HSY311 A History of Crime and Punishment Essay 2

Essay Writing Guidelines

1. Your essay should observe the required word length.

2. Type in 12pt font.

3. Include your name; the tutor’s name; and the essay question at the top of each page.

4. Number the pages.

5. The text of your essay should be double line spaced EXCEPT for quotation in excess of 40 words, which should be single line spaced, indented, without inverted commas.

6. Direct quotations must be correctly referenced, including page number/s and you

must be consistent in your use of referencing style.

7. Paraphrasing of sources must be attributed to the original author and correctly referenced. Include page numbers with all references.

8. Take care with punctuation, especially the use of the apostrophe and semicolon. For

example, 1890s has no apostrophe. White’s text; historians’ interpretations; bush poets’ style; etc.

9. Check your grammar, syntax and expression. Do not write I believe or I feel. Always

write complete sentences. A sentence must have a subject, a verb, and a predicate.

10. Do not use contractions such as wouldn’t, couldn’t, can’t, or doesn’t. Write in full: would not, cannot, does not.

11. Do not use abbreviations. Write: for example (instead of e.g.), that is (instead of i.e.).

The exception to this rule is the use of ed. and eds (for editor and editors) or et al. (when there are more than three authors of a text) in the list of references.

12. Do not make sweeping generalizations or state opinions. Back up every claim you

make with a cited source that is correctly referenced. Words such as ‘the people’, ‘everybody’ are unacceptable. State exactly who you mean.

13. Run a spell check, use a dictionary, or ask someone to correct your spelling. Note that

you should not just rely upon the computer spell check – it cannot pick up homonyms and other irregularities of the English language that rely upon context. The following poem is a clear illustration of the limitations of the computerized spell check.

Spellbound I have a spelling checker; It came with my PC. It plainly marks four my revue Mistakes I cannot sea. I’ve run this poem threw it – I’m sure your pleased too no – Its letter perfect in it’s weigh; My checker tolled me sew!! Anon. (source unknown)

14. It’s = it is; its = possessive case (ownership). For example, its significance in terms of this essay …. There is no such word as its’. As you have been requested not to use contractions, only the word its may appear in your essay. This should solve the problem of the common misuse of this word.

15. Do not use bold. Either underline OR italicize book titles for added emphasis, and be

consistent. Do not use both conventions inter changeably, or capital letters.

16. Do not use one sentence paragraphs. Structure your essay around topic sentences. As their name suggests, topic sentences are sentences that state the topic or key point around which a paragraph is organized.

17. Ensure the essay has a proper structure – that is, an introduction, body and

conclusion.

Introduction of the essay: A well written introduction clearly introduces the problem that the question raises and how you will approach the problem; introduces the historical context of your paper; can use dates to indicate the historical period under discussion.

Examples: In this paper I offer a critical examination of the strengths and weaknesses of Richard Whites’ (1981) model of cultural production along national lines./ In this paper I critically discuss the ways in which the image of the bush worker, which emerged in the late 19th century, was contested by rival power groups for their own purposes. The introduction tells the reader how the paper is structured – for example, This paper proceeds in three parts. First, I outline …. Second, I evaluate …. Third, I conclude …. NB: It is often best to go back to the Introduction and rework it after you have written the rest of the paper.

The body of the essay: Clearly and consistently advances the argument by using topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph. May include direct quotations from the text (but not too many). Demonstrates good analytical skills and reading skills by astute selection of quotations from the research sources. Guides the reader through your argument. You should clearly state how the quoted sources relate to your argument or position. In other words integrate them into the text. Paragraphs must be well constructed; avoid one sentence paragraphs.

Conclusion of the essay: Restates the question and your approach and argument. Offers a summary of key points in your method. Tells the reader what you have discovered from your research in terms of the essay question.

18. Reference list: This must be included at the end of your paper. It must be correctly presented. List entries in alphabetical order. Do not use dot points or number the works. See Referencing Guidelines document.