Animal Welfare

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Writing Advice: General

Sample basic structure

Introduction (10% of word count) – Don’t use a sub-heading!

Broadly introduce the topic

Identify aims (This paper will…)

Identify steps (It will first…it will then…it will then…finally it will…)

Identify resources (It will draw on…)

Body (80% of word count) – Sub-headings permitted

Sub-heading 1 (3-4 paragraphs1)

Sub-heading 2 (3-4 paragraphs)

Sub-heading 3 (3-4 paragraphs)

Conclusion (10% of word count) – Don’t use a sub-heading!

Summarise key points (what were the main points/findings?)

Place discussion in broader social context (what do these points/findings mean more broadly?)

On how to write an academic paper: 7 Steps

1. Identify issues What is the question asking? What are the key terms in the question? What kind of research is required here? 2. Outline your paper Create skeleton structure Identify initial areas of interest Scope your work 3. Identify and read Identify a number of key resources Begin reading BEFORE you being writing Creates informed critical analysis rather than seeking confirmation 4. Commence writing Write clearly, concisely, effectively Tie your discussion to the overarching question Ensure you are writing from an informed standpoint, not making claims and then seeking evidence.

5. Undertake requirement checks Word count met? In-text citations flawless? References on new page, alphabetical, flawless? No claims without evidence? Read over marking rubric (See Unit Guide) – missed anything? 6. Read aloud to unwary victim No experience necessary, but peer review fine Ask them to stop you when something makes no sense! Ask them to say “citation” whenever you’re making a claim. 7. Submission Final read through Turnitin – all good? Ensure fully submitted, not just draft. Enjoy indulgence of choice for finishing!

1 See section on Paragraphs, p 2

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On paragraphs: ■ Paragraphs separate your work into thematically relevant sections. They let you identify, then

unpack, points throughout your paper. ■ 3-5 sentences per paragraph (AVOID THE GIANT WALL OF TEXT) ■ Average sentence 23 words (JUST A GUIDELINE!) – avoid run on sentences

– TOPIC –main idea/statement/argument – EVIDENCE –what examples, information, evidence support this analysis? – ANALYSIS –how does the evidence prove/disprove the topic/main idea? Is the

information/source valid? What alternative arguments could apply and need to be addressed?

– LINK –link your discussion back into the overarching question. On integration, research, and plagiarism:

 Build critical work by ensuring that you are supporting your claims with evidence.

 If you are unsure of how to begin your research, considering consulting the library and e- databases which have access to a huge number of journals for your perusal.

 Never copy and paste – think about why you want to include the source. Is it making a point, claim, statement of fact, or providing a statistic? Identify what is relevant and then paraphrase and integrate it into your paper.

 Ensure you are giving credit to authors when using ideas and concepts (including seemingly general ideas, such as the key points of a relevant theory).

 NCPS has a strong policy on academic misconduct available here.

 Examples of academic misconduct include: Academic fraud, cheating, misrepresentation, commissioning or buying assessment tasks, accepting a commission to write all or part of an assessment and/or selling assessments , plagiarism, collusion, and recycling.

 While discussing requirements and ideas with other students is an important and useful part of learning, make sure you do not work ‘together’ on assessments.

Other tips:

 Know what you’re doing – understand the question and pick it apart.

 Formatting your paper well so that it is easy to follow and well laid out is critical. Make it easy for your marker to decipher your work and identify your key points.

 Editing, proof reading, and checking your work for flow and clarity are key.

 Include nothing on your reference list that isn’t used in your paper.

 Ensure you are using all your word count! Better to have to cut down than bulk up. o Remember that your bibliography does not make up part of your word count.

 READ ALOUD TO A WILLING FAMILY MEMBER/FRIEND!

 Consult the marking criteria to see what we’re looking for when your papers are being marked.