logging in or signing up Academic Writing Do's & Don'ts tccampa Download Post to : URL : Related Presentations : Share Add to Flag Embed Email Send to Blogs and Networks Add to Channel Uploaded from authorPOINT lite Insert YouTube videos in PowerPont slides with aS Desktop Copy embed code: (To copy code, click on the text box) Embed: URL: Thumbnail: WordPress Embed Customize Embed The presentation is successfully added In Your Favorites. Views: 4870 Category: Education License: All Rights Reserved Like it (7) Dislike it (0) Added: September 12, 2008 This Presentation is Public Favorites: 8 Presentation Description for my ENG 111 student Comments Posting comment... By: cynsier (3 month(s) ago) it is very useful for academic writing Saving..... Post Reply Close Saving..... Edit Comment Close By: sukhpreeet (23 month(s) ago) Thank you for sharing this presentation here. I like it and also added it in my one of my discussion in the PowerPoint Community. Have a look at it here http://powerpoint.wiziq.com/topic/404-gentle-writing-advice-.. Regards, Sukhpreet Saving..... Post Reply Close Saving..... Edit Comment Close By: glsamar (32 month(s) ago) It seems we cannot copy your powerpoint presentation, why put on a zip? and not simply as ppt format? Saving..... Post Reply Close Saving..... Edit Comment Close Premium member Presentation Transcript Gentle Writing Advice… : Gentle Writing Advice… Academic Writing Do’s & Don’ts C Do: : C Do: Apply the following rules to your writing… C Do: : C Do: Use ACTIVE VOICE CDo: Use active voice: : CDo: Use active voice: Yes! Inmates led the mob. No! (passive) The mob was lead by inmates. Use active, not passive voice: C Do: : C Do: Write Concise Sentences CDo: Write concise sentences : CDo: Write concise sentences No He was upset. Yes He frowned and looked down. Avoid the verb “to be” (is, are, was, were) CDo: Write concise sentences : CDo: Write concise sentences Avoid excessive prepositions (of, to, from, by…) No The offices on the 5th floor of our building were in a dangerous position for collapsing. Yes Our building’s 5th floor offices faced potential collapse. C Do: : C Do: Vary Sentence Length C Do: Vary your sentence length : C Do: Vary your sentence length Use short sentences to emphasize important ideas. Long long long long long long long long long long long long long; long, long long long long. Short short short short. Long long long long long long long long long long long long. Give your audience occasional breaks from long sentences. C Do: : C Do: Follow Assignment Guidelines CDo: Follow all assignment guidelines : CDo: Follow all assignment guidelines Regardless of the class or subject, instructors expect students to follow all assignment guidelines. CDo: : CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion : CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion An introduction is an opportunity to make a positive first impression—a strong introduction can make up for weaknesses in the body. CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion : CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion Remember that the conclusion is the writer’s last chance to influence the audience’s evaluation of his/her ideas—your instructor determines your grade soon after reading your conclusion. CDo: : CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion : CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion Academic writing is about the writer’s ability to demonstrate thinking—instructors expect your thesis to reflect your own ideas. CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion : CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion Unless your instructor asks for facts only, you should strive to present your original ideas about the assigned topic. CDo: : CDo: Use transitions between paragraphs CDo: Use transitions between paragraphs : CDo: Use transitions between paragraphs Transitions provide the stepping stones your readers need to follow your thinking path. Without transitions, your paragraphs will jump from one idea to the next, forcing your readers to guess how the ideas relate. CDo: : CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed : CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed If you say, “Parents today do not discipline their children enough,” your readers expect you to show them what you mean with some examples. CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed : CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed Imagine that you are defending your opinion in a courtroom—what evidence will you provide to win your case? CDo: : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions The pigsty example… CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions Imagine someone saying, “Wow, your place is a real pigsty!” CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions Pigsty? What does that mean? CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions Clutter-covered furniture = pigsty? Dirty clothes