Formatting & Presentation |
Updated: 13/01/20
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Q: Where can I find out about referencing?I put details of referencing in the page on referencing and integrity. Please click here.
Q: So how many words/pages is that?This is a really handy on-line resource: it converts number of words to the number of pages (and vice-versa) so you know how much you need to write. Just tell it your chosen font, font size and line spacing choices:
http://wordstopages.com |
Image source: http://phdcomics.com/comics/archive_print.php?comicid=1971
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Here are some sites that provide hints for managing word count:
To reduce word count: https://wordcounter.net/blog/2015/12/11/101016_how-to-increase-essay-word-count.html#comments/41679 To increase word count: https://wordcounter.net/blog/2016/01/26/101025_how-to-reduce-essay-word-count.html |
Q: How strict are you on word count?
Q: How strict is the word limit?
A: Very! I will stop reading after the required length and grade your paper based on what I've read. Part of the skill of writing is being able to say what you mean concisely. Across a semester I can mark over 900 individual pieces of work - I get very good at noticing essays that are too long or too short.
Q: Are references included in the page count for your assignments?
A: No. (Unless specified otherwise in the assessment description)
Q: Is information in tables and figures included in the word count?
A: No. But you need to think about how you are using tables or figures - they don't simply take the place of explanatory text and you can't get around word count limitations by simply plonking everything you write in a table! If your table is using an enormous number of words then there are some important questions: is your table is needed in the main text or would work better as an appendix? Is it overly complex and can it be simplified? And how are you making the best use of your tables and figures - are they helping you to make your argument? If not, they may not need to be included.
Q: So what's actually included in the word count? I know it says 3000 words and with 10% that's 3300 words - but if I go to 3301 does that matter?
A: Aaargghhh! For the bext response to this answer see the attached essay, "The Tao of Word Count".
A: Very! I will stop reading after the required length and grade your paper based on what I've read. Part of the skill of writing is being able to say what you mean concisely. Across a semester I can mark over 900 individual pieces of work - I get very good at noticing essays that are too long or too short.
Q: Are references included in the page count for your assignments?
A: No. (Unless specified otherwise in the assessment description)
Q: Is information in tables and figures included in the word count?
A: No. But you need to think about how you are using tables or figures - they don't simply take the place of explanatory text and you can't get around word count limitations by simply plonking everything you write in a table! If your table is using an enormous number of words then there are some important questions: is your table is needed in the main text or would work better as an appendix? Is it overly complex and can it be simplified? And how are you making the best use of your tables and figures - are they helping you to make your argument? If not, they may not need to be included.
Q: So what's actually included in the word count? I know it says 3000 words and with 10% that's 3300 words - but if I go to 3301 does that matter?
A: Aaargghhh! For the bext response to this answer see the attached essay, "The Tao of Word Count".
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Q: Can I write in 'first person'?Q: Is it oK for us to write our essay in the first person for instance.."I will discuss..." instead of "This essay will..."?
A: I have no preference - either is fine as long as the essay is scholarly and you are consistent. Q: How do I format my work?
Q: Why do we have to double (or 1.5) space our work?
1. Because it gives us space around your words to provide useful feedback and make suggestions for improvement.
2. It's good academic practice and training: when you submit an article to a journal or a draft report to your boss, they will often request it in double space. It's a good habit to get into. 3. Some students insist on single spacing their work on the mistaken assumption that we won't notice your work is drastically over length. We notice. 4. Many of the academics you will meet will be over the age of 40. At this time Presbyopia, a decline in the ability to focus due to the hardening of the lenses in the eyes, may become more noticeable, making it more difficult to see while reading or doing close work. White space can help the eyes to focus. 5. It is common sense: anything you can do to make something easier to read is going to put your marker in a better mood! Q: Can I use pictures in my work?Q: Can I use diagrams, pictures, maps or models?
A: Yes: anything that helps you to tell your story, as long as it makes sense to the reader. Please make sure you label diagrams correctly (See a style guide for information on this). Q: Can I use abbreviations?Q: Can we use the short form "CD" instead of typing out "Community Development" in our assignment? (Considering it is going to be typed out multiple times throughout the essay).
A: Yes. AND for a really helpful and thorough answer to this question see: http://blog.apastyle.org/apastyle/abbreviations/ This tells you how and when to use abbreviations. |
Q: What's your position on headings and sub-headings?Q: Can I use headings and sub-headings in my asessment pieces?
A: Yes. But remember you still need to link sections. Q: Do I have to use headings or sub-headings? A: No. Headings are optional. But students can find them helpful in structuring their work. It's up to you. Q: Can I attach appendices?Q: Can I attach diagrams, pictures, documents, maps or models as an appendix?
A: Yes: to most of this. I would discourage attaching documents. I won't have time to read them. I just came across a great quote about appendices that says:
The main text should always be complete in itself and the central argument be supported within the main text, as if the appendix were not there at all. This is because readers - depending on their needs - may never consult the appendix. For readers that do access the appendix, information for further exploration of the topic or detailed analysis of procedures or other related information should be easily accessible. Q: So do appendices count in the word count? A: No. But please note that an appendix is not a way of avoiding the word count. I may or may not read your appendix. As stated above, your essay should be complete without it. Q: Can I use non-English documents? Q: I have some great sources in my own language which are relevant to the assessment - can I use them?
A. Of course, but there is a requirement: you need to provide an English translation of your reference in your reference list (just write the details in English next to the reference) so that I can assess the appropriateness of your source and get a sense of the resources you have drawn upon. Any quotes you use in the text of your essay need to be translated into English. |