ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP FOR NURSING STUDENTS

STRUCTURE OF PRESENTATIONEssay structure

Getting started

Sample essay topic: group work activity

Conclusions

Essay structure

• Introduction

Steps….

1. Introduce topic: re-state in your own words

2. Give background/context to topic

3. Statement: specific essay argument and list sub-topics of main topic

Essay structure

• Body paragraphsSteps….

1. Give clear and relevant topic sentence, usually at beginning of

each paragraph. Introduce general topic of paragraph, and what

will be discussed about the topic.

2. The following sentences develop / support / explain the topic of the paragraph, using examples and details. The supporting sentences will incorporate your research and cite your sources.

3. Summarise important points and link to the next paragraph.

Essay structure

• ConclusionSteps…

1. Re-instate the argument in different words

2. Summarise main points / arguments of essay using different wording

3. Make recommendations (if relevant)

4. You may like to finish with an interesting statement or question

5. Avoid: introducing new ideas and discussion of specific examples. Just comment on what you have already discussed.

Getting Started

• Analyse the question/topicExample

‘Describe and discuss one of the Chronic Health Problems and how does it impact on the client.’ (1500 words)

Strategies for tackling the question??

Getting started

Identify ‘content’ words: words that deal with the subject matter of the topic.

E.G. : “ Chronic health problems”, “client”

Identify ‘limit’ words: words that indicate the limitations of the essay.

E.G.: “One of the Chronic health problems”, “1500 words”

Identify ‘direction’ words: Words that tell you what to do with the topic.

E.G. : “Describe and discuss”

Getting started

Essay Plan

Example

“Describe and discuss one of the chronic health problems and how does it impact on the client’ (1500 words)

Introduction

General statements: Define topic, provide definitions.

Statement / Argument: restate topic and include sub-topics…

E.G. Essay Statement…

This essay will consider the following example of chronic health problems that exists: COPD, the pathophysiology, the prognosis, diagnosis, treatments…..

Body

COPD

-pathophysiology

-diagnosis

-medical management

Getting started

Essay PlanConclusion

Summarize main points / arguments of essay using different words.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a respiratory condition that affects many people. The condition is….

and is diagnosed by …….

Statistics show that most people who suffer from COPD have smoked or …….

Research and preparation

Reading and making notes

-Select appropriate sources (databases, approved websites, books, newspaper articles and journals)

-Avoid Google and Wikipedia

-Note carefully all bibliography sources and record them as you go

Reference:

http://www.ic.holmesglen.edu.au/

Writing the Essay

Use signal words to show transition from one point to another.

E.G.

Show cause and effect:

Therefore, consequently, because, as a result….

Making comparison:

also, similarly, as well as…

Sequencing:

Firstly, secondly, finally, then

Concluding:

In conclusion, overall, in the end, summing up…

Editing

Check for overall relevance of essay

Check for logic and reasoning in your sentences and ideas

Check structure: paragraphing, topic sentences are clear and relevant, paragraphs are well linked

Check spelling, grammar, punctuation

Check that sentence structure varies to avoid repetition

Check that there is no colloquial expressions, slang, contractions (e.g. ‘do not’ rather than don’t)

Check for sentence length: break sentence into separate ideas if it is three lines or more

Referencing

Consult and adhere to the Holmesglen Referencing Guide

Academic essay writing requires careful citing of sources in texts, and a reference list or bibliography at the end

E.G.

“Aboriginal people argue that their people simply do not access mainstream medical services because they feel that such services discriminate against them” (Funnell, Koutoukidis & Lawrence 2009, p.21).

Reconciliation Australia (2006) state that Division 2 nurses may have better understanding of the behaviour of ATSI people.

It is better for Division 2 nurses to learn about culturally sensitive communication skills when working with ATSI people (Benson 2005).

ASU MATERIAL COPYRIGHT HOLMESGLEN 2010/12 SEPT.2010