Sunday, August 16, 2009

The anatomy of an essay Part 1 - Why an essay?

Hi Grammophiles!






Here are some of the areas which really let people down:

  • Lack of proofreading
  • Not answering the question properly.

Here are some things which attract great marks:



Andrea Duff
PS Thanks Clip Art for this week's graphic.


Andrea Duff said...

It is important to point out that undergrads at UniSA would mostly have essays between 1,500 and 3,000words, although the total number of words for each piece would amount to between 4,000 and 5,000 over the course of the semester/study period.

Terrie Gray, Ed. D. said...

I'd like to take exception to your statement that "objectivity in expression" and avoiding "the first person 'I'" is a way to "attract great marks."

My experience in 5 years of teaching an introductory course in a Master's program for teachers is that most students can't manage to avoid the first person without using stilted constructs and passive voice.

Since most of the essays assigned in my class require the students to analyze their classroom experiences and reflect on their instruction, leaving the "I" out is artificial. Students who try to -- because that's what they were taught long ago -- tend to write dry, awkward papers.

On the other hand, students who are brave enough to put themselves in the paper, tend to write more vividly and concisely. Their papers are vibrant and much, much easier to read.

Using an objective tone may be appropriate when synthesizing research literature, but is definitely not effective when writing experience-based reflections.

Andrea Duff said...

Thanks for this, Dr Gray and for reminding me that in some circumstances the use of 'I' does not preclude a student from obtaining excellent marks.

In Australia, for example, reflective papers require first person. This is particularly the case with essays or reports on teaching placements, nursing placements and other reports which reflect on personal experience and growth.

However, in my own experience as an academic in Australia, mostly there is an expectation of objectivity in academic papers.

Perhaps it's a cross cultural thing?

I'd be interested to hear about others' experiences.

Anonymous said...

It really does depend on the language of the discipline and on the task set. If I was asked to do a reflective piece of writing using the first person would be difficult and cumbersome to avoid. In general, in Australia, the formal academic essay avoids 'I'. This is to ensure the objectivity of the argument and the reliance on good research and resources. Having said this, perhaps it is a culturally determined practice also?