10. Error #1 The scrap-book The ‘scrapbook’ paragraph reads like a cut-and-pasted list: There was a rise in the influence of Christianity in government during the Howard era (Maddox, 2005). Christianity has a long history in Australian politics (Brett, 2003). Before World War II, Protestantism and Catholicism were essentially fused with the then Liberal and Labour parties (Aly, 2008). Australia is ostensibly a multicultural and multifaith society yet our Christian-centric secularism doesn’t reflect this (Imtoual, 2005). Each sentence focuses on a single reference.
11. Error #2 ‘Nice but going nowhere’ Recent research has looked at the issue of Christianity in the federal government. For example, Maddox (2005) investigated whether influences such as the family policy-oriented Lyons Forum had an impact. Her analysis showed a link between the structure of Parliament and the privileging of Christianity, and these results were echoed in the study by Randell-Moon (2007) who analysed more specifically the discourse of secular and Christian language in government. ‘ Nice but going nowhere’ paragraphs don’t make their point clear: So what?
12. The complete paragraph Recent research has identified the importance of Christianity in federal government. For example, Maddox (2005) investigated the impact of the family policy-oriented Lyons Forum to the Howard government. Her analysis showed a link between the structure of Parliament and the privileging of Christianity. These results were echoed by Randell-Moon’s (2007) analysis of secular and Christian language in Howard’s discourse. Taken together, these studies reveal a sharp rise in the prominence of Christianity in the Australian government under Howard. However, it is possible these issues are actually reflective of broader religio-cultural trends rather than just the former prime minister and coalition. It is therefore vital to compare and contrast these findings to the current Labor government under Rudd, whose Anglicanism is also conspicuous. The complete paragraph answers the ‘so what’ question: Aha! Yes! Now I can see a case is being argued.
13. How does it work? Recent research has identified the importance of Christianity in federal government. For example, Maddox (2005) investigated the impact of the family policy-oriented Lyons Forum to the Howard government. Her analysis showed a link between the structure of Parliament and the privileging of Christianity. These results were echoed by Randell-Moon’s (2007) analysis of secular and Christian language in Howard’s discourse. Taken together, these studies reveal a sharp rise in the prominence of Christianity in the Australian government under Howard. However, it is possible these issues are actually reflective of broader religio-cultural trends rather than just the former prime minister and coalition. It is therefore vital to compare and contrast these findings to the current Labor government under Rudd, whose Anglicanism is also conspicuous. Always start with your voice Research is smoothly introduced , discussed and referenced . Your voice answers the ‘so what’ question to make a case!
16. Which style does your discipline use? Check your unit outline, or ask at the Discipline office!
17. The library can help! http://libguides.library.uwa.edu.au/content.php?pid=31436&sid=411954
18. http://libguides.library.uwa.edu.au/mla Use a Library Guide: eg MLA The library hosts online guides that tell you everything you need to know about citing sources in your style!
19. Try using EndNote software http://libguides.library.uwa.edu.au/content.php?pid=39446&sid=289544 EndNote enables you to automatically generate your reference list and is free for UWA students! Contact the library to find out more!
20. Ask your librarians http://libguides.library.uwa.edu.au/social_studies The Reid library is home to your Reference librarians! They can answer questions online and in person.