How you write a critique will depend in part on what you are being asked to critique (e.g. a critical review of literature or a critique of a theory). However, in general when you are being asked to critique something you are being asked to assess it (e.g. in the case of a theory or argument is it overall strong/weak, significant?). One good way to approach a critique is to break it into stages: Identify the argument/main point/s and the evidence/reasons given in support of them: Understanding what is being critiqued is an important first step in being able to evaluate it. Assess/evaluate the evidence/reasons given in the argument/main point/s: Are the evidence/reasons weak or strong, why? One way of assessing/evaluating...Read more
Make sure you know which referencing style you should be using. If your lecturer has not specified a style, then you may be able to choose. If you are allowed to choose, then APA style is a good choice, as there is a lot of help available regarding...Read more
Lab report structures can vary (so check your assignment instructions carefully). But a standard lab report structure includes the following: Abstract (only sometimes included) Introduction Method Results Discussion The purpose of a lab report is...Read more
Business report structures can vary (so check your assignment instructions carefully). But a standard inductive business report usually has the following kind of structure: Executive summary (this is only sometimes included) 1...Read more
Spending a little time writing a clear essay plan before your start writing is a great investment: it’ll save you time and help keep you focused on the question. Here is one way of planning an essay: Take some time to read and analyse...Read more
StudyUp sessions next week are as follows: Writing tips: Short, sharp, and to the point (Developing a good academic writing style. Covers writing tips, avoiding sentence trouble, and saying what you mean. Also presents useful editing tips.)...Read more
Start by reading and making notes on the relevant study materials in your Stream Check your assignment instructions regarding extra/additional/outside sources. Sometimes you may be asked to use a minimum of one or more outside sources (i.e. outside...Read more
StudyUp sessions next week are as follows: Don’t shout, just argue: Refining the thesis statement and perfecting those paragraphs Tuesday 22 March: 7:30am, 12:00 noon, 7:00pm Say what? How to read for meaning: Work out what...Read more
There are lots of different ways of taking notes (such as mind maps and charts). Regardless of the method you use it is a good idea to try and organise the points in your own way and use your own words (thinking about how to put something in your...Read more
StudyUp: Online workshops on avoiding plagiarism and critical reasoning StudyUp sessions next week are as follows: In your own words: How to avoid plagiarism (What is considered plagiarism at university level, and techniques for...Read more
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