Successful Transitions Autumn 2018

Untangling your answers: academic writing structures & beginning the referencing journey

Curriculum aligned for Arts, Social Science & Business

Dr Jeannette Stirling, Senior lecturer, Learning Development

Subject2018

Assessment

1

Assessment

2

Assessment

3

Assessment

4

Assessment

5

AUST101 Week 5 (Monday)

Review essay (but

with headings)

1000wds.

20%

Week 10

Research essay

2000wds.

40%

Ongoing

Class

Participation

10%

Exam Period

Final exam

2 hrs.

30%

ENGL120 Week 4

MC & Short Answer

Quiz

20%

Week 7Major essay – Close

textual analysis

1200 wds.

40%

Final Exam:

Short-answer & 1

essay

40%

LHA101 Week 3

Reflective essay

500wds

Pass/Fail

Week 8

Individual critically

annotated

bibliography

1000wds.

Pass/Fail

Week 9

Peer feedback on

3 other

bibliographies

Pass/Fail

Weeks 11 & 12

Group presentations

Pass/Fail

Week 13

Reflective essay

500wds,

Pass/Fail

LAW101 Ongoing

Class participation

15%

Week 6

Analysis 5 pages

30%

Exam period

Final exam 3 hrs.

55%

INDS150 Weeks 4, 9, 13

3 Online MC Quizzes

20% each

60%

Week 12

Essay

1500wds.

40%

Subject

2018

Assessment

1

Assessment

2

Assessment

3

Assessment

4

Assessment

5

SOC103 Week 6

2 Reading Reflections

(500 wds. each)

20%

Week 13

Essay

1,500wds.

40%

Ongoing

Tutorial participation

10%

Exam Period

Final exam

30%

GEOG121 Weeks 4, 7, 10, 13

Choose 2 essays

1000 word each

25% each

50%

Weeks 3, 6, 9, 12

Online MC

quizzes 5% each

20%

Weeks 10, 13

see previous

Exam Period

Final exam

30%

PSYC101 Week 5

Abstract

250wds.

10%

Weekly

Online activities .

MC Quizzes

3% each

27%

Ongoing

Research

participation

3%

Week 13

Workbook

20%

Exam Period

Final exam-100 MC

40%

HAS130 Week 4

Short questions

3 printed pages

10%

Weeks 9 & 10

Presentations in

Pairs

30%

Week 13

Media report

2 pages

20%

Exam period

Final exam

2 hrs.

40%

SOWK101 Week 3

Journal article

summary & analysis

10%

Weeks

2,4,6,8,10,12

Online MC / T&F

Quizzes

30%

Week 9

Social problem

analysis Essay

1200wds.

40%

Week 13

Social Worker

Interview Analysis

& Presentation

20%

Subject2018

Assessment

1

Assessment

2

Assessment

3

Final

Exam

MGNT102

Business

Communications

Week 4, 6, 9, 11

In session MC tests

Readiness Assurance

18%

Weeks 5, 7, 10, 12

Applied Case Studies 18%

Week 6, 12 Team

maintenance, Evaluation

15%

Week 7

Essay –Reflective Journal

1000 words

15%

Exam Period

Final exam

34%

MGNT110

Introduction to

Management

Weeks 5,7,10,13

4 MC or Y/N Quizzes

20%

Week 7

Essay Synopsis

750 words

10%

Week 11 - Monday

Full Essay

2000 words

30%

Exam Period

Final exam

40%

ACCY111 Week 4

In session MC test

30 Questions

15%

Week 9

In session MC test

30 Questions

15%

Week 12

Accounting & Social

Responsibility

10%

Exam Period

Final exam

60%

ECON100

Economic Essentials

for Business

Weeks 3, 5 & 12

Tutorial/Lab Tasks/ Quizes

15%

Week 7

In session MC tests

15%

Week 9

Essay – Exam conditions

750-1000 words

20%

Exam Period

Final exam

MC & Short essays

50%

FIN111

Introductory

Principles of Finance

Weeks 3-7, 9-13

Tutorial/Lab tasks

Weeks 4, 10

In-Class Quizes

10%

Week 8

Mid session test

MC & Short/Long Answers

25%

Exam Period

Final exam

65%

MARK101 Weeks 2-13 every week

Tutorial/Lab Tasks

2-3 minute verbal

summaries

10%

Week 7

Mid-session test

1 hour 30 minutes

30%

Week 10

Authentic tasks – Marketing

Communications

20%

Exam Period

Final exam

40%

Before we get started …

How is the regular

reviewing of your lecture

notes going for the

upcoming quizzes?

