How to Write an Academic Essay

How to Write an Academic

EssayWith a focus on the

Introduction, Discussion, Conclusion and of course,

Writing Skills

ContentsAssignment OutlineIntroductionDiscussionConclusionWriting SkillsFurther Information

Assignment OutlineFinal Essay (25%) Your final essay will be a six to seven-page critical overview of

one of the determinants of health (with the exception of biology and genetic endowment). Given the very general nature of the currently identified Health Determinants, you are encouraged to research a sub-theme or issue of interest within a key determinant framing. Your paper should be supported by at least five non-course readings references, which must come from a range of sources and no more than one may be from a website or textbook. Additional references especially from the course readings are encouraged especially for the introductory positioning and context setting. This assignment is due in lecture (Week 11). [Please see the evaluation rubric in the Bb Assignment Resources folder]

IntroductionIntroduction: /5

Do the opening paragraphs clearly state the topic of the paper and the key points for discussion in the paper?

Is the topic reflected in the title?

Is the topic suitably focused and relevant to one of the social determinants of health?Are key terms clearly defined or explained?

Introduction Suitably focused? This is your last chance

to sharpen your paper’s focus. Is your thesis sharp?

Example:SDH: Biology and Genetic EndowmentTopic/Thesis: Genes impact health

What can be improved here?

Introduction Example 2

SDH: Physical EnvironmentTopic/Thesis: Higher cost of city living negatively effects healthKey Points: 1)Stressful, overcrowded metropolitan living conditions 2) Exposure to pollutants and exhaust fumes in the city

IntroductionDefine or explain key terms:

Make a list of them; introduce the main 2-4 of them in your introduction by explaining and defining them in a sentence or two (more complete discussions will follow in the paper itself)

What are some key terms that you will be using in your essay?

DiscussionDiscussion: /10Does the student discuss the key points outlined in the introduction? Is the discussion suitably questioning and critical? Is the topic explored to sufficient depth and breadth? Does the student demonstrate a strong and balanced understanding of the topic?Are the discussion points backed up with reference to high-quality, peer-reviewed supporting materials? Does the paper include elements of creative and original thinking and ideas?

Discussion

How can one be sure that their discussion is suitably questioning and critical? What are some critical analysis techniques that can be used?

Discussion Ask questions Make an argument (thesis) Be focused and specific at every point Use questioning and critical research Conduct close readings of scholarly

research and studies Make recommendations Transition frequently between associative

and analytic thinking

DiscussionTake care not to just ‘plug’ in proofs,

quotes, and paraphrases. Here are some techniques for avoiding this:

INEGRATE MATERIAL:Comment on paraphrased ideas before

and after including them. Avoid ending paragraphs, and especially

entire essays, with someone else’s words.

Discussion MAINTAIN LIMITS Do not let other people do the majority

of the speaking in your paper. A few good rules are to have as many references as you have pages of writing, a maximum of 4 paraphrases per page, and a maximum of 1 short and 2 long quotes per 10 pages.

Discussion Where to find peer-reviewed journal

articles?

Ryerson Library—Advanced Search(limit your search by checking off the boxes that apply: limit to peer-reviewed journal articles)

Discussion How can one be sure that their paper

includes elements of creative and original thinking and ideas?

What are some ways to include these elements?

Discussion Coining new phrases or ideas through

synthesis Building towards a strategy or

recommendation through progressive arguments

Writing effectively and finding the perfect words to describe your ideas

What else?

ConclusionConclusions: /5

Are conclusions logically based on the discussion? Does the student present concluding statements for all of the key points raised in the introduction?

Conclusion How can the conclusion be structured?

If you have four key concepts/points, how many statements will you have regarding key points in the conclusion?

What are some ways to end the end?

Writing SkillsWriting skills: /5 

Are references properly formatted according to APA guidelines? Is the paper clearly and logically structured? Are the elements of spelling, grammar and word choice and sentence structure correct?

Writing Skills Topic Sentence Developing Sentences Transitional Sentence

Methods for developing ideas in a paragraph:

illustrate your idea with examples give an authoritative quotation anticipate and respond to counterarguments back your ideas with more evidence offer another perspective to the idea brainstorm more insights about the idea elaborate on causes/effects, definitions, comparison/contrasts (i.e.

compare with an idea you presented earlier) From http://www1.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/language_clarity.htm

Writing SkillsOrder… Order your paragraphs in such a way as to make a

‘progressive’ argument that builds upon previous paragraphs. What is each paragraph about? What could be the ‘title’ of each paragraph? What is the best order for the paragraphs?

Within each paragraph, order your quotes and discussions in a progressive manner.

Within each sentence, order thoughts and lists in a meaningful way.

Writing SkillsFormatting reminders:

Use Topic Sentences at the beginning of each paragraph

Use Transitional Sentences at the end of each paragraph

Use sentence Variation

Writing Skills Sentence Variation can be accomplished

through establishing emphasis, creating rhythm, and changing sentence length:

Variation

Writing Skills Improve on your writing style and

etiquette by avoiding personal references, sexist pronouns, and emotionalism:

Style

Writing SkillsCommon Grammar mistakes… Semi-colons (use when lists have commas within

items); also, There needs to be complete phrases on both sides of

the semi-colon; each phrase potentially could stand alone as a complete sentence, but the two are like one disconnected thought.

ColonsThe first phrase needs to be complete: followed by

either a complete or incomplete phrase, typically a list or phrase illustrating the first phrase.

Writing SkillsMost important comma rules:

Rule 1: In a series of 3 or more (use serial comma before third)

Rule 2: Use commas to set off expressions that interrupt sentence flow. (Writing skills development, you must agree, is so exciting.)

Rule 3: Use comma between two strong clauses with a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, for, nor). (I have finished for the day, but the lecture has not.)

Writing SkillsRule 4: Comma Splice: I have finished for

the day, the lecture has not. Needs a conjunction!-but, and…

Rule 5: Use a comma before introducing short, direct quotes. He said, “give me that pie!”

Rule 6: Surrounding interrupters (however and therefore).

Writing Skills More information on common

grammatical errors can be found at the following link:

Grammar

Further Information See Blackboard for TONS of information on writing the

essay (and thus on writing the outline and introduction)

Under ‘Assignment and Final Exam Resources’ click on: Writing Supports, or Marking Rubrics Essay Outline Top 10 recommendations for essays and introductions Further thinking and writing suggestions that might be

helpful for the term essay and final exam