Study and learning skills: general Books

Book SynopsisStudy Skills for Linguistics is the essential companion for students embarking on a degree in linguistics. Covering all the core skills that students of linguistics will require during the early part of their degree, this book gives the reader a basic understanding of the field, as well as confidence in how to find out more and how to prepare for their future career. The key features covered include: â subject-specific skills including basic linguistic tools and terminology, such as word classes and grammatical terminology; â essential study skills, such as how to perform well in the degree, how to search for and reference literature and how to write an essay; â guides for a future with a linguistics degree, including how to write a CV and prepare for a range of graduate destinations The new edition has been updated throughout and includes a thoroughly revised section on career development, more information for graduate students and more international examples. An accessible guide to essential skills in the field of linguistics, Study Skills for Linguistics is a must-read for students contemplating studying this topic, and provides a guide that will take them through their degree and beyond.

Read more less

Book SynopsisEmily Bethell is Senior Lecturer in Primatology and Animal Behaviour at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. She is co-author of Planning Your PhD and Completing Your PhD.Clare Milsom is Head of Academic Practice at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. She is responsible for the leading and managing the university's strategic work on promoting student success, achievement and retention.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJamie Roberts is a Learning Advisor at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He is Director of Uniwrite, a company which runs preparatory writing courses for high school students.Table of ContentsIntroduction What Markers Look For Addressing the Question Critical Thinking Engaging with Others' Work Academic Expression Structure and Signposting Writing Introductions Writing Conclusions Writing Paragraphs Appendix 1: Analysis of three essays Appendix 2: Answers to activities.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDr Kathleen McMillan is an academic and educator who has taught at all university levels. Firstly, as a lecturer she designed and delivered courses in European politics. From her experience as an assessor and examiner she identified students' difficulties in acquiring deeper understanding of their subject and translating that into successful attainment. This awareness led to further research into language acquisition as a foundation of learning and study. Consequently, she led a university team providing learning and language support to UK and international students at all levels.  She designed and taught bespoke skills courses in diverse disciplines, such as, accountancy, architecture, art and design, computing science, dentistry, education, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, nursing, and social work.  This unique academic experience provides her with insights into the demands of core study and learning skills within the developing learnTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION 1. How to use this book 2. What university involves PART 1: CARING FOR YOURSELF Adapting to university life 3. Money matters - tips for university 4. Time management 5. Well-being, stress and mental health PART 2: DEVELOPING CORE UNIVERSITY STUDY SKILLS Learning for university 6. Studying for yourself 7. Understanding learning and thinking 8. Digital and blended learning Learning from listening 9. Active listening for lectures 10. Modern and traditional lectures Learning from source material 11. Successful academic reading 12. The library as a resource Learning to develop your understanding 13. Analysing and evaluating information 14. Notes for study purposes 15. Thinking critically 16. Reflective skills Learning with others 17. Cooperative learning 18. Tutorials 19. Participating in a team 20. Laboratory sessions and field visits Learning from data 21. Interpreting and presenting data PART 3: DEVELOPING ACADEMIC WRITING Preparing for writing 22. Tackling writing assignments 23. Academic writing format 24. Planning writing assignments Adopting an academic style 25. Academic writing style 26. Shaping your text 27. Citing and referencing 28. Plagiarism Presenting written work 29. Reviewing, editing and proofreading 30. Presentation of assignments PART 4: PERFORMING WELL IN COURSE ASSIGNMENTS Understanding assessment methods 31. Assessment at university 32. Multiple-choices and short-answer questions 33. Numerical questions 34. Essay-style assessments 35. Tutorial assessment 36. Assessments of practical laboratory work Tackling research-based assessments 37. Choosing a dissertation or research topic 38. Tackling a dissertation or project 39. Ethics in researching and reporting Presenting research results 40. Report writing 41. Literature reviews 42. Poster presentations 43. Spoken presentation 44. Learning from assessment feedback PART 5: SUCCEEDING IN EXAMS Preparing for exams 45. Priming yourself for exams 46. Creating a revision timetable 47. Revision tips 48. Memory tips and techniques 49. Directing your revision 50. Study partnership Tackling exams 51. Exam-day strategies 52. Doing your best in exams 53. Exam stress PART 6: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Thinking about 'graduateness' 54. Reviewing your graduate skills and attributes 55. Planning for a career PART 7: QUICK REFERENCE Essential writing skills 56. Refreshing your grammar 57. Refreshing your punctuation and spelling 58. Enriching your vocabulary Essential numerical skills 59. Refreshing number work 60. Refreshing core Maths Appendix: Student resources References and further reading Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisScientific research should be interesting and exciting. When you finally get your data and, even better it makes sense! There's nothing quite like it. Your final research project will give you a flavour of what it will be like if you decide you would like to make a career in scientific research. This book will help you get the most out of that experience. In her years of work with students, Jess Bownes has answered countless questions about conducting and writing about scientific research. In this book, she distils her advice into one essential guide to writing dissertations and research projects and addresses the most common concerns and questions that science students have. This book supports students through the entire process of working on a dissertation, from the early but crucial planning stages, through to undertaking practical work and collecting data, researching literature, and writing up one's findings. The structure of the book mirrors key stages of a research project Trade Review‘A highly recommended and approachable book that demystifies the transition from student to researcher and empowers students writing their dissertations with a great deal of very useful and practical advice.’ -- Professor Frédéric Blanc, Department of Chemistry * University of Liverpool, UK *‘Clear and comprehensive. The guidelines presented within this book should help anyone strengthen their science dissertation from start to finish.’ -- Joshua Thorpe, Faculty of Natural Sciences * University of Stirling, UK *‘An informative, useful handbook to accompany writing a dissertation. Highly recommended for students and any non-specialist staff who may need to support students during this process.’ -- Nancy Carter, School of Applied Sciences * University of Brighton, UK *'This helpful book takes the student through every stage of the dissertation journey, from choosing a topic, through research planning and writing to proof-reading the final product. It is thorough, clearly written and with excellent explanations throughout. It will be valuable to any dissertation student, and also dissertation supervisors.' -- Jo Buckberry, Reader in Biological Anthropology * University of Bradford, UK *Table of ContentsIntroduction 2. Using the Marking Criteria to Get the Best Possible Grade 3. Working with Your Supervisor 4. Planning Your Work 5. Collecting Your Data 6. Finding and Analysing the Literature 7. Using Evidence in Your Dissertation 8. Writing a Science Dissertation 9. Avoiding Plagiarism 10.Editing and Proofreading Glossary

