guideline of academic writing for student

guideline of academic writing for student

1. Academic writing Linda quayle | 6 may 2013 | umy

2. Today’s programme Moving from description to analysis What’s the difference? How do I prepare for the different kinds of assignments I might be given? How do I learn to “argue” something? What does that actually mean?! Structuring your analytical writing What makes a good piece of academic writing? How do I write an introduction and a conclusion? How do I structure and link my paragraphs? Referencing your writing Why do I need to avoid plagiarism? How can I do that?

3. The plan for the morning SESSION 1 PLENARY | GROUPWORK | BREAK SESSION 2 PLENARY | GROUPWORK | BREAK SESSION 3 PLENARY LUNCH 

4. 1. from description to analysis

5. “description-based” assignments -- 1 Instruction Activity Example describe | give an account of recount the characteristics of Describe the work of the United Nations (UN) Security Council enumerate | list present points concisely one by one List the functions of the UN Secretary-General define state the meaning of, describe and clarify Define “humanitarian intervention” Adapted from LDPU, 2011, 4-5, and Hunter, 2010, 10

6. “description-based” assignments -- 2 Instruction Activity Example compare | contrast look for similarities and differences Compare and contrast the UN and the League of Nations illustrate explain using carefully chosen examples Illustrate the UN’s peacekeeping functions during the Cold War Adapted from LDPU, 2011, 4-5, and Hunter, 2010, 10

7. “ description-based ” assignments -- 3 Instruction Activity Example outline | summarize identify the key points Summarize the following article on the UN Outline the history of the UN examine | explore investigate thoroughly, in a questioning way, identifying all important aspects Examine the history of the UN Security Council veto Adapted from LDPU, 2011, 4-5, and Hunter, 2010, 10

8. Analysis-based assignments -- 1 Instruction Activity Example account for | explain give reasons for something Account for the change in the nature of UN peacekeeping missions argue the case for… say what should happen and why , backed up by reasoning Argue the case for UN Security Council reform to what extent…? how far…? identify which aspects are correct and which are not, and why To what extent is the work of the UN hindered by the structure of the Security Council? Adapted from LDPU, 2011, 4-5, and Hunter, 2010, 10

9. Analysis-based assignments -- 2 Instruction Activity Example assess | critique | review | evaluate make a judgement on the quality of something, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses Critically review Alex Bellamy’s article “The Responsibility To Protect – Five Years On” analyse | discuss | consider examine the key issues involved in a topic, develop a viewpoint that responds to the question, and back it up with appropriate evidence “The UN is no longer a useful organization. It needs to reform or disband ” – discuss Adapted from LDPU, 2011, 4-5, and Hunter, 2010, 10

10. how do we start to think analytically? LDPU, 2010, 2

11. description  analysis  evaluation i ntroducing background and context  identifying connections, possibilities  identifying implications and solutions; drawing conclusions; making recommendations A question route LDPU, 2010, 2

12. Tasks 1 and 2 – 10 minutes

13. TASK 1 Question D or A? 1. What happened? D 2. Why was that event important? A 3. In what order did these five events happen? D 4. Which is the most important of these five events? A 5. What is the relevance of liberal theory to the UN? A 6. What does liberal theory say? D 7. In what ways does the date of this event help us to understand it better? A 8. When did this event happen? D 9. What options are available to deal with this problem? D (or A?) 10. Which of the options is the best? A Adapted from LDPU, 2010 (itself adapted from Cottrell 2005)

14. TASK 2 -- 1 1. The UN, a successor to the earlier League of Nations, was established on 24 October 1945 [D = states what happened and when]. 2. The UN reflects the power structure of the period immediately following the Second World War. [A = identifies why the timing is important] 3. The UN has six main organs: the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretariat, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the International Court of Justice. [D = lists details of different components] 4. Of these six organs, it is the Security Council that is most in need of reform. [A = makes a specific argument]

15. TASK 2 -- 2 5. The UN is the most significant international organization humans have created . [A = assesses significance ] 6. While the UN’s ambitious plans have had many benefits for mankind, it is still a fundamentally flawed organization. [A = evaluates strengths and weaknesses] 7. Because realist theory maintains that individual state power is the key to understanding International Relations, it has little patience with the UN. [A = assesses appropriateness ] 8. Over the years, the UN began to focus more on individual justice rather than interstate order. This change occurred partly to correct problems of decolonization, and partly because of the end of the Cold War. [A = puts forward reasons]

16. In your university work from now on… … you will increasingly be expected to demonstrate the ability to analyse and to back up your analysis with evidence Description still matters – but it is not enough.

