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Reading and Referring To Sources 2013
Reading and Referring To Sources 2013
Overview
1. Deciding what to read authoritative sources
There are many differences between writing at Undergraduate level and writing on an MA. It may take a little time to tune in to the expectations of the tutors on this programme.
Key differences include the following: You are expected to read more widely in preparation for writing; You are expected to find for yourself relevant, authoritative sources; You are expected include important and relevant ideas from your sources; You are also expected to discuss these ideas to a greater extent and combine them with your own opinions; Sources must be fully acknowledged and properly referenced, and listed in the list of references TASK: What constitutes authoritative sources (handout)?
SQRRR
SURVEY. Read the headings in the chapter or article, look at the abstract or the introduction, look quickly over any diagrams or charts. Think about what the chapter/article is about and think about what you already know about the subject. QUESTION*. Based on the headings, create questions. Turn statements in the headings into questions with What, Why, How, When, Who. Alternatively, think about the assignment or seminar you are reading for. What questions do you need to find answers to? Having questions provides a reason for reading.
READ. As you read each section, you should have your question for that section in mind, and you should be actively searching for the answers. At the same time you are checking the things you thought you already knew about the subject. Perhaps take notes
RECITE. Once you have finished reading a section, put the book to one side and say (to yourself) the answer(s) to your questions. Try to do this in your own words and include examples. If you find you are not sure of the answer(s), look back over the section. At this point, you will probably write your notes.
REVIEW: When you have finished the complete chapter or article, look back over your notes, see what you can remember, test yourself. Revise after a time.
Referring to sources
References have two parts
1. A brief note within the essay with authors surname and year of publication (Andon & Ogiermann, 2013) 2. An entry in the list of references that gives the reader complete details of the work you referred to earlier (e.g. What is Andon & Ogiermann, 2013?)
Andon, N. & Ogiermann, E. 2013. Politeness in school textbooks for teaching English in Germany and German in the UK. Language Learning Journal, 20(3), pp.196-210.
There are different styles or systems for referencing. Most tutors on this programme require you to use the HARVARD system. A guide can be found here: http://libweb.anglia.ac.uk/referencing/harvard.htm
Unless something is common knowledge or common sense you should always provide a reference to your source. The reader needs the answer to the questions how do you know this? and how authoritative and trustworthy are your sources? If there is no source, you are claiming that this is your own idea or that you have found this out by doing your own research. Be especially careful when making negative statements, for example until today there has been little research on this area What does this imply? Where several points in a paragraph draw on the same source or sources, make sure this is clear to the reader.
Direct quotation
The myth that nonstandard dialects of English are grammatically deficient is widespread (Pinker, 1994, p.17). Aitchison argues that even though intelligent animals seem capable of the rudimentary characteristics of language, they do not seem predisposed to cope with them (1989, p.46). Note that for direct quotations, page number must be given. This refers to the page you found the quote on.
Paraphrase
This is where you rewrite the ideas in your own words. Holmes points out that when an immigrant community considers language to be an important way to preserve their identity, they maintain that language for longer. She gives the example of Polish immigrant groups in many countries (1992). OR When an immigrant community considers language to be an important way to preserve their identity, the language is likely to be maintained (Holmes, 1998). Using your own words shows understanding and allows you to incorporate the ideas into your own argument. Page number not given. Different ways to reference. Paraphrase means more than making cosmetic changes.
Summarise
This is where you express then main points from a source in your own way. Two main reasons for summarising a source: to provide evidence and support for your own arguments To give an overview of different sources and authors who support a particular position. You still need to make a clear reference to sources of the ideas. You can combine 2 or more sources in your summary. Both need acknowledging
References
Bell, N. 2009. A Students Guide to the MA TESOL. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Godfrey, J. 2009. How to Use your Reading in your Essays. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan Neville, C. 2007. The Complete Guide to Referencing and Avoiding Plagiarism. Maidenhead, Berkshire: Open University Press/McGrawHill Education. Reinders, H, Moore, N. and Lewis, M. 2008. The International Student Handbook. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Wallace, M. & Wray, A. 2006. Critical Reading and Writing for Postgraduates. London: Sage Publications.