Most of the following instructions can be applied to all three paper assignments, but you may have to modify them to the specific assignment (e.g. paper #2).
While you are not required to use the following method to write your papers, I highly recommend using most, if not all, of the following suggestions.
1. Read ALL other instructions (read again if not done so previously), including general, specific for appropriate assignment, ‘How to Read Articles and Outside References’ and ‘How to Cite References and Produce a Bibliography’.
2. Make an Outline based on the information provided below.
3. Your paper MUST have an Introduction, Middle, and Conclusion.
4. Introduction (1 paragraph, 2 short paragraphs at most):
a. Introduce the subject of your paper & identify the assigned article on which you have based your paper (NOTE: Cite within the text and in bibliography). ONE sentence only
b. Briefly summarize in a FEW sentences the following:
Topic discussed in article
Specific question (hypothesis) the author attempts to answer
The author’s main conclusion
Use summary produced in ‘How to Read Assigned Articles and Outside References’ as a basis (NOTE: you should reduce size of this original summary for final draft – Remember 2 page limit).
c. Last sentence: Summarize what YOUR paper will be about.
How To Organize and Write Papers continued
5. Middle (several paragraphs):
a. Where you will make YOUR argument by answering the questions assigned
b. Make sure that there is an organized logical flow to your paper. Do NOT randomly present information.
c. Examples:
Address one piece of evidence (or several related) per paragraph OR
One paragraph for each question assigned (e.g. Paper #1: strengths, problems,
and unanswered questions in separate paragraphs).
d. Use outside sources to support YOUR assessment of the evidence (NOTE: Cite references within the text of the paper and in bibliography)
6. Conclusion (1 paragraph):
a. 1st sentence = Overall conclusion encompassing all of the more specific conclusions made in your paper
b. Then briefly summarize evidence YOU used (including outside references) to support YOUR argument
7. Each Paragraph MUST also have an Introduction, Middle, and Conclusion
a. Introduction (1st sentence):
Introduce subject of paragraph And/Or
It can serve as a transition to next paragraph
b. Middle (several sentences): Make YOUR point.
c. Conclusion (last sentence):
Make conclusion based on argument made in middle of paragraph
And/Or
It can serve as a transition to next paragraph.
8. Once you have completed the Outline à REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS AGAIN to ensure you are addressing all questions assigned.
How To Organize and Write Papers continued
9. Write a First Draft, incorporating aspects below:
a. Understand your reader, which is your instructor (in other words me).
Assume I have read the article, BUT make sure you show me that you understand the material and can make your own argument.
b. Make paper easy to read:
I will not reduce grade based on grammar or spelling BUT
If I cannot understand what you are writing it will be difficult to assess whether you completed
10. Review Instructions, Assigned Article(s), and outside References AGAIN (Do not skip this step!).
11. Edit your paper keeping in mind aspects in #9 and the following:
a. Remember there is a TWO page limit (NOT including bibliography)
b. Be as concise as possible – make every word, sentence, etc. count
c. If something does not apply specifically to YOUR argument do NOT include it à Eliminate any extraneous information
d. Make sure to properly cite information or quotes from outside references within the text of your paper and in bibliography (see ‘How to Cite References and Produce a Bibliography’)
e. Remember plagiarism will NOT be tolerated and will result in a failing grade
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment