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We suggest ways students might improve their academic essay writing by altering their writing process. Some attention is paid to the difference between topic and thesis, the need to read an assignment carefully, and the importance of analyzing an audience. When students have an assignment in hand, we can provide some interaction by discussing their assignment and audience.
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At a loss for words?
214 Evans Library | 205 West Campus Librarywritingcenter.tamu.edu | 979-458-1455
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The Writing Process
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Prewrite“Of a good
beginning cometh a good end.”
– John Heywood
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What Does the Assignment
Say?
What Do You Want to
Say?
• Read carefully.
• Highlight key terms.
• Ask questions.
• Use what you know.
• Choose a topic of interest.
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Topic vs. ThesisTopicWhat you arewriting about
ThesisYour claim, argument, or recommendation
Frank L. Baum’s use of political symbolism in The Wizard of Oz
Baum’s use of a yellow brick road can be viewed as commentary on the gold standard debate, a heated political issue at the end of the 19th century.
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Listing1.Write down every idea
you have.2.Stuck? Put on a timer.3.Look for patterns of
thoughts.4.Group material left
over in categories.5.Elaborate.
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Clustering1. Start with the
middle circle and write a topic.
2. Write down random ideas. Use lines to connect these ideas.
3. See if there is one “cluster” of ideas and start from there.
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Freewriting1. Write quickly
without stopping, 5-10 minutes.
2. Can’t think of anything? Write “I’m stuck, I can’t think of anything!”—you will at least be moving your pen.
3. Keep writing.4. Read what you did.
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Recording
Keep a notebook at all times—you never know when ideas will come to you.
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ResearchingLibrary Databases There are thousands of academic articles located here.
TAMU LibrariesHas an extensive collection of books, newspaper articles, magazines, and journals
InstructorsCan help change a topic into a thesis.
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Library ServicesSubject LibrariansThe Evans Library has a librarian for every major at Texas A&M
AskUs ServicesAsk questions about research, request an appointment with a subject librarian, find help with library services
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Take careful notes. Keep track of all of your sources.
Avoid plagiarizing. Make a distinction between direct quotes and paraphrased information in your notes.
Research Tips
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The First Draft
I never know what I think about something until I read what I’ve written on it.
— William Faulkner
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Organization
Decide on length and organization based on the assignment’s purpose, audience, and thesis.
Use an outline, list, or a rough draft to begin.
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Captures your audience’s interest
Provides background on your subject
States your thesis
Introduction
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Restates your argument
Recommends a solution or states why your argument matters
Conclusion
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Revise“The first draft reveals the art; revision reveals the artist.”
—Michael Lee
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Another Pair of Eyes
Who can give you feedback?
• Your instructor or TA• A University Writing
Center consultant• A friend or classmate• A relative
For More Help…
Visit our website or call us to schedule an appointment.
We can help you at any stage in the writing process!
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214 Evans Library | 205 West Campus Librarywritingcenter.tamu.edu | 979-458-1455
We’ll help you find the write words.
U N I V E R S I T YJ X I G Z P O E
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