17. Many types of assignment test these skills For example: Critical review – description of an article or book, plus your evaluation (with reasons) Position paper – argument supporting one side in a controversial issue (with reasons) Essay – in-depth coverage of an issue, arguing a particular point of view (with reasons)

18. Interpreting assignment instructions -- 1 Look for words that tell you: the content (what do they want you to write about?) the task (what exactly do they want you to do?) the limitations (what are the parameters?) Adapted from JCU, n.d. , and Deakin, 2011, 6

19. Interpreting assignment instructions -- 2 For example: Consider the impact of a recent Indonesian government initiative concerning ASEAN ( 2,000 words ). the content (the impact of an initiative focused on ASEAN ) the task (consider = analyse and evaluate) the limitations (recent, Indonesian, government, 2,000 words) Adapted from JCU, n.d. , and Deakin, 2011, 6

20. Task 3 – 5 minutes

21. Task 3: content Write a 2,000-word paper on a problem of international cooperation . Discuss the effects of the 2000 Olympic Games on contemporary Australia (2,500 words). “All tourism, including eco-tourism , harms the environment .” Prepare a 15-minute presentation arguing either for or against this statement, using one case study from Southeast Asia to back up your position.

22. Task 3: task Write a 2,000-word paper [essay] on a problem of international cooperation. Discuss [examine all relevant issues and develop a viewpoint] the effects of the 2000 Olympic Games on contemporary Australia (2,500 words). “All tourism, including eco-tourism, harms the environment.” Prepare a 15-minute presentation arguing either for or against this statement, using one case study from Southeast Asia to back up your position.

23. Task 3: limitations Write a 2,000-word paper on a problem of international cooperation. Discuss the effects of the 2000 Olympic Games on contemporary Australia ( 2,500 words ). “All tourism, including eco-tourism, harms the environment.” Prepare a 15-minute presentation arguing either for or against this statement, using one case study from Southeast Asia to back up your position.

24. Task 3: content , task , limitations Write a 2,000-word paper [essay] on a problem of international cooperation . Discuss [examine all relevant issues and develop a viewpoint] the effects of the 2000 Olympic Games on contemporary Australia ( 2,500 words ). “All tourism , including eco-tourism , harms the environment .” Prepare a 15-minute presentation arguing either for or against this statement, using one case study from Southeast Asia to back up your position . Adapted from JCU, n.d. ; Deakin, 2011, 6; and Farrell, 2010, 1

25. Stating your argument -- 1 First… do your research Then… work out your “thesis statement” or “statement of argument” “one or more sentences that capture an essay’s central proposition , and which form part of the introduction” (Hunter, 2009, 16) “your position… your basic answer , conclusion or argument” (LDPU, 2011, 7)

26. Stating your argument -- 2 For example: Consider the impact of a recent Indonesian government initiative concerning ASEAN ( 2,000 words ). The Indonesian government’s initiative to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia in 2011 was a ground-breaking one. Although it did not solve the conflict, it raised Indonesia’s profile and made ASEAN more credible in the eyes of the world

27. Stating your argument -- 3 For example: Consider the impact of a recent Indonesian government initiative concerning ASEAN ( 2,000 words ). The Indonesian government’s initiative to mediate between Thailand and Cambodia in 2011 failed to solve the conflict and only served to illustrate the powerlessness of both Indonesia and ASEAN.

28. Break-out time – 1 Tasks 4 and 5 (and 6 if time)

29. task 6 If you haven’t already, look at task 6 now

30. Task 6: A good essay… 1. Includes everything you know about all aspects of the topic     X 2. Correctly interprets the essay question or topic, and answers it fully     √ 3. Puts forward a well-thought-out argument and line of reasoning     √ 4. Treats the topic in sufficient depth, with evidence of thorough research     √ 5. Expresses what you think about a subject, without considering what other people think, because what is most important is your opinion   X 6. Demonstrates understanding of key principles, theories, and concepts, and builds these into the discussion   √ 7. Maintains focus, keeping relevant to the question     √ 8. Keeps the most interesting part of the essay till the end     X Adapted from Hunter, 2009, 7

31. Task 6: A good essay… (cont’d) 9. Is logically structured and easy to follow     √ 10. Does not worry too much about spelling and grammar, because the ideas are what are most important   X 11. Expresses ideas clearly     √ 12. Is as long as you can make it, because the topic is very interesting, and longer is better   X 13. Uses long quotations from good sources, because these writers express the ideas much better than you could     X 14. Shows you are interested in the topic     √ 15. Uses Wikipedia as much as possible     X 16. References only the material that is directly quoted (in “…”)     X Adapted from Hunter, 2009, 7

32. 2. Structuring your analytical writing

33. Essay structure JCU, n.d.

34. Plan your assignment We do not have time to cover this today, but it is a very important process! Here are some possible ways to do it, but you need to find the way that suits you best!

