The final draft

Feedback on Your Paper

  • Importance of Feedback

    • After writing the first draft, seek feedback from others to gain a more objective perspective.

    • Individuals not closely involved with the paper can offer valuable insights.

    • Honest and open feedback is more effective than polite but empty compliments.

    • The primary goal is to strengthen your writing, even if the feedback includes negative points.

    • Potential feedback providers include:

    • Family

    • Friends

    • Classmates

    • People who relate to the topic

    • Experts on the topic

Types of Feedback

  • There are two main categories of feedback:

    1. Criteria-Based Feedback

    • Focuses on factual aspects of the paper.

    • Sample questions include:

      • Are there errors in research or factual information?

      • Were any sections unclear or confusing?

      • Are any words misused?

      • Should there be additional examples?

    1. Reader-Based Feedback

    • Focuses on the reader's opinions and feelings regarding the paper.

    • Sample questions include:

      • Was the paper interesting?

      • Why or why not?

      • What thoughts or feelings did the paper evoke?

      • What suggestions do you have for improvement?

  • Readers should be encouraged to provide detailed responses rather than vague affirmations (e.g., simply stating that they liked it without elaboration is less helpful).

Revising the First Draft

  • Upon receiving feedback, you should begin revising your paper.

    • Check all facts against research notes to ensure accuracy and validity.

    • Maintaining integrity is crucial as even one mistake may damage the credibility of the entire paper.

    • Plagiarism:

    • Recognized as a severe academic offense, often resulting in a failing grade.

Preparing the Final Draft

  • With the content solidified, assemble the final draft, ensuring it meets specific requirements.

    • Teachers and professors may assign guidelines that specify:

    • Margins

    • Spacing

    • Font styles and sizes

    • If not specified, use consistent choices throughout.

  • General formatting for presentation:

    • Number all pages.

    • Label any graphs or charts to enhance clarity.

Presentation Techniques

  • The overall appearance impacts reader engagement.

    • Avoid long paragraphs, which may overwhelm readers.

    • Utilize headings and subheadings for better organization:

    • Headings can be bolded and larger than subheadings, or written in all capital letters.

    • Helps make the paper look cleaner and more professional.

    • Use bulleted or numbered lists to present key information succinctly.

Crafting the Title

  • The title should be clear and informative but also catchy to attract interest.

    • Should intrigue readers from the start.

    • Depending on length, the title may appear:

    • On a separate title page, or

    • At the top of the first page.

    • Formatting rules for the title:

    • Do not underline or italicize.

    • Avoid using quotation marks around it.

    • Present as straight text without additional formatting.