Tasks
1. Read the learner guide on essay writing on Kaplink
Define and interpret the question. Identify the key topics that you will need to research in order to write the essay on this topic. These should be presented as a brainstorm map with definitions of key terms.
2. Conduct a literature search. Locate three articles which would inform your discussion. You may need to review a substantial number of articles to find the ones which are of most use in your essay.
As an example, the quote in the essay question is from an article which is relevant and may be useful to your research.
3. Prepare an annotated bibliography using the three articles. See the annotated bibliography guide on the portal.
a. Reviews should begin with a full bibliographic citation (author, date, title of journal article, name of journal, volume, issue, and pages and access details).
b. Summary of each article. Define the general subject/problem/research areas, the scope (what the author intends to discuss and why), and the central idea/s.
Summarize the author's major findings and conclusions.
c. Analysis/Evaluation. In this section, you must analyze the various parts of each article thoughtfully and carefully so that you can establish its strengths and weaknesses.
Consider the following questions; however, not all will be appropriate for every article.
- What is the objective/purpose of the research discussed in the article? Does the author accomplish this objective?
- Who is the intended audience eg researchers or practitioners? Is the writing style appropriate for this audience?
- What is the effect of the author's language? Does the author maintain neutrality/objectivity in choosing words and terms, or are they biased?
- Does the author define any terms? Are the definitions specific, useful?
- Are illustrations, tables or graphs used? Are they the best method to present data or are they unnecessary?
- Is the article recent and appropriately comprehensive?
- Is the journal credible and relevant to your discipline area? Is it peer reviewed?
- Does the author suggest areas for further research or discussion? What is the size of the reference section? Are the references recent, important? Are they used for support the discussion and/or provide an alternative point of view?
4. Provide a brief (500 word) answer to the essay question based on the articles. You may use further references. Clearly in this word limit, you will not be able to provide a comprehensive answer, but you should present a concise answer to the whole essay question. Ensure that intext referencing and reference list is correct.