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[tinyjo]

Got my first OU assignment back in the post today. The verdict seems to be basically pretty good but needs to use more commas, be more explicit about defining concepts and terms and refer back to the evidence more. I guess my previous academic writing was in philosophy where mostly you directly quoted or you didn't so I find it a bit more awkward to get into the social science mode where you also reference results you're describing in the text at the point you use them (I just had a sources list at the end instead). Still, overall, I get a smiley face, which is good.

Comments

[swisstone.livejournal.com]

I guess my previous academic writing was in philosophy where mostly you directly quoted or you didn't so I find it a bit more awkward to get into the social science mode where you also reference results you're describing in the text at the point you use them (I just had a sources list at the end instead).

If it helps, you are in the 99% of students who don't get this to start with. Of those, 90% never are able to get their heads around referencing beyond direct quotation. (And it's not just a social science mode - it is, or ought to be, best practice in arts and humanities as well.)

[tinyjo.livejournal.com]

Huh - I never imagined it would be so widespread. I just figured it was because of my very limited essay writing background at this level so that's good to know. I got a whole bunch of handouts and notes from my tutor to help next time round so hopefully, I can do better :)

[swisstone.livejournal.com]

I never imagined it would be so widespread.

It's the hardest thing to get across to students - well, that and answering the question rather than writing about what interests them.