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisWritten specifically for engineering students, this handbook is packed with practical guidance on conducting projects and writing clear and coherent reports. It takes students step-by-step through the key stages in a project, from identifying the problem and analysing its causes to defining solution requirements and developing and implementing solutions. It also provides guidance on other important aspects of project work, such as communicating with industrial partners and presenting their report. Chapters feature a wealth of examples and top tips to help students apply concepts to their own projects. This will be an essential companion for engineering students of all disciplines who are undertaking a group or individual project or report.Trade ReviewA brilliant book on the 'what' and 'how' of actually doing engineering projects, complete with a multitude of concrete, helpful examples. This is my new go-to book on how to do and supervise university engineering projects. * Robert Ross, La Trobe University, Australia *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Projects in Engineering PART I: THE PROJECT PROCESS 2. The First Phase of a Project 3. Problem Statements in Engineering Projects 4. Literature, Knowledge and Expertise in Engineering Projects 5. Project Methodology and Planning 6. Collecting and Analysing Data 7. Designing the Project's Solution 8. Testing and Implementing the Solution PART II: COLLABORATION, SUPERVISION AND STAKEHOLDERS 9. Collaboration, Communication and Supervision 10. Cooperating with Industrial Partners 11. Managing Stakeholders PART III: THE PROJECT REPORT 12. The Project Report Structure and Content 13. Communicating Professionally and Clearly PART IV: THE PROJECT EXAM 14. Examination of Engineering Projects 15. Getting Top Marks from External Examiners PART V: ENGINEERING RESEARCH PROJECTS 16. The Nature and Requirements of Engineering Research Projects.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis practical book will inspire and encourage students to shape new habits and make stress-management a natural part of their everyday routine. Each of the 50 'Ways' in this book is a starting point, offering suggestions of things to do and think about, alongside opportunities to reflect on, choose and commit to new ideas and actions. It shows students how to recognise helpful and unhelpful stress, identify their stress triggers and develop coping mechanisms to ease and manage stress. Throughout, it encourages students to take charge of their wellbeing and strike a healthy study-life balance. Packed with supportive guidance, this book will help students to stay on top of stress during their time at university.Table of ContentsAbout This Book How to Use This Book What is Stress? Why is Stress an Important Issue for Students? Levels and Causes of Student Stress Other Typical Causes of Stress What Happens When We are Over-Stressed? How People Experience Stress Your Own Experience of Stress Using Advice and Support Services 50 Ways Habits Shaper: Track Your Good Intentions My Progress So Far List of 20+ Where to Find Out More Bibliography and References Index Notes.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis practical guide presents 50 ways in which students can revitalise their approach to studying and boost their grades. Each of the 50 'Ways' in this book is a starting point, offering suggestions of things to do and think about, alongside opportunities to reflect on, choose and commit to new ideas and actions. It will help students to devise their own personal study strategy, achieve more in the time available to them and fine-tune their work so they get the best possible marks. This handy book will support students of all levels in mapping their own route to success.Table of ContentsAbout This Book How to Use This Book Everyone is Capable of Great Grades Can You Improve Without Working Harder? Aspire, Hope, Act, Achieve Where Are You Now? Bring a Balanced Perspective Worried About Your Grades Right Now? Using Advice and Support Services 50 Ways Habits Shaper: Track Your Good Intentions My Progress So Far List of 20+ Reasons for Improving My Grades Where to Find Out More Bibliography Index Notes.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFeaturing helpful examples and top tips throughout, this handy guide equips students with the tools to understand, respond to and apply lecturer feedback in order to continuously improve their academic performance. Chapters take students through the entire feedback process, from handling common feelings associated with feedback and making sense of criticism through to creating an effective action plan and applying feedback across their course.Using Feedback to Boost Your Grades will be an invaluable toolkit for students of all subject areas and levels who want to take control of their academic progress and make the most of the feedback they receive.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAre you unsure what your report should look like or how you'll ever finish it in time? Are you freaking out about starting on an extended piece of writing? Help is here! In this handy little book, you'll find expert guidance to enable you to produce a successful report or dissertation. With a focus on developing an effective writing style and argument, this book shows you, step-by-step, how to plan and deliver a perfect piece of writing to gain top marks. Open up to find advice on: What makes dissertations and reports distinctive Organising your time and materials Finding the right planning method for you How to structure your writing successfully Writing good sentences, paragraphs, sections and chapters. Read this book and you're on your way to writing a great report or dissertation! The Student Success series Trade ReviewIn my final year, facing not only report writing but also a dissertation, this guide helped me hugely. The clear and organised structure meant it was easy to re-evaluate certain sections of my work and its approachable style of writing made it particularly accessible to read and concentrate on. -- Georgina BelcherWriting Successful Reports and Dissertations′ is a refreshingly pragmatic book packed with examples spanning a range of disciplines and contexts that will appeal to both students and professionals alike. The book is comprehensive, well-paced and systematic in its coverage of the different stages to writing. It is a must-read for anyone undertaking report or dissertation writing for the first time, or indeed for more experienced readers who would like to enhance their existing writing skills. -- Anne CrookTable of ContentsIntroduction Part I: Pondering Why a Dissertation? What Is Distinctive about a Dissertation? What Are Research Questions? What Makes a Good Dissertation? When and Why Would I Write a Report? What Is Distinctive about a Report? Should I Be Asking Research Questions in a Report? Part II: Preparing Devising a Strategy Gathering Material Finding Your Voice Part III: Planning Are You a Natural Planner? A Planning Strategy Your First Step Four Planning Methods Part IV: Pausing Negative Pauses Necessary Pauses Positive Pauses Part V: Producing Words Phrases Sentences Paragraphs Sections and Chapters Part VI: Polishing Increasing Impact Checking your Document Now Take Your Fingers off the Keyboard

