The University of York Katy Mann

 Why is structure important in a piece of academic writing?  List three reasons and compare with your partner.

 Academic writing conforms to a set of general moves.  “ Academics say they enjoy innovative structures devised by their students, but they also warm very positively to this classic model “ ( Barnes, 1995 p.130)

 Title page ( not counted)  Contents ( List of acronyms) ( not counted)  Abstract ( Abbrev.Acknowledgements) ( not counted)  Introductions  Review of background literature  Critique/ comment on literature  Summary & conclusion  Recommendations  References ( not counted)  Bibliography ( not counted)  Appendices ( not counted)  (Blaxter, 2006)

 1. What is the question/ problem or situation addressed? Title/ Introduction  2. How was the matter studied? Methods  3. What information/ data was obtained? Results/ Appendices  4. What interpretations/ comments and evaluations were made? Discussions/ conclusions  5. What actions are recommended? Conclusion/ recommendations

 Within most sections of the project report there are a series of moves ( Swales, 2000).

 Functions  To establish the background/ context and importance of the research  To explain the value  To identify the gap  To provide the reader with a clear structure  To clarify any key terms/ abbreviations

Establish the importance of the topic Give a very brief synopsis of the key literature Give your question Explain your interest in the topic Outline approach Provide a synopsis of the research methods Define key terms/ abbreviations Structure Provide an overview of how you will organise your report

 Functions  To give the reader all the information they need to understand your research  To demonstrate the depth and breadth of your reading  To establish connections between your study and previous studies  To point out you know the arguments for and against the subject matter  To inspire, educate and excite the reader

Distant-close You cite and discuss work ever closer to your own Research question grouped From distance to close under each research question Chronological History of research- be careful not to get too descriptive here.

EvaluationSynthesisSummary

Studies against Studies for Gov. ReportsBooksjournalsBooksJournals

Scholarly books Journal articles Conference abstracts

Reliable newspapers Gov. reports

 To describe exactly what you did  To explain why you did it  To describe the advantages and disadvantages of the method  To allow another research to repeat / expand on your research

 Describe different methods often used in this type of research  Detail method selected and justify  Describe exact procedure  Discuss weaknesses

 Functions:  To discuss relevant results or findings  To demonstrate your critical thinking/ evaluation

Reiterate aims/ research question(s) Restate key findings Refrain from introducing new ideas Recommend

 Zotero-Firefox extension  Word referencing tool  NOT footnotes

 Copy of questionnaire  Interview transcripts  Pictures/ diagrams not essential  Observation records  Extracts/ images

 Avoid all things that may confuse-abbreviations  And so on….. etc  Signpost-direct the reader  Reference details in text and in References  Numbers under 10 spell out  Capitalisation-learn the rules and apply them  British spelling-adjust spellcheck

 Narrow range of literature  Lack of critical analysis  Poorly structured  Lack of references  Weak reflection and refinement of aims

 Read through the model/ exemplar reports from previous cohorts.  Think about why they were awarded A or A*  Read the examiner’s commentary and compare it to your view.

 Does the introduction help the reader understand how your research fits into a wider area of study?  Does the literature review demonstrate that you are familiar with a wide range of literature relevant to your study?  Is your method section clear and detailed enough to allow another researcher to replicate it?

 Is the information in the results and discussion section relevant to your research questions?  Are all your conclusions drawn from your research and supported by evidence?  Are all the transitions managed smoothly?  Are all the in-text references included in the References section?