b)     If you were to analyse that theory, what would you expect them to write? (2 mins)  

c)      What is the difference between what you wrote (or what you would expect your students to write) for (a) and (b)? Discuss this with a neighbour and add your ideas to what you wrote earlier (3 mins)

d)     What in particular are the key words or short phrases that mark out (b) as different from (a)? I.e. what are the clues we should be looking for in a students’ work that tell us they are not just describing but analysing? (3 mins)

2.     Practice turning writing from being descriptive to analytical to better support students

3.     Revisit academic essay conventions; in particular writing a concise, purposeful introduction

All material for this session can be accessed via this link:

1. Intro, 2. Main body, 2. Conclusion
Or: 1. Tell them what you are going to tell them, 2. Tell them, 3. Tell them what you just told them

Other key conventions of academic essays:  

·       Usually avoid first person (I) – unless specifically referring to own practice 

·       Reference to events and agents in the present tense e.g. 'it is clear that...', 'what Reynolds tells us is that...' 

·       The introduction clearly sets out the purpose and content of the essay

·       A conclusion does not present new material but briefly summarises content and/or restates a position

A good introduction should: 

·       Succinctly state the purpose and content of the assignment – tell the reader what to expect 

·       Give the marker confidence that the assignment brief/ essay title will be addressed directly 

·       If necessary, frame the parameters or scope of your assignment 

·       State or hint at the arguments you will present 

Imagine you were given this essay task:
‘Write a short essay about how to structure and write an analysis of a key concept within your course that your students need to understand.’  

·       Decide what you your essay should contain by making a mind map or bulleted list. 

·       Decide on an order in which to address your key points. 

·       Write an introduction that simply states what your essay will cover. 'This essay will …' 

Extension: You may also want to include a little background or justification for why you are doing this i.e. what your essay aims to achieve.