Concluding paragraph: Summarise the main arguments and evidence, making sure that these relate back to the title of the essay. Practical reflections should be offered as appropriate, supported by the material presented in the main body.

a scientific essay synopsis (1000 words plus up to two pages of references)

Essay synopses should have the following structure
1. Title page
2. Introductory paragraph
3. Main body points
4. Concluding paragraph
5. Reference list (two pages maximum)

Introductory paragraph: This should orient the reader to the main issues of focus, outlining the scope of the essay and signposting its progression.

Main body: This should be organised into 3-4 paragraphs which build the points highlighted in the introductory paragraph and which flow logically from one to another. References should be presented as they would in a full essay (references do not contribute to the word count).

One way to think about this section is to use each paragraph to present a key point. For example, if you were writing an essay on the benefits of social support, the first paragraph of the main body might be around the topic Effects of social support are structured by the relationship between the provider and recipient of support. You might want to give each paragraph a title like this. You could think about this paragraph as a scientific abstract which presents: (a) background to the point; (b) methods and findings (the research evidence in support of the point); (c) application / interpretation: what the evidence means, in terms of the point, and essay title: this is an opportunity to consider the quality of the evidence). You should also use the paragraph to signpost the reader to the next point and / or refer back to previous points. For example:

Research on social support has indicated considerable variability in effectiveness, with some studies suggesting a clear beneficial effect of support on health outcomes, and others suggesting no effect, or even a negative effect (see systematic review by REFERENCE). [This is background] Research within the social identity perspective has sought to explain this variability. Several experimental studies have been conducted (REFERENCES), which conclude that the effect of support depends upon who is providing it. When support is provided by outgroup members, the presumed motives of the provider may block any potential benefits that might be experienced if it were provided by an ingroup member. [Methods and findings] People expect ingroup members, but not outgroup members, to be more helpful and to show greater concern for others wellbeing (see review by REFERENCE). However, the research leaves several questions unresolved. Principal amongst these is the observation that in many healthcare settings support is provided by expert healthcare professionals (e.g., physiotherapists; dieticians). By definition, these providers are unlikely to be regarded by patients as ingroup members, but nonetheless there is evidence that the support they provide can be effective (REFERENCES). [Interpretation] The next section of the synopsis offers a perspective on when the relationship between the provider and recipient of social support is important and when it is not. [Signposting]

Concluding paragraph: Summarise the main arguments and evidence, making sure that these relate back to the title of the essay. Practical reflections should be offered as appropriate, supported by the material presented in the main body.

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