How to Begin a Writing Assignment
Prewriting: How to Research and Organize
A frequent mistake in writing is failing to provide specific examples, evidence, or details to support an idea or thesis. In an essay about a poem, for example, it isn't enough to say that the author's language creates a dark, gloomy atmosphere; you must cite particular words and images that demonstrate this effect. In an essay arguing that magnet schools in cities improve education for minority students, you must provide some evidence—statistics, anecdotes, and so on. In a timed writing on the statement, We learn more from our failures than our successes, you shouldn't merely reflect on the statement; you should cite examples from your life, or from the news, or from history.
Remember that essays filled with general unsupported statements are not only unconvincing, but also uninteresting.
Plagiarism
As you take notes, be aware that when you write your paper you must cite any sources you use, so record the information you'll need for footnotes. Consult a style guide for proper footnoting and preparation of a bibliography. You'll be guilty of plagiarism if you don't properly give credit for words or ideas that you borrow from others.
Most people understand that they can't steal exact words from a source, but some believe that paraphrasing—simply borrowing an idea—is acceptable. Generally, it isn't. While you don't need to footnote well-known ideas such as evolution or easily accessible facts such as the date of the first moon landing, you should document less generally known ideas or opinions (for example, a news analyst's assessment of a Supreme Court decision), and less accessible facts (such as the number of motorcycles sold in the United States in a given year). Deciding what to footnote is sometimes a gray area, but play it safe. If you have doubts, cite your source.
Quoting and paraphrasing
When should you use quotations in a paper, and when should you paraphrase information instead? If you want to make a point about an author's language or style,—as in the analysis of a literary work—use quotations. But don't quote an entire stanza if you are going to comment on only two words, and don't give up your responsibility to discuss a character simply by quoting a descriptive passage from a novel.
If your interest is in the information a source conveys rather than in the author's expression, consider paraphrasing (putting the information in your own words) rather than quoting, particularly if the relevant passage is long and includes material you don't need. The question to ask is, “Why am I choosing to include this quotation?” If you have a good reason—an author's language or tone, for example, or a particularly apt expression—go ahead. But often you're after only the information or part of the information.
Consider the following passage:
-
Community-based policing has given rise to several important questions, among them the following: Should police officers address social problems that extend beyond particular crimes? Some experts on police reform say yes, while others say no. Although there is agreement that having police officers walk regular beats can decrease community suspicion and deter lawbreakers, the experts who are against greater involvement feel that giving police a broader responibility by expecting them to deal with problems such as urban decay and irresponsible parenting is unrealistic and ultimately undesirable.
If you're writing about attitudes towards police reform, why not paraphrase the point that relates to your topic as shown in the following paragraph?
-
Police-reform experts disagree about many issues, including whether or not police should involve themselves in social issues that go beyond their direct responsibility to deter crime and apprehend lawbreakers.
Don't pad a paper with quotations to add to its length (you'll irritate the instructor) and don't quote heavily to prove that you've read a source and have evidence for your points. Paraphrasing works just as well. One caution, however. Paraphrasing a source requires correct citation (footnoting) just as quotation does.
