Nearing the end

20
Revisions

Transcript of Nearing the end

Revisions

◼ Is your research question clearly stated?◼ Is there enough lead-in in the

introduction to establish the importance of and context for the statement/question?

▪ Too much or too little?◼Do you have a thesis statement that

answers the question – and is it arguable?

◼ Is it clear to the audience what material you will follow?

◼Are there transitions between all sections and paragraphs to create flow?

◼Does each body paragraph have a topic sentence?

▪ Does the topic sentence connect back to the question?

▪ …establish a link with the previous paragraph’s content?

▪ …give enough information so the reader could guess where a particular paragraph’s development would lead?

◼Near the end of each paragraph, do you remind readers why you are saying what you are saying by moving back up to abstract, general terms?

▪ This is with or without a formal concluding sentence.

◼Does the order of paragraphs make sense? Build on itself?

◼ Are your examples reliable, representative, and convincing? Are they explicitly analyzed rather than anecdotal?

◼ Are you sources convincing?▪ Is there a balance between your own insights and an

expert’s opinions?

◼ Are all sources and direct quotations explained and analyzed or left standing on their own?

◼ Has anything that goes off topic/is not essential been cut?

◼Does the conclusion say something different from your introduction?

◼Does it leave a good lasting impression, or is it wishy-washy and unassertive?

A: Research Question-In Intro and Abstract-Make sure it is focused and specific

B: Introduction-Research Question -Context-Significance -Thesis

C: Investigation-Systematic Investigation-Appropriate Sources (be wary of online sources)

D: Knowledge and Understanding of the Topic-”Academic Context” not just anecdotal

E: Reasoned Argument-Ideas presented clearly-In a logical and coherent manner

F: Analytical and Evaluative Skills-Analysis of subject, points, and sources-Psychology, Politics, History, etc – annotated bibliography

D,E, and F:-All demonstrate the depth of your analysis and understanding

-Explanations should show, not tell

-Be critical in your appropriation of support

-Be explicit in your points, don’t imply

G: Use of Language-Clear-Precise-Subject specific

Use the jargon and terminology of your subject

H: Conclusion-Clearly stated and labeled-Consistent with question, evidence, and argument-Addresses unresolved questions-Does NOT restate introduction

I: Formal Presentation-title page, page numbers, table of contents, citations, format, etc..

J: Abstract -States clearly: 1) Research Question, 2) How the investigation was undertaken, 3) Conclusion and thesis

K: Holistic Judgment-Initiative-Insight

PROOFREADING

◼WHEN you proof read:▪ Work from a printout, not the computer screen.▪ Read out loud.▪ Use a blank sheet of paper to cover up the lines

below the one you’re reading.▪ Use the search function of the computer to find

mistakes you’re likely to make.◼ If you tend to make many mistakes,

check separately for each kind of error.▪ Move from most to least important, and follow

whatever technique works best for you.

◼Did you use Chicago Style in Google Docs for your Citing?

◼ Introduction – or better yet a catchy phrase that indicates an introduction but is topical to your paper!

◼ Investigation and Analysis – label each argument as a subtitle.

◼Conclusion – can be your label – or again, what about a subtopic indicating finality?

Final Job:

◼Use the checklist for your subject area