6 structuring an essay

8/13/2019 6 Structuring an Essay

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Structuring an EssayPopular Music Culture



Structure

• INTRODUCTION

• Identify the subject, issue or argument.

• Explain the methods to be used.

• Qualify the evidence or argument.

• MAIN SECTION

• Present the facts

• Put forward the argument through examining the facts

• Support or refute the argument but represent all sides

• CONCLUSION

• Summarise and present your finding

• State your position and/or conclusion



The Introduction

• Identify and explain the title or topic of the essay.

• Define any difficult words or idioms that you will be using.

• Explain what you will be doing in the essay, e.g. look at the

history and cultural aspects of an event.

• From all aspects of the subject, identify what you will

concentrate on and why.

• The Introduction section will represent approximately 5-10%

of the essay.



Main Section

• Provide the background to your topic.

• Identify the issues.

• Develop the argument of the issue from all perspectives.

• Each point you raise should be developed in a paragraph.

• Point – Evidence – Explanation• Show ‘cause and effect’, ‘positives and negatives’, ‘before and

after.’

• Use linking words or expressions to communicate your ideasand progressions: 'as a result', 'thus', 'therefore',

'consequently’, 'for this reason', 'because of’, 'then', 'afterthat', 'finally', 'ultimately', 'following', 'before’, 'previously','firstly', 'for example', 'for instance', 'such as', 'similarly','moreover', 'furthermore', 'in addition', 'not only’.



Conclusion

• Summarise your argument.

• Address any questions raised even if the answer is

inconclusive.

• Present a conclusion/result to the issue or argument.

• Discuss any possible wider implications or resultant future.

• Do not introduce any further arguments or information.

• This section will represent approximately 10% of the essay .



And so……

• It is prudent to check your essay a day or two after you have

written it.

• Does it make sense?

• Does it flow?

• Did you show both sides of an argument?

• Did you write enough or too little?

• Did you stay on topic?

• Did you provide a coherent conclusion?

•

Did you check it for grammar and spelling?

• It is also a good idea to let someone else read it. They might

see something you’ve missed.



Submissions•

Format: A4 single-sided, collated and spiral bound, white 80g paper. If the submissionis via

email it should be as either Word (.doc /.docx), Open Office (.odf) or PDF .

• Font: 11 or 12 point type in a clear font such as Arial, Tahoma, or Calibri.

• Information: Each page must include your student (candidate) number (in the header) anda page number (in the footer)

•Spacing: Double-spaced (so the marker has space to write in comments)

• Presentation: Hardcopy: A4 printed and spiral bound with a clear plastic cover (no looseleaf and no plastic pockets). Digital: correct format (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .odf).

• Cover Page: Create a cover page as the first page of your submission, before the main textbegins. This should contain the following information: Essay title (i.e. The Beatles: anOverview of their Music), Student Name, Student Number, Course (i.e. Popular Music

Culture), Level (i.e. 4/5/6). Date, Lecturer name and Word Count.

• Word Count: An accurate word count of your paper should be displayed on the cover page.A marking penalty of 10% is applicable if your submission is +/- 10% of the required wordcount.

• Bibliography: All written work should include a Bibliography and be referenced using HRS.



Referencing

• A bibliography or reference is required using the Harvard

Referencing System for musical writing. It is best to present

this on a separate page after the end of the essay.

• TMS Academic Writing Guide pdf has a fuller description ofrequirements and methods of referencing from different

media.

•

Harvard Referencing System information is available onlinefrom various educational websites.

6 structuring an essay

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