1. Writing Academically Click speaker icon for sound

2. Approach Academic writing requires you to evaluate the ideas of others. To do this, you need to learn what those ideas are (research) and decide if you agree or disagree with them (evaluation)

3. Objectivity When evaluating ideas, you need to put aside your personal likes and dislikes and judge the information fairly. If you disagree, you need to have evidence to show the idea is wrong.

4. Knowledge of Key Terms Make sure you truly understand the meanings of the important terms in your field of study.

5. Use of Third Person Do not use I or you in academic writing. Simply make statements. Poor: I believe that Tennyson’s poems illustrate magical reality Academic Ex: Tennyson’s poems illustrate magical reality

6. Analysis verses Summary Academic writing does not simply summarize what happened. Academic writing analyzes how it happened, or why it happened (cause + effect), how it is similar/different to other works (comparison/ contrast), or even how it has changed over time.

7. Summary vs. Analysis using Mary Had a Little Lamb as example Ex: Plot = what happened = summary Mary’s lamb followed her to school. Academic Analysis Example: Mary brought the lamb because she wanted attention. In the end, she received negative reinforcement and was scolded. However, since the children laughed, Mary might do it again

8. Acknowledging sources You must include a works cited page and acknowledge sources in your paper even if you paraphrase. Quote: Dr. Neylon said, “Take learning in little bites. It digests better.” (Neylon 33) Paraphrase: Dr. Neylon told her student to take learning slowly and in little pieces to better comprehend. (Neylon 33)

9. Writing your Paper Before you research: 1.Read your assignment carefully. Make sure you fully understand your instructor’s expectation. 2.Ask and clarify the first day 3.Turn your prompt into a thesis with a plan of development.

10. Writing your Paper Research: 1. Use the library to find information on your topic. 2. Evaluate your sources! Not all sources are equal. Websites are the WORST sources. Use books, periodicals or the on-line literary resource center. 3. Read your sources (highlight important points, take notes, and do works cited Now!)

11. Writing your Paper Organizing information: 1.Look over your notes and create an outline. (Don't forget your thesis and topic sentence) 2.Begin drafting your paper Intro (Lead in transition thesis) Body (topic sentences, details and examples, remember transition) Conclusion (Restate thesis, summary, ending strategy)

12. Writing your Paper Using quotes and Paraphrases Each quote you use requires a minimum of 3 sentences: A.Sentence #1 gives your point on the subject B.Sentence #2 is the quote C.Sentence #3 explains how the quote supports your points

13. Using Quotes + Paraphrases Ex: Suicide is not a new phenomenon and has been a cause of much struggle for many throughout the centuries. Hamlet in Shakespeare’s play of the same name says, “To be or not to be, that is the question.” (43) Hamlet is struggling to decide if life or being is worth the pain and struggle.

14. Writing your Paper Tools: 1.Your text 2.Your teacher 3.MLA website http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/resear ch/r_mla.html http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/resear ch/r_mla.html 4.Tutors