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Copyright (C) 2008-2009 David B. Axelrod |
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HELPFUL LINKS |
STYLE
SHEET Check
sheet and notes of style and structure: GRADING POLICY: As the points of style and form are fairly direct, a blatant disregard of any of the items can lose points for you on your essay. SUGGESTION: to check for points of style, take one point at a time and, without necessarily reading the paper for its content, go through the paper circling any possible faults. Then go back to check the other items, one at a time. Note for those using Microsoft Word: How wonderful that a machine can do your job for you. Go to the task bar at the top of Word. Click on "Edit." Click on "Find." Type in, for instance, the words "this these" and the word processor will find all the instances of them. Eliminate them! Do the same of "I me my;" for "you;" for all question marks (?). There is really no excuse to put items in your essay which I have told you not to use! REVISE, EDIT AND PROOFREAD until your paper is
correct. [Can you find the typos in this
style sheet? J
] Use
prescribed structure: 1.
Begin your paper with a thesis statement which clearly
states your OPINION, the word “because” as your “place marker” for
logic, then give the best REASON why you hold your opinion. 2.
The first paragraph should explain or define each of
the major ideas or items (each
significant word) of the thesis. 3.
Begin each paragraph within the essay with an example
sentence that restates the
Key Word in your thesis—even repeats it, and tells what evidence you
will present. 4.
Conclude each of your paragraphs with a summation that
once again states or even repeats,
word for word, the key idea—the focus or logic of your thesis. 5.
Write at least one full paragraph of conclusion
including a brief summary (a kind of unnumbered list) of details or examples
used to prove your point. Repeat your opinion
once more as a “kicker.” Don’t moralize or change the point! 6.
Indent only for a new paragraph, not as a typographical device to make
your
paper appear more pleasing. Each of your paragraphs Edit
for these points of style: 7.
Don’t use any questions at all in your essay. 8.
Don’t use vague references and particularly avoid
all indefinite pronouns. Cross out and replace every “this, these, that, the
above,” etc. Replace those words
by saying, more clearly, what you
mean! 9.
Avoid weak
words or words that hedge. Cross out, for example, every “very, little,
almost, much, a great deal, often, sometimes, greatly.” If a word adds
nothing, eliminate it or replace it with specific facts. 10. Don’t use “I think, I feel, In my opinion.” 11. Don’t use “you” as a point of view. “We” is the convention
together with third person discussion. 12. Don’t use clichés and hackneyed words. From the bottom of my heart, in
today’s society, throughout time (all of which are clichés) clichés have been a problem! Similarly,
avoid slang and jargon. 13. A word about mispelings! (Note:
find the typos in this style sheet and get extra credit!) Avoid
plagiarism: 14. Every word—even a single word—taken from a source must be in quotes. Include an acknowledgment for every item you've gotten from somewhere. NOTE:
YOU ARE TO USE NO OUTSIDE SOURCES FOR YOUR WRITING IN THIS COURSE--EXCEPT FOR
COMPOSITION STUDENTS WHO ARE DOING THE SINGLE ASSIGNMENT WHERE YOU WILL LEARN
METHODS OF RESEARCH. 15.
Introduce (set the scene for) every quote and in so
doing acknowledge its source. 16.
For every quote, fact, statistic, etc. used, you must
immediately explain what you think the information cited means—using your own
words. 17.
Use short quotes. Paraphrase only to explain a
documented quote. Write llooonnnnggggg explanations! 18.
Use MLA form (not footnotes) to document all sources. 19.
Don’t begin or end a paragraph with a quote. Every
quote must be followed by an explanation of the quote. 20.
Punctuate quotes accurately including the use of
long-quote form for any quote longer than one typed line. Follow
class format: 21.
Type, and send your paper, but always keep/store a copy
for yourself. 22.
In classroom settings, pass in all drafts and corrections together with your
paper in a folder. Keep
a check list of you own: As I make corrections on your writing, keep a list items you know you ought to check and edit for them before you pass in your paper. |