Intro to Academic Writing DCU Writing Centre Writing

Intro to Academic Writing DCU Writing Centre

Writing at University －What does academic writing look like?

Academic writing Mindfulness may not only be applicable for the prevention of relapse in depression, but also for the treatment of acute depressive symptoms. Hofmann et al. (2015) conducted a meta -analytic review of effect sizes in 39 studies evaluating the efficacy of mindfulness based approaches in treating symptoms of depression. They found that, overall, mindfulness based therapies for people with depression had a large effect size (0. 95). The study’s authors note that theirs was the first largescale and scientifically rigorous meta-analysis in this field. Furthermore, the large effect size revealed here was identical to that revealed previously for the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (Butler et al. 2016). This indicates that mindfulness is potentially as effective as the commonly used and broadly scientifically validated cognitive behavioural therapy approach, and that more research is needed to compare the two methods for long-term efficacy, cost benefits and appeal to patients.

What is different about academic writing? 1. Audience 2. Tone 3. Language 4. Content 5. Perspective 6. Aim Mindfulness may not only be applicable for the prevention of relapse in depression, but also for the treatment of acute depressive symptoms. Hofmann et al. (2015) conducted a meta-analytic review of effect sizes in 39 studies evaluating the efficacy of mindfulness based approaches in treating symptoms of depression. They found that, overall, mindfulness based therapies for people with depression had a large effect size (0. 95). The study’s authors note that theirs was the first large-scale and scientifically rigorous metaanalysis in this field. Furthermore, the large effect size revealed here was identical to that revealed previously for the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy (Butler et al. 2016). This indicates that mindfulness is potentially as effective as the commonly used and broadly scientifically validated cognitive behavioural therapy approach, and that more research is needed to compare the two methods for long-term efficacy, cost benefits and appeal to patients.

7 steps to success 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Analyse Brainstorm Research Plan of attack First draft Revise and edit References

Keywords in academic writing: • • Planning; Critical thinking; Referencing; Well-supported points (Structure) Evidence-based arguments; Logical development (Language) Grammar (Editing)

Structure and Language

Paragraphs give your writing structure. Each paragraph should cover one idea or one aspect of an idea. A paragraph consists of a topic sentence, a number of support sentences, and an optional concluding sentence

The introduction of university education has also had a major impact on the role nurses play within patient care. As nurses have been able to develop their knowledge and skills away from the worries and stress of the work environment, they have become more empowered and more confident in the workplace (Stevens 1992). As a result, they are more likely to offer their opinions as professionals and have a greater role in patient care. This is clearly demonstrated by the work of Maison (2003) who found that university trained nurses were more likely to consult with doctors in trauma and paediatric wards than their hospital trained counterparts. This is a change from the hospital base educated nurses who were well trained but played a relatively insignificant role in planning patient care. In her review analysing the traits of nurses trained in hospitals rather than universities (n=120), Lehane (2001) found that deference to authority, particularly in relation to the doctors, was stressed throughout their training when compared with university trained nurses. University education has therefore led to the advancement of the nursing profession, where nurses now have a voice in patient care plans. However, it must be noted that because university education does not reflect the true nature of the working environment, students often have difficulty adjusting to other aspects of ward work. Adapted from the University of South Australia (2005)

Topic Sentence • Topic and controlling idea • The most general sentence in a paragraph (first) • Every sentence in the paragraph should support the topic sentence. Too Specific The slang expression ‘so long’ is likely a corrupted version of the Arab word for goodbye – Salaam. Too General English has been influenced by many languages. Just Right! The Arabic origin of many English words is not always immediately apparent.

