Unit 1, Lecture B: Writing an Academic Paper

Writing an Academic Paper

Importance of Academic Writing

  • Final exam is based on open-ended, arguable questions that require research.
  • Writing must demonstrate critical thinking and organization.
  • A writing plan supported by class readings and lectures is essential.
  • Practice academic writing in group posts using academic standards.

Writing as a Fluid Process

  • Thesis statements or viewpoints can change during research.
  • Outlines may be written after the first draft.
  • Further research or thesis revision may be needed during editing.
  • Academic papers must be based on Acuna's book, class readings, lectures, and multimedia; online sources are not acceptable.
  • Refer to the book and lectures for primary and secondary sources when citing.

Steps in the Writing Process

  • The writing process is not strictly linear and may involve repetition of steps.
  • Suggested steps:
    • Identify the subject.
    • Brainstorm ideas.
    • Conduct careful research.
    • Develop a thesis statement.
    • Create a writing plan.
    • Write the draft.
    • Revise.
    • Edit.
    • Verify citations and works cited page.
    • Proofread.
    • Share with a tutor.
  • Contact a tutor for assistance when needed.

MLA Style Guidelines

  • Use MLA style for citing sources.
  • Failure to include a works cited page may result in a grade reduction.
  • Practice good citation habits, including page citations, which are critical for the final exam.
  • Refer to MLA resources for additional formatting guidance.
In-Text Citations
  • In-text citations should correspond to the works cited page.
  • Include the author's last name and page number. Separate multiple elements with a space.
  • If a resource lacks page numbers, include only the author's name.
  • Place parenthetical citations before the final punctuation of the sentence.
Exact Quotes

  • Rule 1: For quotes of four lines or fewer, use quotation marks, incorporate the author into the text, and provide the page number in a parenthetical citation. Example:

    • "He was obeyed," writes Joseph Conrad of the company manager in Heart of Darkness, "yet he inspired neither love nor fear nor even respect" (87).

  • Rule 2: If the author's name is not in the signal phrase, include it in the parenthetical citation with the page number. Example:

    • "If the existence of a signing ape was unsettling for linguists, it was also startling news for animal behaviorists" (Davis 26).

  • Rule 3: For quotes longer than four lines, use a block quote: indent one inch, double-space, omit quotation marks, incorporate the author's name or the work's title into a signal phrase, and place the page number in parentheses after the final punctuation. Example:

    • At the conclusion of Lord of the Flies, Ralph and the other boys realized the horror of their actions:

      The tears began to flow and sobs shook him. He gave himself up to them now for the first time on the island, great, shuddering spasms of grief that seemed to wrench his whole body. His voice rose under the black smoke before the burning wreckage of the island, and infected by that emotion, the other little boys began to shake and sob too. And in the middle of them, with filthy body, matted hair, and unwiped nose, Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy. (186)

Paraphrased Ideas
  • Rule 1: When the author is identified in the text, only provide the page number in the parenthetical citation. Example:
    • Others, like Jakobson and Smith, hold the opinion that children who attend preschool are better socially adjusted than those who do not (156).
  • Rule 2: When the author is not clearly identified in the text, include the author's name and page number in the citation. Example:
    • Between 1968 and 1988, television coverage of presidential elections changed dramatically (Halan 5).
Citing Indirect Sources
  • When quoting a reference not originally from your source, use "qtd. in" (quoted in) followed by the author and page number of your source. Example:
    • Samuel Johnson admitted that Edmund Burke was an extraordinary man (qtd. in Boswell 2:450).
Citing Audio/Video Materials
  • Provide the relevant time ranges in the format of hours, minutes, and seconds. Example:
    • Buffy's promise that there's not going to be any incidents like at my old school is obviously not one which she can follow through (Buffy, 0:03:16-0:03:17).

Research Process

  • Research should be ongoing throughout the writing process.
  • The topic can be adjusted based on research findings.
  • Key considerations:
    • Plan research before writing.
    • Follow a schedule.
    • Conduct preliminary research and then return to it as needed.
    • Take notes on sources, including website addresses or bookmarks for reliable sources.

Brainstorming

  • Write down all opinions, questions, and related information about the topic.
  • Understand what information is already available and what still needs to be found.
  • Keep all ideas together.

Thesis Statement

  • The thesis should contain the driving, main idea that reveals the patterns, variations, and differences behind the evidence and arguments.
  • It should take history into account and inform the reader of the intended argument.
  • Key points:
    • Contains the main idea.
    • Should contain one idea.
    • Supported by academic sources.
    • Answers the research question or prompts.
    • Should be clear and understandable.
    • All sentences should support the thesis.

Revising Academic Work

  • Revise after completing the draft.
  • Tips for revision:
    • Get feedback from others.
    • Review professor's requirements.
    • Make an outline to check organization.
    • Ensure each sentence supports the thesis statement.
    • Ensure each body paragraph supports its topic.
    • Anticipate reader questions and comments.
    • Ensure the work attracts the audience.

Editing Your Paper

  • Edit to improve readability and precision.
  • Steps:
    • Read aloud to identify repetitions, wordiness, and misprints.
    • Use online sources for spelling and grammar checks.
    • Ensure each sentence has a proper structure.

Proofreading Your Work

  • Proofread to eliminate careless mistakes.
  • Take a break before proofreading with fresh eyes.
  • Contact a tutor for proofreading.

Time Schedule

  • Create a schedule to meet deadlines.
  • Key milestones:
    • Research subject.
    • Read and take notes.
    • Outline and organize information.
    • Write the first draft.
    • Revise for completeness, conciseness, and clarity.
    • Edit and proofread.

Closing Remarks

  • The lecture provided detailed guidelines and tips for writing academic papers.
  • The goal is to create strong papers that receive high grades.