Where’s Your Argument?

Description

From first steps to final submission, this accessible guide takes students through each stage of the assignment-writing process and equips them with the skills they need to construct and develop convincing academic arguments.
Concise and compact, it offers practical advice on forming ideas, structuring arguments and finding your academic voice. The authors, both of whom are experienced in working directly with students, also provide valuable guidance on a number of important subtleties in academic writing, including expressing reservations or enthusiasm in academic writing and using evidence to convey different viewpoints.
The second edition contains new material on synthesizing ideas from different sources, as well as more varied examples of what ‘finding your academic voice means’ in the context of different assignments, including blogs and observations.
Applicable to different types of assignment, this is an essential resource for all undergraduates and postgraduates who are looking to communicate their arguments effectively and improve the quality of their academic writing.

Michael Shoolbred was a lecturer and then academic skills advisor, working with students from foundation to doctoral level for 20 years.
Helen Cooper has worked as an academic writing advisor and was Head of Learning Enhancement at the University of Birmingham, UK. She is now a full-time novelist.

Introduction
Part I: Getting Started 1. Stages of the Task
2. What’s the Task?
Part II: Putting Ideas Together 3. Finding Out
4. Developing Your Ideas
5. Evidence?
6. Forming Your Argument
Part III: Building Your Argument 7. Structuring an Argument
8. Using Paragraphs
9. Making the Argument Flow
10. Beginnings and Endings
Part IV: Showing Your Argument 11. Presenting Evidence
12. Communicating with the Reader
13. Finding your Academic Voice
Part V: Finalising Your ArgumentReferences
Useful Sources
Index

“This small book is all you need to get through academic writing. It is really practical with examples.” —praise from student“This is a great addition to the Pocket series. The authors address some key questions relating to argumentation, and tackle some all-too-common issues head-on. I recommend it to my students regularly.” —praise from lecturer

Additional information