WELCOME Presenter Introduction Image used by permission. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Welcome_differentlangs.png © Troy University 1 INTRODUCTION Today’s Goals Writing a Plagiarism-Free Research Paper What does my teacher want me to do? What do they expect of me? How do I do what they want me to? How do I fulfill those expectations? The main goal of this class is to help students to be better able to complete their writing assignments. To accomplish this goal, students will taught what is expected of them in regards to writing a research paper, and how to fulfill those expectations. © Troy University 2 INTRODUCTION Today’s Objectives Writing a Plagiarism-Free Research Paper 1. Students will be able to list and explain the steps in writing a research paper 2. Students will be able to define the word plagiarize, and explain what it means. They will be able to name at least three ways to avoid plagiarizing 3. Students will be able to differentiate (tell the difference between) a citation and a reference or an entry in a Works Cited list 4. Students will be able to explain what it means to write according to MLA or APA style 5. Students will be able to name three ways to include information sources in a research paper 6. Students will be able to name and locate the building which houses the Troy University Writing Center © Troy University 3 INTRODUCTION Today’s Topics Writing a Plagiarism-Free Research Paper •Language and writing •The Writing Center •Information sources/the Library •Writing according to a writing style (MLA and APA style) •How to use quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing •Documentation •What it means to plagiarize and how to avoid plagiarizing •Turn It In •Tips and tricks for Microsoft Word •Blackboard •Handouts •The steps in writing a research paper © Troy University 4 LANGUAGE AND WRITING Representing Ideas Language involves the use of sounds and symbols to represent ideas. Today we will talk about writing. The symbols of writing include letters, figures, and punctuation. We will talk about a specific type of writing—writing research papers in college in the United States. © Troy University 5 TROY UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER What and Where? CLASS OBJECTIVE. You should be able to name and locate the building which houses the Troy University Writing Center Where: 124 Eldrige Hall in the Center for Student Services Online: http://troy.troy.edu/writingcenter/ E-mail: wcenter@troy.edu DO THIS: Fill in the blanks on your syllabus Check out the many handouts on their Web site © Troy University 6 INFORMATION AND THE LIBRARY What and Where? A research paper involves using information sources such as those listed in your syllabus. The Library can help you access information (books, articles, data, etc.), but this is not a Library workshop. Information about the Library is provided in your syllabus. This is where we are heading in this workshop: •College papers are written according to a specific style, typically MLA or APA. •When you use information sources , you work them in to your paper by quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing them. •When you use information sources, you always document them (citations/references). •In writing a college paper, you never steal people’s words. •When you write a research paper, there are specific steps to follow. © Troy University 7 WRITING STYLES MLA & APA The two main styles used at Troy University are MLA and APA. Your Plagiarism handout lists these styles and the rule books for them: MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. Style books tell you how to set up or use: •Typeface and size (font) •Margins •Title page •Punctuation •Numbers (when to spell them out with words and when to use the symbol) •Documentation: Citations and References/Works Cited •Much, much more. MUCH MORE! © Troy University 8 BEFORE WE MOVE ON… Any Questions? We just discussed: Writing style CLASS OBJECTIVE. You should be able to explain what it means to write according to MLA or APA style. (This will have more meaning after we look at documentation.) © Troy University 9 QUOTING, PARAPHRASING, AND SUMMARIZING Incorporation Information Writing a research paper means using information. INFORMATION (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary) knowledge obtained from investigation, study, or instruction knowledge communicated concerning a particular fact or circumstance For a college paper, you may get your information from a number of places. For example, from books and articles. In your syllabus/worksheet, you have a long list of information sources. When you use information sources, you will use them in one of three ways: you will quote them, or you will paraphrase them, or you will summarize them. When you use information sources you always give credit to the information source. You give credit by documenting your sources. © Troy University 10 QUOTING, PARAPHRASING, AND SUMMARIZING Handouts and Resources The Troy University Writing Center: Quoting, Paraphrasing, Summarizing THIS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR SYLLABUS The Troy University Library: Using Quotations and Quotation Marks in College Writing VERY DETAILED (JUST ABOUT QUOTES) Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL): Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing; Paraphrasing; Paraphrasing: Sample Essay DETAILED . . . A GOOD LEARNING TOOL Within your Plagiarism handout are listings for several other good learning tools. The handout, with links to those tools (Web sites), is available online from the Information and Help section of the Library. © Troy University 11 BEFORE WE MOVE ON… Any Questions? We just discussed: quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing CLASS OBJECTIVE. You should be able to name three ways to include information sources in a research paper © Troy University 12 DOCUMENTATION Why Document? For the answer, look at your syllabus. To give credit To assure readers about the accuracy of your facts To show readers the research tradition that informs your work To help readers follow or extend your research © Troy University 13 DOCUMENTATION Examples For the examples, look at your syllabus. MLA: Citations and Works Cited list APA: Citations and References Know what information you will need to do documentation: Article: Author, title of the article, title of the journals, volume/issue/pages, publication date. Maybe the database name and the date of access. Book: Author, title, publisher, place of publication, publication date. Maybe the database name and the date of access. © Troy University 14 DOCUMENTATION Handouts Handouts from the Writing Center and the Library can help. Rely on the official manuals and your instructor—not Web sites or even databases. © Troy University 15 BEFORE WE MOVE ON… Any Questions? We just discussed: documentation © Troy University 16 PLAGIARISM Is Stealing To plagiarize is to use someone's words as yours. A simple definition of the word plagiarize, is stealing. One of the objectives for today’s class is that “Students will be able to define the word plagiarize. . . .” A one word definition is stealing. Remember that definition. Here is a longer definition: To plagiarize is to represent, purposely or inadvertently, someone's language (the expression of their ideas), as your own original thought. © Troy University 17 PLAGIARISM A Vital Subject You have received a handout, A student guide to plagiarism. The subject of plagiarism is very important . . . it is vital. Troy University Standards of Conduct state: A student or organization may be disciplined, up to and including suspension and expulsion, if deemed in violation of the STANDARDS OF CONDUCT for the commission of or the attempt to commit any of the following offenses: 1. Dishonesty, such as cheating, plagiarism. . . . (p. 9) STOP, LOOK, LISTEN: Let’s look at the statement just above. It includes a direct quote. The quote is not in quotation marks—it is a block quote—APA says to do that if a quote is 40 words or longer; MLA says to use a block quote if the original material is 5 or more lines. PUNCTUATION: The ellipsis (the dot dot dot) indicates that the end of the sentence has been left off. The plural is ellipses. Style manuals tell you how to use an ellipsis. © Troy University 18 PLAGIARISM Five Points You have received a handout, A student guide to plagiarism. It is linked online—you may want the online version to help you access recommended Web sites. The subject of plagiarism is very important. It is vital! 1. The writer should take credit only for his or her own work. Give credit where credit is due. Properly quote, paraphrase, or summarize your sources. Document all information sources . Use the right documentation style. 2. Plagiarism is plagiarism whether it is done intentionally (on purpose) or not. 3. You can plagiarize your own work . . . your own writing. 4. It is not a matter of permission. 5. More information about plagiarism (recommended resources ) are listed in your handout. Your handout list more than a dozen ways to help you avoid plagiarizing. © Troy University 19 TURN IT IN Software: http://www.turnitin.com Your syllabus has information about a trial class (this workshop) that you can use during this term to test out Turn It In. Do not use papers you are writing for actual classes this term. If you do, they may show as plagiarized in your other class (because they will match what you tried out). Instructors use Turn It In in different ways. We are giving you access via this workshop so you can get the general idea how it works. © Troy University 20 BEFORE WE MOVE ON… Any Questions? We just discussed: what it means to plagiarize and how to avoid plagiarizing CLASS OBJECTIVE. You should be able to: define the word plagiarize and explain what it means, list at least three ways to avoid plagiarizing © Troy University 21 MICROSOFT WORD® Tips and Tricks You have handouts online. •Make Word check that you have the correct number of spaces (usually one) between sentences, are placing punctuation in the right place in relation to quotation marks (inside [usually, but not always]), and that you are using the serial comma when making lists (as MLA and APA both prescribe). •How to make Word not hyperlink Internet addresses (both MLA and APA don’t want links in your documentation). •How to make Word not superscript numbers (e.g., 4th) that should not be superscripted, such as in References and Works Cited. •How to make hanging indents for References and Works Cited •How to create an APA-style running header and APA-style page numbers. •And more… © Troy University 22 BLACKBOARD Blackboard Those who complete this workshop may request to be signed up for the Blackboard classroom that enhances today’s meeting. In Blackboard: You can ask questions via the Discussion Board. All of the workshop handouts are linked in one place. There are exercises to try. There are quizzes. Topics are covered in greater depth than during the face-to-face portion of the workshop. You can provide feedback about this workshop . . . Helping us to improve it. © Troy University 23 HANDOUTS Examples? Previous PowerPoint slides stated that there are handouts on the Writing Center Web site. There are handouts for Microsoft Word Tips and Tricks, and handouts for Quoting and for Documentation and for Plagiarism. Additional handouts listed in your syllabus: International