Writing Academically

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Approach• Academic writing requires you to evaluate the

ideas of others. • To do this, you need to learn what those ideas are

(research) and decide if you agree or disagree with them (evaluation)

Objectivity

• When evaluating ideas, you need to put aside your personal likes and dislikes and judge the information fairly. If you disagree, you need to have evidence to show the idea is wrong.

Knowledge of Key Terms

• Make sure you truly understand the meanings of the important terms in your field of study.

Use of Third Person

• Do not use I or you in academic writing. Simply make statements.

Poor: I believe that Tennyson’s poems illustrate magical reality

Academic Ex: Tennyson’s poems illustrate magical reality

Analysis verses Summary

• Academic writing does not simply summarize what happened.

• Academic writing analyzes how it happened, or why it happened (cause + effect), how it is similar/different to other works (comparison/ contrast), or even how it has changed over time.

Summary vs. Analysisusing Mary Had a Little Lamb as example

• Ex: Plot = what happened = summary Mary’s lamb followed her to school.• Academic Analysis Example: Mary brought the lamb because she

wanted attention. In the end, she received negative reinforcement and was scolded. However, since the children laughed, Mary might do it again

Acknowledging sources

• You must include a works cited page and acknowledge sources in your paper even if you paraphrase.

Quote: Dr. Neylon said, “Take learning in little bites. It digests better.” (Neylon 33)

Paraphrase: Dr. Neylon told her student to take learning slowly and in little pieces to better comprehend. (Neylon 33)

Writing your Paper

Before you research:

1. Read your assignment carefully. Make sure you fully understand your instructor’s expectation.

2. Ask and clarify the first day

3. Turn your prompt into a thesis with a plan of development.

Writing your Paper

Research:

1. Use the library to find information on your topic.

2. Evaluate your sources! Not all sources are equal. Websites are the WORST sources. Use books, periodicals or the on-line literary resource center.

3. Read your sources (highlight important points, take notes, and do works cited Now!)

Writing your Paper

Organizing information:

1. Look over your notes and create an outline. (Don't forget your thesis and topic sentence)

2. Begin drafting your paper• Intro (Lead in transition thesis)• Body (topic sentences, details and examples,

remember transition)• Conclusion (Restate thesis, summary, ending

strategy)

Writing your Paper Using quotes and Paraphrases

Each quote you use requires a minimum of 3 sentences:

A. Sentence #1 gives your point on the subject

B. Sentence #2 is the quote

C. Sentence #3 explains how the quote supports your points

Using Quotes + Paraphrases Ex:

• Suicide is not a new phenomenon and has been a cause of much struggle for many throughout the centuries. Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play of the same name says, “To be or not to be, that is the question.” (43) Hamlet is struggling to decide if life or being is worth the pain and struggle.

Writing your Paper

Tools:

1. Your text

2. Your teacher

3. MLA websitehttp://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_mla.html

4. Tutors