1 This resource contains example(s) of critical evaluation in Applied Social Studies-related disciplines. Follow the steps below to customise the slides for your course: 1.Choose an appropriate example extract from a student assignment (graded A) 2.Copy the extract into the example slide (slide 4) 3.Highlight words and phrases that illustrate effective use of critical evaluation 4.Provide the full version of the assignment  students identify further examples (slide 5) 5.Encourage the students to bring in their own writing (slide 5) 6.Delete guidance slide 1 in this resource before using in your sessions Guidance on customising this resource How to demonstrate critical evaluation in assignments PAD team for further guidance In this resource: Critical evaluation is demonstrated by providing evidence for both (or more) sides of the argument; a conclusion is then drawn based on the evidence and factors proven to be most significant.

Write to attract a higher grade: How to demonstrate critical analysis and evaluation Skills Edge Project Workshop – Applied Social Sciences 2

Discussion: How do we demonstrate critical analysis in academic writing? How to demonstrate critical analysis and evaluation 3 o What are the effective ways to show critical thinking in your assignments? o Why would your lecturers want to see critical analysis in your work? o Think of various instances/ parts of assignments - where would it be most suitable to show critical analysis and evaluation?

Example: How does the author demonstrate critical analysis in this report? 4 Is Garland’s (2001) “culture of control” theory evident in current policy in dealing with young people who offend / at risk of offending with regard to Anti-Social behaviour (ASB) in Luton? If evident how does this impact on implementation and type of offending behaviours? Locally LYOS Prevention Workers can work with young people who are at risk of being involved in ASB; this however can lead to “criminalisation of younger children and minor offences” (Muncie 2006). Luton YISP (Project Turnaround) provided prevention interventions during the last Labour government however this was decommissioned and brought in-house due to prioritising and redistribution of funding when the Coalition government came into power. Politically, it appears that ASB is still the government’s focus hence the newly implemented “Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act” (2014). As well as addressing ASB, this legislation will also tackle organised criminal gangs, illegal firearms and terrorism. Even though serious crimes are being addressed through this legislation, communities and individuals could have the perception that by using ASB in the title of the Act it largely relates to low level nuisance behaviour. How to demonstrate critical analysis and evaluation

Task 1: Can you identify other examples of critical analysis in the provided text? Could the author be even more critical? Justify your answer. 5 Task 2: Identify aspects of critical writing in your own / your peers’ writing. Is it sufficient? Can you go more in-depth? How to demonstrate critical analysis and evaluation