Decoding essay question
Before reading a text, ask why?
Why do you want to read this text?
What will you get out of reading the text?
How much time will you spend on the text?
Before reading the whole text, skim it an think:
- did the abstract, intro and conclusion sell you?
- does it introduce concepts or evidence (in a new way with a related approach? Does it expand or
just add to your argument?)
What is and isn’t a literature review
It is
• a critical evaluation of the material (review not report)
• Should be weaved into cases/paragraphs
1. Be selective of the literature you use/read, it should fold/build into argument
2. From start, write justi cation or what you look for from the text (IN YOUR OWN WORDS)
3. Plan how di erent literature supports di erent parts of the essay, to keep grounded on main focus
and and arguments.
4. Building a literature review = grouping selected texts into main themes that support/explain parts of
the essay .
5. Translate the grouped texts into own argument, ideas, observations, critiques, etc
Tips for critical reading
Before reading write a core literature list, with a map of we’re they will be used.
Write what it is about the abstract, intro and/or conclusion can be used in essay and where
Plan and schedule time (in chunks)
If you have an hour to read: what are looking for in text
Skim read rst to check if explains well
Think:
- is there an interesting approach?
- do they expand with re ection of other key themes you want to approach?
- is there counter arguments?
Before reading a text, ask why?
Why do you want to read this text?
What will you get out of reading the text?
How much time will you spend on the text?
Before reading the whole text, skim it an think:
- did the abstract, intro and conclusion sell you?
- does it introduce concepts or evidence (in a new way with a related approach? Does it expand or
just add to your argument?)
What is and isn’t a literature review
It is
• a critical evaluation of the material (review not report)
• Should be weaved into cases/paragraphs
1. Be selective of the literature you use/read, it should fold/build into argument
2. From start, write justi cation or what you look for from the text (IN YOUR OWN WORDS)
3. Plan how di erent literature supports di erent parts of the essay, to keep grounded on main focus
and and arguments.
4. Building a literature review = grouping selected texts into main themes that support/explain parts of
the essay .
5. Translate the grouped texts into own argument, ideas, observations, critiques, etc
Tips for critical reading
Before reading write a core literature list, with a map of we’re they will be used.
Write what it is about the abstract, intro and/or conclusion can be used in essay and where
Plan and schedule time (in chunks)
If you have an hour to read: what are looking for in text
Skim read rst to check if explains well
Think:
- is there an interesting approach?
- do they expand with re ection of other key themes you want to approach?
- is there counter arguments?
