Academic Writing: Tackling essays with confidence Michael Allardice Academic Skills Tutor Tom Cunningham Transitions Officer CASTLE University of Dundee All three names to cover all potential permutations.

Aim of this session To work in groups To examine the main components of Academic Writing To discuss the process of writing a piece of academic work To look briefly at referencing & Plagiarism

University of Dundee Transitions Officer Tom Cunningham University of Dundee Transitions Officer

Academic Writing: What is it? An opportunity to research one topic in depth A chance to demonstrate your knowledge The standard means by which you can be assessed in coursework at University

Academic Writing: Where do you begin? What is the question? What do you know about the topic already? Where are the gaps in your knowledge? Where will I find the information?

First Steps: organising yourself Forward planning Time planning Life planning Finding the information Gathering, note-making, planning, writing Prioritising other calls on your attention

First principles: Question Types Analysing the ‘questions’ TYPES Argue Analyse Describe Do Cue cards here

First principles: what’s the question? “Are We Witnessing the End of Democracy?” Critically discuss Neil Buchanan’s claim in Newsweek (25th Nov, 2016), in the context of the wider political and cultural climate of the Western World in 2016. Show and tell over the next few slides up to slide 11

First Principles: Breaking the Question Down Focus/ Aspect Topic Restriction Command

First Principles: Breaking the Question Down Focus/ Aspect Topic Restriction Command context of the wider political and cultural climate of the Western World The end of Democracy in 2016 Critically discuss

Finding information Textbooks, lecture notes Academic Journals About the general importance of wider contextual issues: Textbooks, lecture notes Academic Journals About the specific issues you have identified: Internet News media Campaign groups

What are the main issues? Discuss these in your groups Draw up a list of key ideas & issues you’d like to explore further

What do you think the key issues are?

Issues continued…

Any other issues?

Essays: evolving the plan e.g. Brainstorm What has happened? What do we mean by Democracy? What can be agreed? Philosophical context Populism: what is it and why do some commentators believe it as a bad thing? The end of Democracy? Brexit? Demonstration – what other points might come up here? Politicians attitudes Trump? Other issues?

Essays: structure Introduction Main Body Conclusion HANDOUT APPLIES

Framing your answer Example 1 Mini- conclusions Example 2 Example 3 Context Key ideas Structure of the rest of the essay Return to question Mini conclusion concepts Place in wider context Introduction Main Body Conclusion Mini- conclusions Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

Writing essays: success! Tips! Stick to the question asked – not the one you would have liked to have been asked There are often no right/wrong answers – only good answers Essay answers are polished – but start with a plan! Ensure that you cite your sources and include a reference list

Other issues on Academic Writing Academic is rarely about YOUR opinion. You need to find evidence to support your argument You need to explore the counter-arguments – fairly Where does the evidence lead you?

Academic Writing: Some technical aspects How to Reference in the text Author prominent Information prominent

Citation in the text: Author Prominent Campbell (2002) suggests that cash flow is one of the most important aspects of running any business - large or small. It is one of the single most important reasons why many businesses fail - regardless of how good the business is. Managing cash flow therefore is vitally important in the smooth running, survival and success of a business. Author’s role in the sentence

Citation in the text: Information Prominent Cash flow is one of the most important aspects of running any business - large or small. It is one of the single most important reasons why many businesses fail - regardless of how good the business is. Managing cash flow therefore is vitally important in the smooth running, survival and success of a business (Campbell, 2002). Author’s name has no role in the sentence

Plagiarism! You can be guilty of plagiarism if you use someone else’s work as if it were your own e.g. not citing the source e.g. using the material word-for-word without citing the source e.g. using the idea without citing the source. e.g. using a string of quotations without any interpretation

Avoiding Plagiarism Always ensure you note the publication details when you take notes from a text Reference in the text as well as providing a Bibliography at the end of your work Use the prescribed referencing system for your degree programme

…and finally, Content Structure Presentation What gains you marks? What loses you marks? Content Structure Presentation

Writing: presentation counts THINGS TO CHECK Spelling Punctuation Sentences Sense Answered all parts of question Name/matric #

Good Luck! …and finally, finally! Enjoy writing essays – they provide you with the best chance to show off your knowledge and the depth of your research. Good Luck!