Welcome to the UTS HELPS online video tutorial.
This short video is designed to acquaint you with the essentials for
building an effective introduction to your essay;
as well as briefly explaining the English language support services we
offer
to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Most students at tertiary level institutions will be required to write
essays,
reports, case studies, literature reviews and reflective journals
as part of their course requirements. Writing
is one of the most challenging macro skills that students need to develop
when studying at university level. And so today
we are going to concentrate on the essay writing genre.
It is important to appreciate that the basic structure of an essay
comprises three parts. Firstly there is the introduction
which explains to the reader exactly what the writer is going to say.
Then, the body in which the writer 'elaborates'
argues, demonstrates or solves a certain
issue. Finally, there is 'the conclusion'
in which the writer summarises the critical points at the essay
and restates the main argument or purpose.
In this video we're going to focus on
writing your introduction from a grassroots level.
The introduction is the window to your essay
and needs to invite the reader 'in'. The first question examiners or assessers
will ask is
"has the student understood the point of the question?"
We will try to make it clearer for you by actually using
a sample introduction that was written for a real-life
academic essay. Please refer to the assignment question
on the right hand side of the screen. Notice
the keywords. In this case they're
'academic learning and literacy centers'. Also notice these keywords:
'the most effective approach'. Regardless of the topic
or the task, it is very important to understand and analyse the assignment
question
before embarking on any assignment writing exercise.
A clear interpretation of the question
and a 'well structured' plan are essential.
This may involve discussing your questions,
needs and concerns with your Tutor Lecturer or Subject Coordinator
to clarify the assignment question or
by speaking to a HELPS advisor. Naturally,
you'll need to do some background reading to consolidate your ideas
before you start planning your essay.
Many students are
confused as to what to include in an introduction.
Try following this simple formula.
Firstly, start off with
'background information'. This will provide context for your reader.
Then, include the focus
or topic of your essay. In this case it's
'academic learning and literacy centers'. Be sure to express your thesis statement
or main argument. In this case it's 'the most effective approach'.
Providing some sort of scope
or limitation, will help to narrow down the topic of your essay.
You should also include
a preview or a map as to the structure
of your essay; and if necessary include
a definition of special terminology.
Let's imagine then, that we've spent some time
and worked on our first draft of our essay and have written an introduction
to the essay question.
We can analyse the text in our sample introduction and look at the elements it
needs to contain.
This is the first paragraph of the introduction. You don't need to read all
of the text that appears on the screen;
however, you can rewind this video tutorial and press 'pause'
should you wish to read the text in more detail at a later stage.
You will notice that the first sentence which
in this case is the topic sentence provides a broad statement
leading into a paragraph that contains general information on the subject
matter.
This is designed to orientate the reader
and provide them with some sort of context beforehand.
It is absolutely critical to prepare your reader with this type of background
information.
Do not immediately launch into your argument.
In the second paragraph you will notice that the keywords from the assignment
question
clearly indicate the topic of the essay. After having read
the background information in the previous paragraph, this will help the
reader to focus on the specific subject
area. Further into this paragraph
you'll find the 'thesis statement' which explains the purpose
of the entire essay. This does not have to be restricted
to a single sentence and can cross over into several
subsequent sentences. Try to use a variety of academic language
that articulates the claim that is being made.
Remember that good variation in your choice of vocabulary and sentence
structure
is the key to successful writing. This
is the topic. And this
is the thesis statement or purpose.
This is the third
paragraph of our introduction which contains a preview of the essay.
This functions as a kind of map to navigate the reader.
We can tell that this is a preview from the use of keywords
such as, 'this essay will focus on'.
Notice that further into this paragraph
signposting language is used to designate the structure of the essay.
For example phrases such as 'the first',
'second' and 'last section'.
Notice too
that even a preview into the conclusion is mentioned here.
This outline of your essay
will set up a sort of contract with your reader
explaining what you will deliver to them in the body of your essay.
In this paragraph certain terminology that carries a specific meaning or
references explained
to ensure that the reader does not misinterpret
any information explained in the body of the essay.
Notice the use of these phrases. These definitions may not always be necessary
and you should use your own discretion based
on the subject material.
Ensure
that you let your introduction speak for itself.
Try to create an introduction
that captures the target reader; and don't let the target reader
second-guess what you're trying to say.
Now let's summarise the main points of this tutorial.
Remember to follow the formula
to structure your introduction. The real value
writing introductions based on a simple structural formula
is that you're more likely to feel confident about what you're writing.
As you develop your writing skills you can modify your style to suit your needs.
Be sure to provide a map
by 'previewing' or 'outlining' your essay so that your target reader
is at no time unsure which way you are going
and where you're taking them. Remember
if you lose your target reader you also lose marks in your assessment
it's as simple as that. The introduction should point them in the right direction
giving them a clear idea of 'what is to follow'.
HELPS is
dedicated to providing english-language and academic literacy
support
to UTS undergraduate and postgraduate course students
via 'free' non-credit programs and services.
Daily workshops
are delivered throughout semester and target reading, writing, speaking and
referencing skills.
They are a great way to bring your academic literacy skills
up to speed. 'Drop in' sessions
allow you to ask general questions about your studies and assessments.
They are approximately 10 to 15 minutes in duration
and they did not require a booking. If an advisor
has decided that you need more assistance then
you may be booked in for a forty minute consultation.
'Write Now' writing clinics are designed
to provide a space and an opportunity for you to work on your own assignment
with the HELPS Advisor on hand to answer your questions while you work.
'Conversations at UTS' is a great opportunity
to practice your English speaking skills and meet new people.
The HELPS website
also provides an online self-study guide to essential
academic skills. Our holiday courses are intensive English programs
that are delivered separately and cover academic writing,
pronunciation and presentation courses. Designed to fast track your progress
in the skills areas. For further information
hop on to our website. HELPS
is located in building one, level 3
room 8 - opposite the Careers Service and near the cafe.
Our contact details appear on your screen.
Please feel free to drop in and have a talk to one of our advisors
at any time. We're at your service.
Thank you for watching and thank you for listening.