Online Study Skills Hub: Resit Toolkit

It is Important to Remember: 

In your essay you need to use ideas/theories/arguments from a variety of sources to:

• Show that you understand the arguments and the value of other contributions in the area of research.
• Demonstrate that you have fully researched the subject.
• Demonstrate that you can discuss your opinion/argument in relation to a variety of sources.
• These sources MUST be acknowledged in line with the criteria of your   programme. 

 

What is Plagiarism?

•  Plagiarism is when you copy someone else’s  work or use their ideas in your essay, course work, thesis etc., and then do not acknowledge that you have done this.
•    It is an offence to plagiarise and could lead to programme termination (see academic regulations).
•   You must acknowledge an idea is not your own   even if you do not quote the person directly
•   You must list all sources in your cited references list/bibliography.

 

Checklist

• Do I know which referencing style I need to use: Harvard,   APA, Chicago, MLA or Humanities Guide?
• I know how to quote, paraphrase or summarise work
• I have inserted the in-text references(citations) into my  work correctly – directly after the ideas to which they refer. 
• I have used inverted commas around words that have been   taken directly from the source – quotations

• I have paraphrased appropriately and used quotes sparingly.

• I have included a complete reference listor bibliography for my assignment, organised alphabetically by the surname of the first author. 

• I have used the correct format of referencing in the reference list or bibliography for my source (e.g. a book, website or journal article).

 

It is Important to:

1. Analyse the question

2. Make a mind map

3. Write a plan/outline

4. Gather information

5. Write your first draft

6. Proofread and edit

7. Write your final draft

 

Essay and Paragraph Formations

Essay formation:

• Introduction (10% word count)
• Several body paragraphs, depending on word count
• Conclusion (10% word count)

 

Paragraph formation:

Each paragraph should be its own mini essay and follow the 1-2-3 format:

1. Topic Sentence/Argument (Introduction)

2. Evidence (Body)

3. Significance of evidence or claim. 

4. Link back to the original question (Conclusion)

 

Link: Reading and note taking 

Link: Guide to how to plan and approach Academic Writing

Link: Developing your argument            

Link: Paraphrasing and Summarising

Link: Referencing and Academic Integrity 

 

Checklist

• I have begun at least 2 weeks before the deadline to begin planning and writing it
• I have analysed and broken down the question, so I understand it
• I brainstormed the essay topic and created a mind map
• I worked out how many paragraphs I need, based on the word count
• I ensured that each paragraph is like a mini-essay with a topic, an introductory statement, a body (evidence) and a conclusion

• I completed my first draft
• I proofread my essay twice – once for meaning and once for spelling, punctuation and grammar
• I looked on Moodle and found out where I need  to submit my essay
• I have submitted my essay as per my department’s instructions

 

It is Important to Remember:

• Before you begin revising, try to create yourself a revision timetable and then make sure you stick to this as much as possible.

• Follow the SQP4 Model for revision:  Survey, Question, Predict, Plan, Prepare and Practice.

 

Multiple Choice Questions

• Read the question carefully 
• Before reading the options, what is your first instinct?
• Some questions will be fairly easyto answer: answer those first to give you confidence.
• Check everything has been answered and then STOP! Try not to second guess yourself.

 

Short Answer Questions

• Look over the whole paper and give the questions a ‘can do’ rating. Check the marks allocated.
• Start with a question you can do well.
• Read all parts of the question so you know where it is heading (paying attention to any units, statistics, diagrams, extracts and the context).
• Answer, remaining with  the timing you worked out beforehand. Move on – don’t get carried away by writing too much.
• If you have time left over: Return to any incomplete questions. 
• Proofread your answers for mistakes.

 

Essay and Long Answers 

Remember to plan short answers and essays before writing the answer – including an introduction, a few body paragraphs and a conclusion. 

1: look at the question carefully.

2: briefly list key points.

3: work this into a plan (outline).

4: flesh out to add extra details (facts, theories).

5: begin writing your answer

6: proofread.

 

Checklist 

Survey: I have -

• Read the course aims and learning outcomes.
• Found and analysed past exam papers.
• The paper is ____ hours and I will have to answer ___ questions.
• I am aware of the topics that are likely to be covered.
• Question: I have –
• Thought about my programme
• I need to know _______________________
• I need to learn ____________________

 

Prepare: I have – 

• Gone through my exam folders and notes and have prepared condensed notes of everything I need to remember
• Memorised my key points charts/mind maps
• Recited my key points onto a recorder
• Tested myself 
• Reviewed my index cards with key points drawn on them
• Drawn up a revision timetable and am following the schedule

 

Practicing: I am practicing –

• Positive thinking
• Brainstorming and planning answers
• A plan for my essay questions ahead of time
• Writing sample answers with notes
• Writing sample answers without notes
• I am ready and confident!

 

LINKS

•  Resources - past exam papers