1. KEEP IN MIND THE FOLLOWING
SIX 'WHAT'-QUESTIONS when evaluating the
- What is the topic and
intention of the author(s)?
- What are the levels/dimensions
of analysis and methods used?
- What are the key
arguments/examples and conclusions? Are they appropriate and convincing?
- What is your own comment,
opinion/critical comment or question after evaluating the text?
- What other reading, argument,
theory, or example complements or contradicts the reading?
- What did you learn from, what
did you miss in the reading?
2. WHAT MISTAKES TO AVOID IN COMPOSITION, WRITING, AND
PRESENTATION
Avoid the following common composition mistakes:
1. rough
and loose analogies of theories
2. a
topic too broad and unspecific
3. generalizations
that are not sufficiently supported by evidence
4. usage
of personal values, anecdotes, private opinions, and speculations without
supporting empirical evidence (statements such as “I believe…,” “It may be….,”
“Probably…” are indicative of a lack of hard evidence)
5. rambling
and lack of focus. It is always better to choose and stick with a narrower
topic/question and then explore it more in-depth instead of bouncing from
subject to subject
6. plagiarism
and recycling of papers or topics from other classes and students will be
considered academic dishonesty. You will receive a
F-grade, and an official investigation, reprimand, and permanent negative
record in your student file will follow.
Avoid the following common writing mistakes:
1. inconsistent and
contradicting statements in your argumentation
2. circular reasoning
3. false grammar and sentence
construction
4. inappropriate and
unprofessional vulgar diction
5. confusion of causes and
effects, dependent and independent factors.
Do not forget to take care of the formal aspects of
your TERM PAPER:
1. spell check
grammar and stylistic errors
2. indent and
single space quotes
3. quote correctly, i.e. cite the reading
with quotation marks and give the source and page number/s in brackets
[EXAMPLE: Cohen/Kennedy 2000, p.25]
4. use very few
footnotes and endnotes
5. clearly
demarcate in your lay-out distinct paper segments and headings (Introduction,
Methods/Data, Analysis/Interpretation, Conclusion/Summary)
6.
use the required format: CG Times font, Size 11, line
spacing (1.5), and margins/indentation (1 inch).
3. MID-TERM ESSAY AND TERM PAPER
PREPARATION: A PATTERNED PLAN OF ATTACK
-
Address and answer the chosen question completely.
- Before you start writing, first outline the logic and
composition of your thoughts and paragraphs.
- Begin with an introductory paragraph and explain why
you chose a question.
- Conclude your essay with a paragraph summarizing your
main pro/con arguments and your personal assessment.
- Use proven illustrations and facts to support your
arguments. Avoid generalizations or irrelevant examples.
- Write simply and to the point. Quality--not quantity
or eloquent prose will count.
- Write legibly. Proofread your essay carefully. Correct
errors in grammar and spelling.
4. EVALUATION CRITERIA USED FOR MID-TERM EXAMS &
TERM PAPERS
Quality of Analysis/Interpretation/Logic (50% of
grade): Excellent (A) Good (B) Fair (C) Poor (D) Very Poor (F)
Introduction/Conclusion/Illustration (25% ): Excellent (A) Good (B) Fair (C) Poor (D) Very Poor (F)
Composition/Writing/Presentation/Format (25% ): Excellent (A) Good (B) Fair (C) Poor (D) Very Poor (F)