1. Academic Writing Fatima AlShaikh

2. A duty that you are assigned to perform or a task that is assigned or undertaken. For example: Research papers (most common), presentations, oral reports, posters, case study

3. Assignment Structure Title Introduction Body Conclusion References

4. Assignment structure CONCLUSION INTRODUCTION GENERAL SPECIFIC

5. Analyzing the title Key words in the topic help you to decide on the approach you should take. Key words include: Topic Words highlight the major concepts in the assessment. Directive words give directions to the approach you should take, and the kind of response required in the assignment (e.g. ‘examine’, ‘analyse’, ‘compare’). Limiting words limit the scope of your research and writing; set boundaries.

7. Analyzing the title Core questions: Good essay titles usually contain one or tow key questions which assignment should answer. Examples: Describe how you become an effective group member? Explain how your study skills unit affects your life in the college? Justify why it is important to avoid plagiarism in writing your assignment?

8. Analyzing the title In order to answer the question, you will also need to consider other questions.  Descriptive questions (where? when? who? what?) provide background or contextual information.  Analytical questions (how? why? to what extent?) help to show a deeper understanding of the topic, and generally assist you in developing an analytical response to the assignment.

9. To illustrate how to turn an assignment into questions see the example below. Assignment Topic: Discuss the environmental effects of the 2004 tsunami in Asia. Question : What were the environmental effects of the 2004 tsunami in Asia? Descriptive Questions What happened? Where did it happen (which countries)? What is meant by ‘environmental effects’? What environmental effects occurred? Analytical Questions Why did these effects occur? To what extent were these effects experienced by all Asian countries?

11. Academic keywords used in titles Account for Give reasons for; explain why something happens. Analyse Examine in very close detail; identify important points and chief features. Comment on Identify and write about the main issues

12. Academic keywords used in titles Compare Show how two or more things are similar Indicate the relevance or consequences of these similarities. Contrast set two or more items or arguments in opposition so as to draw out difference. Indicate whether the differences are significant.

13. Academic keywords used in titles Critically evaluate Weigh arguments for and against something, assessing the strength of the evidence on both side Use criteria to guide your assessment of which opinions, theories, models or items are preferable.

14. Define Give the exact meaning of. Where relevant, show that you understand why the definition may be problematic Distinguish Bring out the differences between two items.

15. Describe Give the main characteristics or features of something, or outline the main events Discuss Write about the most important aspects of; give arguments for and against; consider the implications of

16. Evaluate: Assess the worth, importance or usefulness of something, using evidence. There will probably be made both for and against. Examine: Put the subject ‘under the microscope’ looking at it in detail.

17. Explain: Make clear why something happens, or why something is the way it is. Illustrate: Make something clear and explicit, giving example or evidence

18. Interpret: Give the meaning and relevance of data or other material presented. Justify Give evidence which supports an argument or idea; Show why a decision or conclusions were made

19. Narrate Concentrate on saying what happened, telling it as story Outline Give only the main points, showing thw main structure.

20. Summarise: Draw out the main points only. Omitting details or examples. Trace: Follow the order of different stages in an event or process.

21. Introduction Introducing the topic or subject area The main aim of the first part of any introduction is to introduce the topic and the most important concept(s) relevant to answering the question. Aim or purpose The introduction also needs to indicate your aim(s) or purpose in the assignment. Structure or overall plan You need to signal how you will present information in the assignment. In what order will the key points appear? This gives the reader an indication of what to expect.

22. Introduction Limits or scope of the assignment You may want to include mention in your introduction of any limits in your assignment. What will you emphasize? Due to space, will you be intentionally leaving anything out? Argument or thesis statement The final part of the introduction needs to clearly identify your argument or thesis statement. Some useful ways to signal your argument include: ‘This paper argues that…’; This essay contends that…’; ‘It will be argued that…’.

23. Body Paragraphs are made of sentences, usually they are several sentences long. Each paragraph is organized around a central idea or a theme, witch is usually made clear in the first sentence of each paragraph. All sentences relate to the main idea of the paragraph.

24. Body Paragraph 1: -Covers the first thing your introduction said you would address -The first sentence introduce the main idea of the paragraph (Topic sentense)

25. Body Paragraph 2 and other paragraph: - The first sentence (opining sentence), link the paragraph to the previous paragraphs then, introduce the main idea of the paragraph - Other sentences develop the paragraph‘s topic

26. Body Each paragraph will have a similar structure, and functions like a ‘mini-essay’. It should have an introduction (topic sentence), a body, and a concluding sentence. A topic sentence (usually the first sentence of the paragraph) states the key point of the paragraph. It is this point around which the rest of the paragraph is organized. The topic sentence is followed by the ‘body’ of the paragraph. This can contain explanations, evidence and examples to support the key point of the paragraph. Supporting evidence is used to justify, explain or develop your argument. A concluding sentence links the main idea of the paragraph back to your argument, and therefore to the assignment topic/question

27. Conclusion The conclusion is simply a summary of all your main points discussed in the essay. Importantly, your conclusion should: Contain no new ideas or information. List your key points, briefly. Relate key points directly back to the question/your argument

28. Conclusion -Summaries your argument and the main themes -Stat your general conclusion -Make it clear why those conclusions are important -In your last sentence, sum up your argument very briefly, linking it to the title

29. Basic Rule Introduction: State what you are going to say Body: Say it Conclusion: Say what you have said

30. Checklist Have I answered the question? Do I discuss the material or merely report it? Have I argued my point, admitted alternatives, and avoided bias? Do I apply theory to a situation? Have I considered implications for the future? Do I present a coherent and logical argument? Are the aspects covered complete, up to date and relevant? Are main points supported by published sources, acknowledged and referenced correctly? Have I avoided mistakes of spelling, grammar and punctuation? Is the length and presentation appropriate?