35. List Deakin, 2011, 10

36. table Hunter, 2010, 13-14

37. diagram Hunter, 2010, 15

38. mindmap LPDU, 2011, 9

39. Writing an introduction Hunter, 2010, 18

40. Task 7 – 10 minutes

41. One of the primary aims of the United Nations (UN), founded in the aftermath of the Second World War, was to prevent the occurrence of another major war. Its Charter set an important international standard by proclaiming that the only legitimate use of force is in defence against an attack by another state. Gives a brief context; sets the scene Humankind has so far avoided another war on a global scale, and many attribute this to the work of the UN; however, it is important to closely analyse what has contributed to this achievement, if we are to make sure that it continues. States what the essay is about and why it is important

42. This essay argues that the UN’s role in preventing interstate war has been comparatively small, in comparison with two other, more significant, factors. These are, firstly, the existence of nuclear weapons, which discourage large states from starting wars because they fear escalation, and secondly, changes in global opinion which mean that wars between states are not regarded as acceptable ways to solve interstate problems. States the central argument (thesis statement) This essay will start by reviewing the UN’s contribution to interstate peace, and then elaborate on factors that are more significant. Shows how the essay will develop, by outlining its scope and focus

43. Essay structure JCU, n.d.

44. Paragraphs Each paragraph should focus on one key point That key point should build on what was said in the previous paragraph… … and create the foundations for what will be said in the next

45. A paragraph should contain… a topic sentence that conveys the main idea of the paragraph; supporting sentences that expand on this topic sentence by discussing it, and giving evidence and examples; and possibly a concluding sentence that links it to the next paragraph

46. Task 8 – 10 minutes

47. ‘Defence diplomacy is a relatively new arrival in the lexicon of Asia-Pacific security. Topic sentence  defence diplomacy is a new term ‘One study of the vocabulary of regional security published in 2008 includes numerous items for diplomacy and engagement but notably omits defence or military diplomacy. Supporting evidence ‘What then does defence diplomacy mean in Asia? Like many expressions in the security studies lexicon, the origin and meaning of the term are contested. Concluding sentences, pointing to the next paragraph, which will talk about the meaning of the term Capie (2013 )

48. ‘Anthony Forster describes military and defence diplomacy as “the non-operational use of the armed forces by the government in order to pursue foreign and defence diplomacy objectives” Topic sentence  what defence diplomacy is ‘Although the idea that the armed forces have a role beyond the direct use of violence is not new, defence or military diplomacy, as a distinct concept, seems to have grown in prominence in the last decade. According to Stephen Blank, the idea emerged in post-Cold War Europe. The belief was that by “establishing relationships of trust and mutual confidence among former rival militaries, confidence could be built, generalized standards could be achieved with regard to the interoperability of militaries and a broader democratization of civil-military relations could take place in what was once the Soviet Bloc ”.’ Supporting evidence  this idea of defence diplomacy gained prominence in the last decade; it emerged in Europe; it had particular aims Capie (2013 )

49. Essay structure JCU, n.d.

50. Writing a conclusion A good conclusion… restates in a “clear and unambiguous” way the viewpoint you have argued , reminding the reader of what you have said briefly summarizes the main points you have discussed clearly shows the reader that you have finished (!) does not include anything new Adapted from Hunter, 2010, 22

51. Task 9 – 10 minutes

52. ‘Writing good political science essays is not as hard as it seems. It does not require verbal creativity so much as an ordered and disciplined mind. Clear conclusion to the question under discussion ‘Most obviously and simply, you should read and understand the essay assignment. You should begin by grabbing the attention of the reader with a clear statement of the question that you wish to answer, and how you wish to answer it. You should ensure that your essay is structured and well organized, so that each part does its part, and fits together well with the other parts. Finally, you should ensure that your prose style does not get in the way of clear thinking and clear exposition. Summary of main points ‘If you adhere to these simple rules, you are not guaranteed to write a good essay. No set of mechanical rules can provide such a guarantee. You will, however, avoid the basic mistakes that have plagued 80% of the bad political science essays that I have read over my nine years of teaching .’ Concluding sentences, drawing the whole piece to a close Farrell (2010)