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExam board: Cambridge Assessment International EducationLevel: A-levelSubject: Thinking SkillsFirst teaching: September 2018First exams: Summer 2020Endorsed by Cambridge Assessment International Education to provide full support of the syllabus for examination from 2020. Improve problem solving and critical thinking skills for studies and life beyond the classroom, while ensuring full coverage of the Cambridge International AS & A Level Thinking Skills syllabus (9694). - Focus on creative problem-solving with a clear model demonstrating how to assess the problem, choose and implement the appropriate strategy and give the answer. - Improve your critical thinking skills through a meticulous and rigorous approach to analysing, evaluating and constructing arguments and forming well-reasoned judgments- Prepare for further study and life beyond the classroom with advice and guidance from experienced authors.- Consolidate learning with a range of problems, exercises and examination-style questions.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTerrified at the thought of giving presentations? Give Great Presentations gives you the tips and tools you need to feel confident and ace your presentations. Master your brief and prepare great presentations Hone your body language and use your nerves to your advantage Make the most of it and learn from each presentation. Super Quick Skills provides the essential building blocks you need to succeed at university - fast. Packed with practical, positive advice on core academic and life skills, you’ll discover focused tips and strategies to use straight away. Whether it’s writing great essays, understanding referencing or managing your wellbeing, find out how to build good habits and progress your skills throughout your studies. Learn core skills quickly Apply them right away and see results Succeed in your studies and in life Super Quick Skills gives you the foundations you need to confidently navigate the ups and downs of university life.Trade ReviewThis is an amazing resource for anyone about to give a presentation – even if it’s your first or fiftieth. The advice is given in a non-judgemental way to ensure you succeed in your presentation no matter how nervous you are. -- Phaidra RobinsonA thorough and intelligent insight into every aspect of preparing, researching and giving a presentation. Cindy Becker provides a guide that can be trusted to answer any presentation question as well as give the confidence needed to succeed. -- Hannah MooreTable of ContentsWhat do I need to do at the very beginning? Who will be watching me present? How do I get going with my presentation? Which presentation aids should I use? How should I approach rehearsing my presentation? Can I make my body language convincing and positive? What if I am too nervous to present well? What will make my presentation a success on the day? How can I benefit from the presentations I give?

Read more less

Book SynopsisCritical reading is the foundation of good research. Read Critically gives you the knowledge and tools you need to be able to extract meaning from texts and judge its quality, relevance and significance. Understand your assignment question Know how to think critically, and in turn read critically Write critically and ace your assignment. Super Quick Skills provides the essential building blocks you need to succeed at university - fast. Packed with practical, positive advice on core academic and life skills, you’ll discover focused tips and strategies to use straight away. Whether it’s writing great essays, understanding referencing or managing your wellbeing, find out how to build good habits and progress your skills throughout your studies. Learn core skills quickly Apply them right away and see results Succeed in your studies and in life Super Quick Skills gives you the foundations you need to confidently navigate the ups and downs of university life.Table of ContentsWhat is critical thinking? What does it mean to be critical? How can I understand the assignment question? How do I get from critical reading to critical writing? Are there different ways to understand interpretation? What is critical language? How do I know I’m ready for the next assignment? Where do I go from here?

Read more less

Book SynopsisBeing able to work in groups is an important skill to master at university – especially when you’re assessed on it. Learn how to master this key professional and life skill to become an effective team member. Build communication skills and get to know your team Define roles and workloads by playing to everyone’s strengths Resolve challenges so you can avoid conflict. Super Quick Skills provides the essential building blocks you need to succeed at university - fast. Packed with practical, positive advice on core academic and life skills, you’ll discover focused tips and strategies to use straight away. Whether it’s writing great essays, understanding referencing or managing your wellbeing, find out how to build good habits and progress your skills throughout your studies. Learn core skills quickly Apply them right away and see results Succeed in your studies and in life Super Quick Skills gives you the foundations you need to confidently navigate the ups and downs of university life.Table of ContentsWhy am I being asked to work in a group? What should I do first? How does my group decide who does what? How can I become a good team member? How do we make sure we work well as a group? How do we keep on top of our project? How do we avoid conflict? What makes a good final product?

Read more less

Book SynopsisOffering guidance on doing experiments, this Little Quick Fix helps you select the most appropriate experiment for your research, collect and record data, minimise error, and ensure your experiment is ethical and reproducible. Table of ContentsWhat is an experiment? Why do I need to do an experiment for my research? What types of experiment are there? How do I ensure my experiment is ethically appropriate? How do I make my experiment reproducible? How do I minimise error? What types of data should I be collecting in an experiment? How do I collect and record data in an experiment?

