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.
Citations and Bibliography September 25, 2007
Posted by arussell in : Citation & bibliography, Style , comments closed“But this is how I thought we were supposed to cite things?”
“What’s Chicago style?”
“What do I have to cite?”
“You mean I have to cite if I paraphrase? Why?”
“I hate APA. Why can’t we just use MLA for everything?”
“Footnotes, endnotes, in text citations…AHHH”
“What if there is a quote that I’m quoting from a text that is quoting it? Do I quote the original text or the source I have or….?”
The are just a few questions or comments that have been made either by me or other students. Yes, I’ve heard you say them too. 
As it turns out, these questions all have logical answers. Some (if not all) can be found online here under the Citation & bibliography link or in the manuals of style at the Writing Center in the Christopher Center.
Come visit us and we can help you figure out some of those tough questions.
Oh, and yes, if you use someone else’s idea or paraphrase, you do have to cite it….
the dash! September 20, 2007
Posted by mlester in : Editing , add a commentThe dash was Emily Dickenson’s favorite punctuation. It is often confused with the hyphen, but but it is much more cool. It is used to set off material that deserves special emphasis. When typing, use two hypens to form a dash, with no space before or after.
So if you have a list to set off, a restatement, or an idea that you want to stand out in your writing, a dash can help you do that.
Example: Mary took a few steps back, came running full speed, kicked a mighty kick–and missed the ball.
In my opinion, I think . . . September 19, 2007
Posted by jhicks in : Love Unit, Style , add a commentIs it OK to use “I” in my writing? Many profs will suggest eliminating “I” (first person) from your formal writing. Simply make a statement–readers will know it’s from you. However, the assignment itself, the topic, and the purpose will usually give you a sense whether this personal reference works well in the writing.
Tip: When having trouble with a draft, try writing “I think that . . .” often to help you decide what you want to say. Later you can eliminate this construction by using the second part of the sentence.