piled everywhere = pigsty? Moldy dishes in the sink & bathtub = pigsty? Food ground into the carpet = pigsty? An overflowing cat litter box = pigsty? All of the above = pigsty? CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions POINT: People have different concepts of what a “pigsty” is. When writing, merely saying, “The room was a pigsty” is not enough to convince your audience that you do indeed have a true pigsty on your hands. CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions Providing concrete details about the room allows your audience to determine your level of tolerance for mess and make a stronger connection with you and your ideas. CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions FACT: Not all pigsties are created equal. Pigsty = the room had not been vacuumed or dusted in a week. Pigsty = 3 rumpled outfits on the bed and a spilled make-up bag on the dresser CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : Pigsty = sweat-stained laundry strewn over most of the floor. The air was thick with body odor and Lysol. Pigsty = lumpy piles of clothes and textbooks colorfully blanketed by construction paper scraps and spilled glitter. The bed served as a foundation for a pyramid of discarded soda and beer cans. CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : Pigsty = ten years of brittle, yellowed papers piled on the floor, with some being used as makeshift tables for stacks of moldy fried chicken bones. The furniture danced with insects, and each drawer smiled open through a beard of dust. CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions CDo: : CDo: Use college level vocabulary CDo: Use college level vocabulary : CDo: Use college level vocabulary A student recently submitted an essay that stated, “The whole house smelled like pee.” Pee??? Isn’t there a more sophisticated word? (Obviously “urine” is the college-level equivalent.) CDo: Use college level vocabulary : CDo: Use college level vocabulary College-level vocabulary does not mean HUGE, unfamiliar words—college level vocabulary simply demonstrates a bit more thought about word choice. CDo: : CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience : CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience If the paper is not interesting to you, then it will not be interesting to your audience. ANY topic can be interesting, thought-provoking, or even humorous if approached correctly. CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience : CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience Comedians provide excellent examples of how mundane topics can be made appealing to an audience…anticipate your audience’s reactions to each section of your essay. CDo: Proofread your work for errors : CDo: Proofread your work for errors Excessive errors can hinder your communication of ideas. Run spell-check to catch typographical errors. Poor grammar will hurt your grade in most classes. Did you spot the errors right away? End of “Academic Writing Do’s” : End of “Academic Writing Do’s” Are you ready for the Don’ts?? D Do not: : D Do not: Be sure to avoid the following in your academic writing. D Do not: : D Do not: Use clichés DDo not: Use clichés : DDo not: Use clichés Don’t judge a book by its cover Last but not least Everything happens for a reason Sick as a dog Sweet as honey Old as the hills Dead as a doornail D Do not: : D Do not: Make announcements to the reader DDo not: Make announcements to the reader : DDo not: Make announcements to the reader NO“In this essay I will…” NO“My thesis is…” NO“By the end of this essay, I will prove…” D Do not: : D Do not: Address the reader or use “YOU” D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Do NOT use 2nd person “YOU” when writing academic essays. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader “Have you ever…” “As you can see…” “If you work hard…” “You should have figured out by now that…” D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Q: What’s wrong with “YOU”? A: It does not apply to everyone, and therefore writers exclude many of their readers. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Who, ME? When you put on your fluffy snow angel outfit and sweep the sidewalk, you feel at peace. The snowflakes hitting your body make you feel pretty and sparkly. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Who, ME? Seeing a sign like this makes you wonder why people would dislike you just because you are a shaven head child pick pocket. Perhaps you should wear a disguise so you don’t look like the picture on the sign. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Who, ME? When you pose for a family portrait in Winnie the Pooh costumes, you may be surprised at the reactions people have to your photo…. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader YOU D Do not: : D Do not: State the obvious DDo not: State the obvious : DDo not: State the obvious “Men and women are different” “Many children are born each year” “Some decisions can be difficult to make” “Everyone has felt angry sometime” “Cars provide transportation for many people…” D Do not: : D Do not: Use Expletive Fillers DDo not: Use Expletive Fillers : DDo not: Use Expletive Fillers Expletive Means “Filler” Expletive Filler = There are or There were There is or There was This is or This was It is or It was Do not rely upon these weak fillers to begin your sentences. DDo not: Use Expletive Fillers : DDo not: Use Expletive Fillers No There are several cultures among the residents of our small town. Yes Residents of our small town come from several cultures. No It is necessary for employees to lock their desks. Yes Employees must lock their desks. D Do not: : D Do not: Use Extra Words DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words More is not better Goal = more ideas, fewer words a friend of mine = my friend Due to the fact that = Because at this point in time = now in order to = to DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words blue in color = blue the question as to whether = whether this day and age = today has the ability = can; is able DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words Advertising fliers prohibited? DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words put forth an effort = try is of the opinion that = thinks/believes in spite of the fact that = although during the time that = while DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words Members and paying visitors only? D Do not: : D Do not: Say “I think” or “I feel” or “in my opinion” DDo Not: Say “I think” or “I feel” or “in my opinion” : DDo Not: Say “I think” or “I feel” or “in my opinion” If your name is on the paper, your reader knows that any opinions expressed in it are yours. No need to say I think iguanas make the best pets. Just say Iguanas make the best pets. D Do not: : D Do not: Use 5th grade words DDo not: Use 5th grade words : DDo not: Use 5th grade words AVOID THE FOLLOWING: thing (use a noun/say what you mean) get/got (received, arrived, became) DDo not: Use 5th grade words : DDo not: Use 5th grade words alot (a lot) till (until) hard (difficult, frustrating…) DDo not: Use 5th grade words : DDo not: Use 5th grade words stuff (be specific) bug (annoy or insect) mad (angry) D Do not: : D Do not: Give advice to the reader DDo not: Give advice to the reader : DDo not: Give advice to the reader You are not Barney (and we’re glad!). Your essays should not address the readers and tell them what to do, how to act/think “Now boys and girls, always remember: Buckle-buckle in the car and you will be a safety star!” DDo not: Give advice to the reader : DDo not: Give advice to the reader Your readers are interested in your thinking/experience— allow readers to decide what to do with the information you provided An academic essay should never give cute advice to the reader or present “the moral of the story” D Do not: : D Do not: Use “they” for every pronoun DDo not: Use “they” for every pronoun : DDo not: Use “they” for every pronoun No Each player will find out if they made the team. Yes Each player will find out if he/she made the team. Yes All players will find out if they made the team. DDo not: Use “they” for every pronoun : DDo not: Use “they” for every pronoun No Every student must have their books in class. Yes Every student must have his/her books in class. Yes All students must have their books in class. D Do not: : D Do not: “Quote” your own Title DDo not: “Quote” your own Title : DDo not: “Quote” your own Title Books may have titles in bold--or gold—letters, but no book will have its own title “Quoted” or Underlined… Of Mice and Men That’s just wrong! DDo not: “Quote” your own Title : DDo not: “Quote” your own Title Reserve “quoted titles” and underlined titles for when you discuss what others have written The title of this book is Industry in the Americas. It’s pretty boring! DDo not: “Quote” your own Title : DDo not: “Quote” your own Title As an essay’s author, you should not include “quotation marks” or underlining when you write the title of your essay Joe Student ENG111 “Romantic Poetry” Joe Student ENG111 Romantic Poetry With quotes: WRONG! No quotes: RIGHT! And finally, avoid the worst opening line ever written… : And finally, avoid the worst opening line ever written… (unless your goal is to present yourself as a dull, unsophisticated writer…) This one line will destroy any hope for impressing a college professor with your essay… : This one line will destroy any hope for impressing a college professor with your essay… It’s the KISS of DEATH for any essay… Ready…? : Ready…? (I have to force my fingers to type these words...cringe…) In today’s society, … : In today’s society, … Or worse… : Or worse… “In today’s society, there are many reasons why…” Remember to apply these Do’s & Don’ts to your academic writing : Remember to apply these Do’s & Don’ts to your academic writing Start today! Slide 87: End of Presentation. You do not have the permission to view this presentation. In order to view it, please contact the author of the presentation.
