1. ASSIGNMENT-WRITING Angie Parkinson How to structure and organise your essays / assignments

2. Construction Like a building, essays gain structure/and shape from elements: Scaffolding: the essay plan Design: your argument Central Framework: main elements or parts (Intro / Body / Conclusion) Bricks: paragraphs Reinforcement: wording

3. Title / Question / Brief All your answer should focus on this. Keep checking the exact wording as you write your plan your draft

4. The Plan 1.Draw up a plan before starting to write 2.Make the plan detailed. 3.Show the content of:  Introduction  Main body  Conclusion Does it flow logically? Are all main points covered?

5. How to plan an argument: Divide a page lengthways On the left: jot down important info or data (‘facts’) Use arrows to connect ‘facts’ to arguments On the right: jot down the main arguments (for and against)

6. Writing persuasive argument (1) Differentiate between: Facts can be checked against evidence Opinions = personal viewpoints / beliefs Arguments = viewpoints + evidence

7. Writing persuasive argument (2) State your position: sum it up in one brief sentence Support your point of view: with ‘reliable’ evidence Consider the opposition: have they a better argument? Try to show otherwise

8. The Introduction (10%) Refer directly to the title Explain how you interpret it (eg by rephrasing it) What issues are you going to explore? How will you deal with each issue, and in which order? (After draft is written) Does the Intro still hold good?

9. The main body (1) May be divided into 3 or 4 sub-sections Develop your argument / point of view  Paragraph 1 *In first sentence introduce main idea of paragraph *In other sentences develop the idea (details, evidence, examples, quotes) Each paragraph or sub-section should centre round a main issue

10. The main body (2) Paragraph 2 and others * link new paragraph to previous paragraph (using appropriate Connectives) *Introduce main idea of paragraph * Develop the idea (as above) * Use words and phrases that highlight your point and show the direction of your argument.

11. Conclusion (10% ) Don’t introduce new work, quote/repeat detailed evidence. Refer directly to title and aims when drafting. Summarise argument/main points State general conclusions, refer to evidence in body of essay; don’t allow personal bias. Say why these conclusions are important/ significant Suggest areas where further knowledge is required Sum up argument (briefly) - link it to the title. Check you have done what you promised in your Intro

12. Bibliography etc List all books, articles, websites, materials used – in the manner required by your School / Course Label all illustrations / diagrams / tables