ACADEMIC WRITING TEMPLATE

Work through this proforma step by step to develop your essay or report
STEP 1 Analysing the question
You cant answer a question if you do not understand all of its
terms.
Here you are clarifying the task. Gain a better understanding of
Reading carefully ensures that you answer the question.
what the question is asking.
A good interpretation helps you plan your answer.
At all points, consider how the topic fits into your unit.
It is important for you to realise that each question requires
some kind of analysis and interpretation, in order to determine
an appropriate way of responding to it.
Action Record
Write out the whole question, topic thesis..

If you do not have a question write a sentence to

explain what it is you need to do for the writing task.

Record defining words (the overall topic) , key words

or concepts eg social class, creative industries,
oligarchy, heroic tradition, pain management, imperial
power

Record directive words (what you have to do with the

topic (the task) these words often give you a clue to the
structure the essay should follow, e.g. if directive word is
compare then you present a comparison in your writing).
- words that give direction for approaching the essay
e.g. discuss, evaluate, compare, analyse, find causes,
contrast, investigate, categorise, identify, interpret,
describe, illustrate, differentiate, explain, criticise,
summarise, justify..

Record limiting words (set some scope or narrow the

area of focus)
words that limit your topic e.g. in the past 5 years, in
children, 2 theories

Record content words (these refine an aspect of the

task or directive word)

Restate your question, topic, thesis here in your own

words.

The advantage of doing this is that you should now be very

clear about what it is you need to write about. If you cannot
explain this satisfactorily in your own words, seek some clarity
from your lecturer/tutor.

Say/Ask: I am not sure what this question is asking me to do.

Academic Writing Template 1

STEP 2 Brainstorm
Brainstorming and concept mapping are strategies used Here you consider:
to gather your thoughts from your existing knowledge of What do I know?
a topic. This information may come from readings, What do I need to find out?
lectures and tutorials.

Action Response
1.Give yourself a time limit
2.Remember that this is only the
beginning of your thinking, you will need to
Develop either a list OR a concept map of your thinking
add on to this list/map as your
understanding of the topic expands.
3. Ask: who, what, when, where, why, how
(5W + 1H)
Draw a Concept Map to record your thinking

Content words

Main theme or topic

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STEP 3 Develop Focus Questions To lead your research
Ask what do I need to know?
Example questions
Content?
Who is affected by this?
Academic literature?
Where is the (problem)?
Refer to your concept map
When (at what point) are .?
Why is this (issue) important?
Check you are on topic
How can this be addressed?
Do I need to know about?
Check unit objectives, assessment guidelines and marking criteria
What are the points of view of others?

Action Record
Based on what you have realised in your brainstorm
ask What, Why and How?

What do I need to know more about?

What research has been undertaken?

What topics/ theories have been covered?

Who is the writer/researcher?

Who has said what about this topic?

Eg Smith theory of.

What can I find to support my thinking?

Who agrees with my ideas/ opinions / thesis

Remember
Well-focused questions are precise.
Well-focused questions ask for useful information.
Well-focused questions can be answered with
meaningful information.
Well-focused questions encourage inquiry and
research.
And of course, well-focused questions have to be
questions (not statements).

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STEP 4 Browse the Literature
Gather information that responds to your FOCUS
QUESTIONS. Remember to use your Unit readings, CMD and texts as
Ask a librarian for assistance with database searches if a starting point.
necessary.
Action
Go to the source for your information.
With your focus questions in mind:
look for key words/concepts
carry out combined searches
refer to general texts, specialized texts (relating to your field), journals, government publications and newspapers

No notes at this stage SKIM read no deep reading at this point

Think about the types of material you will be using:

Record those references that have potential Factual information; ideas, hypothesis; theories;
opinions; evidence; experience

So that you do not need to constantly update information for your final reference list, record it here as you go.