Read more less

Book SynopsisStruggling to know why arguments are important at university? Unsure about what an argument is, how they work, or how to produce one? Then you have come to the right place! Covering both written and verbal arguments, this practical guide will demystify academic conventions. It will show you what an argument is and how it works, providing you with a framework for producing great arguments of your own. Student Success is a series of essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to boosting your employability and managing your wellbeing, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. Trade ReviewA comprehensive and engaging book that equips readers with valuable tools for crafting persuasive arguments. With a clear and logical structure, the book covers fundamental concepts like logical fallacies, evidence gathering, and critical thinking. Real-life examples and exercises provide practical applications, while the author′s expertise and authority instill confidence. This resource goes beyond theory, offering actionable strategies for effective argumentation. The emphasis on critical thinking and the inclusion of additional resources make it a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their persuasive skills and excel in debates, negotiations, and various communication situations. -- Ernesto Vargas GilTable of ContentsChapter 1: Why Are You Here? Chapter 2: Types Of Argument Chapter 3: Theoretical Standpoints Chapter 4: Reading For Argument Chapter 5: Counterarguments Chapter 6: Structuring Arguments Chapter 7: Writing An Argument Chapter 8: Arguing In Class Chapter 9: Making The Argument Your Own

Read more less

Book SynopsisFacing an online assessment? Here’s how to ace it. This straightforward guide helps you translate your existing skills into an online environment. It enables you to transition from understanding familiar, offline assessments to succeeding in formal online assessments by breaking down what you are being asked to do - then shows you how to prepare, where to get help and what to do on the day. From presentations to portfolios, it demonstrates that, once you understand this new way of being assessed, you can make the most of working online to improve your grades and excel in your work. It also: Equips you with strategies to help manage anxieties around online assessment. Highlights the challenges and benefits that are unique to online assessment. Demonstrates how to make the most of feedback to support your development as a self-reflective learner. With each chapter built around key student questions, this guide is perfect for dipping into for any type of online assessment. Student Success is a series of essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to boosting your employability and managing your wellbeing, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Online assessed presentations Chapter 3: Online assessed student seminars Chapter 4: Online assessed learning journals Chapter 5: Online assessed portfolios Chapter 6: Online assessed multiple choice tests Chapter 7: Online short answer tests Chapter 8: Online exams Chapter 9: Online assessed tutor-student conversations and vivas Chapter 10: Making the most of feedback

Read more less

Book SynopsisYour step-by-step guide to reflective writing, this book gives you the practical skills to reflect on and learn from your experiences. With a clear framework that works for different situations and types of assignments, learn how to: · Take the time and space to reflect · Find a structure and writing style to communicate your experiences · Solve real-world problems · Set goals for future action Super Quick Skills provides the essential building blocks you need to succeed at university - fast. Packed with practical, positive advice on core academic and life skills, you’ll discover focused tips and strategies to use straight away. Whether it’s writing great essays, understanding referencing or managing your wellbeing, find out how to build good habits and progress your skills throughout your studies. Learn core skills quickly Apply them right away and see results Succeed in your studies and in life Super Quick Skills gives you the foundations you need to confidently navigate the ups and downs of university life.Table of ContentsWhat Is Writing Reflectively? Why Is A Reflective Learner Journal Useful? How Do I Prepare For A Reflective Assignment? How Do I Create A Good Theme? How do I manage my research time? What Do I Need To Write A Rough Plan? How Can I Use Critical Writing In My Final Draft? Which Techniques Help In Editing My Final Draft? How Do I Recycle My Assignment Feedback?

Read more less

Book SynopsisPlanning your dissertation is made simple with this quick, step-by-step guide. Your instant pocket supervisor, this book will help you to: · Choose a topic you are excited about · Manage your time and beat procrastination · Create a step-by-step plan to keep you on track. Super Quick Skills provides the essential building blocks you need to succeed at university - fast. Packed with practical, positive advice on core academic and life skills, you’ll discover focused tips and strategies to use straight away. Whether it’s writing great essays, understanding referencing or managing your wellbeing, find out how to build good habits and progress your skills throughout your studies. Learn core skills quickly Apply them right away and see results Succeed in your studies and in life Super Quick Skills gives you the foundations you need to confidently navigate the ups and downs of university life. Table of ContentsWhat is a dissertation? Is a dissertation for me? How do I pick my research topic? What is the role of the supervisor in the dissertation? How do I manage my time effectively? What do I need to read before I start? How do I produce an ethically sensitive piece of research? What methods should I use?

