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One way to approach critical thinking in the context of an essay is to break it down into stages.   Start by identifying the argument: What is being argued? What reasons/evidence are given? Evaluate/assess the reason/evidence given and arrive at a conclusion (are the reasons/evidence good/bad, strong/weak? why?)   One way to assess/evaluate an argument/reason/article/topic is to ask (and answer!) the following kinds of questions (which ones are relevant will depend on topic and the nature of the evidence/arguments): Is there other evidence to support this claim? How strong is the evidence? Is there any counter evidence? Do you agree with conclusions (do they follow from the premises)? Why? Are the premises flawed? Why? Are...Read more

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StudyUp sessions next week are as follows:   Don’t shout, just argue – Refining the thesis statement  and perfecting those paragraphs Monday 30 November 2015: 7:30am 12 noon   Say what? How to read for meaning – Work out...Read more

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Usually an introduction includes three parts: A broad opening statement that introduces the broad topic of the essay (a couple of sentences). A link to the topic of the essay – narrowing the focus to the part of the topic the question is asking...Read more

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The first two sessions of StudyUp will be repeated on Thursday 26th November 12-noon to 1pm (with an addition 30 minutes for questions): Hit the ground running (Starting Study: How to get going – Time management skills) and Death by textbook...Read more

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StudyUp sessions next week are as follows:   Referencing: Don’t lose easy marks – Using APA referencing in university assignments Monday 23 November 2015: 7:30am 12 noon   In your own words: How to avoid plagiarism...Read more

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Some tips on taking notes

November 20, 2015

Have a clear purpose: Before reading any text make sure you know what you want to get out of it. This could include things like understanding a theory or argument or finding a definition. Having a clear purpose will help you take more focused...Read more

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StudyUp sessions next week are as follows:   Hit the ground running: Starting Study: How to get going & Time management skills Monday 16 November 2015: 7:30am 12 noon   Death by Textbook: Strategic Reading: what to read, how much to...Read more

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It is often hard to get motivated to study. One good way to keep you motivated is to think about your goals for studying. Start by writing down your long-term goals and then set some short-term goals (for the next few weeks). Keep a copy of your...Read more

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Get revising! Be active

October 30, 2015

Start by making a plan for your study time. Then collect information from the notes you’ve made during the course of the paper. Then pick out the most important points and makes summaries. There are lots of different ways of to organise...Read more

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StudyUp sessions this week are as follows: Preparation makes perfect: Develop some memory skills to use for exam Tuesday 6th October 7:30am Tuesday 6th October 12noon Wednesday 7th October 7pm   Surviving the exam: Strategies for getting...Read more

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