academic writing: writing in a critical way dr. tamara o’connor student learning development...
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Academic Writing:Writing in a critical way
Dr. Tamara O’ConnorStudent Learning Development
Student Counselling Service
student.learning@tcd.ie
896-1407
http://student-learning.tcd.ie
Learning Objectives
Understand what is meant by academic writing
Awareness of academic conventions and practices
Learn how to develop argument in your writing
Awareness of plagiarism and use appropriate use of references/citations
Writing in an academic way
Being critical and analytical Using language in a precise & subject-
specific way Adopting a position - thesis Drawing on and citing a range of authors &
arguments Remaining objective
Writing Process
Planning Thinking Researching Writing Editing
Think
Write
Plan
Planning the assignment
Understand the question– Breakdown– Verbs
Requirements– Length, Wording– Referencing
Establish Time Frame
Thinking
Brainstorm– Ideas– What know– Try mindmapping
Preliminary reading Refine topic Continues throughout process
Organizing your argument Title Introduction
– Thesis statement Body Paragraphs
– Constructing Topic Sentences
– Building Main Points– Countering the Opposition
Conclusion
From Purdue University Writing Lab http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
Structure
Introduction– outline of essay
Main section– Main point A
• details, evidence
– Main point B
Conclusion– summary of main points– personal conclusions
Researching
Rough outline Gather information relevant to topic Keep good notes
– organise content according to outline– choose what to include
Keep references Digest and reflect on information
Writing
Start writing early– extend outline– one idea or section at a time– get something down!
Write first, rough draft Revise & improve draft How many drafts?
What is critical writing?
Argument– Evaluate & weigh up
ideas
– State point of view
– Consider available evidence
– Possible counter arguments
– Claim that is proven throughout the paper
Opinion– Point of view
– Lack of supporting evidence
– Personal feelings and views
Steps in constructing thesis
Analyse topic Write down your working thesis
– Your point of view in relation to topic– Keep thesis prominent
Organise your argument Develop argument Document points and claims Reference or bibliography
Develop your argument
Use source material – reliable evidence Show line of reasoning
– link points– central guiding line
Show awareness of complexities– Counter arguments, relativism
Your conclusions - based on evidence
Signposting your line of reasoning
Indicator words for claims– Therefore, thus, hence, so, as a result
Indicator words for reasons– Because, since, on account of, for, in view of,
for the reason that
Tentative or ‘hedging’
References
Why?
Credit sources of information & ideas Reader can locate for further information if
required Validate arguments Increase and spread knowledge Show depth, breadth & quality of your reading!
References
When?
Direct quotes Paraphrases Statistics/Studies Theories Interpretations Facts
Plagiarism
Using someone’s words or ideas and presenting them as your own (Marshall & Rowland, 1998)
Inappropriate use of ideas from books, articles, internet, or other students’ work
???
References
How?– Reference system e.g. Harvard, Footnote– Record sources– Take careful notes– Reference list– In-text citing or referencing
Further information
http://student-learning.tcd.ie http://owl.english.purdue.edu http://www.learnhigher.ac.uk http://writing.umn.edu Linking words:
http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_linking%20words.pdf
Crème & Lea (1997). Writing at university.
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