Read more less

Book SynopsisConsidering the composition classroom as a mad scientist's laboratory, The Mad Scientist's Guide to Composition introduces different kinds of writing as experiments. Writing an essay is a task that can strike fear into a student's heart, but performing an experiment licenses creativity and doesn't presume that one knows the outcome from the start.The Mad Scientist's Guide covers the kinds of writing most often required on college campuses, while also addressing important steps and activities frequently overlooked in composition guides, such as revision and peer reviewing. Actual examples of student writing are included throughout, as are helpful reminders and tips to help students polish their skills. Above all, the Mad Scientist's Guide seeks to make writing fun.Trade ReviewComments on the first edition"In an ideal world, writing would be taught with joy, create a sense of adventure, emphasize invention, and be full of monsters. Welcome to that ideal world. Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock's The Mad Scientist's Guide to Composition will resonate profoundly with students and teachers who want an accessible, enjoyable, and riveting invitation to best writing practices-and to unbounded imagination." - Jeffrey J. Cohen, Dean of Humanities, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University"As its subtitle promises, The Mad Scientist's Guide to Composition is somewhat cheeky, but the subtitle undersells just how useful it is. Focusing on real issues that plague student writing and student writers, Weinstock walks students through the process of writing an essay from start to finish, identifying common missteps and questions that may arise while providing examples from his own students' writing and the work of published authors. Whether read from beginning to end or mined for appropriate sections to complement ongoing work in a class, this Guide is a must-have for anyone with a sense of humor looking to be a better writer or for composition instructors hoping to make reading about writing, well, a little bit more fun." - Leah Richards, LaGuardia Community College, City University of New York"Many composition textbooks seem to be under the influence of the idea that, in order to be helpful, textbooks need to be dry and formal. Weinstock is in no way dry or formal. Overall, I love this book because of its accessibility, its ability to joke (and resonate with) both student and instructor, and because it focuses on the things I want to teach this is also the first textbook that I have read from cover to cover out of pure enjoyment, while also annotating everything Weinstock wrote. It is this last factor-that I could learn from and enjoy it-that sold me on teaching this book." - Rebekah Phillips, University of Delaware"The Mad Scientist's Guide to Composition (A Somewhat Cheeky but Exceedingly Useful Introduction to Academic Writing) is probably the most high-spirited book we are ever likely to review in these pages. … But don't be fooled; the merriment serves a serious purpose, keeping its intended readers engaged with a subject writing papers many of them dread. If I had had this when I was doing my undergraduate work, it would have saved me a lot of learning time. And, I suspect, many a graduate student, and not a few working technical writers, would benefit from what is found here as well. Considering that this is a composition handbook, Weinstock has performed a miracle: He has brought the dead to life and produced a handbook that students might not only read but heed." - Patrick Lufkin, Technical Communication"I enjoyed The Mad Scientist's Guide to Composition. It was entertaining to read while also being very informative. While I much prefer it over a 'standard' textbook, they also just don't fall in the same category. The Guide delivers information effectively, providing creative perspectives and humor to what would otherwise be boring lessons. Because of what it offers over traditional textbooks, I would argue that it's a better teaching tool than they are. Instead of slogging through a 1000+ page, heavy book, we got a more casual (and, dare I say, fun) journey through the components of composition. Because of that, I'd highly recommend this book for future courses." - Kyle Goetke, student, Drexel University"Jeffrey Weinstock's The Mad Scientist's Guide to Composition is the composition book I've been looking for. Weinstock masterfully blends academia with horror, humor, and pop culture. My students really enjoy this book because of Weinstock's wit, which makes the content less intimidating when compared to a traditional composition book. The Mad Scientist's Guide has made my teaching a lot more fun and engaging." - Criss Vo, Golden West CollegeTable of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Nuts and Bolts (Mechanics) Chapter 2: Graverobbing (Finding, Evaluating, and Incorporating Sources) Chapter 3: Readying the Lab (Brainstorming, Formulating an Argument, Outlining) Chapter 4: Conducting Experiments (Writing to Inform, Writing to Persuade, and Writing to Evaluate) Chapter 5: The Monster Lives! or Does It? (Revision, Peer Reviewing, Retroactive Outlining) Chapter 6: Placating Ghosts (Systems of Citing Sources to Avoid Angering the Dead … and the Living) Chapter 7: The Great Beyond Addendum 1: A Successful Experiment! Addendum 2: A Successful Experiment! Addendum 3: Common Mad Scientist Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) Addendum 4: Finishing Touches Permissions Acknowledgments Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisA practice-based book that clarifies the principles and theory of expressive arts by putting them into context in the therapy room and the work of expressive arts therapy. It covers all five primary art disciplines of expressive arts and important theories from the late Paolo J. Knill.

Read more less

Book SynopsisStudying for your Education Degree is PERFECT for anyone wanting to train to become a primary or secondary teacher or undertake an education studies course. After reading this fully comprehensive guide you will understand: the structure and culture of HE, and how education/teaching fits into it what to expect, and what will be expected of you, as a university student teaching and assessment methods within education, so that you can perform to the best of your ability in an academic environment how to manage your teaching/education studies in an effective way and make the most of the resources available to you. The books in our Critical Study Skills series will help you gain the knowledge, skills and strategies you need to achieve your goals. They provide support in all areas important for university study, including institutional and disciplinary policy and practice, self-management, and research and communication. Packed with tasks and activities to help you improve your learning, including learner autonomy and critical thinking, and to guide you towards reflective practice in your study and work life. Uniquely, this book is written by an experienced education lecturer and an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) lecturer. Table of Contents Studying education / teaching in higher education Strategies for effective learning Critical thinking Becoming a member of your academic community Technology and resources Strategies for assessment