Student Writing/Library Glossary Proofreading guide A guide to print and online writing resources . . . how to find a good thesaurus, grammar book, or dictionary. Can you name five things that a dictionary can tell you about a word? One of them is its definition. Pulp: A soft, moist, shapeless mass of matter (American Heritage Collegiate Dictionary) © Troy University 24 BREAK 10 Minutes… For some seriously tasty popcorn to accompany tonight's video offering try these easy to make treats. Clockwise from foreground is Sesame Niri Popcorn, Key Lime Pie Popcorn and Cinnamon Toast Popcorn seen on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe) This image is used by permission from the database named AP Images. © Troy University 25 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER •Choose a Topic •Define Tasks •Write Thesis (Topic) Statement •Find Background Information •Locate Library Resources •Prepare Working Outline •Write Paper •Turn in Paper © Troy University 26 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Choose a Topic Choose a topic which interests you. Your attitude towards the topic determines the amount of effort you put into the writing of the research paper. You may have to limit your topic. Example: Religion World Religion Buddhism Quickly check the library’s catalog and online databases for material – select a topic you can manage. Avoid topics too specialized or technical. Avoid topics with too few resources. Obtain faculty member approval for your topic, before you start the complete research paper. © Troy University 27 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Define Tasks and Write Thesis Statement Answer the following questions to define the tasks: •When is the assignment due? •Do I understand the assignment? •What is the assignment? •How many pages is required for the research paper? •Do I have to use specific resources? •How many resources do I need? •What kinds of resources do I need or must I use? •What is the required writing and documentation style? These answers will assist by keeping you focused during the writing process. © Troy University 28 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Define Tasks and Write Thesis Statement You now need to write your thesis (or topic statement) and choose the keywords, which will help in finding material from the library for your research paper. For example: If you want to write about the use of drugs by students, you might have the following questions: What effect does the use of drugs have on the health of students? Now identify the main concepts (keywords, including synonyms) in your question. What are they? © Troy University 29 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Find Background Information on Topic Start by searching for topic in a subject encyclopedia or dictionary (online or print). You also need to search generic encyclopedias. These reference type material provides an overview of the topic, define terms and provide additional resources, which can assist you in writing your research paper. Create a Reference or Works Cited page to cite your sources – will not have to search for the material again. Use appropriate documentation now – save time later. © Troy University 30 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Locating Library Resources Use library catalog for searching for books. Use online databases for searching for journal articles. Start the searching process early. Record notes, quotes, summaries, paraphrasing and other items related to your research paper. Use appropriate documentation now – save time later. Evaluate source for appropriateness. © Troy University 31 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Prepare Working Outline Example Outline Format: Introduction I. First Topic A. Subordinate Topic B. You should have at least 2 subordinate topic for every topic. 1. Supporting Idea 2. You should have at least 2 supporting ideas for every subordinate topic. II. Second Topic (same as above) Conclusion STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Writing the Actual Paper First Draft Use outline to direct your writing and your thoughts. This should be done at least a week before paper is due. © Troy University 33 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Writing the Actual Paper Second Draft Put your first draft aside for two days. Read the whole document before you start proofreading it. Answer the following questions: Is it logically written? What can be done to fix the logistics of the paper? Any concept written that the reader may not understand? Have you addressed your entire thesis (topic) statement? © Troy University 34 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Writing the Actual Paper Third Draft Proofread the paper for spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc. errors. Give the paper to someone else to read and provide you feedback. © Troy University 35 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Writing the Actual Paper Final Version Make all corrections in previous drafts and feedback from other readers. Ensure accuracy in documentation style. © Troy University 36 STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH PAPER Turn in Your Paper You need to turn in the paper on time and in the appropriate manner as instructed by your faculty member. Rejoice that you finished the research paper! © Troy University 37 STEPS IN WRITING A PAPER Any Questions? We just discussed: writing a research paper CLASS OBJECTIVE. You should be able to list and explain the steps in writing a research paper (maybe not perfectly and exactly right now . . . think of that as a goal to accomplish) © Troy University 38 WE HAVE QUESTIONS FOR YOU A Quick Review 1. