The document provides tips for research methods and writing assignments. It introduces the PLUS model for research which stands for Purpose, Location, Use, and Self-Evaluation. It then gives guidelines for basic essay structure, including having an introduction, main discussion, and conclusion. It also offers tips for extending vocabulary, developing search terms, referencing sources, and following the PLUS model in practice.

1. Research Methods Find what you want, when you want it.

2. The PLUS Model Purpose Location Use Self-evaluation See notice board for more details The PLUS Model James Herring

3. Tips and Techniques for: Writing Assignments Basic Essay Structure Extending Vocabulary Referencing

4. Writing Assignments Tell them what you are going to tell them Tell them Tell them what you have told them In other words, introduction, main discussion, conclusion

5. Basic Essay Structure First thoughts: Analyse the title; Underline key words Look for: Process words – discuss, compare… Content words – subject area Pivotal words – focus; slant; what you have to do Using: Mind maps, spider grams lists, find the key issues

6. Basic Essay Structure Second thoughts: start to plan Introduction: this sets the scene Main Discussion: the body of the essay Conclusion: summarise the ideas, draw things together

7. Basic Essay Structure Final thoughts: Drafting Re-drafting Review questions Are paragraphs linked logically Check word count

8. Extending Vocabulary - tools Make sure you have: A good dictionary A comprehensive thesaurus Create a selection of linking words and phrases – in other words, however, it is possible, in conclusion.

9. Search Terms Turn your keywords or phrases into questions Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

10. Referencing Creating a bibliography. A well laid out bibliography can give you up to 15% of your marks. Be consistent in your terms List: Author, Title, Publisher, Date for books List: Web Address, Author, Date accessed,

11. In Practice No matter what the subject, you should be able to Develop a search strategy (PURPOSE) What is needed (LOCATION) How it is to be presented (USE) Is everything included (SELF-EVALUATION)