Read more less

Book SynopsisC.S. Lewis’s 1943 The Abolition of Man is a set of three essays that encapsulate some of the most important elements of good critical thinking. Lewis considers a weighty topic, moral philosophy – and more precisely how we teach it, and where morality comes from. As critics and enthusiasts for Lewis’s work alike have noted, though, he was not a philosopher as such, but a professor of literature. And rather than presenting novel or original ideas, the essays’ true qualities lie in the ways in which they evaluate and judge the arguments of prior philosophers, and how they construct a coherent, highly persuasive argument for Lewis’s own point of view. Lewis takes issue with textbooks and philosophies that argue for (or imply) that all morals and moral judgments are relative. He deploys evaluative skills to point out the weaknesses in such arguments and then sets out for his readers the kind of moral future such relativism could lead to. This hard-hitting evaluation, in turn, provides a solid base upon which to construct a well-argued counter-proposal, that moral laws can be absolute, and stem from objective, universal values. Persuasive and enthralling, The Abolition of Man showcases reasoning at its best.Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who was C. S. Lewis? What does The Abolition of Man Say? Why does The Abolition of Man Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrantz Fanon’s explosive Black Skin, White Masks is a merciless exposé of the psychological damage done by colonial rule across the world. Using Fanon’s incisive analytical abilities to expose the consequences of colonialism on the psyches of colonized peoples, it is both a crucial text in post-colonial theory, and a lesson in the power of analytical skills to reveal the realities that hide beneath the surface of things. Fanon was himself part of a colonized nation – Martinique – and grew up with the values and beliefs of French culture imposed upon him, while remaining relegated to an inferior status in society. Qualifying as a psychiatrist in France before working in Algeria (a French colony subject to brutal repression), his own experiences granted him a sharp insight into the psychological problems associated with colonial rule. Like any good analytical thinker, Fanon’s particular skill was in breaking things down and joining dots. His analysis of colonial rule exposed its implicit assumptions – and how they were replicated in colonised populations – allowing Fanon to unpick the hidden reasons behind his own conflicted psychological make up, and those of his patients. Unflinchingly clear-sighted in doing so, Black Skin White Masks remains a shocking read today.Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who was Frantz Fanon? What does Black Skin, White Masks Say? Why does Black Skin, White Masks Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisRichard Dawkins provides excellent examples of his reasoning and interpretation skills in The Selfish Gene. His 1976 book is not a work of original research, but instead a careful explanation of evolution, combined with an argument for a particular interpretation of several aspects of evolution. Since Dawkins is building on other researchers’ work and writing for a general audience, the central elements of good reasoning are vital to his book: producing a clear argument and presenting a persuasive case; organising an argument and supporting its conclusions. In doing this, Dawkins also employs the crucial skill of interpretation: understanding what evidence means; clarifying terms; questioning definitions; giving clear definitions on which to build arguments. The strength of his reasoning and interpretative skills played a key part in the widespread acceptance of his argument for a gene-centred interpretation of natural selection and evolution – and in its history as a bestselling classic of science writing.Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who is Richard Dawkins? What does The Selfish Gene Say? Why does The Selfish Gene Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisLeon Festinger’s 1957 A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance is a key text in the history of psychology – one that made its author one of the most influential social psychologists of his time. It is also a prime example of how creative thinking and problem solving skills can come together to produce work that changes the way people look at questions for good. Strong creative thinkers are able to look at things from a new perspective, often to the point of challenging the very frames in which those around them see things. Festinger was such a creative thinker, leading what came to be known as the “cognitive revolution” in social psychology. When Festinger was carrying out his research, the dominant school of thought – behaviorism – focused on outward behaviors and their effects. Festinger, however, turned his attention elsewhere, looking at “cognition:” the mental processes behind behaviors. In the case of “cognitive dissonance”, for example, he hypothesized that apparently incomprehensible or illogical behaviors might be caused by a cognitive drive away from dissonance, or internal contradiction. This perspective, however, raised a problem: how to examine and test out cognitive processes. Festinger’s book records the results of the psychological experiments he designed to solve that problem. The results helped prove the existence for what is now a fundamental theory in social psychology.Table of ContentsWays In to the Text Who was Leon Festinger? What does A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance Say? Why does A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisJohn Rawls's A Theory of Justice is one of the most influential works of legal and political theory published since the Second World War. It provides a memorably well-constructed and sustained argument in favour of a new (social contract) version of the meaning of social justice. In setting out this argument, Rawls aims to construct a viable, systematic doctrine designed to ensure that the process of maximizing good is both conscious and coherent – and the result is a work that foregrounds the critical thinking skill of reasoning. Rawls's focus falls equally on discussions of the failings of existing systems – not least among them Marxism and Utilitarianism – and on explanation of his own new theory of justice. By illustrating how he arrived at his conclusions, and by clearly explaining and justifying his own liberal, pluralist values, Rawls is able to produce a well structured argument that is fully focused on the need to persuade. Rawls explicitly explains his goals. He discusses other ways of conceptualizing a just society and deals with counter-arguments by explaining his objections to them. Then, carefully and methodically, he defines a number of concepts and tools—“thought experiments”—that help the reader to follow his reasoning and test his ideas. Rawls’s hypothesis is that his ideas about justice can be universally applied: they can be accepted as rational in any society at any time. Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who was John Rawls? What does Theory of Justice Say? Why does Theory of Justice Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrancis Fukuyama’s controversial 1992 book The End of History and the Last Man demonstrates an important aspect of creative thinking: the ability to generate hypotheses and create novel explanations for evidence. In the case of Fukuyama’s work, the central hypothesis and explanation he put forward were not, in fact, new, but they were novel in the academic and historical context of the time. Fukuyama’s central argument was that the end of the Cold War was a symptom of, and a vital waypoint in, a teleological progression of history. Interpreting history as “teleological” is to say that it is headed towards a final state, or end point: a state in which matters will reach an equilibrium in which things are as good as they can get. For Fukuyama, this would mean the end of “mankind’s ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government”. This grand theory, which sought to explain the end of the Cold War through a single overarching hypothesis, made the novel step of resurrecting the German philosopher G.W.F. Hegel’s theory of history – which had long been ignored by practical historians and political philosophers – and applying it to current events.Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who is Francis Fukuyama? What does The End of History and the Last Man Say? Why does The End of History and the Last Man Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisOur Ecological Footprint presents a powerful model for measuring humanity’s impact on the Earth to reduce the harm we are causing the planet before it’s too late. While some people believe we can find a middle ground between environmental conservation and economic development, or that future technological discoveries will solve the problem, the authors warn that our planet’s limited resources simply can’t support an economic system based on unlimited growth. Our Ecological Footprint offers a valuable tool to help us live more sustainably and safeguard our natural resources for generations to come.Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who are Mathis Wackernagel and William Rees? What does Our Ecological Footprint Say? Why does Our Ecological Footprint Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisPerhaps the most peculiar feature of a financial bubble – one that Charles Kindleberger's classic work Manias, Panics and Crashes draws particular attention to – is the inability of those trapped inside it to grasp the seriousness of their predicament. They know in principle that bubbles exist, and they know that the financial crashes that result from them are capable of destroying individuals' wealth and entire economies. Yet whenever and wherever a bubble begins to form, we're told that this time things are different, that there are sound reasons to continue to invest and to presume that prices will continue to rise steadily forever.Kindleberger's achievement is to use the critical thinking skill of evaluation to examine this strange mindset and the arguments advanced in support of it. He harshly judges the acceptability of the reasons used to create such arguments, and highlights the issues of relevance and adequacy that give us every reason to doubt them. Kindleberger also uses his powers of reasoning to effect an unusual achievement – writing a work soundly rooted in economics that nonetheless engages and convinces a non-specialist audience of the correctness of his arguments.Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who was Charles P. Kindleberger? What does Manias, Panics and Crashes say? Why does Manias, Panics and Crashes matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisGaia: A New Look At Life on Earth may continue to divide opinion, but nobody can deny that the book offers a powerful insight into the creative thinking of its author, James E. Lovelock. Published in 1979, Gaia offered a radically new hypothesis: the Earth, Lovelock argued, is a living entity. Together, the planet and all its separate living organisms form a single self-regulating body, sustaining life and helping it evolve through time. Lovelock sees humans as no more special than other elements of the planet, railing against the once widely-held belief that the good of mankind is the only thing that matters. Despite being seen as radical, and even idiotic on its publication, a version of Lovelock’s viewpoint has found resonance in contemporary debates about the environment and climate, and has now broadly come to be accepted by modern thinkers. As man’s effects on the climate become increasingly extreme, more and more elements of the Earth’s self-regulation seem to be unveiled – forcing scientists to ask how far the planet might be able to go in order self-regulate effectively. Indeed, despite its far-fetched elements, Lovelock’s Gaia thesis seems to ring more convincingly today than ever before; that it does is largely a result of the critical thinking skills that allowed Lovelock to produce novel explanations for existing evidence and, above all, to connect existing fragments of evidence together in new ways.Table of ContentsWays in to the text Who is James E. Lovelock? What does Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth Say? Why does Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisEric Hoffer’s The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements is one of the most widely read works of social psychology written in the 20th-century. It exemplifies the powers of creative thinking and critical analysis at their best, providing an insight into two crucial elements of critical thinking.Hoffer is likely to go down in history as one of America’s great creative thinkers – a writer not bound by standard frameworks of thinking or academic conventions, willing to beat his own path in framing the best possible answers to the questions he investigated. An impoverished, largely unschooled manual laborer who had survived the worst effects of the Great Depression in the United States, Hoffer was a passionate autodidact whose philosophical and psychological education came from omnivorous reading. Working without the help of any mentors, he forged the fearsomely creative and individual approach to problems demonstrated in The True Believer.The book, which earned him his reputation, examines the different phenomena of fanaticism – religious or political – and applies Hoffer’s analytical skills to reveal that, deep down, all ‘true believers’ display the same needs and tendencies, whatever their final choice of belief. Incisive and persuasive, it remains a classic.Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who was Hoffer? What does The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements Say? Why does The True Believer Matter? Why does The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisReasoning is the critical thinking skill concerned with the production of arguments: making them coherent, consistent, and well-supported; and responding to opposing positions where necessary. The Better Angels of Our Nature offers a step-by-step class in precisely these skills. Author Steven Pinker's central thesis is simple: mankind has become increasingly less violent over the centuries, and will continue to do so. Pinker is aware, though, that many people instinctively believe the opposite, and Better Angels is devoted to marshalling data to support and illustrate this central argument, as well as a series of secondary arguments about how and why humanity has become less violent. Pinker's interpretative skills – understanding the meaning of the complex evidence from history – are also on display throughout, as he tackles the ambiguities of his data, the problems it presents, and the viable inferences one can draw from it.Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who is Steven Pinker? What does The Better Angels of Our Nature Say? Why does The Better Angels of Our Nature Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisAristotle remains one of the most celebrated thinkers of all time in large part thanks to his incisive critical thinking skills. In Politics, which can be considered one of the foundational books of the western political tradition, the focus is on problem-solving, and particularly on the generation and evaluation of alternative possibilities.Aristotle’s aim, in Politics, is to determine how best to organize a society. He looks in turn at several different type of organization – kingship, oligarchy and the polity, or rule in the hands of many – and evaluates the arguments for each in turn. But he takes the exercise further than his predecessors had done. Having concluded that rule by the aristocracy would be preferable, since it would mean rule by citizens capable of taking decisions on behalf of the society as a whole, Aristotle subjects his solution to a further checking process, asking productive questions in order to make a sound decision between alternatives.Politics was ground-breaking in its approach. Unlike previous thinkers, Aristotle based all his ideas on a practical assessment of how they would play out in the real world. Ultimately, Aristotle argues, the problem of self-interest means that the adoption of a mixed constitution – one based on carefully considered laws which aims at a balance of power between the people and the elite – is most likely to bring eudaemonia (happiness). It’s a conclusion firmly based on careful evaluation (not least the process of judging the adequacy of arguments) and the product of outstanding problem-solving skills. Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who was Aristotle? What does Politics Say? Why does Politics Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisDebt is one of the great subjects of our day, and understanding the way that it not only fuels economic growth, but can also be used as a means of generating profit and exerting control, is central to grasping the way in which our society really works. David Graeber's contribution to this debate is to apply his anthropologists' training to the understanding of a phenomenon often considered purely from an economic point of view. In this respect, the book can be considered a fine example of the critical thinking skill of problem-solving. Graeber's main aim is to undermine the dominant narrative, which sees debt as the natural – and broadly healthy – outcome of the development of a modern economic system. He marshals evidence that supports alternative possibilities, and suggests that the phenomenon of debt emerged not as a result of the introduction of money, but at precisely the same time. This in turn allows Graeber to argue against the prevailing notion that economy and state are fundamentally separate entities. Rather, he says, "the two were born together and have always been intertwined" – with debt being a means of enforcing elite and state power. For Graeber, this evaluation of the evidence points to a strong potential solution: there should be more readiness to write off debt, and more public involvement in the debate over debt and its moral implications.Table of ContentsWays in to the Text Who is David Graeber? What does Debt: The First 5000 Years Say? Why does Debt: The First 5000 Years Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisA flagbearer for the increasingly fashionable genre of "transnational history," Timothy Snyder's Bloodlands is, first and foremost, a stunning example of the critical thinking skill of evaluation. Snyder's linguistic precocity allows him to cite evidence in 10 languages, putting fresh twists on the familiar story of World War II fighting on the Eastern Front from 1941-45. In doing so, he works to humanize the estimated 14 million people who lost their lives as their lands were fought over repeatedly by the Nazis and their Soviet opponents. Snyder also works to link more closely the atrocities committed by Hitler and Stalin, which he insists are far too often viewed in isolation. He focuses heavily on the adequacy and relevance of his evidence, but he also uses the materials he has culled from so many different archives as fuel for an exemplary work of reasoning, forcing readers to confront the grim realities that lie behind terms such as ‘cannibalism’ and ‘liquidation.’ In consequence, Bloodlands has emerged, only a few years after its publication, as one of the seminal works of its era, one that is key to Holocaust studies, genocide studies and area studies, and to sociology as well as to history. A masterly work of literature as well as of history, Bloodlands will continue to be read for decades.Table of ContentsWays In to the Text Who is Timothy Snyder? What does Bloodlands Say? Why does Bloodlands Matter? Section 1: Influences Module 1: The Author and the Historical Context Module 2: Academic Context Module 3: The Problem Module 4: The Author's Contribution Section 2: Ideas Module 5: Main Ideas Module 6: Secondary Ideas Module 7: Achievement Module 8: Place in the Author's Work Section 3: Impact Module 9: The First Responses Module 10: The Evolving Debate Module 11: Impact and Influence Today Module 12: Where Next? Glossary of Terms People Mentioned in the Text Works Cited

