Essay Writing

2014 Trimester 3

Julie Godwin, First year Advisor (Sciences)

 Read the information
Find out what you need to do

• Use essay format: Introduction, Body, Conclusion

• Use APA referencing style
• It is recommended to complete a TurnItIn self-check for
plagiarism before submitting your essay
• Submit by the due date

See the unit information and assessment guide for detailed information
Look at the Essay Preparation Folder on the BIOL110 Moodle homepage
Where are you heading?
Use essay structure

Introduction

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2

Body
Paragraph 3

Paragraph n

Conclusion

Conclusion
 Research
Locating information

• Use the topics provided to guide your research

–Sources may include books, refereed journals, government publications and conference
proceedings, research organisations.

• To find out how to conduct a search and select resources [essential], go to the
Assignment Help Page
• For general library support, go to the library home page
Research
Academic reading and note-making

Use the topics to guide your research

Reading
• Begin reading from general information; move to specific
• Expect to read more than once
• Choose a strategy
Making notes
• Understand before you write
• Organize your notes
― Use topic/section/paragraph headings

Recording source details

• Record bibliographical details of all sources AS YOU GO
― Build your reference list as you go

Use the links to find more information on reading and making notes
Plan
Sort it out
A good essay will always start with a plan. To plan, start by working out how
many paragraphs you need. Next, sort out how many paragraphs you will use
to cover each topic. Finally, list the main points you will cover under the
subheadings you are using in the essay.
1. Work out the number of paragraphs you need
For a 1500 word essay

• Introduction and conclusion are around 10% of word length each

(20% of 1500)
– 1 paragraph intro; 150 words
– 1 paragraph conclusion; 150 words
• How many body paragraphs? Divide body length (1200 words) by
paragraph words (average around 120 words)
– around 10 body paragraphs (1200/120)
Writing
Keep it simple

The hall marks of good science writing are precision, clarity and
brevity.

Scintillate, scintillate, globule aurific.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

Have I said exactly what I mean, and is there a simpler, shorter way
to say it?

Look at ASO information on Science Writing

 Writing essentials
Quick tips

• Always write in complete sentences. Learn about subject verb

agreement.
• Write from an objective viewpoint.
– Assertions and arguments based on evidence
– Avoid the use of I.
• the evidence suggests, it may be concluded
– Avoid emotive language
• Use formal vocabulary.
• Avoid colloquialisms and clichés.
– At the end of the day it boils down to protecting biodiversity because our
children’s future is in our hands
• Avoid contractions and abbreviations.
– Never use e.g., etc., or i.e., in text. [parentheses (e.g., like this) OK]
– do not not don’t
– Its (possessive) or it is but never it’s
Writing essentials
Quick tips

Consider word choice

• Reflect the nature of scientific thinking

• Avoid redundancy, tautology, anthropomorphism.

A tautology is where you say the same thing twice using

different words
• In actual fact: in fact
• Eradicate completely: eradicate
• Grouped together: together
• Exact duplicate: duplicate
 Writing essentials
Quick tips

• Redundancy refers to ‘padding’ words that add no

meaning to the sentence.
• square in shape
• at the present time
• Iron, copper and also gold
• Redundant expressions:
• In the vicinity of near
Anthropomorphism is writing as if a non-human thing
possess human emotions or attributes
• Hermit crabs like to live in snail shells.
• Hermit crabs inhabit snail shells.
 Writing essentials
Quick tips

• Learn about essential punctuation.

– Never use exclamation marks or question marks.
• Upgrade your spelling skills.
– Spell check has limitations
• Sentence and paragraphs must be clear, concise and
logical.
• Use a personal check list.

Look at ASO writing correctly fact sheets for more information

 Be an editor
Review these sentences

The sample population wasn’t divided into two equal halves

The sample population was not divided into halves. 

Bean seedlings grown in the dark went yellow, got etiolated and
eventually died, proving that light are necessary for plant growth.
Bean seedlings grown in the dark were yellow, etiolated and
eventually died, indicating that light is necessary for plant
growth. 

From observations made in aquaria, feeding rates of the fish were

highest at night.
Feeding rates of fish housed in aquaria were observed to be
highest at night. 
 Body paragraphs
Basic structure

A paragraph should:

• Have one major idea or group of smaller related ideas.

