A product which shows that you understand or can perform course content to the required standard WrittenVerbalPerformed

Focus on Essays and Reports

Question or Topic Marking Schedule Tutor’s explanation in class Assignment Expectations

Understand the assignment requirements Plan your time so you complete your work in plenty of time – no procrastinating Motivate yourself to get reading and researching – learning as you go Organise your ideas Stick with the task, redrafting often. Proofread! Submit assignment on time

Introduction Body Conclusion Bibliography  Introduce topic and background information  Identify the main points in the essay AND how they will be addressed  Main points  Linked  Summary of content from body of the essay  Reference list – APA format

..Depends on the type of report you are writing Sections will include May also include Abstract Introduction Literature Review Method Results/ Findings Discussion Recommend ations Appendices ConclusionBibliography

 3 rd person - Impersonal  Accurate grammar and punctuation  Logical – structured flow  Researched – evidence based  No slang or colloquialisms – formal  Precise rather than vague  YOUR OWN VOICE – paraphrased not copied

Intelligent but Unknowledgable

Identify the following phrases as either academic or personal writing

I think that there has been an increase in the harmful use of alcohol over the last decade

Personal – Opinion (Only give your opinion if it is asked for)

According to the World Health Organisation (2011), the average consumption of acloholic beverages in 2005 was 6.13 litres of pure alcohol for every person aged 15 and older

Academic – statistics, referenced

On average, the pre-kindergarten classes that the children in this subsample attended met for 23h per week

Academic – providing it has been preceded by some research and statistical analysis. 23h should be written out in full: 23 hours

In my experience, I have found that children’s language knowledge in toddlerhood predicts their literacy achievement at school

Personal – anecdotal (only include personal experience if it is asked for. Even then you should provide an example to back this statement up)

In 2009, DOC applied aerial 1080 to 174,000 hectares to control possums and rats.

Academic – factual, but should be referenced

To incredulous looks from both sides, he said the rules banned MPs wearing or carrying anything that advertised things.

Personal – subjective interpretation of body langauge, not referenced. Is more like journalism than academic writing

Number these steps 1-10 Read question Plan Redraft and redraft Reflect and review Think Construct initial plan Analyse the question Research and read Submit Draft

The effective method 1. Read question 2. Analyse the question 3. Construct initial plan 4. Read / research 5. Think 6. Plan 7. Write first draft 8. Check and re-draft. Proofread 9. Submit 10. Reflect and review on feedback The ‘assignment is a nightmare’ method 1. Read question 4. Read / research 7. Write first draft 9. Submit

Identify the subject Identify the instruction Identify key aspects in this particular question Check if there are any other significant words to consider

Watch one way to do this

Using theorists from the field of psychology, describe and discuss two personality theories and give examples (1000 words). Marking schedule:  Two theories described 20%  Two personality models discussed in depth using theorists with appropriate examples provided60%  Accurate APA referencing grammar and punctuation 20%

 What is the subject/topic of this essay question?  “Personality theories”  What is the instruction in this essay question?  “Describe and discuss” and “Give examples”  Are there any other key aspects or significant words?  “Using theorists”

Introduction - 10% of word count 1 st personality theory – described (100) - discussed (300) - examples 2 nd personality theory – described (100) - discussed (300) - examples Conclusion – 10-15% of word count  100  400  100+

Break down main points into manageable pieces. Consider calculating how many words for each section based on the marking schedule details - roughly Ask how many words do I have to write in the body of the essay? Identify how much of the word count goes on introduction and conclusion

Write a 500 word essay to explain the partial rootzone drying system of irrigation and discuss its advantages and disadvantages Marking schedule:  Described in depth40%  Advantages and disadvantages have been explored40%  Accurate APA referencing grammar and punctuation 20%

Introduction - 10% of word count PRD described Advantages of PRD Disadvantages of PRD Conclusion – 10-15% of word count  50  200  100  50+

 Work from key words on plan  Change key words on plan to questions so you research to answer your questions  How do you perform partial rootzone drying  How does PRD work on the plant?  Where and when should PRD be used?  What are the advantages of partial rootzone drying? Disadvantages?  You might also prepare a worksheet for yourself with section for your questions and reference details

QuestionResearchReference

Start with whichever section you feel most confident writing

Plan to start early on your assignment Analyse the question Draft a plan Research Use academic writing style Draft and redraft Proofread Enjoy the learning process!