1. Academic Writing

2. Academic Writing Academic writing should be : Accurate Objective
Evidenced

3. Making notes from readings
Underline or highlight relevant information
Write notes with your question in mind
Record sources carefully and in an organised manner
Scanning techniques
Skimming techniques

4. Aims
TO BE:
Clear
Complete
Concise
Precise
Coherent

5. Harvard Referencing System
Also known as parenthetical referencing
Most common method for citing references in your assignments and dissertations

6. Where does the “proof" come from?
Books
Journals
Websites
Newspapers
Government reports
Conference papers
Other media

7. Can you use?
Wikipedia

8. How to reference in your text
There are three ways in which you can do this
1. Quoting/Citing
2. Summarising
3. Paraphrasing
All three should contain an in-text reference.

9. Quotation/ Citation
This is using someone else’s verbatim i.e. their exact words
Lends power to your argument
The original does need to be powerful in order to be effective
Should not be used too often
Still needs to be commented on and integrated into your discussion

10. Quoting/citing in-text
For example:
Scott (2010, p. 25) suggests that ‘it is not easy to offer a generally acceptable definition of religion’.
It is suggested that ‘it is not easy to offer a generally acceptable definition of religion’
(Scott, 2010, p.25)

11. Examples of quotation/citation
Lloyd (2001) suggests that developing academic skills produces a student capable of thinking critically about their profession
Health care has a political agenda (Upton, 2006).
Hill (2001) cites the White Paper (2000) as an example of a good practical approach to…
Examples of quotation/citation

12. Citations cont. Blend practice with theory
This business was created using the xxx model. In line with the research done by Bloggs (2007), this should have resulted in…

13. Summarising A summary of what the author says
Miss out unnecessary details
Use fewer words
A summary should have both an in-text reference and a reference at the end of the text

14. Example of an in-text summary
To define religion is a complex undertaking (Scott 2010)

15. Paraphrasing Using the idea of an author but not his/her exact words
The meaning should be the same
Paraphrase the opinion of two different authors
Shows you can categorise ideas (more marks).
Example of an in-text paraphrase:
Scott (2010) suggests that to explain the meaning of religion is a rather complex task to undertake.

16. Quotation or Paraphrase?
“It’s believed that this course of treatment could have contributed towards the death of nine patients at the General Hospital” (Doctor news, P207)
Doctor news,(2000)suggests the deaths of nine patients may be blamed on that course of treatment.

17. Resources – Games & Stimulations