My kingdom for a thesis statement!I've been peer reviewing metaphysics papers, and I have to say; I have a whole new level of respect for my profs who have to deal with this crap all the time.Seriously, if you don't have a thesis statement, how can you have an essay? And stop writing paragraphs that merely describe two views, but don't inspect them or side with one! And how the hell can you have a conclusion without a damn thesis, I'm going out of my mind here! So kids, here is a list useful tips when writing a university paper: 1. Do not neglect to write a thesis. (Seriously, you'll just get an F) 2. Do not write paragraphs that just go over conflicting views without inspecting flaws in them or taking a side. If the paragraph doesn't have a point, it's a waste of space. 3. Don't deflect the flaws in one paragraph to another, and whatever you do, don't deflect the flaws in that new paragraph to yet another. Each paragraph needs to have a point. Don't leave them completely open ended and reliant on other paragraphs to defend them, especially if those paragraphs in turn need their own defense. 4. Write clearly and simply. YOUR PROF IS NOT IMPRESSED BY YOUR VOCABULARY. If you can say something clearly in 5 words, do so, don't make it into half a paragraph, it just gets confusing. 5. Don't ask the reader to assume a view is true unless you can provide evidence that supports it. Otherwise, why not just ask the reader to assume the thesis is true, and be done with it? 6. EXPLAIN YOURSELF! If you make a claim, you need to back it up. Provide references or quotes. If you are writing an academic paper, make a reference to a peer reviewed source or a case study that supports your claim. 7. If you want to make a claim but you have no evidence, only researchers who believe it to be true , do not use this to support your argument. Refer to the researchers who support the view, and inspect counter arguments for flaws. (this is especially important in philosophy) 8. Your paragraphs should build on each other. If you write a paragraph, then need another paragraph to support it, you are doing it wrong. This is similar to tip no. 3. 9. Use quotes. Its nice when you say something and leave a reference (Witt, 2010), but you're making us read the essay or book you're referring to. If we need to spend more time reading what you're referring to than reading your paper, you are doing it wrong. Support your claims with direct quotes from the book, paper or study, just don't forget to credit the author. 10. Be objective. Even when you choose a view, you should inspect the flaws of your view along with flaws from counterarguments. Select the best examples for why the other arguments are wrong, and refute the most damning criticisms of your own position. If you write with bias, no one will take you seriously. 11. Don't use filler. Everything you write should have a point. People notice when you're trying to reach a specific word count, and it will bring down your grade. If you need another 500 words, go back and find concepts that could do with more explanation. If you can follow these tips, you should be on your way to a pretty decent paper. But ignoring any one of these can lead to a huge drop in your mark. And last but not least: find someone in your class to peer review your paper (in return for your peer reviewing theirs). Since they didn't write it, statements that might not seem confusing to you will jump out at them, and reviewing someone elses paper will help you see weaknesses in your own. |
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