Academic Writing Do's & Don'ts tccampa Download Post to : URL : Related Presentations : Share Add to Flag Embed Email Send to Blogs and Networks Add to Channel Uploaded from authorPOINT lite Insert YouTube videos in PowerPont slides with aS Desktop Copy embed code: (To copy code, click on the text box) Embed: URL: Thumbnail: WordPress Embed Customize Embed The presentation is successfully added In Your Favorites. Views: 4870 Category: Education License: All Rights Reserved Like it (7) Dislike it (0) Added: September 12, 2008 This Presentation is Public Favorites: 8 Presentation Description for my ENG 111 student Comments Posting comment... By: cynsier (3 month(s) ago) it is very useful for academic writing Saving..... Post Reply Close Saving..... Edit Comment Close By: sukhpreeet (23 month(s) ago) Thank you for sharing this presentation here. I like it and also added it in my one of my discussion in the PowerPoint Community. Have a look at it here http://powerpoint.wiziq.com/topic/404-gentle-writing-advice-.. Regards, Sukhpreet Saving..... Post Reply Close Saving..... Edit Comment Close By: glsamar (32 month(s) ago) It seems we cannot copy your powerpoint presentation, why put on a zip? and not simply as ppt format? Saving..... Post Reply Close Saving..... Edit Comment Close Premium member Presentation Transcript Gentle Writing Advice… : Gentle Writing Advice… Academic Writing Do’s & Don’ts C Do: : C Do: Apply the following rules to your writing… C Do: : C Do: Use ACTIVE VOICE CDo: Use active voice: : CDo: Use active voice: Yes! Inmates led the mob. No! (passive) The mob was lead by inmates. Use active, not passive voice: C Do: : C Do: Write Concise Sentences CDo: Write concise sentences : CDo: Write concise sentences No He was upset. Yes He frowned and looked down. Avoid the verb “to be” (is, are, was, were) CDo: Write concise sentences : CDo: Write concise sentences Avoid excessive prepositions (of, to, from, by…) No The offices on the 5th floor of our building were in a dangerous position for collapsing. Yes Our building’s 5th floor offices faced potential collapse. C Do: : C Do: Vary Sentence Length C Do: Vary your sentence length : C Do: Vary your sentence length Use short sentences to emphasize important ideas. Long long long long long long long long long long long long long; long, long long long long. Short short short short. Long long long long long long long long long long long long. Give your audience occasional breaks from long sentences. C Do: : C Do: Follow Assignment Guidelines CDo: Follow all assignment guidelines : CDo: Follow all assignment guidelines Regardless of the class or subject, instructors expect students to follow all assignment guidelines. CDo: : CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion : CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion An introduction is an opportunity to make a positive first impression—a strong introduction can make up for weaknesses in the body. CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion : CDo: Write an eye-catching introduction and interesting conclusion Remember that the conclusion is the writer’s last chance to influence the audience’s evaluation of his/her ideas—your instructor determines your grade soon after reading your conclusion. CDo: : CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion : CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion Academic writing is about the writer’s ability to demonstrate thinking—instructors expect your thesis to reflect your own ideas. CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion : CDo: Include a thesis that reflects your opinion Unless your instructor asks for facts only, you should strive to present your original ideas about the assigned topic. CDo: : CDo: Use transitions between paragraphs CDo: Use transitions between paragraphs : CDo: Use transitions between paragraphs Transitions provide the stepping stones your readers need to follow your thinking path. Without transitions, your paragraphs will jump from one idea to the next, forcing your readers to guess how the ideas relate. CDo: : CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed : CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed If you say, “Parents today do not discipline their children enough,” your readers expect you to show them what you mean with some examples. CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed : CDo: Provide examples to support any opinions expressed Imagine that you are defending your opinion in a courtroom—what evidence will you provide to win your case? CDo: : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions The pigsty example… CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions Imagine someone saying, “Wow, your place is a real pigsty!” CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions Pigsty? What does that mean? CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions Clutter-covered furniture = pigsty? Dirty clothes piled everywhere = pigsty? Moldy dishes in the sink & bathtub = pigsty? Food ground into the carpet = pigsty? An overflowing cat litter box = pigsty? All of the above = pigsty? CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions POINT: People have different concepts of what a “pigsty” is. When writing, merely saying, “The room was a pigsty” is not enough to convince your audience that you do indeed have a true pigsty on your hands. CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions Providing concrete details about the room allows your audience to determine your level of tolerance for mess and make a stronger connection with you and your ideas. CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions FACT: Not all pigsties are created equal. Pigsty = the room had not been vacuumed or dusted in a week. Pigsty = 3 rumpled outfits on the bed and a spilled make-up bag on the dresser CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : Pigsty = sweat-stained laundry strewn over most of the floor. The air was thick with body odor and Lysol. Pigsty = lumpy piles of clothes and textbooks colorfully blanketed by construction paper scraps and spilled glitter. The bed served as a foundation for a pyramid of discarded soda and beer cans. CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions : Pigsty = ten years of brittle, yellowed papers piled on the floor, with some being used as makeshift tables for stacks of moldy fried chicken bones. The furniture danced with insects, and each drawer smiled open through a beard of dust. CDo: Use concrete, vivid descriptions CDo: : CDo: Use college level vocabulary CDo: Use college level vocabulary : CDo: Use college level vocabulary A student recently submitted an essay that stated, “The whole house smelled like pee.” Pee??? Isn’t there a more sophisticated word? (Obviously “urine” is the college-level equivalent.) CDo: Use college level vocabulary : CDo: Use college level vocabulary College-level vocabulary does not mean HUGE, unfamiliar words—college level vocabulary simply demonstrates a bit more thought about word choice. CDo: : CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience : CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience If the paper is not interesting to you, then it will not be interesting to your audience. ANY topic can be interesting, thought-provoking, or even humorous if approached correctly. CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience : CDo: Make the topic appealing to the audience Comedians provide excellent examples of how mundane topics can be made appealing to an audience…anticipate your audience’s reactions to each section of your essay. CDo: Proofread your work for errors : CDo: Proofread your work for errors Excessive errors can hinder your communication of ideas. Run spell-check to catch typographical errors. Poor grammar will hurt your grade in most classes. Did you spot the errors right away? End of “Academic Writing Do’s” : End of “Academic Writing Do’s” Are you ready for the Don’ts?? D Do not: : D Do not: Be sure to avoid the following in your academic writing. D Do not: : D Do not: Use clichés DDo not: Use clichés : DDo not: Use clichés Don’t judge a book by its cover Last but not least Everything happens for a reason Sick as a dog Sweet as honey Old as the hills Dead as a doornail D Do not: : D Do not: Make announcements to the reader DDo not: Make announcements to the reader : DDo not: Make announcements to the reader NO“In this essay I will…” NO“My thesis is…” NO“By the end of this essay, I will prove…” D Do not: : D Do not: Address the reader or use “YOU” D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Do NOT use 2nd person “YOU” when writing academic essays. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader “Have you ever…” “As you can see…” “If you work hard…” “You should have figured out by now that…” D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Q: What’s wrong with “YOU”? A: It does not apply to everyone, and therefore writers exclude many of their readers. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Who, ME? When you put on your fluffy snow angel outfit and sweep the sidewalk, you feel at peace. The snowflakes hitting your body make you feel pretty and sparkly. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Who, ME? Seeing a sign like this makes you wonder why people would dislike you just because you are a shaven head child pick pocket. Perhaps you should wear a disguise so you don’t look like the picture on the sign. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader Who, ME? When you pose for a family portrait in Winnie the Pooh costumes, you may be surprised at the reactions people have to your photo…. D Do not: Address the reader : D Do not: Address the reader YOU D Do not: : D Do not: State the obvious DDo not: State the obvious : DDo not: State the obvious “Men and women are different” “Many children are born each year” “Some decisions can be difficult to make” “Everyone has felt angry sometime” “Cars provide transportation for many people…” D Do not: : D Do not: Use Expletive Fillers DDo not: Use Expletive Fillers : DDo not: Use Expletive Fillers Expletive Means “Filler” Expletive Filler = There are or There were There is or There was This is or This was It is or It was Do not rely upon these weak fillers to begin your sentences. DDo not: Use Expletive Fillers : DDo not: Use Expletive Fillers No There are several cultures among the residents of our small town. Yes Residents of our small town come from several cultures. No It is necessary for employees to lock their desks. Yes Employees must lock their desks. D Do not: : D Do not: Use Extra Words DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words More is not better Goal = more ideas, fewer words a friend of mine = my friend Due to the fact that = Because at this point in time = now in order to = to DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words blue in color = blue the question as to whether = whether this day and age = today has the ability = can; is able DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words Advertising fliers prohibited? DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words put forth an effort = try is of the opinion that = thinks/believes in spite of the fact that = although during the time that = while DDo not: Use Extra Words : DDo not: Use Extra Words Members and paying visitors only? D Do not: : D Do not: Say “I think” or “I feel” or “in my opinion” DDo Not: Say “I think” or “I feel” or “in my opinion” : DDo Not: Say “I think” or “I feel” or “in my opinion” If your name is on the paper, your reader knows that any opinions expressed in it are yours. No need to say I think iguanas make the best pets. Just say Iguanas make the best pets. D Do not: : D Do not: Use 5th grade words DDo not: Use 5th grade words : DDo not: Use 5th grade words AVOID THE FOLLOWING: thing (use a noun/say what you mean) get/got (received, arrived, became) DDo not: Use 5th grade words : DDo not: Use 5th grade words alot (a lot) till (until) hard (difficult, frustrating…) DDo not: Use 5th grade words : DDo not: Use 5th grade words stuff (be specific) bug (annoy or insect) mad (angry) D Do not: : D Do not: Give advice to the reader DDo not: Give advice to the reader : DDo not: Give advice to the reader You are not Barney (and we’re glad!). Your essays should not address the readers and tell them what to do, how to act/think “Now boys and girls, always remember: Buckle-buckle in the car and you will be a safety star!” DDo not: Give advice to the reader : DDo not: Give advice to the reader Your readers are interested in your thinking/experience— allow readers to decide what to do with the information you provided An academic essay should never give cute advice to the reader or present “the moral of the story” D Do not: : D Do not: Use “they” for every pronoun DDo not: Use “they” for every pronoun : DDo not: Use “they” for every pronoun No Each player will find out if they made the team. Yes Each player will find out if he/she made the team. Yes All players will find out if they made the team. DDo not: Use “they” for every pronoun : DDo not: Use “they” for every pronoun No Every student must have their books in class. Yes Every student must have his/her books in class. Yes All students must have their books in class. D Do not: : D Do not: “Quote” your own Title DDo not: “Quote” your own Title : DDo not: “Quote” your own Title Books may have titles in bold--or gold—letters, but no book will have its own title “Quoted” or Underlined… Of Mice and Men That’s just wrong! DDo not: “Quote” your own Title : DDo not: “Quote” your own Title Reserve “quoted titles” and underlined titles for when you discuss what others have written The title of this book is Industry in the Americas. It’s pretty boring! DDo not: “Quote” your own Title : DDo not: “Quote” your own Title As an essay’s author, you should not include “quotation marks” or underlining when you write the title of your essay Joe Student ENG111 “Romantic Poetry” Joe Student ENG111 Romantic Poetry With quotes: WRONG! No quotes: RIGHT! And finally, avoid the worst opening line ever written… : And finally, avoid the worst opening line ever written… (unless your goal is to present yourself as a dull, unsophisticated writer…) This one line will destroy any hope for impressing a college professor with your essay… : This one line will destroy any hope for impressing a college professor with your essay… It’s the KISS of DEATH for any essay… Ready…? : Ready…? (I have to force my fingers to type these words...cringe…) In today’s society, … : In today’s society, … Or worse… : Or worse… “In today’s society, there are many reasons why…” Remember to apply these Do’s & Don’ts to your academic writing : Remember to apply these Do’s & Don’ts to your academic writing Start today! Slide 87: End of Presentation.