• Start with a topic sentence (indicates what the paragraph is
about).
• Contain supporting statements backed up by reference to
literature.
• Use paraphrasing, and minimal (if any) direct quotations.
• Use linking words and phrases to connect your information;
don’t just present facts/points.
• Finish with a concluding sentence if you need to tie up your
line of argument or evidence.
Sample paragraph
Previous essay topic (semi-fictitious)
Temperature is a major factor in the sex determination of some reptiles.
Temperature dependent sex determination (TDS) animals have a pivotal
temperature range within which equal numbers of males and females are
produced. A change in the ambient temperature at a particular time during
incubation, the temperature sensitive period (TSP), can lead to an unequal
male/female offspring ratio (Jones, 2004). The pivotal range for the Spur-
Thighed Tortoise is 30-31oC and the TSP occurs during the middle third of
incubation (Smith & Carter, 2013). In the Loggerhead Turtle, temperatures
beyond the pivotal range during the third trimester result in female biased
sex ratios (Hume, 2012). The Australian lizard, Eulamprus tympanum, has
a unique use of TDS. This reptile can manipulate the sex of offspring by
raising or lowering the incubation temperature to produce dominant male or
female hatchlings (Moy, Lilley, Bell, Tate & Rann, 2003). Griffith and Nealy,
(2009) suggest that at female-producing temperatures oestrogen
production is enhanced. Oestrogen supports ovarian development and
inhibits testis-specific gene expression. In contrast, at male-producing
temperatures, localised oestrogen production is inhibited (Moy et al., 2003).
While the exact mechanisms are unclear, the interaction of temperature and
hormones are important in the sex determination of some reptiles.
 Topic and concluding sentences
Topic sentence
introduces Temperature is a major factor in the sex determination of some reptiles.
subject to be
discussed and Temperature dependent sex determination (TDS) animals have a pivotal temperature range
controls the
paragraph within which equal numbers of males and females are produced. A change in the ambient
temperature at a particular time during incubation, the temperature sensitive period (TSP), can
lead to an unequal male/female offspring ratio (Jones, 2004). The pivotal range for Spur-Thighed
Tortoise is 30-31oC and the TSP occurs during the middle third of incubation (Smith & Carter,
2013). In the Loggerhead Turtle, temperatures beyond the pivotal range during the third trimester
result in female biased sex ratios (Hume, 2012). The Australian lizard, Eulamprus tympanum, has
a unique use of TDS. This reptile can manipulate the sex of offspring by raising or lowering the
incubation temperature to produce dominant male or female hatchlings (Moy, Lilley, Bell, Tate &
Rann, 2003). Griffith and Nealy, (2009) suggest that at female-producing temperatures oestrogen
production is enhanced. Oestrogen supports ovarian development and inhibits testis-specific
gene expression. In contrast, at male-producing temperatures, localised oestrogen production is
Concluding While the exact mechanisms are unclear, the
inhibited (Moy et al., 2003). .
statement
links to the interaction of temperature and hormones are important in the sex
topic
sentence
determination of some reptiles.
Support sentences
Temperature
Temperature is a major factor in the sex determination of some reptiles.

Information
dependent sex determination (TDS) animals have a pivotal temperature
to support/ range within which equal numbers of males and females are produced. A
expand
topic change in the ambient temperature at a particular time during incubation,
sentence Abbreviation
the temperature sensitive period (TSP), can lead to an unequal in brackets
on first use
male/female offspring ratio (Jones, 2004). The pivotal range for Spur-
Thighed Tortoise is 30-31oC and the TSP occurs during the ‘middle third of
incubation’ (Smith & Carter 2013). In the Loggerhead Turtle, temperatures
Examples beyond the pivotal range during the third trimester result in female biased Correct
use of
sex ratios (Hume, 2012). The Australian lizard, Eulamprus tympanum, has scientific
name
a unique use of TDS. This reptile can manipulate the sex of offspring by
raising or lowering the incubation temperature to produce dominant male or
female hatchlings (Moy, Lilley, Bell, Tate & Rann, 2003). Griffith and Nealy,
Information (2009) suggest that at female-producing temperatures oestrogen
to support/
expand production is enhanced. Oestrogen supports ovarian development and
topic
sentence
inhibits testis-specific gene expression. In contrast, at male-producing
temperatures, localised oestrogen production is inhibited (Moy et al., 2003).
While the exact mechanisms are unclear, the interaction of temperature and hormones are
important in the sex determination of some reptiles.
Transitional phrase/link
Making links
Transitional words and phrases

• Transitional words and phrases link your evidence/supporting

statements to create text that flows.
Some examples:
also for example therefore
furthermore as follows accordingly
in addition an example is resulting from this
similarly especially it is evident that
correspondingly particularly overall
with respect to notably
firstly including
secondly by contract
finally one alternative is
and to conclude however
in view of this at the same time
 Using graphics
Inserting figures

Lead into figure with

Mitochondria have a complex folded structure consisting of four
text compartments: an outer membrane, an inner membrane an intermembrane
Refer to figure in text space, and a matrix (Figure 1).

Place figure close to first

mention (do not wrap text)

Use numbering system

Give title Figure 1. The structure of mitochondria: micrograph and diagram.
(Shuster, 2009) *see FYA BIOL110 Moodle forum discussion on in-text referencing tables and figures
Provide reference

Follow with text

where possible The processes of pyruvate oxidation, the Krebs cycle, amino acids, fatty
acids and steroids metabolism, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
generation occur within these structures (Johnson, 2009). The… .

You must include one figure/diagram AND one table in your essay
Using graphics
Inserting tables

• Place in text as for figures

• Refer to table in text
• The heading goes at the top of the table
• Provide reference
• Tables and figures have separate numbering
systems, e.g., Figure 1, Table 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, Table 2.

Table 1. Gestation period and lifespan of selected mammals.

