This presentation contains advice for students of paper 254.102 at Massey University who are writing an essay for assignment 2.

1. 254.102
WRITING WORKSHOP for A2
This presentation can be viewed online at:
http://tinyurl.com/254102workshoptwo
Martin McMorrow
Centre for Teaching and Learning
Library, Level 3
m.s.mcmorrow@massey.ac.nz
To book a consultation, call: 09 441 8143
or email: slt-alb@massey.ac.nz

2. Assignment 2

3. TIPS FOR STRUCTURING
ASSIGNMENT 2
For 1500 word essays, around 10 paragraphs of
about five or six sentences will probably work best
A possible framework could be:
Intro (1 paragraph)
Synopsis (3 paragraphs)
Application (5 paragraphs)
Conclusion (1 paragraph)

4. Intro
Possible elements of an introduction paragraph:
• Definition of topic
• Explanation of importance of topic
• Summary of purpose / focus of the essay
• Preview of structure of the essay

5. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental
disorder and there is a lack of effective treatments available
(Lal, 2010). Prevalence is increasing and nearly 2% of boys
have been diagnosed with ASD (Coury et al., 2014). This
essay first provides a brief synopsis of a study by Lal (2010)
on the effects of using AAC with children with autism. This is
followed by a discussion of relevant implications of the study
for the practice of speech language therapy as well as some
lessons I’ve learned from reading it.
Discuss strengths or weaknesses of this introduction to a
similar assignment.

6. Synopsis
Summarise one section of the article in each
paragraph
For example:
Method
Results
Discussion

7. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with 25
high school children (15m; 10f; mean age 15) with fluency
disorders ranging from mild to severe. The researchers first
selected 20 high schools representing a range of
socioeconomic areas and then contacted potential
participants through posters, social media postings and
classroom visits. The interviews were based on themes
identified in previous research. The researcher transcribed
the interviews and then coded the transcripts, identifying
themes, using a Grounded Theory approach (Strauss &
Corbin, 1994). She also videoed the participants during three
typical school interactions and then recorded them
commenting while observing their own performance, in order
to gather more evidence of the emotional impact of fluency
disorders.
Discuss strengths or weaknesses of this method paragraph

8. Application
Identify five issues related to professional and
ethical practice which arise from your reading of
the article
For each issue:
• Define or explain it
• Summarise the researcher’s opinion
• Explain its relevance to your professional
practice
• Discuss how an SLT / Teacher etc could
incorporate that into their practice in NZ /
Aotearoa

9. Another relevant issue raised by the study is the need for
gender-appropriate resources and interventions. The boys
commented on the value of group meetings, both online and
face to face, where they could develop their confidence and
relationships with peers. These social and affective resources
have been found to have a significant positive impact on
sustainable progress in communication, particularly among
adolescents (Brown, 2014; Smith, 2016). Helping young
people develop their self-efficacy (Bloggs, 1999) and
allowing them to take control of their own decisions is also
consistent with a strength-based approach to SLT (Random,
2006).
Discuss strengths or weaknesses of this application paragraph

10. Conclusion
Possible elements of a conclusion paragraph:
• Summary of the findings / conclusions of the
article
• Summary of the application to professional
practice in NZ / Aotearoa
• Overall lesson / insight / dollop of wisdom

11. Next workshop
July 16th 7 – 8 pm – online
(assignment 2)
September 24th 7 – 8 pm – online
(assignment 3)
To join these online workshops, click
https://connect.massey.ac.nz/sltyea
rone
Also see: Study Up Workshops