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Step 4 in Writing a Paper: Analysis & Essay Writing!

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ANALYSIS & ESSAY WRITING

USE YOUR RESEARCH

Your research is the bones of your essay, and your analysis is the muscle.

Every point you argue should be supported by evidence, cited correctly.

If quoting directly from a source, make sure to adhere to essay format guidelines.

WATCH YOUR TONE

Check to see if you’re allowed to use personal pronouns (I, me, you, etc.). Most science and non-fiction writing do not allow these.

Stay professional but understandable. You don’t need to summarize every single thing you’ve researched, but you do need to introduce the topics.

REMEMBER YOUR THESIS

Keep your focus on your original statement. Bringing in too many new points of views or topics will confuse the reader.

Restate your thesis towards the end of your paper to wrap your ideas up.

If you find you don’t agree with your thesis by the end of your paper, rewrite your thesis.

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Step 3 in Writing a Paper: Research!

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TIPS FOR RESEARCHING

(so you don't get overwhelmed)

Break your topic up into bite sized pieces.

Check your university’s database access portal.

Try and find papers and studies, not just websites or Wikipedia articles.

Keep track of your sources for citations.

To strengthen your argument, make sure you fully understand the sources you’re citing. If something is too complex, don’t use it.

Your thesis should be your initial research question.

Ask your professor how old your research can be. Data can change tremendously over time.

Use multiple resources. A mix of online and print is always good.

Make sure you find well-researched sources, not just ones that agree with your view.

Take breaks from your screen! Remember to eat and stretch.

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Step 2 in Writing a Paper: Your Thesis!

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HOW TO WRITE A THESIS

FIND THE QUESTION YOU'RE ANSWERING

What is the prompt for your paper?

Are you arguing a point, supporting a hypothesis, drawing a conclusion?

Making sure you know exactly what question you’re answering is crucial to a succinct and powerful paper.

2. ANSWER THE QUESTION

In a few sentences or bullet points, write the bare bones answer to your prompt.

This could be as simple as “Yes” and then a few points on why, using textual evidence or data.

Make sure you have multiple reasons to support your answer.

3. BREAK YOUR ANSWER UP INTO TOPICS

Find the critical points of reason that support your answer.

Sort these points into groups, with major themes of support being the categories.

4. PICK YOUR CRITICAL THEMES

With the above themes, pick 2-5 that encompass the bulk of your argument.

These are going to be the reasons you list at the end of your thesis, answering the original prompt.

5. WRITE YOUR THESIS

Now, put all the pieces together.

Start your thesis with an introduction to the prompt, followed with your answer, ending it with your reasons.

In [PROMPT], [ANSWER] is supported by [REASONS].

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Step 1 in Writing a Paper: The Rubric!

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HOW TO READ A RUBRIC

WHAT IS THE QUESTION BEING ASKED?

Make sure you understand the prompt your professor has given you. If not, ask questions! Your professor wants you to understand the assignment, not stay quiet about it.

HOW IS THE PAPER GOING TO BE ORGANIZED?

Is this a lab report, a textual analysis, an interview? Make sure to know how many pages your paper needs to be and how you’re turning it in. Save your drafts in multiple stages and places in case something goes wrong.

WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE?

Who are you writing this paper for? Someone familiar with the subject, someone brand new? A friend, a professor? Your audience will determine your language and tone, so make sure you know who they are.

WHEN IS YOUR DEADLINE?

When is the final version of your paper due? Remember to mark any middle deadlines, like draft check-ins or editing sessions. Making sure you’re on the right schedule for your work method is crucial to not overloading yourself with stress!

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