Steps for Constructing an Essay Plan

Step 1: Select a Question to Answer

What am I required to do in this assignment?

This assignment asks you to construct an essay plan.  In order to do this you should follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: You will be given a list of  3 questions of  which you must select 1 question to answer

Step 2: You should break down the question so that you understand what the question is asking you to do. Do seek help from your lecturer if you are unclear or need clarification on any aspect of the question.

Step 3: You should conduct some academic reading around the subject relating to your chosen question. Whilst reading, make some notes in your own words that will help you to understand the subject and to evaluate what you have read.

Step 5: Read through your notes and write a plan of 200 words . This plan is designed to help you to consider how you will structure the essay, key points you will discuss in that essay and the academic writers that you can draw upon to help you answer the question.

Step 6 :Your plan should be structured so that it has a title, a clear beginning (introduction), middle (main body) and a clear ending (Conclusion).  Followed by a list of sources that you have read. Remember to write the list using the Harvard referencing system

Is there a size limit?

What do I need to do to pass?

You will need to demonstrate the following:

That you can describe research approaches and methodologies.

That you can explain how research approaches and methodologies are used for different purposes.

That you can discuss the strengths and weaknesses in the research methodologies used so that the research can be improved.

Proof read your work prior to submitting it.

Ensure that you submit your essay plan on time.

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

This will be discussed further in class but you should ensure that you follow all instructions in this  assignment brief .

You should also read the marking criteria at the end of this document so that you know what it is that the marking team is looking for in order to award a grade which merits your efforts and work.

How does this assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

Your course seeks to help you to develop an understanding of how and why research happens. The different types of research and how they differ in style and outcomes.

Each week the lecture and tutorial content has introduced you to a new approach to researching in the social sciences. You have made notes from the lectures and tutorials and been introduced to key texts to help guide your understanding of the research process. You will now use your knowledge, understanding and notes to write your essay plan.  In this way you are putting what you have learned into practice.

How does this assignment contribute to my overall grade for this unit?

How will my assignment be marked?

Excellent points which demonstrate understanding of how research approaches are used and for what purpose

Excellent description and understanding of stregnths and weaknesses of research approaches/methodlogies