Mastering Academic Writing: Essential Tips and Structures

ACADEMIC WRITING 101 JESS D ATH NMIT Learning Support

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES Understand what is expected in academic writing Understand how to structure an essay and a paragraph Know what is required of an introduction and a conclusion Know when and how to use citations

WHAT IS ACADEMIC WRITING? clear, concise, correct to inform, not entertain formal

EXPECTATIONS NO EMOTIVE WORDS NO FIRST PERSON* NO NO SLANG OR JARGON CONTRACTIONS *unless you are writing a reflection piece, or your tutor has specified that you should use it.

ESSAY STRUCTURE Introduction: Outlines what you are going to tell them Describes how you will present it A clear statement of intent to show the context for the assignment Paragraphs: Organised into topics/ideas, supported by evidence. Conclusion: Restates the main points from the introduction Summarises findings No new ideas Introduction: Paragraphs: Conclusion:

EXAMPLE INTRODUCTION The following assignment will explore why owning a dog contributes to significantly increased wellbeing in the majority of people living in New Zealand. First, it will discuss some of the positive aspects as described in the literature before then looking at some of the negatives of dog ownership as outlined by the most recent research. Finally, this assignment will show clearly why a dog is the best option for future pet owners. STATEMENT POINTS/STRUCTURE OUTLINE THE ARGUMENT

EXAMPLE INTRODUCTION The following assignment will explore why owning a dog contributes to significantly increased wellbeing in the majority of pet owners living in New Zealand. First, it will discuss some of the negative aspects of dog ownership before then expanding on the numerous benefits outlined by the most recent research. Finally, this assignment will show why owning a dog is the most recommended form of non-human therapy in todays therapeutic environments. STATEMENT POINTS/STRUCTURE OUTLINE THE ARGUMENT

PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE KEY FEATURES S- Statement/topic sentence: WHAT are you trying to argue? E- Evidence: WHAT supports your argument X- Explanation: HOW does your evidence support your argument Y- Why? WHY did you include this point and HOW does it relate to your arguments IS YOUR PARAGRAPH SEXY?

PARAGRAPH ORGANISATION Paragraph topics What are your main ideas/arguments Each paragraph should focus on ONE idea or argument Example an argument either for or against this statement. Paragraph topics Example: Dogs are the best pet. Discuss the research and form Paragraph 1: Research for. Paragraph 2: Research against. Paragraph 3. Your argument.

PARAGRAPH ORGANISATION Example: Dogs are the best pet. Discuss the research and form an argument either for or against this statement. Paragraph 1: Research for. para 2: Dogs have feelings Para 3: Dogs love people Paragraph 4: Research against. Para 5: Dogs take a lot of time Para 6: Dogs are expensive Paragraph 7. Your argument.

EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH While many people may prefer cats, it has been shown in numerous studies, that dogs love humans more than cats do. Indeed, as Billings (1987) stated, a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself (p. 67). Some of the most compelling studies conducted demonstrate that dogs are far more compliant than cats and will often sacrifice themselves (albeit unintentionally) in the belief that they are doing right by their human (Deville, 1996). A study by Tramp et al. (1955) found that dogs are bred to make friends with other animals and will often prefer some over others, including humans. Similarly, it has been shown by various research papers that dogs have a stronger sense of right and wrong and are more likely than cats to respond to human struggle and attempt to help, even if they are knowingly risking their own life (Benji, 2017; Pets, 2016; Yeller, 1957). The research clearly shows that dogs are more loyal to their human due to their breeding and belief systems, which cats lack. STATEMENT EVIDENCE EXAMPLE Y?

EXAMPLEPARAGRAPH While many people may prefer cats, it has been shown in numerous studies that dogs love humans more than cats do. Indeed, as Billings (1987) stated, a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself (p. 67). Some of the most compelling studies conducted demonstrate that dogs are far more compliant than cats and will often sacrifice themselves (albeit unintentionally) in the belief that they are doing right by their human (Deville, 1996). A study by Tramp et al. (1955) found that dogs are bred to make friends with other animals and will often prefer some over others, including humans. Similarly, it has been shown by various research papers that dogs have a stronger sense of right and wrong and are more likely than cats to respond to human struggle and attempt to help, even if they are knowingly risking their own life (Benji, 2017; Pets, 2016; Yeller, 1957). The research clearly shows that dogs are more loyal to their human due to their breeding and belief systems, which cats lack. STATEMENT EVIDENCE EXAMPLE Y?

POP QUIZ POP QUIZ

WHAT ARE THE 3 CS OF ACADEMIC WRITING? cute, cuddly, colourful cautious, considered, curious clear, concise, correct compact, contemporary, curated

WHAT ARE THE 3 CS OF ACADEMIC WRITING? cute, cuddly, colourful cautious, considered, curious clear, concise, correct compact, contemporary, curated

WHAT DOES SEXY STAND FOR? statement, evidence, example, why? simple, easy, entertaining, your thoughts something, everything, exactly, youthful sentence, evidence, extra, your opinion

WHAT DOES SEXY STAND FOR? statement, evidence, example, why? simple, easy, entertaining, your thoughts something, everything, exactly, youthful sentence, evidence, extra, your opinion

CONCLUSIONS The purpose of a conclusion is to... reiterate what you have just said restate your main points conclude your findings or arguments Conclusions should be a minimum of three sentences long and include no new ideas or citations.

