structure, argument and essays

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT of Student Writing

  • Definition: Summative assessment is used at the end of a lesson to evaluate student performance. It may include various forms of evaluation to assess overall understanding and competence.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

  • Definition: Formative assessment is used to monitor student learning and provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve their teaching and by students to improve their learning.

Common Problems in Student Writing

Major Issues

  • Over-elaborate Style: Students often believe that a more complex vocabulary or style sounds more academic.

  • Excessively Long Sentences and Paragraphs: Writing tends to lack clarity due to over-complicated constructions.

  • Not Addressing the Question: Essays may stray from the prompt, failing to engage with the actual question or topic.

  • Unclear Argument Signposting: Arguments may not be clearly indicated or structured throughout the essay.

  • Conclusion Introducing New Material: Conclusions may improperly include ideas or information not previously discussed in the essay.

Avoiding Common Writing Problems

Focusing on the Question

Step 1: Read the Question Thoroughly

  • Action: Carefully identify the question posed by the seminar tutor. Example questions:

    • Q1: To what extent do you agree with the argument put forward by the author(s) of the readings for Seminar 5?

    • Q2: Why do historians disagree about the past? Refer to one area of historical debate and themes explored during this module.

    • Q3: What is the relationship between evidence and historical interpretation? Discuss one historical area with reference to module readings.

    • Q4: How should historians handle past events with no written evidence? Refer to one historical study area and core themes.

Step 2: Maintain Focus on the Question

  • Sample Strategies for Q1:

    • Understand the author's argument; utilize skills from reading relevant articles (e.g., Linda Colley’s) to write an abstract.

    • Use footnotes and bibliographies to strengthen your arguments.

    • Attend office hours for clarification on approach and sources.

    • Engage with module readings on making and finding arguments relevant to the assignment, particularly those from Weeks 5 to 11.

    • Consistently refer to writing guides and marking criteria available on the Year 1 Learning Central Organization Page.

Argument Signposting in Writing

Clear Argument Signposting

  • Issue: Students often fail to establish a clear argument.

  • Solution: Develop an effective introduction.

    • Advice: Do not panic if your argument is unclear at the outset. Focus on reading and writing to refine your argument as you progress.

Crafting an Introduction

  • Key Elements of an Effective Introduction:

    • State your argument clearly.

    • Define any key terminology.

    • Clarify your periodization or thematic focus.

    • Show engagement with primary and secondary sources.

Sample Question and Avoidance of Poor Introduction Phrasing

  • Sample Question: What are the main similarities and differences between chocolate and salted caramel ice cream?

  • Phrases to Avoid in Introductions:

    • "This essay will explore the similarities and differences between…"

Example Effective Introduction

  1. Sample Introduction 1:

    • This essay argues that chocolate and salted caramel ice cream are largely different regarding sweetness, savouriness, popularity, and quality of flavour. Salted caramel is superior as it balances sweetness and saltiness, aligning with consumers’ expectations shaped by popularity.

    • Structuring Points: Sweetness, Savouriness, Popularity, Quality of Flavour.

  2. Sample Conclusion:

    • The critical comparison metrics here are sweetness and popularity, most evident in ice cream consumption literature and advertisement trends from the 1920s onward.

Counterarguments in Essay Structure

  • The essay can benefit from addressing potential counterarguments to strengthen the overall argument.

  • Response Types:

    • Present a counterargument and then reinforce the original argument's importance.

Common Issues Related to Conclusions

  • Conclusion that Introduces New Material: This is discouraged as the conclusion should summarize findings rather than add new ones.

Importance of Editing

  • General Advice: Editing is crucial in refining student writing. Regular reviews and revisions are necessary to enhance written communication.

Closing Notes

  • Writing effectively is a complex task that requires continuous practice and reflection. Utilizing resources, seeking feedback, and revising work are indispensable parts of the writing process.