Essay writing techniques in Higher Education ©The Learning Quality Support Unit, 2013

Aims and Outcomes To understand the importance of essay writing Ideas generation To be aware of the fundamental requirements that make up a “good” essay

Why is Writing Important? Part of the assessment process Communication Training Production of Reports Publications Much study time is invisible to others – this is an opportunity to show evidence of your efforts

Getting going: ideas generation  What are the implications of the title?  What ideas lie behind the title?  What are you being invited to explore?  Put your ideas on paper  There should be a mixture of fact/description and theory/argument  Create a plan  “The dramatic increase in student numbers in Higher Education has meant that teachers have had to change their teaching methods and develop new ones. Consider the implications of this on students”

Introduction Engage your reader Briefly introduce the topic area – Explain or define terminology (key terms) Provide a ‘map’ to the main body: – State the main components/issues/topics included in the main body – Ensure that this is in the order that they will appear in the main body Generally 10% of the word count

Main Body Focus of your work Follow the order in the introduction Develop your argument Paragraphs – Third of a page maximum – Break down in to smaller aspects if too large for one paragraph – Key: putting into an order and linking ideas/issues together – clarity of thought

Main Body tips Use simple language – appropriate for intelligent reader Don’t abbreviate words Avoid repetitious work Avoid overuse of quotations – although acknowledge others work Write in the third person Important! Use summary sentences to highlight key points/issues

The Conclusion  Gather and paraphrase all summaries  Is it clear why these are key to the question/title?  Have you met the learning outcomes?  Only include material that has been mentioned in the main text.  The final sentence can be used for an overall summary that addresses the question.

Review Have I answered the question? Have I covered main points? Have I covered these in enough detail? Is each main point supported by examples and argument? Have I acknowledged all references and sources?

Finally, before submission!!  Carry out a last spell check – do not rely too much on computer spellchecker.  Thoroughly proof read – visit Serif WordRead 2 or use a second person if possible. Read it aloud – tape it and play back.  Check referencing – is it in the text and the referencing page?  Pages numbered?  Identification of owner.  Keep a backup copy just in case!!!!!!!!!!!!

How to avoid academic misconduct Direct quotes should always be identified. Try to paraphrase more than once. Take full details of the source at the same time that you make notes. Distinguish between direct quotes and paraphrasing in your notes. Do not share your work. Don’t self-plagiarise!