Academic Writing: Writing in a critical way Dr. Tamara O’Connor Student Learning Development Student Counselling Service

Learning Objectives 4 Understand what is meant by academic writing 4 Awareness of academic conventions and practices 4 Learn how to develop argument in your writing 4 Awareness of plagiarism and use appropriate use of references/citations

Writing in an academic way 4 Being critical and analytical 4 Using language in a precise & subject- specific way 4 Adopting a position - thesis 4 Drawing on and citing a range of authors & arguments 4 Remaining objective

Writing Process 4 Planning 4 Thinking 4 Researching 4 Writing 4 Editing Think Write Plan

Planning the assignment 4 Understand the question –Breakdown –Verbs 4 Requirements –Length, Wording –Referencing 4 Establish Time Frame

Thinking 4 Brainstorm –Ideas –What know –Try mindmapping 4 Preliminary reading 4 Refine topic 4 Continues throughout process

Organizing your argument 4 Title 4 Introduction –Thesis statement 4 Body Paragraphs –Constructing Topic Sentences –Building Main Points –Countering the Opposition 4 Conclusion From Purdue University Writing Lab

Structure 4 Introduction –outline of essay 4 Main section –Main point A details, evidence –Main point B 4 Conclusion –summary of main points –personal conclusions

Researching 4 Rough outline 4 Gather information relevant to topic 4 Keep good notes –organise content according to outline –choose what to include 4 Keep references 4 Digest and reflect on information

Writing 4 Start writing early –extend outline –one idea or section at a time –get something down! 4 Write first, rough draft 4 Revise & improve draft 4 How many drafts?

What is critical writing? 4 Argument –Evaluate & weigh up ideas –State point of view –Consider available evidence –Possible counter arguments –Claim that is proven throughout the paper 4 Opinion –Point of view –Lack of supporting evidence –Personal feelings and views

Steps in constructing thesis 4 Analyse topic 4 Write down your working thesis –Your point of view in relation to topic –Keep thesis prominent 4 Organise your argument 4 Develop argument 4 Document points and claims 4 Reference or bibliography

Develop your argument 4 Use source material – reliable evidence 4 Show line of reasoning –link points –central guiding line 4 Show awareness of complexities –Counter arguments, relativism 4 Your conclusions - based on evidence

Signposting your line of reasoning 4 Indicator words for claims –Therefore, thus, hence, so, as a result 4 Indicator words for reasons –Because, since, on account of, for, in view of, for the reason that 4 Tentative or ‘hedging’

References Why? 4 Credit sources of information & ideas 4 Reader can locate for further information if required 4 Validate arguments 4 Increase and spread knowledge 4 Show depth, breadth & quality of your reading!

References When? u Direct quotes u Paraphrases u Statistics/Studies u Theories u Interpretations u Facts

Plagiarism 4 Using someone’s words or ideas and presenting them as your own (Marshall & Rowland, 1998) 4 Inappropriate use of ideas from books, articles, internet, or other students’ work ???

References 4 How? –Reference system e.g. Harvard, Footnote –Record sources –Take careful notes –Reference list –In-text citing or referencing

Further information Linking words: ickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_linking% 20words.pdf ickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_linking% 20words.pdf 4 Crème & Lea (1997). Writing at university.