from confusion to conclusion. how to write a first-class essay
TRANSCRIPT
From Confusion to Conclusion
How to Write a First-Class Essay
Vlad Mackevic
23rd October 2012 Aston University
www.TheLectureRoom.co.uk
www.FirstYearCounts.com
Objectives
How to answer essay and exam questions?
How to come up with an essay topic? How to be critical? How to structure your essay? How to research efficiently? How to become a better writer?
School University
Overwhelmed!
What Earns You Points?
Answering the Question (!)
Structure Style and language Research and
Analysis References Formatting and
Presentation
Set Topic vs. Free Topic
!!! ???
Set Topic
The Assignment Question
1. The Object of the Study2. The Context of the Study3. The Method of the Study
Modern organisations often replace the traditional hierarchical structure with a more ‘horizontal’ team structure. Select two motivation theories from the field of organisational psychology and discuss how they can be applied in a team-based organisation.
Action Verbs
Modern organisations often replace the traditional hierarchical structure with a more ‘horizontal’ team structure. Select two motivation theories from the field of organisational psychology and discuss how they can be applied in a team-based organisation.
Object
Modern organisations often replace the traditional hierarchical structure with a more ‘horizontal’ team structure. Select two motivation theories from the field of organisational psychology and discuss how they can be applied in a team-based organisation.
Context
Modern organisations often replace the traditional hierarchical structure with a more ‘horizontal’ team structure. Select two motivation theories from the field of organisational psychology and discuss how they can be applied in a team-based organisation.
Method
Modern organisations often replace the traditional hierarchical structure with a more ‘horizontal’ team structure. Select two motivation theories from the field of organisational psychology and discuss how they can be applied in a team-based organisation.
Discuss
1. It is the case because
Reason A
Reason B
Reason C
2. On the other hand, it is not the case because
Reason A
Reason B
Reason C
Do you agree with Hedley Bull’s comment that the notion of ‘international society has always been present’ in the world political system?
Object
Do you agree with Hedley Bull’s comment that the notion of ‘international society has always been present’ in the world political system?
Context
Do you agree with Hedley Bull’s comment that the notion of ‘international society has always been present’ in the world political system?
Method
Do you agree with Hedley Bull’s comment that the notion of ‘international society has always been present’ in the world political system?
What were the reasons for the economic miracle of South Korea in the second half of the twentieth century?
Object
What were the reasons for the economic miracle of South Korea in the second half of the twentieth century?
Context
What were the reasons for the economic miracle of South Korea in the second half of the twentieth century?
Method
What were the reasons for the economic miracle of South Korea in the second half of the twentieth century?
Reasons
Internal vs. External Levels: individual, organisation,
society, country Not universal, but a good start
Other ‘Action Words’
Compare and contrast (similarities and differences)
Advantages and disadvantages (‘Evaluate’)
Outline (describe the main features) Enumerate (‘number’, list something)
Always define the object of your study.
Show your understanding of the key terms
Sometimes also define the context
What about Exams?
Exams are just like essays, but you’ve got
much less time
Exam Tips
Research Practise Object, Context, Method Prepare an outline Manage your time
Creating a Free Topic
Research report
Essay (2nd year onwards)
Dissertation
Keep It Simple and Narrow
The rise of the Asian Tigers (economic power in the East)
Taiwan ReasonsImpact Singapore
The rise of the Asian Tigers (economic power in the East)International relations Hong Kong
South Korea ConsequencesEconomic performance
What were the reasons for the economic miracle of South Korea in the second half of the twentieth century?
What were the reasons for the economic miracle of South Korea in the second half of the twentieth century?
• Not consequences
What were the reasons for the economic miracle of South Korea in the second half of the twentieth century?
• Not consequences • Not Taiwan, Singapore or Hong Kong
What were the reasons for the economic miracle of South Korea in the second half of the twentieth century?
• Not consequences; • Not Taiwan, Singapore or Hong Kong• Not any other time
Structure
Introduction (10-15%)Main Body (70-80%)Conclusion (10-15%)
Structure
1. Say what you’re going to say;2. Say it;3. Say what you’ve just said.
Set Topic vs. Free Topic
Introduction Main Body Conclusion References
Set Topic vs. Free Topic
Introduction Main Body Conclusion References
Introduction Literature
Review Methodology Analysis and
Discussion Conclusion References
Introduction
Introduction
Explain what you are writing about
Guide your reader Mention the Object, the Context
and the Method
Write Your Introduction at the
End
Why?
It’s hard You don’t have all the information yet
Theory Applications of the theory Arguments of the essay Outline and structure
Write about your most recent actions
Main Body
Main arguments Evidence Reading/knowledge References
The Funnel and the Hourglass
Set Topic Free Topic
Broad to Narrow
The Funnel Principle
Link all your arguments back to the
essay question!
Broad to Narrow and Back to Broad
The HourglassPrinciple
Copy from one, it’s plagiarism; copy from two, it’s research.
Wilson Mizner US screenwriter (1876 - 1933)
Assignments
Research-Based vs. Library-Based
Research
Primary Secondary
Research
Wikipedia (ONLY for general knowledge)
Not to be included in the list of references
References on Wikipedia
Research
Textbooks and their chapters (theory)
Research articles and conference papers (application of theory in practice)
Aston Library Smart Search
Research
Websites
Serious journalism
Email correspondence
Research Tips
Relevant – answer the question Research ethics Make notes while you’re reading Carefully note down full
references BACK IT UP!
Literature Review
Literature Review
A critical summary of main research you have found on the
subject
Why?
Done your readingKnow your topic
Aware of the weaknesses
‘Passable’ Literature Review
Main theories How they were applied Research methods used by
others Research design used by others
First-Class Literature Review
Why did you choose these theories? How did others obtain their results? Similarities/differences in study
design Predict your results An original contribution
Analysis and Discussion
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein (attributed)
Analysis and Discussion
What has been found? Why such results? Differences between your
research and that of the others Different methods; different
participants
Limitations
In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's there are few.
Shunryu Suzuki
Acknowledge Your Limitations
Your lecturer will like it All researchers do it No theory is perfect No dataset is perfect No research method is perfect
Conclusion
Mention the topic again Describe methods, data analysed etc. Summarise the findings How your findings correspond to the
previous research Only write about your data and your
research.
Speak confidently about your own results.
Do not make generalisations about the world based on your
limited data sample.
Referencing
Why Reference?
To avoid failing the module Because it’s fair To back up your claims Evidence of extensive reading
Referencing
Who wrote it? What is the book/article called? Who published it? Where was it published? When was it published?
http://firstyearcounts.com/free-resources-for-students/referencing/
The Writing Process
No Perfect First Draft
Never Leave Your Sheet Blank
Good Writers Read
Always Carry a Notebook
Linking Words
Do Not Complicate Things
Paragraph
Speak to Your Lecturers!
Facebook.com/thelectureroom1
Facebook.com/First.year.counts
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Tuesday, 20th November 2012, 6.00 PM
Aston university, Birmingham
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