CORE Worker Profile: Good Interview–Good Project February 16, 2011
Posted by jhicks in : Content, CORE, Essay Planning, Uncategorized, Work & Vocation Unit , comments closedGood questions will elicit detail useful for the paper and make the interview lively and fun for both of you. Plan out questions well ahead of time. Try some of these:
Describe a typical day at your workplace.
How did you arrive in this field or job? Would you choose it again? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I read an article that said one of the challenges in your field is [ . . . ]. How does this issue impact you?
People have this impression [ . . . ] about your career. In what ways is this accurate or inaccurate?
What is something people don’t generally know or realize about your field?
I’ve been thinking about/hearing about [ . . .] in your field. What can you tell me about that?
How do publications or organizations help you in your field?
Before your interview, write out specific questions related to the theme or direction you plan to take in the paper. When you make arrangements, let your candidate know how much time you think you will need, and at the end of the interview, ask if you can contact him or her again in case you need more detail.
We’d be happy to help you write out questions before spring break! Or check out this handout of other suggestions. How to Interview for the Worker Profile
The Very Quick Guide to Organizing your Paper August 24, 2009
Posted by jhicks in : Content, CORE, Essay Planning, International Students , comments closedMany students organize papers in a deductive organization. This means the first paragraph has a clear statement of the thesis, including its major premise and significance. The rest of the paper presents paragraphs of evidence. A good thesis sentence has a key phrase that can be used throughout the essay.
Ideally, many paragraphs begin with a sentence that sums up the major point of the paragraph. The topic sentence will use key phrases from the thesis sentence.
The conclusion will further discuss the significance of the thesis. The conclusion might make a prediction related to the thesis, suggest ideas for further analysis at another time, or add one more thought-provoking point related to the thesis.
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
Ending your paper October 25, 2007
Posted by arussell in : Content, CORE, 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!