Humanities Seminar

Bored of Studies Study Meat

4 July 2012

Who are we?

OzKo

enoilgam

B. Resource Economics @ University of Sydney

B. Law/Commerce @ University of Notre Dame

(Majoring in Resource Economics & Geography)

(Majoring in Law & Human Resources)

HSC 2009: Business Studies, Economics,

HSC 2010: Modern History, Legal Studies,

Geography

Studies of Religion

What will be covered?

How to address a question
How to structure an argument
Appropriate language

Advanced analysis & arguments

Addressing a question
If we talk about what the topic entails, isnt that enough?

No!
This is a common mistake that students make when they
generate an approach to a question. The key to constructing
the best response is to know what is being asked of you, and
not deviating from that as you write.

Addressing a question
Outline

Keep it brief; Testing your ability to recall info.

Explain

Generally answers to these questions are

Describe

grounded in fact; opinions are often not necessary

How

but how elaborate a response must be is

dependent on the questions weighting.

Why

What
Account for

Like the above, but now able to emphasise

different opinions provided it is properly justified.

Addressing a question
Analyse

Discuss
Recommend
To what extent
Assess

Evaluate

Arguments required; such responses require students

to look at a question critically.
Generally these questions require students to utilise a

broad range of content with the view of synthesising, to

suit the purpose of the question (and your intended

thesis).
Describing course content will not suffice. You are
expected to construct a coherent response which can

support an argument.
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Addressing a question
So what happens if I dont answer the question properly?
Essentially the marks you can earn are capped as the
marker is also looking for your ability to use course content
to justify a specific point of view.

Dumping all the content you remember implies you have

good memory; that can only take you so far.
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Addressing a question
Ok, so how do I do this?
1. Introduce the key concepts illustrated in the question
(e.g. Analyse the role of world cities in the operation of global networks. Geography 2011)

2. Outline your underlying argument/point of view

3. Develop an argument where you can justify each point
you make with course content

4. If applicable, use counter-arguments to dismiss other

ideas to further your argument
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Forming an argument
DOs:

Outline your argument in your introduction

Construct an argument which can easily link course content
together
Use evidence case studies in some subjects are critical

Explain why your evidence is relevant to the question (i.e.

dont leave it to the marker to interpret; explicitly state it

Forming an argument
DONTs:

Give evidence and fail to link it back to your argument

Write a convoluted introduction; it suggests you dont have a
plan for your essay (i.e. waffling is bad)
Construct a thesis which is too general

Rely only on theory; using examples provides merit to your

argument
Use complex language to look intelligent
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Forming an argument
So how do I construct a paragraph?
Using the PEEL approach:
1. Point i.e. your topic sentence

2. Evidence to support your point

3. Evaluation analysis of your point; you can introduce
counter-arguments and deconstruct those to support your point

4. Link aim to keep your argument flowing throughout your essay;

indicates that all your points are relevant to your underlying thesis

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Forming an argument
How do I present my underlying thesis?
e.g. Assess how monetary policy affects inflation and unemployment
in the Australian economy?
General Statement: The RBA conducts monetary policy ________________________
Definition: Monetary policy is ________________________
Argument: The imposition of monetary policy in Australia during the GFC
has ________________________

An argument should always seek to dictate how you will approach your essay.

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Language
Is there a particular way I should write my essay?

Be succinct (i.e. be clear about what you are saying)

Use vocabulary expected of a Year 12 student
Use key terminology (if applicable)
Paragraphs are your friend ensure logical progression

Always cite this adds some punch

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Advanced Tips
How do I ensure I get a Band 6 worthy mark?

Utilise counter-arguments
This requires you to have an understanding of how your underlying
argument may be challenged, thus you must account for why your
argument is valid. This indicates to the marker that you understand both
sides of a particular issue.

Thesis, Anti-Thesis, Synthesis

This involves an analysis of two or more contradictory views with the
aim of developing a valid middle ground (i.e. synthesis). A marker
would be looking to see how you interpret contrasting views by analysing
different sources and then creating a feasible solution (i.e. using that analysis
to form your own ideas.

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Other Tips
Do not beg the question
Bill: "God must exist."
Jill: "How do you know."
Bill: "Because the Bible says so."
Jill: "Why should I believe the Bible?"
Bill: "Because the Bible was written by God.

Do not shift the burden of proof

There is no evidence that aliens are living amongst us. Therefore, aliens are not
living amongst us.

Do not appeal to authority

Albert Einstein says we only use 10% of our brains, so that must be true.

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Questions?

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