Essay tips
The following are some general tips for your essays. Please, check
them carefully. I will not be repeating these again in separate emails.
1. You must avoid speculation without any evidence. Your statements
have to be supported by evidence from your readings
2. Bibliographical references:
2.1 Your entries must be in alphabetical order
2.2 Your entries must follow the Harvard system
2.3 Entries mentioned in the text and those in the bibliography must
match. Entries not in the text must not be included in the bibliography
at the back and vice-versa.
2.4 Use relatively recent bibliographical entries.
2.5 Sources not in English ARE NOT VALID.
2.6 You are not allowed to use the same sources I used in class
2.7 Review articles are not accepted. In a review article an author
simply discusses somebody else’s book. You need to use original
research.
3. Use of English: Academic English (B2+ level). This is something
that ALL students are expected to have achieved by now so make
sure you work on this.
4. Plagiarism. Verbatim copying or inadequate reference immediately
results in plagiarism. As described by the University of Granada
regulations, students suspected of plagiarism (intentional or
unintentional) will be given a mark of 0%
5. Lack of referencing = plagiarism. Be careful to reference all your
ideas properly. If you do not clearly state where your ideas have been
taken from and you reference poorly you will also have plagiarised.
6. Students are to find their own bibliographical references. Those
used in class are not allowed. The rationale behind this exercise is
that you become RESEARCHERS and not simply rely on your tutors’
input.
7. Avoid the general structure for essays I presented in week 1. That
was used for illustrative purposes. You need to name headings
according to your essay's content (for instance, avoid using 'main
body').
Language and Culture I Dr Rocío Montoro
