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Academic Writing: Writing in a critical way

Dr. Tamara O’Connor provides guidance on academic writing, including understanding academic conventions, developing argument, avoiding plagiarism, and effective referencing.

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Academic Writing: Writing in a critical way

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  1. Academic Writing:Writing in a critical way Dr. Tamara O’Connor Student Learning Development Student Counselling Service student.learning@tcd.ie 896-1407 http://student-learning.tcd.ie

  2. Learning Objectives • Understand what is meant by academic writing • Awareness of academic conventions and practices • Learn how to develop argument in your writing • Awareness of plagiarism and use appropriate use of references/citations

  3. Writing in an academic way • Being critical and analytical • Using language in a precise & subject-specific way • Adopting a position - thesis • Drawing on and citing a range of authors & arguments • Remaining objective

  4. Writing Process • Planning • Thinking • Researching • Writing • Editing

  5. Planning the assignment • Understand the question • Breakdown • Verbs • Requirements • Length, Wording • Referencing • Establish Time Frame

  6. Thinking • Brainstorm • Ideas • What know • Try mindmapping • Preliminary reading • Refine topic • Continues throughout process

  7. Organizing your argument • Title • Introduction • Thesis statement • Body Paragraphs • Constructing Topic Sentences • Building Main Points • Countering the Opposition • Conclusion From Purdue University Writing Lab http://owl.english.purdue.edu/

  8. Structure • Introduction • outline of essay • Main section • Main point A • details, evidence • Main point B • Conclusion • summary of main points • personal conclusions

  9. Researching • Rough outline • Gather information relevant to topic • Keep good notes • organise content according to outline • choose what to include • Keep references • Digest and reflect on information

  10. Writing • Start writing early • extend outline • one idea or section at a time • get something down! • Write first, rough draft • Revise & improve draft • How many drafts?

  11. Argument Evaluate & weigh up ideas State point of view Consider available evidence Possible counter arguments Claim that is proven throughout the paper Opinion Point of view Lack of supporting evidence Personal feelings and views What is critical writing?

  12. Steps in constructing thesis • Analyse topic • Write down your working thesis • Your point of view in relation to topic • Keep thesis prominent • Organise your argument • Develop argument • Document points and claims • Reference or bibliography

  13. Develop your argument • Use source material – reliable evidence • Show line of reasoning • link points • central guiding line • Show awareness of complexities • Counter arguments, relativism • Your conclusions - based on evidence

  14. Signposting your line of reasoning • Indicator words for claims • Therefore, thus, hence, so, as a result • Indicator words for reasons • Because, since, on account of, for, in view of, for the reason that • Tentative or ‘hedging’

  15. References Why? • Credit sources of information & ideas • Reader can locate for further information if required • Validate arguments • Increase and spread knowledge • Show depth, breadth & quality of your reading!

  16. References When? • Direct quotes • Paraphrases • Statistics/Studies • Theories • Interpretations • Facts

  17. Plagiarism • Using someone’s words or ideas and presenting them as your own (Marshall & Rowland, 1998) • Inappropriate use of ideas from books, articles, internet, or other students’ work ???

  18. References • How? • Reference system e.g. Harvard, Footnote • Record sources • Take careful notes • Reference list • In-text citing or referencing

  19. Further information • http://student-learning.tcd.ie • http://owl.english.purdue.edu • http://www.learnhigher.ac.uk • http://writing.umn.edu • Linking words: http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/Resources/la/QuickClicks%20Repository/LC_worksheet_linking%20words.pdf • Crème & Lea (1997). Writing at university.

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