Academic Writing
Building your argument
Do research using reliable resources. Academic sources include statistics, case studies, journal articles, books, eBooks
Using facts and ideas from others to backup your argument
Using critical thinking to evaluate what you read
Rely on facts and information to backup your arguments not emotive language
Assignment terminologyAcademic terminology
"The student phrase book"
provides comprehensive advice on academic words
Structuring academic writing
Essay structure
Introduction
Body (including paragraphs)
Conclusion
Essay Structure with amended introduction sectionWhat to include in a paragraph.
1) Topic sentence outlining the main point of the paragraph
2) Evidence to support this point
3) Linking the evidence by discussing and explaining how it relates to the topic
4) Conclude by linking the point of the paragraph back to the whole argument
Showing your understanding - using evidence in your assignments
Paraphrasing - using your own words, you explain another person's ideas. Then credit or acknowledge that it is their work or idea
The evidence you find needs using wisely to show your understanding. Consider what the author is saying and how it is relevant to your assignment. It is important to demonstrate your understanding. You can do this by explaining the relevance of a quotation or paraphrasing information. Paraphrasing is an excellent way of showing you understand someone's ideas.