Seminar #6 - Essay and Visual Appendix

18/11/2016 - Seminar

In this seminar, we were introduced to the essay and visual appendix that we have to do.

This seminar begin with some key information like the next formative assessment is 27/02/2017 where the essay will be marked and I have to submit 750 words for it then the submission date is 3/04/2017, this is the final submission where I have to submit a 2500 word essay along with a visual appendix which is an A2 poster for a research exhibition, it's basically a visual summary of my essay.

For the visual appendix, I have to include  a 150 word abstract, essay title, name and course. It can't be bigger than 20MB and I have to submit it as a PDF file.

Essay Structure

We were given advice on how the essay should be set out.

- Title
- Abstract and keywords - The abstract has to be 150 words, it should summarise the essay's argument and position. I have to include 5 key words.
- Introduction - It should set the scene for the reader and defines the aims of the essay. It should state how this will be attempted and briefly presets what the reader can expect in the rest of the essay.
- Main body: Literature review, research question and case studies - It should start off broad and then narrow it down by focusing on my research. It should not be just a descriptive text and should critically reflect the information you present.
- Conclusion - Provides a summary of my findings and describe how the work could be continued in the future.
- Reference list and bibliography - Make sure that the references in the reference list match the ones in the main body of the essay.

We looked at what exactly is an essay and an essay could mean an argument because you are making a case or an opinion based on evidence and you choose a subject, include a bit of information to it then critically gather more information to find out an answer to your question and see what is true and what is false based on your case earlier.

The essay is a concise, evidenced thread of thinking. It needs to have clear defined structure, clear narrative and should be well written.