Journal entry #12

How I remember........

Some of the information that we are reading for our English Comp class can be so overwhelming. I learn better if I read, write, and rewrite. I am going to write down for my journal entry the information on How to write College papers. This is just the notes and sentences I wrote down to remember.

Write what you know, write what you want to know, creating questions for research, then go find what you need to know. You take what you know and add it to what others know in order to create new knowledge.
* start from where you are.
* Think E reserves- Library web pages.
*Extra pointer- distinguish between electronic databases from E journals
* 5 star tip Be on lookout for top "10" lists, general usefulness
*Discover worldcat.com - Public caalog of 1 billion libraries.
*Learn shortcuts- wild card characters ? * #
*gateway sources- Look for other sources while researching footnotes and such
1. Embrace Zen- consider doubt, get used to it.
2. Drive sources- Don't let them drive you, keep it current.
3. Don't fixate too quickly. Let ideas evolve, when doing research, your mind can change.
4. Torture the data- study topic in depth. not mindless loads of data.
5. Record and conquer- You don't want to have to find sources all over again. Detailed notes
6. Act like a researcher- Definite result and conclusion.
7. Fear not the footnote- Learn style professor wants. MLA APA CBE APSA AIP
8. Leave time for writing- time for writing and revising, and editing.
*RULE OF THUMB. Half time writing/ half time researching.
#1 figure out what professor wants- understand directions. ask questions
#2 brainstorm great topic- stand out from the crowd, write something that interests you or else paper will suck.
#3 write outline- Good organization is key. Make outline. Doesn't have to be very detailed and you can stray from it. Just write an outline.
#4 Back up your claims- Claim is statement of facts. Evidence material that lends support to the claim. Don't rely so heavy on examples.
#5 write cool introduction- interesting anecdote, startling statistic, or something that draws in reader
#6 Write very clear thesis statement- Road map of paper. Keep it simple very direct and to the point.
#7 Use good sources- Choose credible sources. Don't rely too heavily on one source. If professor asks for about 6 sources, give them 10
#8 Lose the BS Professor knows, Keep Introductions short.
#9 Never Plagerize
#10 Get help if you need it!
BONUS # PROOFREAD!!!!!!