Writing Skills Workshop & Resources
Expressing yourself in writing is one of the most important skills a student can develop. But that does not mean that it is always easy. In fact, for many students this can be the single most difficult endeavor they will face. The following page is designed as a resource for anyone trying to better the writing skills, but is aimed especially for students of humanities subjects. Nonetheless the basic elements and skills can be applied to almost any non-fictional writing process..
We have included some pointers that we hope help with general inquiries. Below you will find some information and advice regarding forming arguments, style and structure, grammar and voice. There are also sources which can help you guarantee avoidance of plagiarism. For specific ideas and concerns, we are supplying a growing list of on-line references for your use. We are always looking for new additions to the list, so please do not hesitate to suggest one via our email. If you are interested in having one of our mentors review a paper you are working on, please visit here.
The key to writing is to never give up, to keep rewriting,, and to rewrite again. After enough practice, even students who at first were seriously challenged with writing skills can and do find their own voice. Best of luck to each and every budding writer.
We have included some pointers that we hope help with general inquiries. Below you will find some information and advice regarding forming arguments, style and structure, grammar and voice. There are also sources which can help you guarantee avoidance of plagiarism. For specific ideas and concerns, we are supplying a growing list of on-line references for your use. We are always looking for new additions to the list, so please do not hesitate to suggest one via our email. If you are interested in having one of our mentors review a paper you are working on, please visit here.
The key to writing is to never give up, to keep rewriting,, and to rewrite again. After enough practice, even students who at first were seriously challenged with writing skills can and do find their own voice. Best of luck to each and every budding writer.
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ArgumentStructuring humanities papers can be difficult, and the types of structure you use might differ from case to case. But the core principles are going to be consistent in most situations. Almost all humanities papers require you to make an argument. This does not mean that you become confrontational of course. It means that you plan and order your paper so as to make your point persuasively and with good organization.
Introductions should tell the reader exactly what the paper is about and what it's main point is. You may also introduce each piece of evidence you will be using to support that main point. Introductions are extremely important: this is your chance to grab the reader; if you don't manage to do it powerfully and cleanly, you may not be able to get them back. Following the introduction are the premises. Each premise presents a portion of your argument that is concise and cogently presented. The order of the premises should be carefully considered. Think of building blocks. Each piece should shore up the next as effectively as possible. In other words, the premises should be ordered so that the persuasive power of your thesis gains power at each step. Evidence should always be factual and supportable. Make sure to mention references when appropriate and/ or effective, and remember to always cite properly. Finally, you end with your conclusion. The purpose of the conclusion is to briefly and effectively restate your thesis, the points or premises you offer in support, and to convince the reader that you have indeed proven your case. In logic, this is the idea of offering a sound argument -- an argument where the premises logically proceed from one to the next in support of the main point. If the argument fails in this regard, it is considered an unsound argument. So, in effect, a well-stated conclusion exhibits the soundness as well as the overall persuasiveness of the case you've made. Here are some additional resources you may find useful: Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): Argumentative Essays Harvard University: Counter-argument Dartmouth Writing Program: Logic & Argument Our own lesson series on this and related topics is coming soon! |
StyleWriting style differs by person, though there are some consistent principles which can be applied. Good writing is clear writing. There is virtually no exception to this rule, especially when writing non-fiction. Whether you're studying the humanities, the social science or the sciences, you need to get a message across. So here are some tips that will likely improve writing rapidly, no matter what the subject.
