Reasoning Essay

Exam Preparations
 Revision of Background
Material
• Time-line – historical context
• Rabbit Proof Fence – Movie + Study guide
• Take Down the Rabbit Proof Fence – Arg. Article

• A Broken Skull, a Dubious paper trail: Australian Justice for

One Aboriginal Man – Inf. Article
• Australian Outcasts in Their Own Land – Inf. Article

• The solution to indigenous disadvantage – TEDx Talk

• Worlds Apart - Article
 Reasoning Essays

Compare - Cause –
Contrast Effect Problem -
Solution
 • Compare - Contrast
• The Removal of Half castes –
Racist or An Act of Consideration?

Match the thesis • Cause - Effect

• Aboriginals are ostracized in Australia.
statement with What are the causes and what effects
adequate style can be perceived?

• Problem - Solution
• How Could the Aboriginal
Disadvantages be Curbed?
 • 1,5 lesson to prepare - an outline
(use the background material)

• Write in DigiExam Friday w.42 (80 min)

Objectives: • 500-900 words
• Referencing + Formal language

• Background material – notes = allowed

Spell-check = available (this time)
 E C
In written communications of
various genres, students can
express themselves in ways
that are varied, clear and
structured. Students can also
express themselves with
fluency and some adaptation
to purpose, recipient and
situation.
Show some aspects
A functional vocabulary,
varied linkers and a formal
language
Some grammar mistakes
You refer to the sources in a
correct manner and have
included a complete reference
list at the end.*
In written communications of
various genres, students can
express themselves in ways
that are varied, balanced,
clear and structured.
Students can also express
themselves with fluency and
adaptation to purpose,
recipient and situation.
Several aspects
Varied vocabulary with clear
attempts of using more
advanced words than basic.
Varied linkers with a majority
of advanced ones. Formal
language.
Only a few grammar mistakes
but not too serious.
A
In written communications of
various genres, students can
express themselves with good
precision, in ways that are
varied, balanced, clear and
well structured. Students can
also express themselves with
fluency and good adaptation
to purpose, recipient and
situation.
Well-balanced aspects
The conclusion is clearly
based on the intro and main
body.
Majority of sophisticated
words (every 6 word) and
varied adv. Linkers. Formal
language well adapted to
context.
Close to perfect grammar
 • Title – Use thesis-question

• Introduction – Background + thesis question

All Reasoning
Essays consist • Main Body – Differs a bit depending upon style

of: • Discussion/Conclusion(s) – No new info

• Closure – Reconnect to title/intro/body

 Main Body = Problem - Solution
• One problem described in the intro/back-ground

• §1 = Possible solution to the problem - elaborate

• §2 = Usually a problem with the first solution – describe it

• §3 = Idea of a second solution – elaborate

• §4 = Problem with solution 2 as well…

• §5 = Discuss the solutions and problems, evaluate which one would be better, why etc.
NO NEW IDEAS!

• Last paragraph = Closure (few sentences which conclude it all and re-connects to
title/intro
 Main Body: Compare - Contrast
• Intro/Background: What opposing sides are there?

• §1 = Present aspect one of the removal being a racist act

• §2 = Contrast 1 – showing that it was considerate

• §3 = Present aspect two supporting that it was a racist act

• §4 = Contrast 2 supporting that it was considerate

• §5 = Discuss and compare the aspects brought up. Possible to reach a conclusion? Something
which seems more likely? Etc. NO NEW INFO

• §6 = Closure (reconnect to intro and thesis question)

Useful language
 Main Body: Cause - Effect
• Intro/Background: Describe the situation today. Add thesis question:
What caused it and what effects can be perceived?

• §1 Describe the cause – ”relocating clans / the removal of children”

• §2 First effect of the removal explained

• §3 Based upon the previous effect a new has emerged – elaborate

• §4 Effects in a larger perspective (country)

• §5- Discuss/summarize the cause and effects. NO NEW INFO

• §6 Closure: Reconnect to intro-thesis
Useful Language
Referencing-Harvard

• The structure of the European Union is often described in the shape of three
pillars. The first pillar is the largest (Tallberg 2004).

Using reporting verbs*

• Tallberg (2004) describes the structure of the European Union in the shape of
three pillars, of which the first pillar is the largest.

• No author? Use company, organization, authority etc.

• More than four authors = (Johnson et al. 2001)
• No date? = (Johnson n.d.)
A Word of Advice:

• This essay is an opportunity to

practice and show your current
abilities.
• You will receive feedback and
continue to develop.
• There will be more essays to
come.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for
help/support.

• Good Luck!