Lecture 5

Question 1

Circular conclusion

Answer 1

Paraphrases the thesis, stressing its importance
May suggest an action or practical change that follows from your ideas
Close the circle by reminding the reader of the argument
Should show how the thesis has been proven (does not just restate thesis)

Question 2

Spiral Conclusion

Answer 2

Suggests a specific way the thesis could be applied.
May ask further questions or propose other ways of looking at the problem.
Refers to the thesis, but encourages reader to think beyond it.
Might point towards directions for future
research

Question 3

Conclusions should never what?

Answer 3

Have evidence and introduce new ideas.

Question 4

Writing like an academic

Answer 4

Focus on analysis– not passive summary, personal reaction, or opinion.
Analysis before argument.
Argument is supported by analysis.
Tolerate uncertainty & respect complexity.
Understand and apply theories and adhere to disciplinary conventions.

Question 5

What’s analysis?

Answer 5

Analysis breaks a larger subject down into its key components, to construct
an understanding of how it works.
Wants to come to an understanding of a subject (as opposed to self-
expression or changing a reader’s views).
Effective analytical writing pays close attention to detail.
The claim (thesis) of argumentative writing often answers what, how, or why.

Question 6

Analysis avoids what?

Answer 6

Generalizations. Generalizations are too broad for academic
writing
Generalizations often omit supporting details
They ask your reader to simply take your word