Student 6 Elena Pre- Feedback Theory: 20 mins Richard Galletly, Aston University

Student needs Logical division of ideas Referencing in text Referencing at end of text The need for referencing Essay structure Writing conclusions Some minor grammar mistakes

Logical Division The body paragraphs of an essay are there to develop your topic and prove your points in a structured way. They support your argument The paragraphs should be organised in some sort of pattern, like order of time or comparison/ contrast A basic pattern would be dividing your topic into different ideas. Each sub-topic is discussed separately, for example causes, reasons, types, advantages, etc. A common logical division question could be: Discuss the causes of the U.S. Civil War. (Oshima, 2006 p65)

In text referencing We reference: to show that we have read and understood specific texts, and to support the points we are making with reference to other people’s work Credible texts to include in your work could be: journals, a reading list textbook, a credible website (note: credible!), an information database, or a newspaper (Gillett, 2009). Any graphics/ pictures/ maps used should include a full reference

Reporting an author’s ideas in your text Integral – using the author’s name as part of the sentence: According to Davies (2006) it is essential that… The importance of pupils learning … was stressed by Davies (2006) Non- integral – the author in brackets: Evidence from classroom learning (Davies, 2006) suggests that… It is important that pupils …. Weaknesses (Davies, 2006) At the end of the essay (Gillett, 2009): Davies, S. (2006) The Essential Guide to Teaching. Harlow: Pearson Education.

Referencing Book Surname, initials. (Year). Title. Place of publication: Publisher. Online Brandt, K. H., (2001). Working the System [online]. Available from: [accessed ] In- text referencing Statistics indicate … may be as high as 30 per cent (Brandt, 2001). Secondary sources (one’s you haven’t read but which are quoted in a source you are using) Vroom (1964, cited in Fincham & Rhodes, 2005 p208) argues that a person’s motivation depends on the …

Essay Structure The introduction leads the reader into the main section, it provides background information and explains which aspects of it will be covered in the essay, and in which order The development section will present your ideas in a series of paragraphs, these must flow, so that the reader can follow your line of argument The conclusion summarises the main points of the paragraphs, and can include an opinion that you have reached as a result of your research. A list of references should be written at the end of your work to give full details of any sources that have been mentioned (Gillett, 2009 p8)

Introduction/ conclusion Introduction: general statement and organisational statement. Background to your writing, show that you know why the topic is important, reword the question into a problem to solve if necessary Development: several paragraphs relating to the topic Each section develops a subdivision of the topic, the paragraphs are linked together to connect the ideas, the purpose of writing must be kept clear throughout Conclusion: recall issues in introduction, draw together the main points and make a final comment Summarise the main issues raised in the introduction, draw together the points made, explain the overall significance of the conclusions, what general points can be drawn from the essay as a whole? It should show that the purpose of the text has been achieved – the question answered (Gillett, 2009 p221)

References I Bailey, S. (2011). Academic Writing for International Students of Business. Oxon: Routledge. Bowell, T. & Kemp, G. (2010). Critical Thinking: a Concise Guide. Oxon: Routledge. Burke, D. & Pieterick, J. (2010). Giving Students Effective Written Feedback. Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education. Cottrell, S. (2005). Critical Thinking Skills. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Fitzpatrick, M. (2011). Engaging Writing 2: Essential Skills for Academic Writing. NY: Pearson Education. Gillett, A., Hammond, A. & Martala, M. (2009). Successful Academic Writing. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd.

References II Hewings, M. (2005). Advanced Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. McMillan, K. & Weyers, J. (2010). How to write essays and assignments. Harlow: Pearson Education Ltd. Murphy, R. (2004). English Grammar in Use. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Oshima, A. & Hogue, A. (2006). Writing Academic English: level 4. NY: Pearson Education. Reinders, H., Moore, N. & Lewis, M. (2008). The International Student Handbook. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Swales, J.M. & Feak, C.B. (2007). Academic Writing for Graduate Students. Michigan: The University of Michigan Press.

References III Swan, M. (2005). Practical English Usage. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Tissington, P., Hasel, M. & Matthiesen, J. (2009). How to Write Successful Business and Management Essays. London: Sage Publications Ltd. UCAS (2011). UCAS Personal Statement Worksheet. [online]. Available at: [downloaded ] UCAS (2011). UCAS Personal Statement Mindmap. [online]. Available at: [downloaded ]