1. Grammar -- Perhaps no subject is drier than grammar. Ugh. But nonetheless, learning grammar early and well will save you headaches. Proper punctuation in particular goes a long way in helping your points come across clearly. One great resource on grammar and style is Strunk & White's Elements of Style. It is an incredibly short book, but it is a powerful one. Consistent review of the text will yield immediate benefits. Here is a link to a PDF formatted copy of the original text without EB White's later additions. 2. Fat Language is not necessarily good language -- One thing that often trips up students is the idea that they must use inflated vocabulary or style in order to sound smart. This is frequently an extremely bad idea. What commonly results is a lot of clutter, slightly misused words and poor reception. The best writing loves words, it doesn't flatter them. Choose words like tools: because they fit the job as precisely and succinctly as possible. Remember the old adage: Less is more. For a great resource on style and voice, consult William Zinsser's On Writing Well -- another great and quite short book. 3. Give yourself time to rewrite -- We know that time can become scarce quickly, especially when you are a student with an active life. But the reality is the more rewrite time you give yourself, the better things will be. At the very least, arrange to reread the paper once. Remember that just because it sounded good the first time you ran through it, that doesn;t mean that's how it will sound the second go round. Reread and rewrite as many times as possible, without going crazy. 4. Vocalize and share - Sometimes something sounds good to us, in our head, but doesn't quite come across when read by someone else. One of the best ways to do rewrites is to read your piece aloud. If it doesn't sound fluid read aloud it likely doesn't flow quite right on paper either. Read it aloud and have someone else you trust read it too. Two pairs of eyes are always better than one. 5. Read, read, read -- Honestly, the best way to improve your writing is to read as much as you can.. Read as many different sorts of writing that you can. You'll pick up style points, vocabulary and a host of other tactics and techniques. Read often, and read critically. |
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Voice (Writing 'Style')
Generally speaking writing voice is a tricky thing. For some it comes naturally; for others it takes time to cultivate and recognize. If you're not there yet, the worst thing you can do is be hard on yourself. The best thing you can do is stay encouraged, practice the style points mentioned above, and focus on the type of paper you are writing.
Almost all humanities papers demand a certain intonation. For one, you want to come across as knowledgeable of the topic you are presenting. After all, your audience is reading the paper for information that is accurate and informative. You need to pretend for a minute that it is not just your professor teacher that will ultimately read it. Why would you, if situations were reversed, read your own paper? This is what is meant when people say you should sound "authoritative" in your writing. Write like you're the expert. Let everyone know you've done your homework on the subject. Too, this is where the persuasiveness and structure of your argument comes in.
Though academic writing can often come across as dry, it doesn't have too. Another element of voice you want to work on is enthusiasm. Make the topic sound exciting, even if it isn't. And let's face it, some topics are hard to spruce up or dress in sharper clothes. But try anyway. This will make your paper less of a labor.
Tune your voice to the type of paper you are writing. Different disciplines often have their own styles or conventions, and these can serve as general guidelines. For instance, with a history or literature paper, you may be able to get a little more ornate or colorful than would be customary for work in the social sciences, psychology or law. You need to survey your audience and your instructor for clues. Additionally, you can look at any sample reading you get in that class/ field for voice/ style tips as well. In some respects, that is the strongest reference for your specific situation.
For a detailed resource, consult this article at Teaching That Makes Sense, entitled "Looking for Quality in Student Writing." It expands excellently on the points mentioned and offers even more. http://www.ttms.org/writing_quality/voice.htm
Almost all humanities papers demand a certain intonation. For one, you want to come across as knowledgeable of the topic you are presenting. After all, your audience is reading the paper for information that is accurate and informative. You need to pretend for a minute that it is not just your professor teacher that will ultimately read it. Why would you, if situations were reversed, read your own paper? This is what is meant when people say you should sound "authoritative" in your writing. Write like you're the expert. Let everyone know you've done your homework on the subject. Too, this is where the persuasiveness and structure of your argument comes in.
Though academic writing can often come across as dry, it doesn't have too. Another element of voice you want to work on is enthusiasm. Make the topic sound exciting, even if it isn't. And let's face it, some topics are hard to spruce up or dress in sharper clothes. But try anyway. This will make your paper less of a labor.
Tune your voice to the type of paper you are writing. Different disciplines often have their own styles or conventions, and these can serve as general guidelines. For instance, with a history or literature paper, you may be able to get a little more ornate or colorful than would be customary for work in the social sciences, psychology or law. You need to survey your audience and your instructor for clues. Additionally, you can look at any sample reading you get in that class/ field for voice/ style tips as well. In some respects, that is the strongest reference for your specific situation.
For a detailed resource, consult this article at Teaching That Makes Sense, entitled "Looking for Quality in Student Writing." It expands excellently on the points mentioned and offers even more. http://www.ttms.org/writing_quality/voice.htm