In the audiogram (mini podcast) our Learning Development Mentor helps students with their studying dilemmas. In this episode a student asks "How do I form an argument? " Further information about academic writing can be found on the
skills hub.Hi Mya here, a University Learning Development mentor. I'm also a student at the uni, and I'm here to share my top tips with you today. Let's dive right into it with today's theme of: "Top mark essays and how to get them". So let's get an answer to today's burning question "How do I form an argument?"
The first thing you should do is write out what the argument is that you're going to make. From this list, all your reasons behind behind this argument. With a more linear argument, you can list of the pros and cons of your argument, with more complex topics you could create a mind map that includes key words and ideas relating to your topic. Think about the points you're trying to make and what information is right in both relating your point, as well as convincing others why they should see it that way. Write as many notes as you need for this, it's good to get all your ideas down and sort them out structure in your essay, it is crucial that whenever you make a point in your essay, you back up with the source never make a sweeping statement. A range of sources can be found in places such as Nelson, Google Scholar and the library. When you have your own sources, link them back to the point you make and use these sources to back up and refine your points. When you come to structuring your argument in your essay. Decide what paragraphs will talk about, what points and how you will link them together.
Don't forget answers to more questions, links to show notes, resources and more are available on the skills hub. Simply type Skills Hub Northampton into Google, and away you go!