Jan Charl Van Der Merwe

Literary Analysis

Expository

Persuasive / Argumentative

Analytical Research Paper

Compare and Contrast

Cause and Effect Narrative

Descriptive

Definition Essay

Critical Review

Case Study

Personal Statement

Thesis / Dissertation

I follow a diagnostic and hierarchical approach to academic writing.

I prioritize high-level conceptual clarity before addressing granular mechanical errors. The Tiered Review Process. My current instructional method is divided into four critical pillars, addressed in order of their impact on the reader's understanding:

Types of writing I address:
1. Thesis Refinement: The "Crisp & Concise" RuleI guide students to move away from wordy, multi-sentence introductions toward a singular, focused thesis statement. The goal is to combine related ideas into one clear sentence that answers the what, how, and why of their argument, providing a "focused direction" for the entire paper.

2. Evidence Integration: The "Show, Don't Just Tell" ApproachWhen developing ideas, I challenge students to strengthen their claims with specific evidence. Rather than stating a result (e.g., "this approach helps"), I prompt them to identify and elaborate on the specific strategies or articles used, ensuring their original thoughts are backed by firm analysis.

3. Structural Logic: The "Voice First" FrameworkA core part of my method involves two structural techniques:Topic Sentences: I insist that paragraphs begin with the student's own voice rather than a direct reference. This ensures the student leads the argument while the evidence serves to support it. Strategic Paragraphing: I teach students to use breaks as signals for new ideas, transitions, or visual relief, preventing "choppy" writing.

4. Technical Credibility: APA PrecisionFinally, I address the "architecture" of the document. This includes a strict chronological order for title page elements and the "Sentence Case" rule for reference lists to ensure the work meets professional academic standards.