Mammal Gestation (days) Lifespan (years)

Horse 336 25

Camel 400 40

Whale 360 80

Human 266 76

(Jones, Smithe & Bone, 2009) *see FYA BIOL110 Moodle forum discussion on in-text referencing tables and figures

You must include one figure/diagram AND one table in your essay
 The introduction
Map of your essay

The introduction orients the reader to the topic,

maps the essay and indicates your position.
Re-draft and review the introduction after you have
written the body.
• Begin with a general statement overview of the topic.
• Introduce your main points in the order in which they are
discussed in the body of your essay.
• Finish with a thesis statement or your aims; clearly indicate
the direction of the essay.

ASO has more information on writing introductions

The conclusion
Pulling it all together

The conclusion sums up your ideas, links with the

introduction and provides a final comment.

Introduction

Conclusion

Do not introduce new information in the conclusion

ASO has more information on writing conclusions

Referencing
Acknowledging the work of others

Why reference?
• Means of taking part in academic discussion
• To allow follow up by the reader
• Ethics/Copyright - give credit to the originator of
the thought
• For credibility - your opinions and ideas are
supported by evidence
• To show familiarity with experts, i.e., that you
have read the literature
 APA style
Basics

1. In-text
• Use author surname, and year …(Bloggs, 2001).
• Include page number for a quotation “…”(Bloggs, 2001, p.10). [ quotations are rarely
used in science]

2. List of references
• Separate sheet of paper attached to the back of assignment.
• Use the heading, References or List of References.
• Full bibliographic details.
• Alphabetical order according to author’s surname.

Use APA referencing style; follow the APA referencing fact sheets.
In-text referencing Weak author format.
Surname and date in
brackets at the end of the
Sample paragraph sentence followed by a full
previous essay topic (semi-fictitious) Use ampersand [&] stop.
in brackets
Quotation marks used
A change in the ambient temperature at a particular time during to show words are not
your own, that is,
incubation, the temperature sensitive period (TSP), can lead to an quoting. Note: Use
paraphrase in
unequal male/female offspring ratio (Jones, 2004). The pivotal range preference to quotation.
for Spur-Thighed Tortoise is 30-31oC and the TSP occurs ‘during the
middle third of incubation’ (Smith & Carter, 2013, p. 27). In the
Loggerhead Turtle, temperatures beyond the pivotal range during Include page number
for direct quotation..
the third trimester result in female biased sex ratios (Hume, 2012).
The Australian lizard, Eulamprus tympanum, has a unique use of On second and

TDS. This reptile can manipulate the sex of offspring by raising or subsequent use of this
reference use, Moy et al.
lowering the incubation temperature to produce dominant male or
Write and in full
female hatchlings (Moy, Lilley, Bell, Tate & Rann, 2003). Griffith and when not in
Nealy, (2009) suggest that at female-producing temperatures brackets.

oestrogen production is enhanced. Strong author format.

Select appropriate reporting verb. Surname and date at the
[suggests, concurs, states, disagrees , beginning of the sentence,
states are examples of reporting verbs] Date only in brackets

The points you make must be supported by reference to the literature.

Use APA style to acknowledge your sources in text.
The reference list
Important points

• Separate page, after the last page of essay

• Heading: References or List of References
• Alphabetical order by author surname
• Full details: the aim is for the reader to locate the source
• Identify type of source, e.g., journal article, book, conference paper
and follow specific APA format and punctuation requirements for
each
• Indent second and subsequent line of each reference: use hanging
indent
• Do not divide into sections, books, journals, web sites etc.
• Do not use bullet points
• Do not number references
• A url alone, is NEVER a reference

Refer to ASO information on referencing

Plagiarism
What is it about?

• Plagiarism occurs when an author presents as their own work the

thoughts, ideas, findings or work of another, without appropriate
acknowledgement of the source.
• Plagiarism does not only apply to written works, but also to material
such as graphs, images, recordings, formulae and computer
programs.
• Cutting and pasting of information from sources may have been
permitted in secondary school. It is not acceptable at university.
• To avoid plagiarism you need firstly to understand the ideas and
concepts you are presenting in your essay and secondly to be
familiar with the conventions of referencing.
• Accurate acknowledgment of quotations and paraphrases is
essential in academic writing.
• It is your responsibility to read and understand the UNE plagiarism
policy.
Avoiding plagiarism
It’s easy
Know what needs to be referenced
• Ideas, information, results, opinions, images from any source that
you have summarised, paraphrased or directly quoted.
• Statistics you have not collected.
• Diagrams you have copied or adapted.
• Your ideas that are also those of an author you have read.
• Common knowledge in the field e.g. the heart is a pump does not need to
be referenced.

Know how to reference in your discipline

• Follow APA style guidelines.

Use TurnItin and know how to interpret the report

Avoiding plagiarism
Final tips

• Note sources carefully, as you go.

• When taking notes, try to use own words.
• Integrate ideas from your sources and understand before writing.
• Avoid direct quotations, if you must: keep it short and
incorporate into sentence.
• 1-3 references per body paragraph.
Further help with academic writing
Check out the Academic Skills Office

• Fact sheets

• Online workshops

• Online short courses

• Online individual help