53. Break-out time -- 2 Tasks 10, 11, and 12

54. task 13 If you haven’t already, look at task 13 now

55. Introductions – 1 “The onset of computers on the general population has given a boost to the Economy in the world's market. People who weren't much aware of the world became drawn to computers, which in turn brought about the Internet, connecting the world all over. The Internet has played a major role in the lives of people all over the world. Now, it is not limited to just important organizations or governments. Everyone who owns a computer is logged on to the Internet; and this has made the world seem smaller. No one has to wait for the postman to deliver the mail, but instead one can just connect to the Internet and right away, you got mail.” Terrible introduction! No indication of what the essay is about. No thesis statement. No indication of how the essay will be developed. Farrell, 2010, 2-3 Farrell (2010 )

56. Introductions – 2 “Should the internet be censored? The internet is a wonderful place for entertainment and education, but, like all places used by millions of people, it has some peculiarities that lead to a lot of talking and arguing over, should the internet be censored? Most of people who use the internet are furious about the censorship on the internet. The issue of whether is it necessary to censor the internet is being argued all over the world.” Starts well – we know what question is going to be answered. But it becomes very repetitive, there is no thesis statement, and we do not know how the essay will be developed. Farrell, 2010, 2-3 Farrell (2010 )

57. Introductions – 3 “Should the Internet be censored? While many Americans would say no, there is in fact a very good case for limited Internet censorship. Pedophiles can use the Internet to find each other and to swap child pornography. Terrorists can use the Internet to propagandize for their beliefs, and to recruit for their causes. Neo-Nazis and others can spread disinformation to the gullible, and persuade them that the Holocaust never occurred. In this essay, I argue that some kinds of Internet speech (child pornography, terrorist recruitment and hate speech) should be banned. I acknowledge that this may hurt legitimate forms of free speech if they become confused with the harmful kinds, but show that the beneficial consequences of banning bad speech outweigh the harmful consequences of accidentally banning (some) good speech.” Good introduction! Clearly indicates what it is going to talk about, and gives plenty of context. Gives a clear thesis statement. Tells us how the essay will be developed. Farrell, 2010, 2-3 Farrell (2010 )

58. 3. Correctly Referencing your writing

59. Why do you need to do this? You must include the source of all the material you use in your essay! If you do not, you may be accused of plagiarism , which is a serious academic issue.

60. Plagiarism issues can find you years later… http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/german-defence-minister-quits-over-phd-plagiarism-scandal-2229492.html

61. What do I not need to reference? Your own original ideas Things that are common knowledge ( eg , “Indonesia has the biggest population in Southeast Asia”) BUT IF IN DOUBT – REFERENCE! THERE SHOULD NORMALLY BE AT LEAST ONE REFERENCE IN EVERY PARAGRAPH. USUALLY THERE WILL BE MORE.

62. E verything else: “direct quotes” “paraphrases” “summaries” “statistics” “studies” “theories” “ideas” “images” “data sets”, etc , etc REMEMBER: You also need to reference work that you have translated What do I need to reference? LDPU, 2011, 14

63. Two styles: footnote style

64. Two styles: harvard style

65. Referencing details Check how to reference different kinds of materials at the back of your Panduan Akademik Be consistent Ask your lecturer if he/she requires anything specific

66. Directing using others ’ material EITHER QUOTE (“…” ) and CITE ( Nesadurai , 2013, 91) OR PARAPHRASE (use your own words) and CITE 34

67. Quote and cite Labour migration is a cyclical phenomenon, with economic booms and downturns seeing elevated flows of workers crossing state boundaries in search of income opportunities or repatriated by their host countries ( Nesadurai , 2013, 91 ). “ Labour migration is cyclical phenomenon, with economic booms and downturns seeing elevated flows of workers crossing state boundaries in search of income opportunities or repatriated by their host countries ” ( Nesadurai , 2013, 91).

68. Paraphrase and cite Labour migration is a cyclical phenomenon, with economic booms and downturns seeing elevated flows of workers crossing state boundaries in search of income opportunities or repatriated by their host countries ( Nesadurai , 2013, 91 ). Flows of migrant workers are not constant. When a state’s economy is good, it attracts larger numbers of workers looking for the chance of a better income. But when the host state’s economy declines, migrant workers are often sent home ( Nesadurai , 2013, 91).

69. Not acceptable, EVEN WITH A CITATION: Labour migration is a cyclical phenomenon, with economic booms and downturns seeing elevated flows of workers crossing state boundaries in search of income opportunities or repatriated by their host countries ( Nesadurai , 2013, 91 ). Labour migration is a cyclical phenomenon, with economic booms and downturns seeing elevated flows of workers crossing state boundaries in search of income opportunities or repatriated by their host countries ( Nesadurai , 2013, 91).

