Writing at level 7
For Physician Associates
Critical and reflective writing
This page gives you access to videos and resources for writing at level 7. At this level your writing must demonstrate more criticality as part of a well structured argument.
As health practitioners, you must be able to reflect effectively and demonstrate that in your writing.
These resources cover:
Critical writing:
- Taking a position
- Components of an effective argument and articulating your voice
- Developing effective arguments
Reflective writing:
- Developing your reflection: thoughts, feelings and questions
- Relating reflection to theory
- Meaningful reflection: feeding forward and PPD/CPD
Structuring your writing:
- What to put in an introduction, main body and conclusion
- References
Critical writing
Critical writing is defined as:
Presenting a series of reasoned arguments supported by academic evidence that develop your position and persuade the reader of its validity.
Watch this video and then have a go at the activities below:
Critical writing activities
Try these activities, we will look at the possible answers during the session on Wednesday 16th September.
Activity 1: Showing appropriate academic caution
Download this document: Hedging phrases activity, and have a go at coming up with some more appropriately cautious phrases than the ones given.
Activity 2: Recognising the elements of an argument
Download this document: Elements of an argument activity, and try to spot the different elements of an argument in the paragraph provided.
Activity 3: Using signposts
Download this document: Using signposts activity, and suggest suitable signposts for the points indicated in the text.
Reflective writing
Reflective writing is defined as:
Drawing on the thoughts and feelings that emerge from experience combined with academic evidence to develop generalisations to improve future practice.
Watch this video and then complete the activity below.
Reflective writing activity
Download this document: Reflective writing activity, have a go at completing it and we will look at possible answers during the session on Wednesday 16th September.
Structuring your writing
All academic writing should be well structured. Essays have an introduction, a main body and a conclusion. Watch this short video to see what should go into each of these sections.
Useful resources
- SkillsTeam SkillsGuidesOver 20 different guides covering academic skills – including Writing Academically, Essay Writing, Critical Writing and Reflective Writing
- Making an argumentSome great advice from the Royal Literary Fund
- Putting the 'w' into reflectionMostly for reflecting on academic assignments but some good ideas
- ReflectionPDF from the University of Plymouth