Student Exemplars - Analytical Paper

Summary

In this instructional video, a teacher provides feedback on student papers, focusing on areas for improvement such as transitions, parenthetical citations, and paper structure. The teacher emphasizes the importance of a strong introduction, clear thesis statement, and smooth transitions between paragraphs. Proper citation format is highlighted, stressing the need to include the author's name and page number. The teacher also distinguishes between a Works Cited page (which includes only cited sources) and a bibliography. Through two examples, the teacher shows how these elements work together to create an effective academic paper.

Takeaways

• 😀 A strong title should clearly reflect your thesis and give the reader a sense of the paper’s main argument.
• 😀 The introduction should grab attention with a compelling statement or question to engage the reader.
• 😀 Transitions are important to guide the reader from one idea to the next and maintain a logical flow throughout the paper.
• 😀 Parenthetical citations should always include the author's last name and page number (if available).
• 😀 If no author is available, use the first major word from the title in quotation marks for the citation.
• 😀 Every citation in the paper must correspond to a reference in the works cited page.
• 😀 Body paragraphs should each focus on one specific point that supports the overall thesis.
• 😀 Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence and include evidence to support the claim.
• 😀 The conclusion should summarize key points and reinforce the thesis without introducing new information.
• 😀 The works cited page must only include sources that were directly cited in the body of the paper, not additional sources consulted.
• 😀 Proper use of transitions and citations can significantly improve the clarity and academic quality of your paper.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's lecture?

The main focus of the speaker's lecture is on the key components of academic writing, specifically transitions, parenthetical citations, and the overall structure of a research paper.

Why are transitions important in academic writing?

Transitions are crucial in academic writing because they help guide the reader from one idea or section to the next, ensuring a smooth flow and logical progression of the argument.

What does the speaker say about the use of parenthetical citations?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of using parenthetical citations accurately, starting with the author's name and including a page number. If an author's name is unavailable, the first major word of the title should be used.

How does the speaker define a 'Works Cited' page?

The 'Works Cited' page lists only the sources that are directly referenced in the body of the paper, as opposed to a 'Bibliography', which includes all consulted sources, even if they are not cited.

What is the difference between a 'Works Cited' page and a 'Bibliography'?

A 'Works Cited' page includes only the sources that are cited in the paper, whereas a 'Bibliography' lists all the sources that were consulted in preparing the paper, regardless of whether they were cited.

What role does the title of a paper play in the overall structure?

The title of the paper should reflect the thesis and subject of the essay, offering a clear preview of what the reader can expect. It serves as a guide to the main topic and argument of the paper.

Can you explain the importance of a strong opening in an essay?

A strong opening is important because it grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the paper. It introduces the topic and leads into the thesis statement, making the argument engaging and clear.

What should students focus on when writing transitions between paragraphs?

Students should ensure that their transitions connect ideas logically, moving the reader smoothly from one paragraph to the next and maintaining the flow of the argument or narrative.

What does the speaker mention about the relationship between the title and the thesis?

The speaker highlights that the title and thesis should align closely, with the title reflecting the main idea or argument presented in the thesis. This consistency helps the reader understand the focus of the paper.

What should students avoid when writing their papers, according to the speaker?

Students should avoid weak transitions, incomplete or incorrect parenthetical citations, and a lack of clarity in the structure of their papers. Proper citation format and clear, logical connections between ideas are key.