enc 1101
Nina2022
ENC1101-Post-Paper1Tips.pptxWisdom Gained from Paper 1 and Paper 2 Outlines
Things to consider as you draft and revise paper 1 and planning for paper 2
Great image selections so far!
Tips to enhance further:
If you have not yet done so, please add the MLA citation for your image
As you draft your paper, please integrate the image strategically into your composition (do not just place it at the beginning or at the end).
2. Thesis statements – Many were awesome, but some could use some consideration
The strong thesis statements did these things:
made a claim/argument naming the three areas required for this paper (description, techniques, cultural impact)
b. made a statement of opinion relating to the topic/question asked rather than asking a question
c. avoided personal pronouns (words like you, me, I, we, our, us, etc.)
d. appeared at the end of the intro paragraph
Things a thesis should never do:
a. be written as a question for the reader
b. announce its intentions: “This paper will prove that…”
c. be a statement of fact
3. Parallel Structure: placing sentence elements to appear with grammatic symmetry
A thesis that does NOT use parallel structure:
Happiness comes from sharing life with others, you have to have a spiritual element, and if you have a positive mindset.
A thesis that DOES use parallel structure:
Happiness comes from sharing life with others, maintaining spiritual connection, and embracing a positive mindset.
Want to learn more? Check out this video:
4. Pretty please lose the PERSONAL PRONOUNS!
Remove all personal pronouns throughout your paper (this includes “you,” “I,” “we,” “us,” etc.) – anything that includes you, the writer, as part of the audience is not considered formal/academic voice
Maintain an academic voice instead by using the plural “their” (or its equivalent based on your subject and audience – students, people, psychologists, etc.)
Thesis that includes personal pronouns but shouldn’t:
Happiness comes to us when we are secure, self-aware, and generous. -- lose the “us” here!
Thesis that includes NO personal pronouns so applies broadly and more formally to all readers: Happiness is cultivated when people are secure, self-aware, and generous.
BONUS LEARNING: Does the thesis above use parallel structure?
5. Body Paragraph Construction
Body paragraphs should each present one MAIN IDEA in support of your thesis statement. I recommend this 8-sentence BP format to guide your work into balanced, well-supported, equally treated BPs:
Sentence 1: Topic sentence stating your main claim for this BP
Sentence 2: Evidence (one sentence citation supporting your claim; begins with a transitional device)
Sentences 3 & 4: Explanation/analysis of the citation in Sentence 2
Sentence 5: Evidence #2 (a second citation supporting your claim; begins with a transitional device)
Sentences 6 & 7: Explanation/analysis of the citation in Sentence 5
Sentence 8: Closing Sentence (wrap up the point of this BP)
Include the Works Cited page at the end!
Works Cited page includes ONLY works used/cited in the text of your paper
All should be listed in alphabetical order
Entries should use the “hanging indent” function (in “special formatting” under paragraph formatting in most Word programs
The Works Cited page is a SEPARATE page at the end of your paper.
The Works Cited page is REQUIRED to pass the paper – since it is the only way to show you used research and used if fairly, accurately, and strategically.
