CSFE Topic 3: Academic writing skills, academic integrity & finding, evaluating and reading sources

Why are academic writing skills important for teachers?

Teachers use writing to communicate professionally through reports, emails to families, behaviour plans, IEPs, assessments and other school documentation.

Give four examples of writing tasks teachers complete.

Reports, emails to families, behaviour plans, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), assessments and school documentation.

Why is clear writing important?

It creates a professional impression and makes information easier for others to understand.

What is the purpose of a paragraph?

To develop one main idea clearly and logically.

How many main ideas should one paragraph contain?

One main idea.

What are the four parts of a strong paragraph?

Topic sentence, evidence, explanation, and a linking sentence.

What is a topic sentence?

The sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph.

Why should ideas flow logically between paragraphs?

It helps the reader follow the argument and improves the overall structure of the writing.

Why should you avoid writing one large block of text?

It is difficult to read and makes your ideas harder to follow.

Why is evidence used in academic writing?

To support claims and strengthen arguments.

Where should evidence come from?

Credible and reliable sources, not personal opinion.

Can one paragraph contain more than one reference?

Yes, if multiple sources are needed to support the ideas.

Why does using evidence improve academic writing?

It makes arguments more convincing and academically credible.

What is academic integrity?

Being honest and ethical in your academic work by acknowledging the work and ideas of others.

Why is academic integrity important?

It maintains honesty, fairness and trust in academic work.

What is referencing?

Giving credit to the original author whenever you use their ideas, words or research.

Why is referencing important?

It acknowledges the original author, supports academic integrity and avoids plagiarism.

What is plagiarism?

Presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own.

Give an example of plagiarism.

Copying words or ideas from a source without acknowledging the original author.

What is collusion?

Working with another student on an individual assessment when it is not allowed.

What is allowed when discussing assessments with classmates?

Discussing ideas and concepts.

What is not allowed when completing an individual assessment?

Writing the assessment together or sharing answers.

What is self-plagiarism?

Reusing your own previously submitted work without permission or acknowledgement.

Why can self-plagiarism be a problem?

Because previous work cannot simply be resubmitted as new work.

What is contract cheating?

Getting another person or AI to complete work that you submit as your own.

What is academic misconduct?

Dishonest behaviour in academic work, including plagiarism, cheating, collusion, self-plagiarism and contract cheating.

How are universities responding to AI?

They are adapting policies and designing assessments to reduce inappropriate AI use.

How should students use AI?

Responsibly and in accordance with university guidelines.

What is the difference between plagiarism and self-plagiarism?

Plagiarism is using someone else's work as your own, while self-plagiarism is reusing your own previously submitted work without permission.

What is the difference between collaboration and collusion?

Collaboration involves discussing ideas appropriately, while collusion involves completing an individual assessment together when it is not allowed.

What is the difference between referencing and plagiarism?

Referencing gives credit to the original source, while plagiarism fails to acknowledge the original source.

What should every academic claim be supported by?

Evidence from credible sources.

What are the three key reminders for academic writing?

One paragraph equals one main idea, every claim needs evidence, and always reference your sources.