Transitions Programme Workshop 2 Isobel Pastor-Bristow

Aim & Outline To think about how you are going to develop as a writer during your degree and give you some ideas that might help. Argument Critical thinking –Scientific Models Planning

The argument of a piece of writing is the journey that it takes the reader on, or the story that it tells.

Argument – Journey/Story The writer and the reader know clearly what this piece of writing is about; there is a sense of direction. Selected ideas or events are linked together in a particular sequence. There is a clear beginning and end, and a sense of rounding off to finish. Taken from Crème and Lea 2003, Open University Press

How can argument affect my writing? Discuss the membrane as a link and as a barrier. Introduction: what structural features does the membrane consist of? How the membrane functions as a link. How it functions as a barrier. Conclusion: bring two aspects together.

How can argument affect my writing? Discuss the membrane as a link and as a barrier. Introduction: what structural features does the membrane consist of? First structural feature (a) as a link, (b) as a barrier. Second structural feature (a) as a link, (b) as a barrier. Conclusion: the same things that make the membrane work as a link also make it work as a barrier. Taken from Crème and Lea 2003, Open University Press

Find your storyline What is the issue your argument will address? Try wording it in different ways. What interest do you have in this issue? Why is this controversial? The debate centres on… There is still work to be done on… (What will my contribution be?)

Subheadings Development of the Perception of Contingency Introduction What is Contingency? Intentional Contingency – A Precursor to Theory of Mind? Brain Imaging –PETPET –fMRIfMRI Which Parts of the Brain do We Use to Detect Contingency? Anatomical Development of Structures Involved in the Perception of ContingencyAnatomical Development of Structures Involved in the Perception of Contingency Cognitive Development of the Perception of Contingency The Present Study –The StimuliThe Stimuli –The Importance of SoundThe Importance of Sound –Full List of StimuliFull List of Stimuli –Aims of the StudyAims of the Study

Put the subheadings in order How are genetic influences important determinants of disease?

How are genetic influences important determinants of disease? Genes determine the proteins a cell can produce and are stored in DNA molecules in the nucleus. Proteins are essential to all cellular functions. If a protein cannot be correctly synthesised, it may not be able to perform its role in the cell. When a cellular pathway is disrupted, the cell can dysfunction and the tissue it forms a part of may be compromised. If a tissue is not able to function correctly, symptoms may be produced.

Argument Find what works for you. Expect to alter you plan as you write – computer helps. Identify the structure your writing requires - outlining. Determine your central idea and organise themes around it.

Outline Argument Critical thinking –Scientific Models Planning

Critical thinking Skill to be developed during your degree. Tool to help in reading and writing. Gather information, evaluate it subjectively and reach logical and well supported conclusions. Ask appropriate questions as you read AND write.

Models Scientists talk in models. Separate neurons with gaps model vs. Neuronal network model Models can be corroborated or disproved and replaced. Analysing models – critical thinking.

Outline Argument Critical thinking –Scientific Models Planning

Planning Essays The Diver The Patchwork Writer The Grand Plan Writer The Architect Writer Which one are you? Are you a mixture of more than one?

Essay Tips Write a sentence for each paragraph you will want to write – can then move them about easily to form thread of argument Index tag points you want to use in your references so they can be found easily while writing Write the introduction last Write the conclusion first Read what you have written aloud to see if it sounds right Find best environment for you – but dont become distracted by this! Take a break before trying to do your final check Use writing checklist

Outline Argument Critical thinking –Models Planning