Title Author / Editor Year Publication Main Points (relevant to

Type topic)
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

You can add more as required

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STEP 5 Analyse the Literature
Does the literature match your information requirements?
New information may change your ideas about what you thought you needed.
You may need information and sources you did not expect or you may have too much information.
Action
Use critical thinking strategies to evaluate sources. Ask the 5W & 1 H

Select sources according to their relationship to your focus questions

Photocopy or borrow publications Read in depth

Selectively underline or note key words, phrases or Use focus questions as headings
ideas
Determine the worthiness of the source of information.
Unless you can be sure that the information you are using is reliable, you should focus on using resources located from the
Library i.e. texts, journal articles from scholarly publications.
Using your Unit Outline and 2. Authenticity: What are the 4. Coverage : Is adequate
Marking Criteria evaluate the author(s) credentials? Was the detail provided? Is the
Sources and identify those most information published in a information too basic, too
useful and appropriate for your recognised (or peer- complex or relevant?
purposes reviewed/refereed) journal? 5. Currency : Was the item
published recently? Is the
Five points to consider when 3. Bias : Are the arguments data current? Was the web
evaluating a resource: presented fairly? Does the author page updated recently?
have an ulterior motive or are they
1.Accuracy : Can you expressing an opinion?
verify the factual information
provided? Is methodology stated?

Focus Question Reference Brief Notes

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STEP 6 Map the Structure
Identifying and developing clear structure before you start to write is vital for two reasons.
It enables;
1. you as the writer to keep track of your thoughts and present your ideas logically and coherently without
getting off the track and;
2. the person marking your work to follow your argument more easily.
Look at directive words for clue to structure, e.g compare, discuss etc

Planning your structure: Comparison

Some common structure formats Problem/solution
Cause/effect
List/sequence

Action
a) Decide on headings even though you may not use the heading in your final presentation

b) Decide on major topics/ themes (check back at your question analysis and brainstorm)

c) Identify what reference you WILL use (discard others)

d) Identify issues you need to follow up on eg clarify the expectations with your lecturer/tutor
(last chance before you start writing)

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 Structure formats
Description structure

Introduction

Body

Main idea 1 Supporting detail A

B
C
Main idea 2 Supporting detail A
B
C
Main idea 3 Supporting detail A
B
C
Conclusion

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Comparison structure (tight)

Introduction

Body

Features to be Theory 1 Theory 2

compared
A

Conclusion

Cause/Effect Structure

Introduction

Cause Effect 1

Effect 2

Effect 3

Conclusion

Problem/Solution Structure

Introduction

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 Body

Outline of problem

Present and discuss/compare solutions

Conclusion

Approximate allocation of words for introductions and conclusions

Approximate introduction/conclusion allocation
Number of words in assignment
(combined)
1000 total word count 200
2000 total word count 300
3000 total word count 500
% of Total word count
Introduction 10% of word count
Body 80% of word count
Conclusion 10% or word count

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 The Introduction

Focus attention
Focus on topic/clarify the topic
Define key words/concepts if
necessary
Provide an overview of the paper
Explain the purpose of the paper
Briefly outline the issues/theme
Restate the problem/question
1 or 2 paragraphs?

The Body

Topic sentence
Support with detail, examples,
references
Use a thread or through line (get the
flow happening)
- Link sentences
- Link paragraphs
- Link forwards
- Link backwards
Use signal words/signposts for the
reader
Pick up (repeat) words
Use pronouns

The Conclusion
General comments relevant to the
topic
No new information to be
introduced
Answer question/issues raised
Pick up threads and synthesise
Leave reader with a thought
yours
Way forward?
Future research?

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STEP 7 Write a draft and Incubate
Start at the body & number the issues then conclusions and introductions
Easier to summarise and conclude once you have the body clearly structured.
Work out the order to introduce your ideas, using your Write your draft quickly it is only a draft. Write under
notes/headings and points each heading (you can remove it from your final draft
but it helps you focus as your write.
Dont worry about style, spelling, grammar or Follow your concept map
references.
Relate all writing to the marking criteria consider the unit objectives

