ACADEMIC WRITING ACADEMIC WRITING WORKSHOPWORKSHOP

Task OneTask One

In small groups:In small groups:

• List what you feel are the main List what you feel are the main qualitiesqualities of a good academic writer of a good academic writer

Qualities of a good academic writerQualities of a good academic writer

• Has good Has good time managementtime management• Understands Understands key terminologykey terminology within assignment criteria within assignment criteria• AppliesApplies critical thinking critical thinking• Creates an Creates an overall frameworkoverall framework – intro, main body, conclusion – intro, main body, conclusion• Stuctures discussionStuctures discussion within paragraphs within paragraphs• SignpostsSignposts the reader continually the reader continually• Proofreads carefullyProofreads carefully– spelling, punctuation, grammar and – spelling, punctuation, grammar and

layoutlayout• Uses Uses Harvard referencing systemHarvard referencing system consistently consistently• Assumes the readerAssumes the reader knows nothing about the subject knows nothing about the subject at allat all• Writes Writes CLEARLYCLEARLY

Task TwoTask Two

Now, let’s play dominoes!Now, let’s play dominoes!

Task ThreeTask Three

1.1. In pairs, read the passage entitled In pairs, read the passage entitled ‘Reading Critically’ and answer the ‘Reading Critically’ and answer the question which follows.question which follows.

2. Be ready to discuss your ideas with 2. Be ready to discuss your ideas with the rest of the class.the rest of the class.

Structuring your DiscussionStructuring your Discussion

Plant a SeedPlant a Seed

• Make a Make a statementstatement• Expand Expand on the statementon the statement• Provide Provide evidenceevidence• DevelopDevelop

Task FourTask Four

In pairs, read the passage provided In pairs, read the passage provided and identify how SEED is applied and identify how SEED is applied here.here.

Task Four - AnswerTask Four - Answer

SS = The existence of Teaching Assistants = The existence of Teaching Assistants (TAs) in the classroom does not in itself (TAs) in the classroom does not in itself ensure that pupils benefit.ensure that pupils benefit.

EE = Consideration is needed as to how the = Consideration is needed as to how the TAs are deployed.TAs are deployed.

EE = The DfEE (2004:24) argues that, ‘it is = The DfEE (2004:24) argues that, ‘it is essential that teachers and TAs work essential that teachers and TAs work together.’together.’

DD = The best way to ensure this = The best way to ensure this collaboration is to be clear about roles collaboration is to be clear about roles when planning pupils’ lessonswhen planning pupils’ lessons

SignpostingSignposting

Remember – you know where you are Remember – you know where you are going with your assignment – you need to going with your assignment – you need to signpost your reader to help him/her arrive signpost your reader to help him/her arrive at the same placeat the same place

Use clear signpostsUse clear signposts to guide your tutor to guide your tutor through your discussionthrough your discussion

NeverNever make sweeping statements make sweeping statements AlwaysAlways back up what you say with back up what you say with

evidence and examplesevidence and examples

Task FiveTask Five

In small groups, make a list of 3 In small groups, make a list of 3 signposts for each of the following:signposts for each of the following:

• Introducing Introducing an examplean example• Showing the resultShowing the result of something of something• Introducing an additional ideaIntroducing an additional idea or or

agreeingagreeing with what has just been with what has just been statedstated

• Introducing an opposing or Introducing an opposing or contrastingcontrasting idea idea

Task SixTask Six

The following is an The following is an individual taskindividual task..• Read the ‘Dear John’ letter provided Read the ‘Dear John’ letter provided

for you and for you and insert all the punctuationinsert all the punctuation that you feel this letter needs in that you feel this letter needs in order for it to make sense to the order for it to make sense to the reader.reader.

• Then, think Then, think how you would feelhow you would feel if you if you received this letter.received this letter.

What a difference the punctuation What a difference the punctuation makes!makes!

VERSION ONEVERSION ONEDear JohnDear JohnI want a man who knows what love is all I want a man who knows what love is all

about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. about. You are generous, kind, thoughtful. People who are not like you admit to People who are not like you admit to being useless and inferior. You have being useless and inferior. You have ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. ruined me for other men. I yearn for you. I have no feelings whatsoever when we’re I have no feelings whatsoever when we’re apart. apart.

I can be forever happy. Will you let me be I can be forever happy. Will you let me be yours?yours?

GloriaGloria

What a difference the punctuation What a difference the punctuation makes!makes!

VERSION TWOVERSION TWODear JohnDear JohnI want a man who know what love is. All I want a man who know what love is. All

about you are generous, kind, thoughtful about you are generous, kind, thoughtful people who are not like you. Admit to people who are not like you. Admit to being useless and inferior! You have being useless and inferior! You have ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For ruined me. For other men, I yearn. For you, I have no feelings whatsoever.you, I have no feelings whatsoever.

When we’re apart, I can be forever happy. When we’re apart, I can be forever happy. Will you let me be?Will you let me be?

Yours, GloriaYours, Gloria

Sources of Additional HelpSources of Additional Help

The Edge Ahead Centre at Learning The Edge Ahead Centre at Learning Services, Edge Hill University Services, Edge Hill University

01695 58437201695 584372eac@edgehill.ac.uk

Materials referred to during workshop:Materials referred to during workshop:

* Edge Hill University Learning Services, * Edge Hill University Learning Services, Skills Development Edge Ahead Centre, Skills Development Edge Ahead Centre, Academic Writing Workshop publicationAcademic Writing Workshop publication