The introduction of university education has also had a major impact on the role nurses play within patient care. As nurses have been able to develop their knowledge and skills away from the worries and stress of the work environment, they have become more empowered and more confident in the workplace (Stevens 1992). As a result, they are more likely to offer their opinions as professionals and have a greater role in patient care. This is clearly demonstrated by the work of Maison (2003) who found that university trained nurses were more likely to consult with doctors in trauma and paediatric wards than their hospital trained counterparts. This is a change from the hospital base educated nurses who were well trained but played a relatively insignificant role in planning patient care. In her review analysing the traits of nurses trained in hospitals rather than universities (n=120), Lehane (2001) found that deference to authority, particularly in relation to the doctors, was stressed throughout their training when compared with university trained nurses. University education has therefore led to the advancement of the nursing profession, where nurses now have a voice in patient care plans. However, it must be noted that because university education does not reflect the true nature of the working environment, students often have difficulty adjusting to other aspects of ward work. Adapted from the University of South Australia (2005)

P This is the point you want to make in support of your topic sentence (POINT). E Provide some evidence to support your point (EVIDENCE). E Make sure you explain why your evidence supports your point. (EXPLAIN) L/C Use this sentence to re-enforce your original point and link to your next point OR your next paragraph. (LINK/ CONCLUDE) What should I do after I have written my topic sentence?

The introduction of university education has also had a major impact on the role nurses play within patient care. As nurses have been able to develop their knowledge and skills away from the worries and stress of the work environment, they have become more empowered and more confident in the workplace (Stevens 1992). As a result, they are more likely to offer their opinions as professionals and have a greater role in patient care. This is clearly demonstrated by the work of Maison (2003) who found that university trained nurses were more likely to consult with doctors in trauma and paediatric wards than their hospital trained counterparts. This is a change from the hospital base educated nurses who were well trained but played a relatively insignificant role in planning patient care. In her review analysing the traits of nurses trained in hospitals rather than universities (n=120), Lehane (2001) found that deference to authority, particularly in relation to the doctors, was stressed throughout their training when compared with university trained nurses. University education has therefore led to the advancement of the nursing profession, where nurses now have a voice in patient care plans. However, it must be noted that because university education does not reflect the true nature of the working environment, students often have difficulty adjusting to other aspects of ward work. P This is the point you want to make in support of your topic sentence (POINT). E Provide some evidence to support your point (EVIDENCE). E Make sure you explain why your evidence supports your point. (EXPLAIN) L/C Use this sentence to re-enforce your original point and link to your next point OR your next paragraph. (LINK/ CONCLUDE) Adapted from the University of South Australia (2005)

This changing role has had an impact on the image of nurses. Previously they were seen as the doctor’s helper where they were ‘disciplined, sober, humble, obedient and never complained about her [sic] work (Stevens 1992, p. 202). Now they are considered to have a more influential role in diagnosis, treatment and prevention as Duffy et al. (1989) discovered in her meta-analysis on the subject. University education has cause a shift in the public’s perception of nurses where the job is now considered ‘worthy of a college degree’ (Duffy et al. , 1989, p. 17). As nurses’ roles have changed in the above ways, they have had a more influential role in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. University education has consequently changed the roles of nurses and their images meaning that nurses are now seen in a more professional standing which has had a significant impact on wages and labour relations. P This is the point you want to make in support of your topic sentence (POINT). E Provide some evidence to support your point (EVIDENCE). E Make sure you explain why your evidence supports your point. (EXPLAIN) L/C Use this sentence to re-enforce your original point and link to your next point OR your next paragraph. (LINK/ CONCLUDE) Adapted from the University of South Australia (2005)

University education has consequently changed the roles A of nurses and their images. This means that nurses are considered professionals which has had a significant impact on wages and labour relations. B C Now they are considered to have a more influential role in diagnosis, treatment and prevention as Duffy et al. (1989) discovered in her meta-analysis on the subject. University education has caused a shift in the public’s perception of nurses where the job is now considered ‘worthy of a college degree’ (Duffy et al. , 1989, p. 17). Previously they were seen as the doctor’s helper where they were ‘disciplined, sober, humble, obedient and never complained about her [sic] work (Stevens 1992, p. 202). This changing role has had an impact on the image of nurses. D E As nurses’ roles have changed, they have had a more influential role in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Adapted from the University of South Australia (2005) Topic Sentence P This is the point you want to make in support of your topic sentence (POINT). E Provide some evidence to support your point (EVIDENCE). E Make sure you explain why your evidence supports your point. (EXPLAIN) L/C Use this sentence to re-enforce your original point and link to your next point OR your next paragraph. (LINK/ CONCLUDE)