EXAMPLE CONCLUSION It is clear from the research, that dogs are in fact, the best pets. They are loyal, have a strong belief system, will often come to the aid of another and love you more than you love yourself. While there are some downsides to dog ownership, such as financial implications and limitations on when and where you can travel with them, this pales in comparison to the benefits. As a result, it is easy to state, without reservations, that if you are in search of a pet to improve your wellbeing, then a dog is the pet for you. REITERATE RESTATE CONCLUDE

EXAMPLE CONCLUSION It is clear from the research, that dogs are in fact, the best pets. They are loyal, have a strong belief system, will often come to the aid of another and love you more than you love yourself. While there are some downsides to dog ownership, such as financial implications and limitations on when and where you can travel with them, this pales in comparison to the benefits. As a result, it is easy to state, without reservations, that if you are in search of a pet to improve your wellbeing, then a dog is the pet for you. REITERATE RESTATE CONCLUDE

PARAPHRASING & SUMMARISING WHAT, WHEN, HOW?

WHAT IS PARAPHRASING? Rewriting a passage to give it greater clarity Rewriting a passage to give it your own voice Rewriting a passage to make it more succinct Rewriting a passage in some way, but maintaining the meaning/intent of the original

EXAMPLE PARAPHRASE Original quote: shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our responsibility. Eleanor Roosevelt Original quote: In the long run, we shape our lives, and we Paraphrase: choices we make shape us and define who we are and who we become. This is the case until we die. Paraphrase: We are all responsible for our own lives, the REITERATE RESTATE CONCLUDE

WHAT IS SUMMARISING? Outlining the main points of the original text Rewriting the main text in your own words, and making it shorter Writing the main ideas of the original work, but leaving out minor details Reducing a text to its most important details

EXAMPLE SUMMARY Original text: Original text: The Lord of the Rings novels Summary: potential to destroy the world. The hobbit gets a bunch of friends together and they all walk across Middle Earth to get to Mordor because the only way to destroy the ring is to throw it into Mount Doom. Along the way they are chased by Dark Riders and meet many strange creatures and get into a lot of trouble. However, in the end, they are successful and return home where they live happily ever after. Summary: A wizard tells a hobbit that a magic ring has the

WORD COUNTS - RULES It is very important to stick to the wordcount. stick to the wordcount. You are generally allowed to go 10% over or under this, or it will affect your mark. Example: but no more or less than that. Example: A 2000 word essay maybe be up to 2200 words, or as little 1800 words, THIS MAY DIFFER FROM COURSE TO COURSE PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR MARKING GUIDELINES PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR MARKING GUIDELINES. .

WORD COUNTS - PLANNING Use the wordcount to plan your assignment. Example: A 2000 word essay with four key points to cover, may be broken up as follows: Introduction: 200 words Para 1: 400 words Para 2: 400 words Para 3: 400 words Para 4: 400 words Conclusion: 200 words A paragraph is a minimum of 3 sentences long. Statement, evidence, example Statement, evidence, example. But ideally you will write more than this.

WHAT ABOUT REFERENCES? DON T WORRY, I HAVEN T FORGOTTEN

WHY DO WE USE CITATIONS/REFERENCES? give credit where credit is due add strength and authority to your work place your work in a specific context leave a trail for other scholars

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE REFERENCES? Use a references when content that did not originate from you is used to support your writing. This could be direct quotes, phrases or sayings summarizations or paraphrases audio or visual material (videos, photos, screen captures, slides etc) You do not need to cite/reference something considered common knowledge. (ie there are 24 hours in a day, Wellington is the capital of New Zealand). Common knowledge can vary between subjects, so be mindful.

EXAMPLES QUOTES: Indeed, as Billings (1987) stated, a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself (p. 67). a dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself (Billings, 1987. p. 67) SUMMARY/PARAPHRASE: Some of the most compelling studies conducted demonstrate that dogs are far more compliant than cats and will often sacrifice themselves (albeit unintentionally) in the belief that they are doing right by their human (Deville, 1996). (IN TEXT CITATION) A study by Tramp et al. (1955) found that dogs are bred to make friends with other animals and will often prefer some over others, including humans. (MULTIPLE WORKS CITATION) Similarly, it has been shown by various research papers that dogs have a stronger sense of right and wrong and are more likely than cats to respond to human struggle and attempt to help, even if they are knowingly risking their own life (Benji, 2017; Pets, 2016; Yeller, 1957). Visit OWLL Purdue Visit OWLL Purdue

CITATIONS AND REFERENCES IMPORTANT How Strong reasoning that is logical, convincing and relevant Evidence that is well-researched and specific (facts, examples, statistics, quotes, etc.) HOW TO WRITE THEM It is critical to follow the rules EXACTLY when you write your references. Follow the APA guidelines or use a referencing tool when writing your assignment. These will help you keep track of all the reading you have done, plus can help you write the reference correctly in your reference section.

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES Understand what is expected in academic writing Understand how to structure an essay and a pragraph Know what is required of an introduction and a conclusion Know when and how to use citations

LEARNING SUPPORT ACADEMIC WRITING, RESEARCH AND ASSIGNMENT SUPPORT JESS.DATH@NMIT.AC.NZ LIBRARY@NMIT.AC.NZ LEARNINGSUPPORT@NMIT.AC.NZ