CPSS/240 W1A

Help with writing style

Class,

The week 1 assignment is an opinion paper.

Because this is an opinion paper, you may use the words "I," "me," or "my."  

However, a good writer can provide their opinion using the course materials without using the words above. But only use these words in the section relating to your opinion. Do not use “I,” “me,” or “my” in the introduction or conclusion sections.

It is a "best practice" to try and put the focus on the information rather than yourself.

This is a good skill to practice and develop because in most academic papers, you are to use the course materials rather than stating opinions.

Nonetheless, I will not penalize you for using the words "I," "me," or "my" in this first assignment.

However, do not use the words “we,” “our,” or “us.” You do not know who the reader is. You cannot speak for the reader.

Structure is also important. I encourage you to use a simple structure such as: introduction, body, conclusion.

Introduce the main points that will be covered. Let the reader know where the paper is going.

For example, I like to use 1 – 2 sentences just to get the ball rolling so to speak. Then I introduce the main points.

Blah blah blah. Blah blah blah. In the following paragraphs, ______ will be discussed. In addition, _____ will be examined from the context of _____________.

Notice in the above that I did not use the word “I.” I also did not say “The paper will….” The paper doesn’t do anything. Do not give the paper human traits. I put the focus on the main points.

After introducing the main points, I cover the main points with specific details and examples. And then conclude by summarizing some of the main points that were covered.

I also like to break the paper up into paragraphs. I can use headings for some of the paragraphs as needed. This helps with structure and flow. Headings can also provide transitions from topic to topic.

In summary:

1. Use a structure (introduction, body, conclusion)

2. Use paragraph headings (optional but strongly encouraged)

3. Double space everything

4. Do not use the words “we,” “our,” or “us.”

5. In the week 1 assignment, you can use “I,” “my,” or “me.” (only because it is an opinion paper ~ but do not use these words in the introduction or conclusion)

6. Cite your work using in-text citations

7. Provide a separate title page and a reference page.

8. Proof read for punctuation and spelling

9. Use short, clear and concise sentences. Remove unnecessary words.