This changing role has had an impact on the image of nurses. Previously they were seen as the doctor’s helper where they were ‘disciplined, sober, humble, obedient and never complained about her [sic] work (Stevens 1992, p. 202). Now they are considered to have a more influential role in diagnosis, treatment and prevention as Duffy et al. (1989) discovered in her meta-analysis on the subject. University education has caused a shift in the public’s perception of nurses where the job is now considered ‘worthy of a college degree’ (Duffy et al. , 1989, p. 17). As nurses’ roles have changed, they have had a more influential role in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. University education has consequently changed the roles of nurses and their images. This means that nurses are considered professionals which has had a significant impact on wages and labour relations. Adapted from the University of South Australia (2005) P This is the point you want to make in support of your topic sentence (POINT). E Provide some evidence to support your point (EVIDENCE). E Make sure you explain why your evidence supports your point. (EXPLAIN) L/C Use this sentence to re-enforce your original point and link to your next point OR your next paragraph. (LINK/ CONCLUDE)

Sentences A sequence of words that begin with a capital letter and ends in a full stop. The sentence must make sense as a single unit.

Sentence Writing Tips 1. Create an objective, confident voice Use third person (this means not using 'I') • This essay discusses the importance of. . . • This research shows that. . . • It could be said that. . . Consider your use of tenses You need to be clear about whether you are discussing something that happened in the past or something that is having an impact upon the present. • Smith's (1914) argument illustrates that. . . • Freud's (1904) theory supports the view that. . . • The Industrial Revolution had an impact upon society in a number of different ways. • The interviews were conducted with a group of parents in the Leicestershire area. Adapted from the De. Montfort University Leicester (2010)

A little bit more about writing in the 3 rd person… In this essay, I will examine how gender and ethnicity are factors that can affect buying behaviour among adolescents. A careful examination of how gender and ethnicity are key factors that can affect buying behaviour among adolescents. In my opinion, assisting developing countries to grow crops such as tobacco and opium poppies is not in their best interest long-term. Assisting developing countries to grow crops such as tobacco and opium poppies is not in their best interest long-term.

2. Use appropriate language for your audience and purpose Academic writing need not be complicated, but it does need to have an element of formality. Avoid contractions Avoid: 'don't', 'can't', 'it's', 'should've', Avoid using informal words Avoid: Smith's (2017) bit of research is ok. Smith's research is significant because. . . Minimise you ruse of words like: 'get', 'got' or 'a lot' Try: 'obtain', 'obtained' or 'many' Adapted from the De. Montfort University Leicester (2010)

3. Be clear and concise Keep words simple Avoid: The denotation was obfuscated by the orator. Try: The meaning was hidden by the speaker. Aim for the right word for the right occasion: Crusade against crime VS Campaign against crime The word 'crusade' has connotations of a battle and is more aggressive in tone than the word 'campaign'. 'Campaign' implies a more considered approach Make every word count: Avoid: The theorist called Sigmund Freud wrote a significant piece of work called On Narcissism which offers valuable insights into. . . Try: Freud (1914) offers valuable insights into. . . Avoid any vague words or phrases: Ensure that your reader knows who or what you are referring to when you use words such as: 'it', 'them', 'they' Adapted from the De. Montfort University Leicester (2010)

4. Use language sensitively Avoid expressing strong opinions too directly Academic writing is concerned with presenting your discussion in an objective way, so there is no need to assert your opinions too strongly Avoid: Smith (1998) has an extremely important point to make because Try: Smith's (1998) view is significant because. . . Lean towards caution Your use of language must show that we you making suggestions which contribute to this wider discussion: Avoid: 'This view is correct because. . . ' Try: 'It could be said that. . . ', 'It appears that. . . ', 'It seems that. . . ' Do not stereotype, generalise or make assumptions • This especially applies to individuals or groups on the basis of their gender, race, nationality, religion, physical and mental capacity, age, sexuality, marital status, or political beliefs. Adapted from the De. Montfort University Leicester (2010)

