Moving From Describing to Explaining. The use of evidence to justify your points.

A structure for paragraphs: CLAIM JUSTIFY IMPLICATION SUPPORT

A structure for paragraphs: CLAIM Write a first sentence which controls the rest of the paragraph. JUSTIFICATION Unpack the “claim” sentence/s. Use evidence to justify it. Skills: Explain, justify and suggest.

A structure for paragraphs: SUPPORT Further justify your view/argument/point with quotes from sources, and references from articles, writers, books, thinkers, case studies. IMPLICATION Identify the significance of your point in relation to the focus of the question. Link to your next paragraph.

Quoting and Referencing: Direct quote: the exact words of another writer or from a source between inverted commas, to emphasise a particular point or to provide an example of another author's perspective or theory, try to keep direct quotes to a minimum. Over-reliance on other people’s words can show a lack of understanding, critical thought and/or effort on your part, and is often a part of what is known as ‘patchworking’. “Youth is still in favour of the system: the novelty, the drill, the uniform, the camp life all that is marvellous.” This only shows that you have read some material; it doesn’t show that you have really understood about it

Quoting and Referencing: Paraphrasing: As a general rule, try to reword a quote in your own words (this is called paraphrasing); remember it is still essential to refer to the source of the material. In most other cases, you will be able to phrase it better for your purposes, whether that involves shortening it, elaborating on it or otherwise adapting it to make it fit smoothly in your text (without altering the meaning, obviously!). “Youth found the activities of the Hitler Youth appealing”

Quoting and Referencing: Summary: This when you simplify and summarise a long source of evidence or quote. “Youth is still in favour of the system: The novelty The drill The uniform The camplife The fact that school and the home take a back seat”

Quoting and Referencing: Referring to sources or other writing has several purposes. It: i) establishes authority in your writing ii) illustrates your writing with evidence iii) allows your reader to trace (and judge the validity of) the material you’ve considered In some subjects using other writers or groups of thinkers work, interpretations or views is necessary to achieve the highest levels. E.g. an A grade! “It has been estimated that as many as 95% of German Youth backed Hitler.” A. Wilt – “Nazi Germany” 1994.

Why is quoting and referencing important? “A well-focused, reasoned response to the issues raised. Different views are clearly explained with supporting evidence and argument.” “There is some critical analysis. An appropriate evaluation is supported by reasoned argument.” “A thorough treatment of the topic within the time available. Information is accurate and relevant, and good understanding is demonstrated through use of appropriate evidence / examples” Level 7.

Why is quoting and referencing important? Sociology “Analysis and evaluation may be developed, for instance through a discussion of the contrast between functionalist, Marxist, interactionist, feminist and/or postmodernist views or a consideration of the links between different aspects of identity.” Higher in the band, knowledge will be broader and/or deeper and more conceptually detailed and answers will show an understanding of a range of sociological data and perspectives on religion as a shared universe of meaning today. Material will be drawn from Item A and elsewhere. This may include concepts and issues such as: secularisation; theodicy; fundamentalism; spiritual shopping; metanarrative; lifestyle; patriarchy; oppression; pick and mix religion; New Age movements; disenchantment; globalisation; social solidarity; anomie; religious pluralism and religion as compensator. Sources may include Heelas; Bruce; Glock and Stark; Berger; Berger and Luckmann; Stark and Bainbridge; Weber; Lyotard; Barker; Davie; Lynch; Roof; Durkheim, etc.

Why is quoting and referencing important? History “Answers will be well-focused and closely argued. The arguments will be supported by precisely selected evidence from the sources and own knowledge, incorporating well-developed understanding of historical interpretations and debate. Answers will, for the most part, be carefully organised and fluently written, using appropriate vocabulary..” Level 5