Academic Writing
In this session:
 Grade boundaries explained for MSc students
 Writing in the third person
 Analysis vs evaluation
 Paragraph construction
 Sentence construction
 Writing in the third person
Grade boundaries
What Do Masters Grades Mean in
the UK?
50% and above = Pass
✔ You’ve met the basic requirements.
60% and above = Merit
✔ Your work is strong and welldeveloped.
70% and above = Distinction
✔ Excellent work showing depth,
originality, and critical thinking.
Important Note – Social Sciences vs.
Sciences
 In social science subjects, it is
very rare to get 80% or more.
 This is because assignments are
marked more subjectively – there
is often no single “correct” answer.
 Even excellent work usually falls in
the 70–75% range.
 Don’t worry – 70+ is already
exceptional!
Writing at Level 7
 Critical and analytical thinking
 Evidence-based arguments
 Integration of theory and practice
 Clear structure and coherent flow
 Formal, objective tone
 Use of academic sources
It is not what you
think, it is about
what you can
support with
evidence
Writing at Level 7/Skills to develop
 Critical analysis/Evaluation – Not just describing but
evaluating theories and practices.
 Argument building – Clear, logical, and supported by
references.
 Reflection – thinking deeply about your own experiences,
actions, or learning. You look at what happened, how you
felt, what you learned, and how you might improve in the
future.
Writing at Level 7/Common challenges
 Descriptive writing instead of critical analysis
 Weak structure or unclear argument
 Over-reliance on personal opinion without evidence
 Inadequate referencing or poor source quality
Tip: Ask yourself – ‘So what?’ after each paragraph. What is
the relevance?
4C’s Formula for writing academically:
✔ Claim – Make a clear statement, for example:
“The democratic leadership style is the most effective form of leadership.”
✔ Confirm – Support your claim with evidence:
Smith (2020) conducted a study involving 100 managers, which
demonstrated that the democratic leadership style increases efficiency and
leads to better outcomes for organisations.
✔ Contrast – Present opposing evidence:
However, John (2023) argued that the democratic leadership style is not
effective in all contexts. He supported this claim with findings from a study
of 33 managers.
✔ Conclude – Make a decision based on the evidence:
Based on the arguments presented, it is clear that democratic leadership
can enhance efficiency in certain situations.
Analysis
 Analysis can be more objective (not about your opinion)
 You look at the parts, patterns, relationships, strengths and
weaknesses—but you do not always make a final judgement.
 You are exploring rather than deciding.
 You might present both pros and cons, but stay neutral
Evaluation
 Evaluation includes everything analysis does, plus a judgement.
 You still look at pros and cons, but then say what they add up to.
 You decide how effective, useful, or successful something is, based
on the evidence.
Summary:
Analysis
Evaluation
Explaining parts, patterns,
pros and cons
Judging value, impact, or
success
Objective/Subjective
More objective (exploring)
More subjective (based on
evidence, but includes your
reasoned view)
Key question
"What is going on?" or "How
and why does this work?"
"Is this good or effective
overall?"
Describes both sides
Weighs both sides and gives
a verdict
Focus
Example result
Paragraph construction:
Each paragraph should include:
 Topic sentence – Main idea
 Evidence – Research, guidelines, or real-life example
 Analysis – Why it matters
 Linking sentence – Connect to next idea (optional)
Example: ’Reminiscence therapy has been found to improve mood and engagement among
people with dementia. A study by Woods et al. (2018) found increased social interaction in care
home residents who participated in weekly sessions. This suggests that non-pharmacological
approaches can significantly enhance well-being, especially in later stages of the condition.’
Avoid short, undeveloped paragraphs like: ‘Reminiscence therapy is helpful. It improves mood.’
OR use 4C’s formula
Sentence construction:
In Level 7 writing, aim for:
 Clear, precise sentences
 Logical flow between points
 Appropriate connectors (e.g. however, therefore)
Good sentence: ‘While medication may reduce behavioural symptoms, person-centered
care has been shown to improve long-term quality of life (Kitwood, 1997)’
Better sentence structure using contrast: ‘Pharmacological treatment addresses symptoms,
however, person-centered approaches address the individual's emotional and social needs.’
Poor sentence: ‘Dementia affects memory, and it causes confusion and then they may
wander which is why care is important, and medication helps.’
Writing in the Third person:
Why use third person?
 Maintains an academic tone
 Focuses on evidence, not opinion
 Reflects critical thinking
Examples:
Third-person style: ‘Research shows that early diagnosis can reduce anxiety
among carers and improve long-term planning (Alzheimer’s Society, 2021).’
Too informal or personal: ‘I think early diagnosis is important because it helps
families prepare.’
Alternative: ‘It can be argued that timely diagnosis plays a crucial role in
enhancing both patient and caregiver outcomes.’