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Arts and Social Science conclusions

Theme: Berkeley and the existence of matter

Task: Critically discuss Berkeley's case against the existence of matter (1,500 words, from a 100 level philosophy paper.)
About this excerpt:

Another solid conclusion structure
There are a number of features in this conclusion that point to its high quality. The student's language is formal, but we can clearly discern his 'voice' in the excerpt. He approves of the theory he is writing about, but does not need to use any 'first-person' language to make this clear.
Likewise, his conclusion structure follows three discrete sections; he restates his thesis, he summarises his main points, and he finishes with a concluding statement.
First person language
We frequently have students asking how it is possible to present the writer's perspective without using first person strategies like "I think…" or "In my opinion…". This essay demonstrates very well how this can be done. Watch Sean Macleod from Smrt English on Youtube explain how to maintain a formal tone in your writing.

What to do
  • First, use the buttons on the right to guide you through the lesson. Read the excerpt and look at the notes provided.
  • Watch the video on maintaining a formal tone (link above)
  • Complete the short activity (button above to the right).
  • Finally, feel welcome to contact Student Learning either personally, or via the Moodle writing forum to discuss your writing (University of Waikato students only).