Essay Plan---Presentation When presenting your essay plan, you need to demonstrate that you have analysed your Question thoroughly to make sure that you are actually answering the question. Consider the following when analysing your question: • Determine what is the topic/ subject of your essay • Ascertain what you are required to do: e.g. discuss, analyse, critically analyse etc. • Identify the scope or limitations: What variables or aspects of the topic you intend to discuss? Introduction: You need to demonstrate that you will: • Clearly introduce your topic • Clearly state your intention; inform the reader/ class what to expect. • Justify your topic? Why choose this one? Who might find it of interest? (optional). • State your argument: An argument consists of a claim (thesis) and evidence. A clear argument creates direction, purpose and structure. All the information you provide in your main body will provide evidence to support your thesis. The thesis should be presented on a separate slide in your presentation. Literature Review • What resources are you likely to use and why they are appropriate? • Identify which social theory/theorist helps your thesis and briefly explain how. Main Body • Provide some definitions and historical background • Argue your case referring to the scope or variables introduced in your opening paragraph • Identify how you will allocate your paragraphs to organise your discussion into well-defined/ structured paragraphs that are linked to each other to provide a logical and coherent flow. • Make sure you link your discussion to your argument • Support your arguments/ information with evidence (references, examples,statistics) Conclusion • What conclusions are you likely to draw from your research/ essay? • Make sure that no new ideas or information are introduced in your conclusion—refer only to what you have discussed. • How has this exercise helped you to prepare for your final essay? Questions Pose some questions for the class to generate discussion, Further Tips for your Presentation • Both the presentation and the essay need to be supported by academic research and demonstrate engagement with relevant Social Theory. The recommended readings are always the best place to start your research. • Don't forget to include: title page, summary of main points, copy of slides and reference list. It is fine to print on both sides and to have 3-4 slides per page. However, be sure you staple everything together before your tutorial. • The written summary shouldn't be 'conversational' OR a formal essay, but rather a succinct summary of the main arguments made in the presentation. Use good written expression. Bullet point summaries are fine as long as there is enough information included to make it clear what was covered (not just partial phrases or an outline). Ideally, it should indicate what content goes with each of the slides. • Any quotes/paraphrases should be credited to the sources. Use Harvard referencing and remember to include page numbers for all quotes AND paraphrases. Other suggestions for a good presentation: • Transfer the information into outline form or use palm cards to avoid the likelihood of reading too much and not engaging with the audience. • Avoid placing too much written information on the slides: you are telling the story. • Insert Images/graphics to add interest to support your arguments, but must be relevant to the set question. • Time yourself during rehearsal to make sure you are meeting time requirements and that you can fit the content into the allocated time without rushing.