Chapter 6 synthesis

The pages we had to read in Chapter 6 focused on 4 things: outlines, the argument, integrating research sources, and beginning to write the essay.

An outline is basically a structured summary of a paper, and when well done outline is a very useful tool.  Outlines are the first real form that papers exist in.  When writing an outline, you begin to really think about how exactly you will present your argument.  Putting a lot of thought into the outline makes writing the paper a lot easier.  I, however, use an outline as an organization/brainstorm method.  I never really know what I want to write about until I start the paper itself.  Once I start the paper, I go back and strengthen my outline.

As a result of writing an outline, you must put thought into your argument and the manner in which you want to present it in.  There are a few different ways to present an argument. 2 are focusing mainly on the research sources and using your own words to tie them together, or creating the argument mostly by yourself and using research sources to support your arguments.  A good way of learning how to present arguments is analyzing other published arguments and looking at the way those are written.

One of the most important skills to have when writing research papers is the integration of quotes and sources into the paper. Integrating quotes is important because it helps keeps the paper flowing rather than just having random blocks of text in your paper, that are not in your distinct writing style.  One way of putting information from your sources into your paper is summary and paraphrase.  The two, while being extremely similar, are not the same thing.  Summary is more general, while paraphrase is a distinct rewording of a quote.  Paraphrase is often chosen because a quote is difficult to understand.  Summary allows synthesis of a lot of information.  However, when using summary or paraphrase, all information must still be cited.  When using direct quotations, it is important to integrate quotes: introduce them, and make them flow seamlessly into what you are saying.  It is important to cite everything you summarize, paraphrase, or quote as you put them in your paper or outline.  Doing so will help prevent accidental plagiarism.

The last topic covered in the selected pages is the process of beginning to actually write the first draft.  There are many ways to begin to write the first draft; you don't always have to start at the beginning.  It's important to keep the same level of passion throughout the entire writing process.  Passion often equal vivid language, which makes the paper a lot easier to read; it makes the paper less drab.  Peer review is a useful tool when writing a paper.  Peers can tell you if your paper is going in the right direction, help direct an argument, and point out any major flaws.  It's important to just keep going, even if the paper is of absolutely horrible quality.  It's better to force yourself to write when you have time to think and rewrite than it is to write at the last minute and have no time at all.

Once you finish the first draft, it must be revised.  The first attempt is far from ready to be submitted.  Revisions will turn the paper into a very polished product, ready to be shown off to the world.