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O week – Essay Writing
Introduction to Essay Writing Dr Dominic Fitzsimmons
The Learning Centre www.lc.unsw.edu.au
• Structure – end result
• Process – how to get there
Structure 1
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
Structure 2
• Introduction
– Orientation
– Thesis statement
– Outline
– Scope
Structure 3 Introduction - example
Q: “Innocence is determined by how you interpret the evidence.” Discuss by
referring specifically to the Lindy Chamberlain case.
In 1982 Lindy Chamberlain was convicted of murdering her baby, Azaria, while
camping at Uluru (Ayers Rock). This essay argues that to a significant extent
Lindy Chamberlain was convicted of Azaria’s death because of the
interpretation of evidence. This essay will examine the controversy
surrounding three pieces of evidence: the ‘blood’ found in the car; the
presence of a dingo; and the holes in the baby’s jumpsuit.
Structure 4
• Body
– Topic sentence (your voice)
– Evidence (somebody else’s voice)
– Evaluation (your voice)
– Significance (your voice)
Structure 5 Paragraph
Although cats prefer to sit on mats, there are significant outcomes for the
household. One outcome of this preference is that mats become flat, which
explains the importance of keeping cats away from mats. Studies by Venkat
(1996) show that cats sitting on mats has a positive effect on mat
compressability. In contrast, Bedhi (1998, p.34) argues strongly that “cats do
not make mats flat under optimal conditions.” However, this observation was
based on a study of newborn kittens, which may not be applied directly to
older cats. Therefore, if mats are to be kept in an uncompressed condition, it
is preferable that cats not be allowed to sit on them.
Structure 6 What’s wrong with this paragraph?
Q:‘Pornography is a battle over definitions.’ Discuss.
A Body paragraph
Definitions are also often compromises between what the definer thinks and what they think they should think. They may often feel obliged to conform to a mythical community standard. They also reflect the times in which they are written. Many Victoria works of art, for example, were once considered pornographic.
Structure 7 topic and & closing sentences
Definitions of pornography are subject to negotiation and
change. Definitions are also often compromises between what
the definer thinks and what they think they should think. They
may often feel obliged to conform to a mythical community
standard. They also reflect the times in which they are written.
Many Victoria works of art, for example, were once considered
pornographic. Any discussion of pornography must account for
such modifications.
Structure 8 academic tone, vocabulary, style
Definitions are often compromises between individual and social standards. Individuals may often feel obliged to conform to a mythical community standard. Definitions also reflect the historical and social context in which they are formulated. Many Victorian works of art, for example, were once considered pornographic.
Structure 9 Opposing voices: having a discussion
Definitions are also often compromises between what the definer thinks and what they think they should think. They may often feel obliged to conform to a mythical community standard. Some critics have argued that they are static and universal. In contrast, I would suggest that they reflect the times in which they are written. Many Victorian works of art, for
example, were once considered pornographic.
Structure 10 Offering support: evidence & citation
Definitions are also often compromises between what the definer thinks and what they think they should think. They may often feel obliged to conform to ‘a mythical community standard’ (Garcia, 1999 p.8). They reflect the times in which they are written. For example, as Thomas argues, many Victorian works of art were once considered pornographic (1979 p.376).
Structure 11 putting it all together
Definitions of pornography are subject to negotiation and
change. Definitions are often compromises between individual
and social standards. Individuals may often feel obliged to
conform to a mythical community standard (Garcia, 1999 p.8).
Some critics have argued that they are static and universal
(Collinson 1999; Friedman 2001). In contrast, it could be argued
that definitions reflect the historical and social context in which
they are formulated. For example, as Thomas argues, many
Victorian works of art, were once considered pornographic
(1979 p.376). Any discussion of pornography must account for
such modifications.
Structure 12 Sentence structure • In 1978 gay Australian men gained widespread support as a result of street
demonstrations, according to Warne (2001 p.22), even though they were vilified in the national media.
• Gay Australian men gained widespread support in 1978 as a result of street
demonstrations, according to Warne (2001 p.22), even though they were vilified in the national media.
• As a result of street demonstrations, in 1978 gay Australian men gained
widespread support, according to Warne (2001, p.22), even though they were vilified in the national media.
• According to Warne (2001, p.22), in 1978 gay Australian men gained
widespread support as a result of street demonstrations, even though they were vilified in the national media.
• Even though they were vilified in the national media, in 1978 gay Australian
men gained widespread support as a result of street demonstrations, according to Warne (2001 p.22).
Structure 13
• Conclusion
– Restate your thesis
– Make connections between points raised
Process 1
• Analysing the question
– Task words
– Content words
– Limiting words
Eg. Computers have had a significant impact on education. Discuss.
Process 2
• Reading critically
– What is the argument?
– How is it being argued?
– Why is the author arguing this?
– What do you think?
– Where does this argument fit?
Process 3
• Note taking & writing
– Linear – Symbols – Half page notes
• Purpose Lectures & tutorials Research essays/reports Exams
Process 4: Being critical…
• Comply? Resist? Negotiate?
• Create meaning out of the evidence given to you
• Critical means to reflect on the idea and what influences how you see the idea.
• Rules of the academic game determine what kind of critique is allowed
Process 5
• Mapping your essay
– Brainstorming
– Planning and researching
– Critical and creative thinking
– Questioning assumptions
Process 6 Turning your reading into writing
– Start from
• a quote or note • your comments • a heading
– Drafting and editing • Use scaffolding comments • Crafting and polishing • Macro, mecro and micro
Process 7
• Referencing
– Rules of the game
– Being a member of the community
– Acknowledging the hard work of others
– Tracing the use of references
– Assessing the quality and validity of evidence
How the Learning Centre can help make your life a little easier
www.lc.unsw.edu.au
• Individual consultations • Workshops • Materials on study skills • Website/books • General Education courses: Academic Skills Plus
– GENY0001 – S1 – GENY0002 – S2 – GENY0003 – Summer Semester