Feeling reasonably

comfortable about the

upcoming PSYC101

abstract assignment?

Any tricky bits with

preparations for the short

essays you’d like to

discuss?

…common academic text types include:

Essay

• Presents a point of view / argument (supported by evidence) on a particular topic.

Report

• Investigates an issue, product, situation.

• Collates & analyses findings.

• Draws conclusions & makes recommendations based on those findings.

Case Study

• Provides a detailed & theorised account of a particular individual; clinical event; workplace procedure.

Literature review

• Summarises, interprets, compares, & evaluates the main ideas in a related body of research literature to establish current level of knowledge on a topic.

structured,

logically

sequenced,

cogent

supported by

evidence

Regardless of genre differences,

however, all academic discussion

should be:

To do this brainstorm ideas & put thoughts on

paper…

Jot down ideas, words &

phrases in a diagram

Work quickly & intuitively

Consider your reading

Where? desk, park, café…

Take a break for ‘incubation’

(Preistley 2017, Based on Ros Byrne 2015)

Sideways Tree:

Then organise your thoughts on another sheet.

Think of your reader / audience!

Structure your topics in logical order.

Use words or phrases.

Be neat

Note references.

Identify and fill gaps.

(Priestley 2017, Based on Ros Byrne 2015)

Then create a draft outline on your computer

based on:

Your Sideways Tree (above)

Good Essay Structure: see the slide below

This helps make it easier to start.

(Priestley 2017, Based on Ros Byrne 2015)

• Introduce discussion focus

• Provide brief background

• Preview key points

• Thesis statement

Introduction

• Point 1

• Point 2

• Point 3

• etc.,

Body

Conclusion

Structuring an academic discussion

…

How much is enough?

Introduction ~ 10%

(approx. 180-200 wds)

Para/main idea 1 120-150 wds.

Para/main idea 2 120-150 wds.

Para/main idea 3 120-150 wds.

Para/main idea 4 120-150 wds.

And so forth…

Conclusion ~ 10%

(approx. 150-200 wds)

For example, a 2000 word essay would be something like …

B

O

D

Y

Approx.

1650 wds.

The function of an Introduction is to…

Introduce the topic and let the reader know what

your paper is about;

briefly outline the scope & focus of your

discussion;

state the approach or position you will take to the

topic (your ‘thesis’).

To get started though, first impressions

count.

An effective thesis statement will make a claim

to be discussed.

An effective thesis statement will therefore

control the entire argument.

An effective thesis statement will also provide

focus & structure for your discussion.

But why is the ‘Thesis Statement’

important?

Use the Introduction to schematise your discussion

• Have you outlined your question?

• Provided some background?

Context

• Have you organised your discussion points logically?Preview

• What is your position?

• What is your argument?

Thesis statement

Throughout 2010 Australian values have been at the

forefront of government agendas and media

discussions. Clearly identify a selection of these

values and critically discuss in relation to immigration.

Humanities: sample essay question

Sample Introduction from student essay:

is it effective?

Non-English speaking migrant women are

confronted with a vast array of problems

concerning the workforce and their participation in

it. These problems are all directly or indirectly

associated with language difficulties, however

many major problems which migrant women face

involve mistreatment, unfairness, ignorance and

lack of recognition.

It certainly makes a start on developing a point.

The student then proceeds to make some statements based on observations about migrant women from non-English speaking backgrounds.

