Chapter 14. Academic Skills: Reading, Writing and Referencing

Active reading. Preview headings, read with questions in mind, annotate, identify the thesis and evidence, and summarize in your own words [36].

Writing an argument. Present a clear thesis, support it with evidence and reasoning, acknowledge counter-arguments and respond to them fairly. A useful pattern is claim, evidence, explanation [36].

Essay structure. Introduction (context and thesis), body paragraphs (one main point each), conclusion (synthesis and significance).

Using sources. Distinguish primary sources (original documents, data, interviews) from secondary sources (analysis by others). Assess reliability and perspective, and use a range of viewpoints.

Quoting and paraphrasing. Use short quotations sparingly and in quotation marks; paraphrase by restating ideas in your own words and structure; always cite.

Referencing. Use the system required by your institution. Common systems are APA, MLA, Chicago and Harvard; APA is widely used in psychology and many social sciences [37]. Example, APA in-text: (Giddens & Sutton, 2021). Example reference: Giddens, A., & Sutton, P. W. (2021). Sociology (9th ed.). Polity Press.

Academic integrity. Plagiarism, fabrication of data and unauthorized collaboration are serious offences. If your school permits AI tools, follow its rules and verify any information.

Presentations and discussion. Prepare a clear structure, use evidence, listen actively and disagree respectfully.

Review: What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source? (Answer: a primary source is original evidence; a secondary source analyses or interprets it.)