assignment writing at university _ nmmu 2015 _ gino fransman
TRANSCRIPT
Assignment Writing at University
Gino Fransman
Academic Development ProfessionalNelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)2015
The Line-Up
Remembering University Requirements
• Short Questions • - Definitions• -Multiple Choice Questions
Types of Questions
Basic Structure of Short Writing Responses
Longer Writing Responses: Introductions
Essays in Assignments and Exams
Feel free to go online and visit resources referred to during the session.
The aim is not to suggest that after this 1,5 hour session, you will be a better writer.
But: I bet you’ll think about it more constructively.
Introduction
This is an introduction.
You should explore related materials located by clicking on the links to pages provided. They take you much further.
Please note down questions you may have during any screened video clips for afterward.
Remembering University Requirements
What is ‘different’ with writing at university?
What are your writing challenges at university?
Let’s write as many of each down as possible.
Academic Writing is about Writing
Types of Questions
Short Questions
Definitions/ TerminologyMultiple Choice Questions
These often test the language of your discipline...
Can you speak it?
o Learn to speak the language of YOUR discipline
o Make learning this language a daily exercise
o Just a FEW goodies at a time, think of it like gym for
words
o Include instructional terms like ‘describe’, ‘compare’,
‘discuss’...
o Prioritise content terms, or jargon, so you know what
you are saying, and become able to confidently use the
right terminology
o Evaluate the terms, take 15 minute self-tests across the
day
o Here’s one way to try out for yourself, and also to share
with others.
Terminology and You
TermsInstructional & Content
Definitions (only from the prescribed readings or research!)
Terms Definitions (only from the prescribed readings or research!)
1. Define 1. state or describe exactly the nature, scope, or meaning of."the contract will seek to define the client's obligations"
1. Define. 1. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Photosynthesis 2. XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
2. Photosynthesis 2. ________________________________________________
15. xxxxxx 15. xxxxxxx 15. xxxxxxx 15. ____________
Making a terminology test table: PRACTICAL
Master copy Copies x1, 2, 3, 4, 5. 15 minute tests
Write.
RE:presenting Units of Information
Taking the Basic Structure Further
• Remember the constant school reminders about the format for a written piece?
Title Introduction Body Conclusion
Instructional Terms: What to DO• Criticise - Give your judgement about the merit of theories or
opinions about the truth or facts, and back your judgement by a discussion of evidence.
• Define - Set down the precise meaning of a word or phrase. Show that the distinctions implied in the definition are necessary.
• Describe - Give a detailed or graphic account of the characteristics of the subject.
• Differentiate - Show the difference between two things by determining their distinctions.
• Discuss - Investigate or examine by argument, sift and debate, giving reasons for and against.
• Enumerate - Listen or specify and describe one by one.• Evaluate - Make an appraisal of the worth of something, in the
light of its apparent truth or utility. Include your personal opinion, supported by evidence.
Practical – Let’s Write.
Writing at School Revisiting the Basics for University
Let’s keep this in mind...
Title Introduction Body Conclusion Now add: Referencing/
Attributions
Let’s see what’s out there...
http://education.exeter.ac.uk/dll/studyskills/answering_questions.htm
http://learninghub.une.edu.au/tlc/aso/aso-online/academic-writing/question-analysis.php
Plagiarism and ReferencingWatch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEeTSaxCEQg
Academic WritingPlagiarism and Referencing
Richard Galletly
Take Notes!
This video is available as part of a collection of shared open educational resources for the FAVOR project and available in languagebox.ac.uk/profile/1239.
What are your questions about plagiarism and referencing?
Go and investigate options, be proactive. Amongst options available to you at
NMMU
Writing Respondents and draft writing
www.writing.nmmu.ac.za
Help is available.
Process of submitting draft writing to the Writing Centre
http://forms.nmmu.ac.za/writingcentre/registration/
Select the correct campus, and fill in all the sections.
Currently in 2015, there isn’t someone on North Campus.
Missionvale
Wednesday consultations from 2:30 – 4:30pm for students
Email: [email protected] Noloyiso Mpati
Request to book group, staff or student presentations
South Campus
Gino Fransman
Room 10LG14, Tel: (041) 504 2927
Email: [email protected]
Our website: www.writing.nmmu.ac.za
22
Where we are
Visit
Academic Literacy Development Scoopit Sitehttp://www.scoop.it/t/academic-literacy-development
21st Century Graduate Literacies Scoopit Sitehttp://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-graduate-literacies
Twitter: @ginofransman
Assignment Writing at University by Gino Fransman is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License
All Images Property Of G. Fransman Unless Otherwise Attributed