Summary of "EPQ: Structuring Your Written Report"

Summary of “EPQ: Structuring Your Written Report”

This detailed lecture provides comprehensive guidance on structuring an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) written report, focusing primarily on argumentation, literature review, research integration, essay structure, and cohesion. It also covers referencing, appendices, style, and common pitfalls to avoid.

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Main Ideas and Concepts

1. Importance of Argumentation in EPQ

• The EPQ report must revolve around a clear, focused, concise, complex, and arguable research question.
• The argument should present conflicting views (argument and counter-argument) to create a discussion.
• Good academic writing balances different perspectives, even if biased, by acknowledging and critiquing opposing views.
• The argument typically includes:
  • Introduction setting context and conflict.
  • Presentation of 2-3 main claims or views.
  • Critical evaluation and synthesis of these views.
  • Conclusion that takes a clear stance and suggests future research.

2. Classic Structure of an EPQ Report

• Title page
• Contents page (including list of acronyms if needed)
• Abstract (150 words, concise summary of argument)
• Introduction (500-800 words, detailed background, context, thesis, key terms, signposting)
• Literature Review (critical evaluation, classification, synthesis of existing research)
• Methodology (if primary research is included, detailing methods and justifying choices)
• Main Body (structured with clear subheadings, presenting arguments and evidence)
• Conclusion (restate research question, summarize findings, no new ideas, recommendations for future study)
• References and Bibliography (carefully managed and formatted)
• Appendices (supporting data like transcripts, graphs, survey results)

3. Literature Review

• Critical analysis, not just summary.
• Classify literature by schools of thought or perspectives.
• Evaluate the value and relevance of sources.
• Demonstrate breadth and depth of reading (20-25 references typical).
• Integrate literature review either as a separate section or woven throughout the essay.
• Use a variety of sources: journals, books, government reports, reputable magazines.
• Reference carefully and accurately, quoting sparingly and critically.

4. Incorporating Primary Research

• Must align with the literature review.
• Quantitative methods: surveys, graphs, charts.
• Qualitative methods: interviews, case studies, ethnographic research.
• Explain chosen methodology, findings, and how data supports conclusions.
• Critically evaluate limitations and be transparent about sample size or biases.

5. Essay Structure and Subheadings

• Use subheadings to break down the main body into manageable, logical sections.
• Subheadings act like signposts or topic sentences, guiding the reader.
• Concise, sometimes in the form of questions to engage readers.
• Helps with coherence and navigation, especially in complex topics.

6. Cohesion and Flow

• Cohesion is the “glue” that links paragraphs, sentences, and sections.
• Use signposting to preview and summarize sections.
• Employ discourse markers and connectors (e.g., firstly, however, moreover).
• Use anaphoric (backward-looking) and cataphoric (forward-looking) references to guide readers.
• Include mini-conclusions or summaries throughout to reinforce understanding.
• Structure arguments logically and chain ideas together (concatenation).

7. Introduction and Conclusion

• Introduction: from general context to specific thesis; clarify key terms; preview structure.
• Conclusion: restate research question and findings; no new information; suggest implications and future research.

8. Referencing and Bibliography

• Essential for academic credibility.
• Recommended tool: Paperpile (paid), but free tools exist with limitations.
• Keep detailed records of sources, access dates, and page numbers.
• Use British spelling and academic conventions.
• Avoid plagiarism by careful citation.

9. Appendices

• Include detailed supporting materials not suitable for the main body.
• Refer to appendices within the essay when appropriate.

10. Style and Presentation Tips

• Avoid confusing abbreviations; provide a glossary if needed.
• Use diagrams or infographics for complex ideas.
• No personal pronouns in scientific or medical reports; acceptable in humanities depending on discipline.
• Use specialist terminology and academic lexis.
• Maintain excellent grammar and punctuation; use spell check tools.
• Structure and signposting are critical to reader comprehension.

11. Common Examiner Feedback and Pitfalls

• Avoid narrow literature scope and lack of critical analysis.
• Avoid poor structure, lack of signposting, and insufficient referencing.
• Ensure reflection and refinement of the research question throughout.
• Aim for higher-order thinking skills (analysis, evaluation, synthesis, creation) per Bloom’s taxonomy.

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Methodology / Instructions for Writing an EPQ Report

1. Define a clear, arguable research question with sub-questions.
2. Plan your structure:
   • Title page, contents, abstract, introduction, literature review, methods, main body, conclusion, references, appendices.
3. Write the abstract as a concise summary of your argument (150 words).
4. Write a substantial introduction (500-800 words):
   • Background/context, conflict/debate, thesis, key terms, signposting.
5. Conduct and write a critical, evaluative literature review:
   • Classify sources, synthesize arguments, evaluate critically.
6. If applicable, conduct primary research:
   • Choose appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods.
   • Explain methods, present data, critique limitations.
7. Develop the main body with clear subheadings:
   • Present arguments and counterarguments.
   • Use evidence and references.
   • Include mini-conclusions and signposts.
8. Write a conclusion that restates findings and suggests future research.
9. Compile references and bibliography meticulously.
10. Add appendices for supplementary materials.
11. Review for cohesion, grammar, spelling (British English), and academic style.

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Speakers / Sources Featured

• Primary Speaker: Unnamed Year 12 teacher/lecturer delivering the EPQ structuring lecture.
• Professor Barnes: Quoted regarding academic writing and structure.
• University of Southampton EPQ Course: Referenced as an excellent resource.
• University of Bath EPQ Course: Recommended for further learning.
• Peggy Johnson (2009): Cited for definition of collection development.
• University of Western Australia Library (2015): Referenced for academic writing example.
• Bloom’s Taxonomy: Referenced as a framework for cognitive skills.
• Other unnamed academic sources: Mentioned for examples in literature and methodology.

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This summary encapsulates the comprehensive guidance given on how to effectively plan, write, and structure an EPQ written report with a strong emphasis on argumentation, critical evaluation, and academic rigor.

Category

Educational

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