia 2. Agree 2.1 This is partial compensation for nurses’ irregular hours 2.2 Acknowledging nurses’ value is important for the profession and the community 3. Disagree 3.1 Cost to hospitals could be better spent 3.2 Nurses should be more motivated by passion than money What is an argument? An argument is ‘an attempt to support a claim (the conclusion) by giving reasons for believing it (the premises)’ (Moore and Parker 2001, p. 10). Your intention in writing an essay is to present a clear argument that successfully convinces the reader of your thesis, or conclusion. Introductions should: Attract the reader to the topic Tell the reader the exact direction you will follow throughout your essay Avoid giving too much detail Don’t have unmaskings or surprise endings! The Introduction Must contain: A clear statement of the problem A little background Main points Thesis statement May contain: Definitions Limitations and expected contribution of the study Make your position very clear! Don’t make readers search for your thesis statement! When should you write your introduction? Before writing the body of your essay: Gives you a model for your essay Thesis statement will provide direction After writing the body of your essay: Your argument is already formed Content of introduction is already laid out Arrange the bones before applying the flesh! The body of your essay 80% of essay length. Must address all of your chosen main points. Each paragraph must contain: One idea Topic sentence (Sometimes a concluding sentence is needed.) Topic Sentence Must state main idea of paragraph. Often the first sentence. Clear and emphatic. Ensures unity within the paragraph. Concluding Sentence Not always necessary. Should be a: Rational conclusion that follows naturally from supporting sentences in a paragraph. Summary of supporting sentences. Recommendation. Question or statement that leads to the next paragraph. Example paragraph Gold is a metal. It is beautiful and resistant to corrosion. The chemical symbol for gold is Au. It has been used to make jewellery, coins and electronic circuits. Even extremely old coins from many centuries ago retain their beautiful lustre. Most people choose gold wedding rings, although some choose silver. Example paragraph Gold is used in many decorative ways because of its lustrous beauty. It has been used to make both jewellery and ornaments. Most people choose gold wedding rings. (Adapted from Oshima, A & Hogue, A 1999, Writing academic English, 3rd edn, Longman, White Plains.) Conclusion Must highlight points and re-state stance. Doesn’t leave any loose ends. Approximately 10% of essay length. Doesn’t raise any new main points. Conclusion Must include: Summary and synthesis of main points. Response to the specific assignment task. May include: Implications raised or suggestions. Areas for further research. Final tips Keep the question and your plan next to you during entire writing process – ensures you won’t deviate from your argument. Don’t be a deviant! Avoid contradictions during your essay. Always speak in third person, unless otherwise specified by your lecturer/tutor. If you do all this … You’ll feel very proud, You can go to wild parties, Eat lots of biscuits, Meet your true love, And make people want to read your writing.
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