70. Task 14 – 15 minutes

71. Sentence by sentence Original Assignment Comment There is a huge amount of literature on the relationship between migration, including forced migration, and national security. There is a lot of literature on the relationship between national security and migration, including forced migration. Too close to the original. And there is n o citation – making it look as if this idea is the student’s own work  plagiarism Nesadurai , 2013, 91

72. Sentence by sentence Original Assignment Comment A good deal of this work focuses on the threat to home and host states posed by the political affiliations and political causes fought for by migrants and refugees (Wiener 1992-93: 105-20). This literature mainly focuses on the ways in which recipient states can be threatened by the political actions and attitudes of migrants and refugees (Wiener, 1992-93, 105-20). Paraphrase OK. But the citation makes it look as if the student has actually read Wiener for him/herself.  unacceptable A correct citation would be (Wiener, 1992-93, 105-20, as cited by Nesadurai , 2013, 91). Nesadurai , 2013, 91

73. Sentence by sentence Original Assignment Comment If migrants and refugees pose an economic threat, this has been described primarily in terms of the economic burden posed by their large and growing numbers to the host state. “If migrants and refugees pose an economic threat, this has been described primarily in terms of the economic burden posed by their large and growing numbers to the host state” ( Nesadurai , 2013, 91). . Here the direct quote from the original is marked by “…”. And the correct citation is given.  OK BUT you should not use too many direct quotes in your work. Cite a lot, but quote just a little… Nesadurai , 2013, 91

74. Sentence by sentence Original Assignment Comment Other scholars have argued that a national security consideration under conditions of rising geopolitical threat could lead to more openness to labour migration so that incoming migrant workers can help produce the wealth necessary to build a strong defence (Rudolph, 2006, 31). Some scholars contend that states might be more welcoming of labour migration if they face increased geopolitical threats, because migrant labour contributes to the economy and can therefore help to strengthen national security. The paraphrase here is good. But it is not clear that this is Rudolph’s idea, which you have found in Nesadurai’s article.  unacceptable A correct citation would be (Rudolph, 2006, 31, as cited by Nesadurai , 2013, 91). Nesadurai , 2013, 91

75. Sentence by sentence Original Assignment Comment In this formulation, migrants (or migrant workers) are sources of security rather than insecurity through their economic contributions to building up the national economy. However, migrant workers, especially illegal workers, are often viewed as security problems in receiving countries, even if their economic value to the host state is substantial. Seen this way, migrant workers’ economic efforts mean they make a positive rather than negative contribution to security. However, migrant workers, especially illegal workers, are often viewed as security problems in receiving countries, even if their economic value to the host state is substantial ( Nesadurai , 2013, 91). The first sentence is a good paraphrase. But the second sentence is a direct quote, not flagged by “…” Even though you have given the source, this is still plagiarism . Nesadurai , 2013, 91

76. Ask for a copy of the Powerpoint Refer to your resource list Talk to Linda or one of your tutors Farrell, H. (2010). Good Writing in Political Science: An Undergraduate Student's Short Illustrated Primer. Retrieved from http://www.henryfarrell.net/pol_science_essays.pdf on 2 May 2013. Hunter, C. (2009). Planning and Writing University Assignments: An Otago Study Guide. Retrieved from http://www.otago.ac.nz/mofy/otago042510.pdf on 2 May 2013. James Cook University. ( n.d. -a). Analysing the Question. Retrieved from http://www.jcu.edu.au/tldinfo/writingskills/documents/Analysing_The_Question.pdf on 2 May 2013. James Cook University. ( n.d. -b). Essay Structure. Retrieved from http://www.jcu.edu.au/tldinfo/writingskills/essay/structure.html on 2 May 2013. Language and Learning Advisors Deakin University (Deakin). (2011). Essay Success. Retrieved from http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/assets/resources/study-support/study-skills/essay-success.pdf on 2 May 2013. Learning Development Plymouth University (LDPU. (2010). Critical Thinking. Retrieved from http://www.learningdevelopment.plymouth.ac.uk/LDstudyguides/pdf/8Criticalthinking.pdf on 2 May 2013. Learning Development Plymouth University (LDPU). (2011). Study Guide 6: Writing Essays. Retrieved from http:// www.learningdevelopment.plymouth.ac.uk/LDstudyguides/pdf/6Writeessaysfull.pdf on 2 May 2013 . Need more help? | sources

77. The end… selamat makan ! [email protected]