Further 'Research Investigation' Advice

Research Investigation Advice:

• In your introduction you should provide a thesis statement* which refers to the point(s) in the question, answering the question in this opening paragraph, if possible.

• You should progress (develop) your argument by building on key points from paragraph to paragraph. Directly referring to key aspects of the text in detail.

• Signpost new paragraphs clearly by leaving a line gap or indenting. You do not have to do both. Also, don’t be tempted to start a new line just because you are beginning a new sentence.

• Don’t digress: each of your paragraphs should be focused on the topic of the question. Use actual wording from the question from time to time so that you don’t go off the point.

• Be logical: if you are deconstructing an advert, film sequence or narrative, discuss it in chronological order; focus on what happens at the beginning, then the middle, then the end.

• Use key arguments to make your points fluently and clearly. Phrases and connectives help you to make sense when discussing points in a text or linking ideas in and between paragraphs.

These will also help the reader to ‘navigate’ your essay. For example:

At the beginning of the film…

At the start of…

At first / firstly…

Later on in the text…

Further on…

Next we see…

Subsequent scenes…

Secondly…

As stated by....
An opposing argument suggests that....
Fans have stated that .....  "insert quote"
In terms of the uses & gratifications theory this means that.....
Reviews state that ...."insert quote"

At the end of the advert…

As the text draws to a close…

In conclusion / To conclude

Finally / My final point is…

Similarly / Likewise

In addition / additionally

Furthermore

Moreover

As well as this

However

Whereas

Whilst

Although

Even though

As a result

Due to (the fact that)

Since / Because

Consequently / As a consequence

Subsequently

• Use the media terminology as a tool – to help you discuss the texts.

• Make sure you reference all quotes, theory and information thoroughly throughout your essay. Indent any quotations that are longer than 2 lines.

• Always write a conclusion by referring back to the main point(s) in the question.

• And finally, above all…if you are unsure of something, or uncertain about what you want to write, don’t write it. Keep your points simple in this case, and don’t try to use vocabulary that you don’t understand.

* A thesis statement is the statement that begins a formal essay or argument, or that describes the central argument of your discussion.