However…

It’s too general & from a functional perspective, the paragraph does not really ‘do’what an Introduction is supposed to ‘do’.

That is, provide a clear outline of the essay’s topic & line of argument.

The student was advised to rewrite.

The rewritten version…

A Government web site (2009) that provides information to

migrants about becoming an Australian citizen outlines

those values that define national identity. These values

include “equality of men and women”, “equality of

opportunity”, “tolerance and mutual respect”. Future

citizens are also told that these values are central to the

security and ongoing prosperity of the nation. This essay

examines these values in relation to the experiences of

migrant women from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Many of these women are subjected to exploitation in the

workplace. They often remain invisible to unions and other

organisations interested in workplace equity. Often they will

also experience social isolation. Their difficulties in finding

a way to live in ‘this place’ are reinforced by gender and the

language barrier. It will be argued that the experiences of

many migrant women from non-English speaking

backgrounds fall short of the ideals of equality, tolerance

and mutual respect.

Introduces the

topic; identifies

specific values.

Provides

context in

which these

values will be

analysed;

indicates

central focus of

discussion.

Clear

statement of

argument: the

‘thesis’

statement.

The purpose of the essay is to enable each

student to write about one aspect of management

that they have found during session to be

significant, important, or of personal interest. The

essay topic may arise from a student’s journal/log

reflections, or from the team project, or may be

chosen from a list of topics provided by the tutors.

Commerce: sample essay question

The first assessment for ‘Introduction to Management’

created a group effort in producing a final product that

was a presentation. In order to accomplish this task,

several aspects of management theories and concepts

were not only learnt, but also practiced. Concepts and

theories concerning the topics of decision-making,

managing groups and managerial communication, and

planning within the group are stated, analysed and

critiqued as follows.

Is this an effective Introduction?

It certainly identifies topics to be discussed

It provides some limited background to the essay.

However ….

Again, though, it’s too general & from a functional

perspective, the paragraph does not really ‘do’ what an

Introduction is supposed to ‘do’.

That is, provide a clear outline of the essay’s topic &

line of argument.

The student was advised to rewrite.

After two months of working with a team of four people, the most important experience was

learning how to deal with conflict in the group. This essay will provide a critical evaluation of

this learning experience to demonstrate how conflict was managed and there will be a

discussion of areas that need improvement. For the purpose of this task, reflection and

analysis will concentrate on the areas of ‘managing groups and communication’, ‘leadership’

and ‘planning’, whereby the practical experience will inform and be contrasted to the theory.

The first discussion section challenges the typical understanding of sequenced stages of

group development and analyses the management of conflict while evaluating communication

channels. The second section on leadership analyses the struggle for control and

concentrates on the emergence of the eventual leaders through an analysis of leadership

styles and group dynamics. The last section outlines a group’s tendency to engage in informal

planning, when participative formal project planning could have established clearer goals,

group roles and expectations which assist in avoiding conflict. It will be argued that whilst an

‘organisation’ can be effective in that the completion of the task was achieved with high

group satisfaction, a variety of improvements could be made to increase efficiency.

The rewritten version…

After two months of working with a team of four people, the most important

experience was learning how to deal with conflict in the group. This essay will

provide a critical evaluation of this learning experience to demonstrate how

conflict was managed and there will be a discussion of areas that need

improvement. For the purpose of this task, reflection and analysis will

concentrate on the areas of ‘managing groups and communication’, ‘leadership’

and ‘planning’, whereby the practical experience will inform and be contrasted

to the theory. The first discussion section challenges the typical understanding

of sequenced stages of group development and analyses the management of

conflict while evaluating communication channels. The second section on

leadership analyses the struggle for control and concentrates on the

emergence of the eventual leaders through an analysis of leadership styles and

group dynamics. The last section outlines a group’s tendency to engage in

informal planning, when participative formal project planning could have

established clearer goals, group roles and expectations which assist in avoiding

conflict. It will be argued that whilst an ‘organisation’ can be effective in that the

completion of the task was achieved with high group satisfaction, a variety of

improvements could be made to increase efficiency.

