1. BA Art Extension Examination Preparation
Writing

2. Choice of titles You will have two titles to choose from; Only do one!
Both titles deal with a general theme related to your studies.

3. Choice of titles You will have two titles to choose from; Only do one!
Both titles deal with a general theme related to your studies.

4. Choice of titles You will have two titles to choose from; Only do one!
Both titles deal with a general theme related to your studies.

5. Choice of titles You will have two titles to choose from; Only do one!
Both titles deal with a general theme related to your studies.

6. Choice of titles 1 You will have two titles to choose from;
Only do one!
Both titles deal with a general theme related to your studies. 1

7. Choice of titles 1 You will have two titles to choose from;
Only do one!
Both titles deal with a general theme related to your studies.

8. Make sure that you read the instructions!
What?
Where?
How?
How long?

9. Example titles
1. Explain how an exhibition you have visited this year has had an influence on your own art practice.
2. How have some of the concepts discussed in your studies influenced your own art practice?
3. Discuss the importance of identity in art.

10. Important notes:
You should focus on the general themes of a thinker or movement, rather than concentrating on biography and facts.
What are some of the general themes you have looked at on your study programme?

11. Important notes:
DO NOT just describe what you know. You must structure an answer to the essay question.

12. A good answer…
will be clearly structured.
What does this mean?

13. A good answer… answers the question.
It shows clearly structured paragraphs
an introduction that situates the question and gives an overview of how you’ll answer it;
a conclusion;
It has an overall coherent organisation.
It is written in clear, accurate language.
- It is easy for the reader to follow.

14. Not necessary
You are not expected to refer to sources or use quotations.
If you do include a quotation such as a very famous sentence of a particular thinker, make sure this is word perfect.

15. Make sure that you read the instructions!
You may not present substantially the same material in any two pieces of work submitted for assessment.
For instance, you may not repeat substantially the same material in a formal written assessment if it has already formed part of an essay submitted for assessment or an assessed presentation. You may, however, refer to texts or examples from another assignment.

16. Do not…
You MUST NOT reproduce the coursework essay you wrote last term. This is considered self-plagiarism.
You MUST NOT reproduce any essay from the internet that you have learned by heart beforehand.

17. Do not…
Memorise by heart and reproduce either your essay from last term, or your lecture notes.
When referring to particular concepts or thinkers, try to show a general understanding of the issues in the question rather than explaining everything in minute detail.

18. Using your time effectively
The writing exam is 1.5 hours. You must write between words but quality is more important than quantity.
Allow yourself:
about 20 minutes for brainstorming and planning;
About 60 minutes for writing;
About 10 minutes for checking.

19. Plan your essay: Use a spidergram

20. Plan your essay: Use a spidergram

21. Plan your essay: Organise your ideas

22. General essay structure
Exact essay title
10 % Introduction (includes thesis statement)
80 % Body
Explain the idea – amplify, clarify terms
Present supporting evidence or examples – quotation, study, expert opinion or report
Comment on the evidence – show how it relates to the main idea
10 % Conclusion (summary of the main idea/s)
Not saying that all paragraphs should be structured like this, but…
Is a useful tool for reviewing existing paragraphs
Or helping you to get started on a paragraph if you’re stuck

23. A paragraph plan Introduce the main idea – topic sentence
Explain the idea – amplify the topic sentence
Present supporting evidence or examples – quotation, study, expert opinion or report
Comment on the evidence – show how it relates to the main idea
Conclude the main idea – link to the title or link to the next point
Not saying that all paragraphs should be structured like this, but…
Is a useful tool for reviewing existing paragraphs
Or helping you to get started on a paragraph if you’re stuck

24. Use appropriate signposting
Introduction
Order
Emphasising
Examples
Adding info
Comparison
Contrasting
Cause/Reason
Effect
Conclusion
The purpose of this essay is to …
I will show that …
Firstly …, then …, and finally … .
This evidence highlights that …
… is a good example for …
Another aspect which illustrates … is …
… is similar to …
Compared with earlier movements, …
In contrast to …, … uses …
Owing to …, ….
As a consequence, he …
To conclude, this essay has shown that …

25. Proof-read before you hand in your essay:
Look for typical errors, such as subject-verb agreement, singular/plural, tense, word form, prepositions and articles.
Avoid informal language:
Write “cannot” instead of “can’t”.
Avoid the verb “get” and informal words such as “lots”, “kid” or “job”.
Avoid using “I think”.

26. 1. In pairs/small groups, look at Question 1:
Identify the key words. Then spend 5 minutes brainstorming.
Whole class feedback.

27. 1. In pairs/small groups, look at Question 1:
Identify the key words. Then spend 5 minutes brainstorming.
Whole class feedback.
 How could you organise these points into a coherent structure?

28. 2. In pairs/small groups, choose one of the other questions and do the same.
Identify the key words. Then spend 5 minutes brainstorming.
Whole class feedback.
How could you organise these points into a coherent structure?
Try to work with students who did not do the same essay title as
you last term.

29. 2. In pairs/small groups, choose one of the other questions and do the same.
2. How have some of the concepts discussed in your studies influenced your own art practice?
3. Discuss the importance of identity in art.

30. Read the question carefully and think about how best to answer it.
Make a plan.
Make sure your essay is appropriately structured.
Leave time to check your work at the end.

31. Remember the structure of an academic ESSAY
Remember the structure of an academic ESSAY
 Exact essay title
10 % Introduction
General background
Leading to thesis statement
(more specific information / example)
Thesis statement / statement of intent
(What is this essay going to do?)
Brief outline (order): first, then, finally
80 % Body
Clarify terms / give definitions / background
Demonstrate critical thinking
Analysis = Logical discussion of the various aspects
e.g. Argument / counter-argument
Supporting evidence
Comment on the evidence Consequences?
Suggestions for solutions?
10 % Conclusion
Summarize main points
Demonstrate that the essay has answered the essay title
Final message to the reader.

32. Remember the general structure of a paragraph
Introduce the main idea – topic sentence
Explain the idea – amplify the topic sentence
Present supporting evidence or examples – quotation, study, expert opinion or report
Comment on the evidence – show how it relates to the main idea
Conclude the main idea – link to the title or link to the next point

33. Good Luck!