Writing at Level 5
Level 5 is the second year of undergraduate study in the UK. At this level, you are expected to build on the basic skills you acquired in Level 4 and begin to develop more advanced academic writing. Here’s what is typically expected at Level 5:
Key Expectations
- Enhanced Critical Thinking: This includes deeper analysis, evaluation of evidence, and synthesis of ideas.
- Complex Argumentation: Develop more complex and nuanced arguments. This involves considering multiple perspectives and addressing counter-arguments.
- Advanced Research Skills: Conduct more in-depth research using a wider range of sources, including primary and secondary materials.
- Improved Structure and Coherence: Write essays and reports with clear, logical structures that enhance the coherence and flow of ideas.
- Refined Writing Style: Develop a more sophisticated writing style, including varied sentence structures and precise vocabulary.
Practical Tips
- Deepen Your Analysis: Move beyond description to analyze and evaluate information. Ask critical questions about the sources you use and the arguments you present.
- Develop Stronger Arguments: Construct well-supported arguments by integrating evidence from multiple sources. Address potential counter-arguments to strengthen your position.
- Use a Variety of Sources: Expand your research to include a diverse range of sources. This can include academic journals, books, reputable websites, and primary sources.
- Enhance Coherence: Use transition words and phrases to link ideas and ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs. Each paragraph should build on the previous one to develop your argument logically.
- Refine Your Writing Style: Pay attention to the tone and style of your writing. Aim for clarity, precision, but avoid overly complex sentences that may confuse the reader.
- Practice Advanced Referencing: Ensure that your referencing is accurate and consistent. Familiarise yourself with how to reference less common sources.
- Seek Constructive Feedback: Continue to seek feedback from instructors and peers. Use this feedback to refine your writing and address any areas for improvement.
- Engage in Peer Review: Participate in peer review sessions to gain different perspectives on your writing. Reviewing others’ work can also help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your own writing.
Examples
Here are two examples of texts from essays on The Impact of Social Media on Society. The first is written for Level 4 and the second for Level 5.
Level 4 Writing Example
"Social media has a significant impact on society. It allows people to connect with friends and family, share information, and stay updated on current events (Smith, 2019). However, it also has negative effects, such as spreading misinformation and causing addiction (Jones, 2020). Overall, social media plays a crucial role in modern life, but it is important to use it responsibly (Brown, 2021)."
Level 5 Writing Example
"The influence of social media on contemporary society is profound and multifaceted. On the one hand, platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram facilitate unprecedented levels of connectivity and information dissemination, enabling users to maintain relationships and stay informed about global events in real-time (Smith, 2019). On the other hand, the pervasive nature of social media has introduced several challenges, including the rapid spread of misinformation, privacy concerns, and the potential for addictive behaviours (Jones, 2020). For instance, the phenomenon of "fake news" has been exacerbated by the viral nature of social media, leading to widespread misinformation that can have serious societal consequences (Taylor, 2018). Moreover, the addictive design of these platforms, which often employ algorithms to maximise user engagement, can lead to excessive screen time and negative mental health outcomes (Brown, 2021). Thus, while social media undeniably enhances communication and access to information, it is imperative that users navigate these platforms with a critical eye and a mindful approach to mitigate potential adverse effects (Williams, 2017)."
The Key Differences
- Depth and Detail: Level 5 writing provides a more in-depth analysis and includes specific examples and explanations, whereas Level 4 writing is more general.
- Complexity of Language: Level 5 uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while Level 4 uses simpler language and shorter sentences.
- Critical Thinking: Level 5 demonstrates higher levels of critical thinking and analysis, discussing both positive and negative aspects in detail, while Level 4 presents a more straightforward overview.
Links
University of Hertfordshire: Examples of good academic writing: Level 5 [pdf]