Note how it now…

Introduces the

topic &

identifies the

essay’s

purpose;

outlines the

focus of

discussion;

provides

some

background;

indicates how

discussion

will progress;

and provides

a clear

statement of

argument: the

‘thesis’

statement.

Sociology example

The social research and analyses of the health of Indigenous

Australians over the past two decades have provided the government,

the health care system, and the community in general with an

understanding of the poor health of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Island people. Social research has highlighted the main health

issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, the causes

of these health issues and suggested possible solutions to improving

health outcomes. It has also revealed the significant discrepancies

between the health of Australian Aboriginal peoples and the general

population. As a result, the country’s main Indigenous and non-

Indigenous health bodies, non-government agencies and human rights

organizations have come together in 2007 to promote a campaign

called ‘Close the Gap’ in an effort to improve the health and life

expectancy of Australia’s Indigenous peoples. The following

discussion examines a selection of the key policies which have arisen

from the social research and analyses that have contributed to the

‘Close the Gap’ initiative.

Introduces the

topic &

identifies the

essay’s

purpose;

outlines the

focus of

discussion;

provides some

background;

indicates how

discussion will

progress;

and provides a

clear statement

of argument:

the ‘thesis’

statement.

The ‘body’ of your essay…

This is where you build your argument point by point.

Rule of thumb in academic writing: 1 main point or key idea per paragraph.

This means that every sentence in the paragraph should somehow relate to the main point / key idea.

Paragraph structure…

A well-structured body paragraph generally contains:

a topic sentence: which carries the main idea of the paragraph - usually the first sentence of the paragraph;

supporting sentences: that explain, provide evidence for, and/ or elaborate upon the main idea, and so on;

a conclusionary sentence: interpreting the importance of this main idea, or linking this paragraph to the next paragraph.

Example from the Humanities essay…

Migrant women are frequently unaware of their rights in the

workplace. They are commonly put in negative situations

involving illegal pay rates; excessive working hours; sub-

standard workplace conditions; racism and harassment

(Singerman 1992). Gender, language and cultural factors can

all play a part in keeping them from knowledge about their

rights. For example, migrant women make up the majority of

outworkers in the fashion industry and are often subjected to

sub-standard working and pay conditions (Keane 1996). As

Dyson has argued, these workers are “deprived of the most

basic rights enjoyed by Australian factory workers” (2003,

p137). These women can be expected to work twelve and

eighteen hour days, seven days a week and be paid as little as

a third of the award rate (Fares 1994; Keane 1996; Pender

2005).

Topic

sentence.

Supporting

sentences that

provide

specific

information

about the

paragraph’s

theme or topic.

So what?

The

concluding

sentence

provides

synthesis.

Conclusion

This final paragraph will draw together the key strands

of the preceding discussion and indicate how these

key ideas support or prove your stated thesis claim.

Χ This final paragraph will not introduce new evidence.

Where to next???

In ‘Imagining Nations: Telling National Tales’ [Being Australian:

Narratives of National Identity (Sydney: Allen and Unwin, 2007), pp.23-

39] Catriona Elder discusses current academic thinking about Australian

national identity and how it changes over time. Explain her arguments,

using the following headings:

1. What is national identity?

2. How does it come to feel ‘natural’ or ‘commonsense’?

3. How does it change over time?

4. Conclusion: Is this is a helpful way of thinking about people’s sense

of belonging to their nation.

AUST101 Wk. 5 – review essay

Planning your approach ….

• How does she go about defining the concept?

• What are the key ideas / points in her argument?

Elder describes the concept of national

identity as …

• How does this identity become accepted as a norm?

• Has it changed over time?

• How????

National identity becomes accepted

as …

• It helps us to understand … .

• However, it … .

Elder’s discussion is useful to

understanding national identity

because …

What do you

think you will

need to do for

next week?

Version History

Stirling, Jeannette, 2015-2016

Stirling, Jeannette, 2015-2016 with updates and additions by Carol Priestley 2017-2018

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