Academic writing can come in many forms - essay, report, critical review, case study, research paper is based on evidence, analysis, ideas and concepts is objective, written in a neutral way that states the information and does not show personal bias or emotion. Avoid use of 'I' - and reference to yourself as author. Instead of: In this report I will examine .... Use This report examines... is formally structured, in clear sentences and paragraphs, with correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. uses deductive reasoning - You need to evaluate the ideas, compare them with those of other authors, and examine issues and perspectives critically.

Academic writing uses formal, impersonal language rather than slang or spoken language e.g. : Informal: The social worker looked at their history to find out which interventions had previously been done. Academic: The social worker examined the client's history to establish which interventions had previously been implemented. emphasises facts and ideas. Your opinion may also be required based on the evidence you have provided. requires ideas supported by evidence which is cited in the text . Full details given in a reference list or bibliography at the end of your work. Usually spells out abbreviations in full e.g. does not, rather than doesn't, is not rather than isn't.

Differences in quoting, paraphrasing and summarising Quote Matches the source word for word You use the source’s words Paraphrase Matches the source in terms of meaning You use your own words Summary Sums up the central point of the source Often much shorter than the source

When your teacher gives you an assignment to do. Read it Underline the important words Use a medical dictionary if you don’t understand all the words The words you have underlined are the keywords Use the keywords to start your research

Find information Information is found in different places Library catalogue the Internet Databases Newspapers Magazines and journals Videos Conference papers and more …

Any information you find Is it reliable? Is the author an expert? Check the source The work belongs to the author and cannot be copied by you or anyone for legal reasons and out of respect for their work You may quote from the author’s work, but you must acknowledge the author.

Is your information reliable? Your teacher will usually give you a reading list of recommended sources for your assignment. These are the best source for your research Google & other search engines or Wikepedia need to be used critically – and checked for accuracy Other books – is the book current & up to date? Databases – very good – often peer reviewed - it’s about the quality of the information you find Fake News - http://bit.ly/2jEvWc4

Example assignment Bed making Key words bed making, patient positioning, patient moving and handling, occupied bed, unoccupied bed

Writing your assignment: using a book What you’re writing might look like this: Bed Making Bed making as practiced by a nurse is a skilled task that must be performed precisely in order to provide a safe and comfortable place for the patient. There are two main types of bed making that will be covered in this assignment: making an occupied bed and making an unoccupied bed. These two main types of bed making require different principles and techniques. An occupied bed is defined as, “a bed that is being made while the client is sitting or lying in it.” (Funnell, Koutoukidis and Lawrence, 2005, p. 394.)

The end list: how to list a book Your ‘reference’ list entry at the end of the assignment would look like this: References Funnell, R., Koutoukidis G. & Lawrence, K., (ed.) 2005, Tabbner's nursing care: theory and practice, Elsevier Australia, Marrickville, N.S.W.

Writing your assignment: using a website What you’re writing might look like this: There are two types of unoccupied beds: open unoccupied and closed unoccupied. In an open bed, the top covers are folded back so the patient can easily get back into the bed. In a closed unoccupied bed, the top sheet, blanket, and bedspread are pulled up to the head of the mattress and beneath the pillows. A closed bed is done in a hospital bed prior to the admission of a new patient. (Krapp, K. 2006)

The end list: how to list a website Your ‘reference’ list entry for the bed making website would look like this: References Krapp, K. (ed.) 2006, Beds and Bed Preparation Techniques, Retrieved: January 23, 2009 from http://www.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/beds-bed-preparation-techniques

The assignment: the text Bed Making Bed making as practiced by a nurse is a skilled task that must be performed precisely in order to provide a safe and comfortable place for the patient. There are two main types of bed making that will be covered in this assignment: making an occupied bed and making an unoccupied bed. These two main types of bed making require different principles and techniques. An occupied bed is defined as, “a bed that is being made while the client is sitting or lying in it.” (Funnell, Koutoukidis and Lawrence, 2005, p. 394.) There are two types of unoccupied beds: open unoccupied and closed unoccupied. In an open bed, the top covers are folded back so the patient can easily get back into the bed. In a closed unoccupied bed, the top sheet, blanket, and bedspread are pulled up to the head of the mattress and beneath the pillows. A closed bed is done in a hospital bed prior to the admission of a new patient. (Krapp, K. 2006)

Reference List References Funnell, R., Koutoukidis G. & Lawrence, K., (ed.) 2005, Tabbner's nursing care: theory and practice, Elsevier Australia, Marrickville, N.S.W. Krapp, K. (ed.) 2006, Beds and Bed Preparation Techniques, Retrieved: January 23, 2009 from http://www.enotes.com/nursing-encyclopedia/beds-bed-preparation-techniques