Essay Writing for Physics 1

1. 1 Essay Writing for Physics (1) Angela Koch Student Learning Advisor Unit for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching Welcome Health & Safety Student Learning Advisory Service Location & FacilitiesWelcome Health & Safety Student Learning Advisory Service Location & Facilities

2. 2 Today Physics essay Writing process The essay question/ title Generating ideas Planning your research Preparation: Understanding the question Unpacking the question Planning: Exploring avenues of research Research techniques Reading critically Making notes Recording sources Drafting Outline essay plan Paragraphing Sentences & signposting Editing Proofreading Checking sources Presentation Preparation: Understanding the question Unpacking the question Planning: Exploring avenues of research Research techniques Reading critically Making notes Recording sources Drafting Outline essay plan Paragraphing Sentences & signposting Editing Proofreading Checking sources Presentation

3. 3 What is the Point of Essay Writing in Physics? revisit/revise different elements of the module/course and pull them together extend understanding by going beyond what is taught in class present an �informed opinion� work within �constraints� time & word limit / commitment to view point learn how to present and express concepts and ideas in a clear and effective manner

4. 4 Characteristics of a good essay Focuses on the question/ task Has a clear structure - easy to follow Contains evidence - well researched Adheres to academic conventions Is correctly referenced Is well presented � word limit, page numbering, margins, line spacing, font type, spelling �

5. 5 Physics (Science) Essay should � include diagrams/ equations/ graphs/ tables keep the readership in mind > reader has to be able to understand without further reading include technical terms but should not over use jargon > define terms in text prefer clarity and accuracy over elegance > shorter sentences, no padding, no poetry have a thesis statement or work from a hypothesis > have a clear objective use very few quotations

6. 6 Essay Writing Process Planning (analysing the problem) Researching 3-4 weeks before deadline Reading 2-3 weeks before deadline Taking useful and careful notes Organising and selecting information Writing first draft Rewriting the draft(s) Checking/ editing Compiling a list of references

7. 7 Analysing the problem& generating ideas What exactly do I want to present? Why ? What is the link to the module ? Who do I write for? What kind of background knowledge can I assume? What would be the most logical sequence?

8. 8 The Title If set: Analyse question/ task carefully (word for word): What are you asked to do? (instruction verb) What is the subject? What is the context/ limitations? What do/ don�t I know? If open: Analyse instruction/ guidelines Make outline Write (rewrite) essay Decide on precise title after essay is completed ? (brief but to the point)

9. 9 Research Plan Which questions do I need to find answers to? What is my answer (likely to be)? What kind of evidence do I need to support my argument? What will need I read? - definitely - should - maybe, if time Who will I speak to? When will I do these things?

10. 10 Selecting your Sources Reading list Subject guides (subject librarians) Library catalogue (incl. online resources) Bibliographies of your reading material Internet (Google scholar) http://scholar.google.co.uk/ Stay clear of Wikipedia!

11. 11 Evaluating Resource Author Purpose Audience Accurate/current All of the above, plus: Easy to navigate Enough information to write up reference http://www.vts.intute.ac.uk/detective Warning ! Use to supplement only Don�t get lost in cyberspace Keep references

12. 12 Reading tips How much time do I have ? Why am I reading this ? - What do I have to cover? - What kind of evidence will I need to find? Take notes personal (for your use only) legible and clear (to you) focussed (have a purpose) structured labelled (full bibliographical details)

13. 13 Mind Map

14. 14 Herringbone Notes Good for analysing a single idea (explain, define, examine �) Using questions enable you to represent key idea and its supporting data. Not all 6 questions are always (equally) relevant/ appropriateGood for analysing a single idea (explain, define, examine �) Using questions enable you to represent key idea and its supporting data. Not all 6 questions are always (equally) relevant/ appropriate

15. 15 Network Notes Especially useful to map out ideas in a debate or controversy Enables you to organise opposing ideas, e.g. for � against, cost � benefits, advantages - disadvantagesEspecially useful to map out ideas in a debate or controversy Enables you to organise opposing ideas, e.g. for � against, cost � benefits, advantages - disadvantages

16. 16 Planning the outline Read critically all the collected information Summarise, expand, rearrange notes Decide which points to develop or to discard Look for connections and directions Plan the essay Order the points / arguments Decide on line of reasoning From pattern notes to linear plan: Rework Egg - brainstorm ideas Group ideas - use colour, numbers, connecting lines to link related information. Pyramid/flow diagram - identify key headings - need to know, ought to know, nice to know - hierarchy of information. Rearrange notes Write outline plan Organise information into paragraphs Develop argument/line of reasoning.From pattern notes to linear plan: Rework Egg - brainstorm ideas Group ideas - use colour, numbers, connecting lines to link related information. Pyramid/flow diagram - identify key headings - need to know, ought to know, nice to know - hierarchy of information. Rearrange notes Write outline plan Organise information into paragraphs Develop argument/line of reasoning.

17. 17 Potential Essay Outline Abstracts (50 words) Introduction (ca.5%) � the setting, the problem Body - number of paragraphs - possible line of reasoning - ideas, facts, evidence to be included Conclusion (ca.5-10%) - what is my answer? References (at least 4-5)

18. 18 To summarise Have a clear focus Have a time plan and stick to it! Start asap. Select your sources carefully Record bibliographical details of your sources Draw up an preliminary essay outline & See this as an opportunity for learning !

19. 19 And lastly � Assignment Survival Kit (ASK) http://www.kent.ac.uk/uelt/ced/themes/learnhigher/ask/index.php See you next week. Angela Koch ak214@kent.ac.uk