Writing that Research Paper October 30, 2007
Posted by brianne09 in : Citation & bibliography, Content, Style , comments closedIt’s fast approaching that time in the semester when the “end of the semester” research paper is becoming a concrete reality rather than an abstract idea. So here are a few helpful hints to help integrate outside information into your paper as you begin writing…
- First, as Eric’s post on thesis statements suggests, your paper needs to have a thesis which states your opinion on the topic. This thesis should be used to guide the kinds of quotes, paraphrases, summaries, and facts used in your paper. If a quote is really cool, but doesn’t quite make your point or fit in with your argument, it’s better to leave it out and find one that does.
- Make sure your paper flows well by framing outside information with your own words; don’t just use the author’s phrasing. Break apart larger block quotes into smaller phrases that can be integrated into your own sentences.
- Also, be sure to explain your outside information and its relation to the paper. Don’t just drop a quote or a statistic into your paper; it doesn’t add anything to your argument, it just makes your paper longer (longer isn’t always better!).
- CITE YOUR SOURCES!!! Even if it’s a paraphrase or summary, it still needs to be cited. (For help on citation styles, check out the Citation, bib, & Plagiarism link at the top of the list on the right side of our blog)
You can always ask one of the friendly Writing Center consultants for assistance or check out one of the many books we have at the Writing Center (I like Robert Perrin’s Handbook for College Research).
Brianne McClelland
Writing Center Consultant
Why should I replace “there is/are . . .”? October 30, 2007
Posted by jhicks in : Editing, Style , comments closedIf you use there is/are frequently, your sentences may lack content. Check out these sentences: There are issues with transponders for highway tolls. One is privacy. There are ways to tell where your car has been.
Note that the first sentence has little content. The first two words are unimportant, and “issues” is vague. The next sentence names the content of privacy, but we’re still not sure about the attitude.
Changing the construction so that the sentence uses a strong verb improves the content: Transponders for highway tolls provide information about where your car has been. Is this invasion of your privacy an advantage or disadvantage and for whom?
Now all the words in the first sentence name something we can picture, something specific. The sentence now uses “provides” as a verb and requires that you (the writer) name what it provides. Now you have a good sentence!
Tip: As you edit circle “there is/are” and eliminate most. You will be pleased as you see your sentences come to life with action verbs and more content.
Ending your paper October 25, 2007
Posted by arussell in : CORE, Content, Education Unit, Essay Planning , comments closedThe conclusion of a paper is always hardest to write . . .I’ve already said everything–what more is there to do?
This is the opportunity to wrap everything up. It is best to restate your thesis at the beginning of your conclusion, just to bring the reader back to your main point. But don’t use the exact same sentence as in your intro, though you should have some key words from the thesis. A slight variation will keep you from sounding redundant.
It is also important not to put any new evidence in your conclusions. All those should be in the body of your paper. This is where many writers have trouble: It is difficult not to sound redundant when you can’t put in any new facts. The conclusion is the place to provide the answer to, “So what?” Why is your contention (thesis) and evidence significant?
Here are interesting questions to think about as you apply your analysis to the big picture and give it significance.
- Why is your argument/analysis important? What effect does your argument have in your life, or in your reader’s life?
- Does this text cast new light on a question people have always asked–i.e. Is human nature inclined toward goodness or selfishness? Since writers from ancient and modern times explore this idea, what does this tell us?
- Have you reached any startling revelation through your argument?
- Do modern readers see this text (idea, topic, issue) differently than readers in former times? If so, what does this say about its significance?
- A prediction or warning: How might life be different if we accept or don’t accept your argument? Picture it for us!
Your conclusion will give readers more to think about and assure them their journey with you was worthwhile.
It’s Okay to Disagree October 25, 2007
Posted by arussell in : Content, Education Unit , comments closedStudents often think that they have to agree with the writer in order to write a paper about the writer’s ideas. Some of the best papers, however, come from arguing against a writer’s points. Think about–people usually get the most excited and passionate when they disagree with something, and the best papers are the ones that make a strong argument. If you have the facts to back up your point of view, go for it! Just make sure you are being logical and not blindly attacking for the sake of arguing, and you could end up with a really strong paper!
Peer review . . .Is it working for you? October 19, 2007
Posted by jhicks in : Editing, Uncategorized , comments closed“I think you need a comma here.” “Make it flow more.” “You really support your thesis.” “Check coherence.” Are these helpful comments?
What kinds of comments are you looking for in peer review? Post a response here describing a peer review comment that has worked for you.
What’s wrong with Wikipedia? October 10, 2007
Posted by jhicks in : Citation & bibliography , comments closedWriting papers in college means a lot of resources. Despite the wonderful world wide web, online library catalogues and interlibrary loan, it can still be difficult to find the information you need. The best thing to do is to find a resource librarian. The most tempting, but definitely most illegitmate thing to do is to cite Wikipedia.
“But it’s Wikipedia dot ORG.”
This explanation is delivered over and over again at the Writing Center. Teachers have told us that websites ending with .org or .edu are more likely to be reliable resources. This does not change the fact that Wikipedia is an open-source encyclopedia. Anybody can post anything, generating a great danger of misinformation. Wikipedia may have a plethora of information on your paper topic, but the process by which the articles are assembled is not appropriate for academic use. Look up Wikipedia’s page on “Wikipedia,” and you will find reports of controversy and lack of academic credibility.
Keep Wikipedia out of your citations and bibliography, but…
Wikipedia can be a useful starting point. Because it is open-source, reading an article can give a general idea to culture’s current perspectives on many topics. Some articles within Wikipedia are highly developed, and provide legitimate citations. After checking their credibility, you can use these citations to find reliable, academic resources for your paper.
As always, good luck and good writing. Look for our Blue Light and drop by the Writing Center for all your writing needs.