RE ATAR Unit 1: religious inquiry skills

Communication

Develop Reasoned and Supported Conclusions

Conclusions should be obvious to the reader; clear, plainly expressed and consistent

Conclusions should result from coherent, logically sequenced reasoning that is easily followed

Reasoned: providing plausible and supported arguments and/or explanations .

Supported: conclusions should substantiated by reasoning and/or corroborated by facts. Conclusions should not be based on assumption

When necessary, conclusions should acknowledge the tentative nature of findings

Apply Appropriate Referencing Techniques Accurately and Consistently

Plagiarism is stealing . It is OK to use the ideas of others but their work needs to be acknowledged.

The reader needs to be able to check where this work is coming from.

In a prepared document direct quotations and paraphrased material should be cited in-text. A reference list is included at the end.

Be consistent and follow one referencing convention.

There are different conventions for referencing. The referencing guide suggested by the school is appropriate but be open to other conventions too.

In an exam or test, quotations committed to memory or paraphrased, can be very effective when used to substantiate a point. In these situations a simplified in-text referencing system is sufficient - cite the author or the title of the publication.

Develop Texts That Integrate Appropriate Evidence from a Range of Sources to Explain, Support and/or Refute Arguments

Integrate: to combine parts into a consistent whole.

Appropriate: the quality of evidence depends to some degree on how it is used - quotations or paraphrased material should fit the context of the argument, eg.

Religion is a major part of society and it therefore should be studied in many ways. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to studying religion from a sociological perspective.

One advantage to studying religion as part of society is that it can highlight the benefits of religion to society. This can help society and religion cooperate in mutually beneficial ways.

Source argues that society needs religion for survival to engender cooperation in a community and to give it a reason for existence. Source B supports this view 6y arguing that religion, as a 6e{ief system, is an institution that supports society. Durkheim (Source B) sees religion as a too, to unify society as it creates cohesion and a sense of belonging. Max We66er (Source C) supports this view. He sees religion asa support to other social institutions and even a benefit to the economy. If religion is vital to society then freedom of religion is a necessary condition.

Using the Library Catalogue

Communicate Understanding by Seeking and Using Text Forms Appropriate to Purpose and Audience

An essay requires:

Introduction: an introduction is not an overview of all that you know. An effective introduction:

  • demonstrates an understanding of the essay's purpose
  • states clearly the thesis/point of view/position of the essay
  • identifies how the essay will be developed/structured.

Paragraphs: an essay consists of a series of connected paragraphs that logically develop the thesis. Paragraphs

  • start with a topic sentence
  • expand on one topic
  • should not bve overlong or try to include too many ideas
  • round of with a closing line that links to the topic

Conclusion: a conclusion:

  • draws together the essay's argument or point of view
  • links the evidence presented with the original; proposition.

In the case of short answer questions, space should not be wasted on an extended introduction - get to the point!

Outline: If a question asks for an outline, the response gives an overview or 'sketch' in general terms.

Explain: If a question asks for an explanation, the response sets out, in a logical form, cause and effect.

Discuss: If a question asks for a discussion, the response starts with a statement and presents the points that need to be made about the statement. This can be done in a paragraph or a full essay.

Bibliography