Writing Essays - Part 6 & 7
Contents |
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Congratulations! You have put the first draft down in writing
(or on tape). Put it away for a couple of days, then with
fresh eyes try for an 'objective' perspective. |
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 CHECKING |
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Check your ideas |
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Are they organised
logically and linked well to each other?
Can the reader get the message accurately?
Do they all relate to the assignment?
Does the introduction use wording from the task, define terms,
indicate direction and preview arguments?
Does the body give evidence, examples or explanations in
each paragraph?
Does the conclusion use wording of task, restate the point
of view, sum up points and review? |
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Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation |
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If they are wrong, the reader is distracted from your ideas,
or may misunderstand. It also looks like you didn't take much
care with your work. Use a spelling and grammar checker (computer
or person).
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Check your presentation |
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Have you done what was asked?
Have you produced a double spaced, typed essay, on one side
of A4 paper with 2.5cm margins all round as usual?
Cover sheets with your details on it eg name, course, subject,
assignment number, tutor, due date?
Numbered pages and your name in the corner of each page?
Your bibliography and/ or reference list? |
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EDITING |
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Read it aloud and listen(or tape it). |
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Many people express ideas by speaking, but write unfinished
sentences or don't include commas to break up the message
into chunks, or are far too long. You can usually hear the
mistakes. |
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Proof-read |
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Have you used the best words to connect ideas in the different
parts of your sentences, or between sentences? These
connectors give cohesion, and make it stick together
properly. |
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Check the references |
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Do all the "direct quotes" and paraphrased information
from readings have the following information in parentheses
after the information?
- author's surname
- year of publication
- page numbers |
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Check your bibliography |
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Check your bibliography. Have you listed all sources you
referred to in gathering information for your essay?
Part 7 presents some rules and conventions
for compiling a bibliography. This is known as referencing.
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This guide developed
by Joan Wilson and Siandra Putica, North Coast Institute. Referencing
Guide and practice tasks developed by Vivien Dale and Elizabeth
McGregor, North Coast Institute.
© TAFE NSW, North Coast Institute |
