Writing Writing AcademicallyAcademically

ApproachApproach• 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)

ObjectivityObjectivity• 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.

Knowledge of Key Knowledge of Key TermsTerms

• Make sure you truly understand the meanings of the important terms in your field of study.

Use of Third PersonUse of Third Person• Do not use I or you in academic writing.

Simply make statements.Ex: I believe that Tennyson’s poems

illustrate magical realityAcademic Ex: Tennyson’s poems illustrate

magical reality

Analysis verses Analysis verses SummarySummary

• 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.

Summary vs. AnalysisSummary vs. Analysis• 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

Acknowledging Acknowledging sourcessources

• 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)

Writing your PaperWriting 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 day3. Turn your prompt into a thesis with a plan of

development.

Writing your PaperWriting your Paper Research:1. Use the library and internet to find

information on your topic.2. Evaluate your sources! Not all sources are

equal.3. Read your sources (highlight important

points, take notes, and do works cited Now!)

Writing your PaperWriting 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)

Writing your Paper Using quotes Writing your Paper Using quotes

and Paraphrasesand Paraphrases

Each quote you use requires a minimum

of 3 sentences:A. Sentence #1 gives your point on the

subjectB. Sentence #2 is the quoteC. Sentence #3 explains how the quote

supports your points

Using Quotes + Paraphrases Using Quotes + Paraphrases

Ex: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.

Writing your PaperWriting your Paper Tools:

1. Your text2. Your teacher3. MLA website4. Tutors