General Research
What is the internet?
A vast database.
What is an introduction?
Moving from a general topic, into a thesis, to a directional statement.
How to you cite in MLA format?
Authors last name page number, eg. Buckly 45.
Why might it be less overwhelming to write on a computer?
Don’t have to stare at a blank page, you don’t have to write in order.
How do you paraphrase?
Put the text into your own words.
Why should we use scholarly sources?
So you know you are getting true facts and arguments.
What is the body of an essay?
Main points and evidence supporting the thesis.
What are some tips when editing typed work?
Print out the essay, double space, use wide margins.
Why shouldn’t you rely on auto-correct?
The computer doesn’t read your paper therefore, words that are still spelt correctly can be wrong eg. there, their, they’re.
What counts as evidence?
Examples, critical thoughts, questions, and external supporting sources.
When writing an essay what else must one keep in mind in relation to using outside sources?
Cite your outside sources.
What is a conclusion?
Summarizing the body of an essay, restating the thesis, make suggestions of what is to be done next.
Why do we revise?
To beautify/ make writing “smoother”, fix punctuation errors.
What are some benefits to writing a rough draft on a computer?
It is easier to make changes later, are not forced to write in order.
Why is it important to remember you purpose when researching?
To avoid getting off topic.
How should we consider opposing arguments?
Expose their flaws, approach them head on, use unbiased and accurate sources.
What is unity?
The ‘wholeness” of an essay.
Why should you write while you think and not after?
Writing is not the expression of thought; it is thought itself.
What should the internet be used for when writing an essay?
Giving external/different points of views, not strictly for information.
How can you avoid “tunnel vision”?
Differ from emotion and evidence, see both sides of an argument, pick and choose sources, watch for credibility.
How should you use facts/statistics from the internet in an essay?
Elaborate on the point, don’t just state and cite it. Consider the background of the fact before using it.
What are the four steps to keeping an essay unified?
Remember purpose.
Avoid digressions.
Avoid padding.
Redesign thesis if needed.
Why might carrying around a piece of paper and a pen be useful to writing an essay?
So you can write down your thoughts regarding the essay throughout the day. Then it will be easier to format your thoughts when writing the essay.
If you are strictly editing your work on a computer, why might someone keep multiple drafts of the essay?
So you can shift back and forth between copies to decide which way best expresses your work.
Why should you have realistic goals when essay writing?
Because your theory is likely only a better one, not the ultimate one.