Student 7 Victoria Pre- Feedback Theory: 20 mins Richard Galletly, Aston University

Student needs Writing effective conclusions Introductions Instruction words Expository essay Critical evaluation

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)

Instruction words and their meanings Compare: discuss the similarities and differences. Write a balanced answer Criticise: point out the strengths and weaknesses. Write a balanced answer Describe: explain how something works or what it is like Discuss: give both points of an argument, with implications, before reaching a conclusion Evaluate: examine the value of the subject looking at the strengths and weaknesses before reaching a decision Explain: give detailed reasons for a situation Illustrate: show with examples Summarise: give the main points in a concise manner. Leave out details (Gillett, 2009 p19)

Expository essay To help readers follow your thinking, your essay should have three levels: 1: a main point presented in a topic sentence 2: major supporting points, which identify the characteristics of the topic 3: specific support, examples, explanations or quotations (Fitzpatrick, 2011:12-)

Critical evaluation Thinking critically about a theory: Are there any problems with the topic? Question what is assumed Look at the words used and their definitions and challenge the way they are used Challenge the evidence for the topic Think of the implications of the topic Think about your own experiences – does your experience support the views expressed? (Reinders,2008 p123)

Some critical thinking strategies Compare what you read with what you already know about the topic Look for the author’s position and consider what the author is trying to ‘sell’ Ask- are you persuaded by the reasons given? Consider if you are persuaded by the experts given, is the research convincing? Try creating your own position, could you defend it if challenged? Be constantly evaluating whether something is accurate Be self- critical about your own understanding, interpretation and evaluation (Cottrell, 2005 p7)

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.