Read more less

Book SynopsisIf you are embarking on a university criminology, policing or other law enforcement professional degree, the books in this series will help you acquire and develop the knowledge, skills and strategies you need to achieve your goals. They provide support in all areas important for university study, including institutional and disciplinary policy and practice, self-management, and research and communication. Tasks and activities are designed to foster aspects of learning which are valued in higher education, including learner autonomy and critical thinking, and to guide you towards reflective practice in your study and work life. Academic Writing and Referencing for your Policing Degree provides you with a sound knowledge and understanding of: what constitutes good academic writing in policing a range of strategies for writing successful essays and reports the importance of clarity and coherence in your writing about policing how to improve your academic style, grammar and punctuation, and formatting and presentation referencing conventions in the field of policing, and of how to avoid plagiarism. Trade Review...One of the strengths of Academic Writing and Referencing is the focus on criticality, and developing an argument in academic essays. This can be challenging for inexperienced writers at degree level, but criticality and rhetorical writing is very important as social work students move into practice.... -- Lucy Rai * British Journal of Social Work *Table of Contents Academic writing: text, process and criticality Coherent texts and arguments Referring to sources Language in use Preparing your work for submission

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis textbook is a guide to success during the PhD trajectory. The first part of this book takes the reader through all steps of the PhD trajectory, and the second part contains a unique glossary of terms and explanation relevant for PhD candidates. Written in the accessible language of the PhD Talk blogs, the book contains a great deal of practical advice for carrying out research, and presenting one’s work. It includes tips and advice from current and former PhD candidates, thus representing a broad range of opinions. The book includes exercises that help PhD candidates get their work kick-started. It covers all steps of a doctoral journey in STEM: getting started in a program, planning the work, the literature review, the research question, experimental work, writing, presenting, online tools, presenting at one’s first conference, writing the first journal paper, writing and defending the thesis, and the career after the PhD. Since a PhD trajectory is a deeply personal journey, this book suggests methods PhD candidates can try out, and teaches them how to figure out for themselves which proposed methods work for them, and how to find their own way of doing things.Table of Contents1. Introduction.- 2. Getting started with a PhD.- 3. Planning your time.- 4. Developing your literature review.- 5. Formulating your research question.- 6. Preparing and executing experiments.- 7. Honing your academic writing skills.- 8. Presenting your work.- 9. Communicating science in the 21st century.- 10. Preparing for your first conference.- 11. Writing your first journal article.- 12. Compiling your work into a dissertation.- 13. Navigating career options after your PhD.- 14. Epilogue.- Glossary.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisRead Shakespeare’s plays in all their brilliance—and understand what every word means! Don’t be intimidated by Shakespeare! These popular guides make the Bard’s plays accessible and enjoyable.Each No Fear guide contains: The complete text of the original play A line-by-line translation that puts the words into everyday language A complete list of characters, with descriptions Plenty of helpful commentary

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor beginning writers and researchers, this guide introduces students to the art of formulating an effective argument, conducting high-quality research with limited resources, and writing an engaging class paper.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA life-saving illustrated guide to making student life easier, more productive and more fun. With shortcuts to academic success, tips for making the most of the student experience and - most importantly - hangover hacks to make things better the next day.Welcome to the world of being a student! Where gaining knowledge is top priority and partying follows closely behind. The majority of your time in higher education will be spent moaning about lectures, then about exams and assignments, and then about how broke you are every month. Luckily this fully illustrated manual is here to solve your everyday dilemmas, with low-budget tips and tricks on all aspects of student living, including:- Ways to make your student loan stretch further - Tips to help you get out of bed in time for class - Study, exam and revision hacks, including how to listen to your lectures in half the time - How to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew - and how to get wine stains out of the carpet - A trick for changing those pesky duvet covers - How to store your beer bottles in the fridge without them toppling over - Drawer and wardrobe space maximizers - Party hacks - Food and drink hacks to use up leftovers and make the most of whatever's hiding in your fridge Whether you're a fresh-faced fresher or a seasoned student searching for shortcuts, this trusty guide will be your go-to for all occasions, helping to make your student years gloriously hassle-free.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less