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