Magic Formula PDF

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Summary

"Magic formula" for essay writing provided by the lecturer. Extremely useful for all assessments in this course and other English courses....

Description

Magic Formula™ for Essay Writing (Brigitta Olubas) Magic Formula!  Once you’ve thought through your argument in broad terms, devise a plan based on 200-250 word paragraphs (formula!) o Therefore, essay word limit ÷ 200 = number of paragraphs o 1 paragraph = 1 claim (point or argument) o An odd number of paragraphs is preferred, so adjust word limit of each paragraph accordingly e.g. 2000 word paragraph ÷ 200 = 10, max. 9 paragraphs/ points should be used

Essay planning and Drafting:  Essays can be planned or drafted one of two ways:  Plan A: (Magic Formula first) o Determine how many points/paragraphs are needed for the word count o Devise the arguments or points that you want to make  In the planning phase you can use subheadings to break it down or visually organise it, but remove them later.  Under each subheading put relevant quotes and criticisms, from these build the statement  The claims should be the basis for the topic sentence and must relate to the proposition, thesis statement or overall argument o Use this plan to ensure to create and edit the first draft, as well as restructure paragraphs or sentences.  Plan B: (Magic Formula later) o Write the draft of your essay, using whatever structure or writing methods normally used o Use the magic formula to edit the first draft

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 Ensure that the essay meets the requirements for points given  Refine overall structure, paragraphing and sentences Your argument/ the proposition o Indicates the issue at hand (does not necessarily offer your perspecitve) o Essays begin as debatable propositions about which the author form a subjective conclusion on o Propositions must be supported using evidence and an explanation of how and why. o The sequence:

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 Proposition is offered  Supporting evidence is provided  Logic is used to develop the proposition and evidence into case o Your essay must present an argument, which is stated in the introduction (thesis statement), developed through the paragraphs, and reflected on in the conclusion Checklist: o Do you have a clear overall argument? o Does each paragraph move the argument forward logically? o Do you have evidence (from the text) to support the claims you make? o Have you explained how the evidence (e.g., quoted passage) supports your claim?  which words?  why/how? o How do you refer to the author and audience?  Remember that the author may be separate from the narrator, especially in poems.  Author, reader, audience, narrator, speaker etc are all appropriate terms to use. o Have you used critical material judiciously to inform your reading of the text and/or your argument?  Learned from the other perspectives rather than just found ones to suit your argument, a method confirmation bias – not considering other views (whether you agree or not) o Does your sentence say something? (how, what and why, always!) o Are you using an appropriate referencing style?

Time Management:  Create a plan  Break the assessment/project down into smaller manageable tasks o Put time limits or due dates on the tasks, if helpful  Begin with the body of the essay (it is more efficient to do so)  Do the assessment/project in bits, with regular breaks if necessary  Refine and clarify your argument, topic sentences and structure after the first draft

Editing and Proofing:  Read your draft aloud  Change the font, print a copy and edit it  Ask:

o What am I saying here? o Is my argument or claim clear? o Have I considered other perspectives?

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o Have I provided evidence? Have I explained the evidence properly? (What and how) o Are these words necessary or padding? Be a cold and cruel critic – give yourself actionable feedback only o Situation > impact > actioned required o E.g., topic sentence is not clear > weak and disorganised paragraph > put draft aside, ask: “what am I trying to claim?” and write down the answer simply. Then, intergrate into paragraph through restructuring or rewording. Check referencing...