Writing Tips Presentation

POLS7229 – Semester 1, 2021

Review Proposal Feedback:
reflect & plan before writing

 Review and reflect on the focus of your Research Question and scope of the essay
 Topic analysis:
 Circle: TASK WORDS (verbs)
 Underline: TOPIC WORDS (these identify key content)
 Identify LIMITING WORDS: Time period, place, demographic

 Your Introduction should:

 Articulate a clear statement of the Research Question
 Define the scope and limitations of the essay (caveats)
 Articulate the structure of the essay (major sections and what they do)
 State the main argument (sub-arguments if used)
 Articulate the approach/methods taken in the critical analysis

[Marking criteria is on Blackboard and in the ECP].

Writing Tips – useful strategies

 Articulate a clear Research Question/Main argument

 Use Paragraphs properly
 Carefully structure the introduction: (1) context and (2) structure paragraphs
 Context paragraph (1)
 Overall context (like a background to a painting)
 Sets the scene for the specifics of the argument/essay topic
 Structure Paragraph/s (2-3)
 What does the essay argue?
 What sections does it have?
 Where is the argument located?
 Emphasis of the essay and/OR; What is not covered (caveats)?
Writing as process…..

o Think about your process and

practice as a writer?

o Identify the areas you can

improve/refine?

o Planning can be a powerful tool

o Know when to stop researching and

start writing!

o Leave time to revise/proof-read

Strategies to Overcome Writer’s Block

 Free Writing
 Set yourself 10 minutes and just write. Write badly. Without notes. Use dot points. Just get the ideas out
 Brainstorm
 Develop a simple mind map
 Formulate focus questions
 Develop concept map
 Write a one page plan
 Drop in Sessions
 Email tutor
 Learning Adviser
https://my.uq.edu.au/contact/student-life/how-learning-adviser-can-help
Do the Math!

 A paragraph is normally 150-200 words

 In a 3000 word essay that is roughly 15 paragraphs
 Introduction ~ 2
 Body ~10-12
 Conclusion ~1

Why use paragraphs?
General do’s and don’ts
DO
o Deal with major stages or areas of the
argument with a new paragraph
o Break up long sections of text by working
out where new ideas are introduced or
additional material is analyzed.
DON'T
o Paragraphs DO NOT generally have two
sentences or less. [3-5 is a good guide]
o Merge and analyze different/new material
in one long paragraph.
 Writing of any length requires subdivision into a
number of points or stages, and these stages are
expressed in a paragraph. Paragraphs, whether denoted
by a new line and an indentation or a line break,
provide a structure for your writing. The end of a
paragraph represents a significant pause in the flow of
the writing.
 This pause is a signpost to the reader, indicating that the
writing is about to move on to a different stage.
 Each paragraph should deal with one idea or aspect of
an idea, and it should be clear to the reader what this
main idea is.
 https://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ld/resources/writing/grammar/g
rammar-guides/paras
  Signposting refers to sentences that tell the reader (marker)
the direction of the essay as it proceeds. They indicate
where the essay is heading, and helps prepare the reader
mentally for what is coming (working memory).
Signposting
 Crucial to the “narrative flow” of the essay; linking and
transition between paragraphs.

 Examples….
 “As I discuss further below in section three, this essay argues
that…..”

 “The essay now turns to analyze the topic of human rights

abuses in Thailand, and the role of international legal
agreements in ……..”
FOOTNOTES and
REFERENCES  Referencing in Harvard style. Indicates the depth of sources
Tools to utilise to showcase consulted; use of relevant direct quoting;
your research/knowledge  Shows your ability to locate and interpret primary and secondary
sources
General dos and don’ts  Shows your ability to locate and position your argument within
Do’s the relevant literature – in Political Science and other disciplines.
o Use footnotes to illustrate the depth of  Footnotes – in Harvard style, footnotes used judiciously,
your research and acknowledge sources
used.
direct the reader to relevant material, which is tangential to
the immediate concerns of the essay.
DON’TS
o
 Research tool for readers – go on to find further information
Do not use footnotes to reduce your word
length by cutting out bits of text at the last  For students – it demonstrates to your knowledge of the wider
minute.
literature and where your topic is placed within it.

o Do not use direct quotes excessively – it

suggests you can not put the ideas into
your own words. Use them to eloquently
express an important argument – or key
point from a primary source.
  Draft your paper and leave it 1-2 days
Suggestions for all
 When proof reading – try to identify and re-word
Writers (NB ESL
Writers) awkward or incorrect phrases
 Use direct quotes to good effect to make your
points.
 Think carefully about the use of paragraphs.
 Demonstrate the breadth of your reading by
referencing general works cited in appropriate
passages.
 Watch for spell check – correct spelling - wrong
words.
 Avoid colloquial (spoken) type phrases.