research paper 101 [tips for a successful assignment]
+ plan ahead [be strategic] + simplify [be specific] + maximise your resources [tutor, library, notes, time, etc.]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ introduction [thesis statement] + body of essay + illustrations + conclusion + bibliography [references—sources cited in essay]
plan ahead [be strategic]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ introduction [thesis statement] › gains the reader’s a.en/on › provides brief background material about the meaning, context & significance of the topic › includes defini/ons of keywords if necessary › iden/fies the 'gap', problem or issue outlined in the ques/on › gives the reader some understanding of the order in which the ideas in the essay will be presented › clearly iden/fies the author's point of view in a thesis statement › 300 – 500 words [max]
plan ahead [be strategic]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ the body of an essay › your argument is developed through paragraphs › each paragraph should contain only one main idea, as stated by the topic sentence › each paragraph supports the main idea by explaining the issue, and providing evidence e.g. quotes, sta/s/cs, facts, examples, case studies › decide how many points you wish to make and in what order › link the paragraphs together › make sure paragraphs follow in logical sequence [as promised in the Introduc/on] so that the essay flows towards the conclusion. › two or three case studies: 400 -‐ 500 words each [1200-‐1500 words max] plan ahead [be strategic]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ illustrations › back to this in a moment [evidence]….
plan ahead [be strategic]
Basic elements of a research paper
+ the conclusion › sum up your main points › /e these back to the thesis statement › avoid adding new material or using quotes › DO comment or make recommenda/ons › it is your opportunity to reassert your opinion › 300 -‐ 500 words [max]
plan ahead [be strategic]
refining your argument [thesis statement]
+ have a unique point of view + an argument is an opinion (not a fact) + collect evidence to convince your reader
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ collect your evidence › quotes › supporting text, ideas › images: illustrations, photos, visualisations › other supporting data ???? [evidence will help convince your reader]
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ visual evidence [photos, graphs, illustrations, renderings, visualisations, etc.]
simplify [be specific]
when and how to include illustrations
+ if the image supports, illustrates, or advances your argument + If it illustrates something specifically addressed in your writing + always describe the image or illustration + describe what is it that you want your reader to “see” [let your reader know why the image is important]
+ locate your illustration with in-text reference, e.g. (Figure 1) or (Figures 1, 2)
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ textual evidence [direct quote, primary source, secondary source, other written materials]
"It would seem that more than function itself, simplicity is the deciding factor in the aesthetic equation. One might call the process beauty through function and simplification.” (Lowey, 2000, p. 127).
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ textual evidence [direct quote, primary source, secondary source, other written materials] “The futuristic stands the modernist dictum of ‘form follows function’ on its head: form does not follow function, form pretends to follow function but is actually an aesthetic end in itself, a decorative feature that ostentatiously proposes itself as a useful one.” (Harris, 2000, p.163).
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ when to use quotes › support your own (original) argument › when the quoted author’s words are unique to such a degree that meaning is lost in paraphrasing › always introduce or contextualize your quote--never include a quote without reference to author or original context › do not use quotes for long passages of historical or otherwise unremarkable information or data › use “” on either side of the quote followed by a citation
simplify [be specific]
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ a convincing argument needs “proof” + readers expect to be convinced with MORE than opinions + the better your evidence, the better [and more interesting your paper] will be
maximise your resources
When to use citations
+ when you are paraphrasing an author’s ideas, concepts, or words
+ if you are using factual information from another source + when you are directly quoting a source--any source + when in doubt--cite your source!!!
maximise your resources
in-text citations in APA style http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/
maximise your resources
building a convincing argument [research paper]
+ IDENTIFY: Who, what, where, when + CONTEXTUALIZE your evidence + ALWAYS, always cite your sources
maximise your resources
final reminders
+ be specific – as much as possible [always] + define all new terminology—introduce all new people + make sure your evidence supports/expands your argument + a simple, well-written, logical argument is always better than a complicated/confused claim
+ read your paper carefully: do you understand and believe your argument and evidence?
maximise your resources