Useful phrases Resource from the University of Manchester http: //www. phrasebank. manchester. ac. uk/

Editing

Why? ? • Presents a well-written and clearly finished piece • Ensures your piece reads well • Enables you to change, rearrange or discard material to clarify points & achieve a well-crafted final product • Illustrates your interest in presenting a refined assignment • Less likely to annoy lecturers • Allows you to improve your writing in future

What should I look for? Voice • Who is the target audience? • Is the voice appropriate to the audience and purpose? • Is the tone too formal/informal? No slang! Cohesion • Do ideas in each sentence flow together? • Is there clear logical flow from the ideas in one sentence to the next? • Do transitions between paragraphs show a connection and/or the reason you have put the paragraphs in that order? • Have you sign-posted to the reader where the essay is going next? Referencing • Have you introduced paraphrased material and/or quotations and cited them? • Have you tried to paraphrase rather than quote word for word? • Is it clear what information, ideas and words are yours and which come from sources? • Do in-text citations & the bibliography list follow the specified format? Criticality • Have you critiqued the sources you’ve referred to and given a reason? • Tip: go through your assignment with a red pen and everywhere you’ve made a critique mark an X. If you don’t have many Xs by the end of the essay that indicates you need to go back and provide more analysis and criticism of the research you’ve cited!

Revising Example ‘Part-time jobs can be perfect for a student if they do not interfere with school. An employer should also offer flexibility with scheduling to accommodate major projects or extracurricular activities for school. Some employers even offer incentive programs designed to encourage students to keep up their grades. Students like having the craic with their friends in school and it has been shown that recreational time can help ease stress. ’

Revising Solution Part-time jobs can be perfect for a student if they do not interfere with school. All employers must follow the state and federal regulations for employing minors (Walsh 2009). An employer should also offer flexibility with scheduling to accommodate major projects or extra-curricular activities for school. Some employers even offer incentive programs designed to encourage students to keep up their grades (Grady 2012). However, studies suggest working increases stress in students (Li et al. , 2015). This occurs because students enjoy interacting with their friends after school and it has been shown that this recreational time can help ease stress (Byrne et al 2008). COHESION: Moving from students to employers COHESION: connection to next paragraph VOICE: slang CITING: reference for the data used to back up the point

Editing Techniques Editing focuses on the mechanical issues within the text: sentence length, spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes

Tips • • Take a break: Put your essay aside for a day or two before editing Read Out Loud: Reading in your head allows your brain to auto-correct some errors. Use a Straightedge: Use a ruler or book & read the paper line by line. This forces you to see each line and each sentence on its own. Tech: Spell check and Grammarly. Friend: Ask somebody to read your piece of writing. Short periods: If possible, do your editing and proofreading in several short blocks of time to help concentration. Shorter sentences: Avoid long, convoluted sentences. Break it up for the reader!

Sentence Length Exercise However it is clear in all three studies that the authors had different findings in terms of the employment factors which impacted on the survey respondents and there was also contrasting evidence when respondents explained their motivation for moving to part-time work and many people still felt under financial pressure even though they had a partner who also worked.

Editing Example ‘It is very impotent that everyone proofreads there paper. When students proofreads there paper, they must take the tome for through examination off what they wrote. The must try too fin the hidden miss takes in the paper. If they doo knot fin the mistakes, then there paper will not red right. Everyone want to make a god impression with there righting. There is no substitute four careful editing off your on wok. .

Editing Solution ‘It is very impotent that everyone proofreads there paper. When students proofreads there paper, they must take the tome for through examination off what they wrote. The must try too fin the hidden miss takes in the paper. If they doo knot fin the mistakes, then there paper will not red right. Everyone want to make a god impression with there righting. There is no substitute four careful editing off your on wok. .

Summary Polishing your essay is a two-pronged process…. Revise Edit …and it requires time!

Further support • The DCU Writing Centre is open to all students at DCU, free of charge. • One-to-one session with a peer tutor who is an expert in the writing process. • Book online through the DCU Writing Centre website. www. dcu. ie/studentlearning/writing-centre