Transcript Slide 1

Student 6 Elena
Pre- Feedback Theory: 20 mins
Richard Galletly, Aston University
Student needs
Logical division of ideas
Referencing in text
Referencing at end of text
The need for referencing
Essay structure
Writing conclusions
Some minor grammar mistakes
Logical Division
The body paragraphs of an essay are there to develop your topic
and prove your points in a structured way. They support your
argument
The paragraphs should be organised in some sort of pattern, like
order of time or comparison/ contrast
A basic pattern would be dividing your topic into different ideas.
Each sub-topic is discussed separately, for example causes,
reasons, types, advantages, etc.
A common logical division question could be: Discuss the causes
of the U.S. Civil War. (Oshima, 2006 p65)
In text referencing
We reference: to show that we have read and understood specific
texts, and to support the points we are making with reference to
other people’s work
Credible texts to include in your work could be: journals, a reading
list textbook, a credible website (note: credible!), an information
database, or a newspaper (Gillett, 2009).
Any graphics/ pictures/ maps used should include a full reference
Reporting an author’s ideas in your text
Integral – using the author’s name as part of the sentence:
According to Davies (2006) it is essential that…
The importance of pupils learning … was stressed by Davies
(2006)
Non- integral – the author in brackets:
Evidence from classroom learning (Davies, 2006) suggests
that…
It is important that pupils …. Weaknesses (Davies, 2006)
At the end of the essay (Gillett, 2009):
Davies, S. (2006) The Essential Guide to Teaching. Harlow:
Pearson Education.
Referencing
Book
Surname, initials. (Year). Title. Place of publication:
Publisher.
Online
Brandt, K. H., (2001). Working the System [online]. Available
from: www.hvn.ac.uk/econ/trickco.html [accessed 1.4.01]
In- text referencing
Statistics indicate … may be as high as 30 per cent (Brandt,
2001).
Secondary sources (one’s you haven’t read but which are quoted
in a source you are using)
Vroom (1964, cited in Fincham & Rhodes, 2005 p208) argues
that a person’s motivation depends on the …
Essay Structure
The introduction leads the reader into the main section, it provides
background information and explains which aspects of it will be
covered in the essay, and in which order
The development section will present your ideas in a series of
paragraphs, these must flow, so that the reader can follow your
line of argument
The conclusion summarises the main points of the paragraphs,
and can include an opinion that you have reached as a result of
your research.
A list of references should be written at the end of your work to
give full details of any sources that have been mentioned (Gillett,
2009 p8)
Introduction/ conclusion
Introduction: general statement and organisational statement.
Background to your writing, show that you know why the topic is
important, reword the question into a problem to solve if necessary
Development: several paragraphs relating to the topic
Each section develops a subdivision of the topic, the paragraphs are
linked together to connect the ideas, the purpose of writing must be
kept clear throughout
Conclusion: recall issues in introduction, draw together the main points
and make a final comment
Summarise the main issues raised in the introduction, draw together
the points made, explain the overall significance of the conclusions,
what general points can be drawn from the essay as a whole? It
should show that the purpose of the text has been achieved – the
question answered (Gillett, 2009 p221)
References I
Bailey, S. (2011). Academic Writing for International Students of
Business. Oxon: Routledge.
Bowell, T. & Kemp, G. (2010). Critical Thinking: a Concise Guide.
Oxon: Routledge.
Burke, D. & Pieterick, J. (2010). Giving Students Effective Written
Feedback. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.
Cottrell, S. (2005). Critical Thinking Skills. Basingstoke: Palgrave
Macmillan.
Fitzpatrick, M. (2011). Engaging Writing 2: Essential Skills for
Academic Writing. NY: Pearson Education.
Gillett, A., Hammond, A. & Martala, M. (2009). Successful
Academic Writing. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
References II
Hewings, M. (2005). Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.
McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2010). How to write essays and
assignments. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.
Murphy, R. (2004). English Grammar in Use. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.
Oshima, A. & Hogue, A. (2006). Writing Academic English: level
4. NY: Pearson Education.
Reinders, H., Moore, N. & Lewis, M. (2008). The International
Student Handbook. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
Swales, J.M. & Feak, C.B. (2007). Academic Writing for Graduate
Students. Michigan: The University of Michigan Press.
References III
Swan, M. (2005). Practical English Usage. Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Tissington, P., Hasel, M. & Matthiesen, J. (2009). How to Write
Successful Business and Management Essays. London: Sage
Publications Ltd.
UCAS (2011). UCAS Personal Statement Worksheet. [online].
Available at:
http://www.ucas.ac.uk/documents/statement/worksheet.pdf
[downloaded 16.01.12]
UCAS (2011). UCAS Personal Statement Mindmap. [online].
Available at:
http://www.ucas.ac.uk/documents/statement/mindmap.pdf
[downloaded 16.01.12]