Allow your draft time to sit. Give yourself a break Ban perfectionism!
from the task (at least 24 hours) before your return to it
for the final step
Topic Sentence introduces key idea
Every paragraph requires a topic sentence to assert and control its main idea. Without a
topic sentence, your paragraphs will seem jumbled and your reader will be confused.
- Does the topic sentence declare a single point of my
argument?
- Does the topic sentence further my argument? (Ask
so what).
- Is the topic sentence relevant to my thesis? (it may be clear to you but what about your
reader).
- Is there a clear relationship between this topic sentence and the paragraph that came
Second and/or final before? (use transitional phrases - on the other hand, however, etc. to signify the change in
draft reasoning).
Check that you have - Where have I placed my topic sentence? (Mostly at the beginning of a paragraph. You
written effective might justify the topic sentence in the middle of the paragraph, for example, if you have
paragraphs information that needs to precede it. It could also go at the end of the paragraph, if you
want the reader to consider your line of reasoning before you declare your main point).
Subsequent sentences Supporting sentences present the relevant details that elaborate
the point of the topic sentence. They often give you 'how', 'why' and 'what' examples that
relate to the topic sentence. These examples will support or offer proof of the main idea
within the topic sentence. Each sentence adds relevant information to the topic sentence to
enable the point to be established clearly in the reader's mind.
Concluding sentence A concluding sentence rounds off or concludes the paragraph.
In many instances, the concluding sentence may also provide a bridge or pointer to the content of the
next paragraph. The concluding sentence rounds off the paragraph by drawing attention back to the
topic sentence as well as setting the scene for a shift to the next point.

STEP 8 Edit, Proofread, copy and Hand in!

Action
Read for meaning Read aloud
Read for typos and spelling errors Correct
Read for grammar and punctuation errors Copy (paper, email to your ECU WebMail, save to
hard drive, save to disk)
Read backwards (helps identify words out of place) Hand in on time

Academic Writing Template 11

 Editing Checklist
Have I answered the question or task as fully as
possible?
What is my thesis/ central proposition/ main
assertion?
Do I make a clear argument or take a
position about the topic? Do I state that
position in my introduction?
Does my introduction or opening paragraph
prepare the reader for what follows?
Is my essay clearly structured?
Does my assignment have a clear
introduction, a body and a definite
conclusion?
Does the assignment advance in logical
stages?
Are the major points connected? Are the
relationships between them expressed
clearly?
Do the major points all relate to the topic
and contribute to answering the task or
question?
Are my paragraphs clearly connected and coherent?
Does each paragraph begin with a topic
sentence?
Do the sentences flow smoothly and
logically from point to point?
Does each sentence clearly follow on from
the one before?
Does each paragraph state its case clearly
and completely, or should there be more
evidence/ detail?
Are there adequate transitions between
sentences and paragraphs? Are transitions
varied or are they all the same kind?
Are all examples and quotes relevant to
and supportive of my answer?
Are facts and opinions supported with
examples or explanations where
necessary?
Is my written expression appropriate?
Have I used direct and clear language?
Have I explained my ideas clearly and
explicitly?
Have I kept my audience in mind? Have I
said all I need to say so that my reader can
understand, or am I assuming they will
'know what I mean'?
Have I written complete, grammatically
correct sentences?
In long sentences, have I separated related
ideas with commas or semicolons for
easier understanding?
Is my use of tenses correct?
Have I used non-discriminatory language?
Academic Writing Template
Have I fully referenced my sources of information?
Have I referenced all the words, ideas and
information sources I have used in my
assignment?
Have I used a consistent referencing style?
Is there a clear distinction between my
thoughts and words and those of the author(s)
I've read and cited?
Are quotations properly introduced?
Are they accurate?
Are they formatted correctly?
Do the quotations add evidence or provide an
authoritative voice, or am I letting the author(s)
speak for me? Would writing it in my own
words be more effective?
Have I remained within or exceeded the set word limit?
I don't have enough words:
Have I fully answered the question or task?
Do I need to read more? Should I include more
information or discussion?
Have I provided enough evidence to support
my argument/s?
I have too many words:
Have I included only relevant information?
Is there any unnecessary repetition in my
assignment?
Is my written expression as clear and concise
as possible, or is it too 'wordy'?
Have I proof read and revised my assignment for
errors?
Have I checked my spelling? Have I read
through my assignment and not just relied on a
computer spell checker?
Is all my bibliographical information correct?
Have I used correct punctuation? Have I
ended every sentence with a full stop?
Is my assignment well presented?
Does the presentation follow any guidelines
set by my lecturer or school?
Have I included a cover sheet? (assignment
cover sheets are available from your school
office)
Have I made sure my assignment is legible? Is
it typed or written neatly?
Have I used double-line spacing?
Have I numbered pages and used wide
margins?
Have I kept an extra copy?
http://www.lc.unsw.edu.au/onlib/edit.html
Accessed: 290306
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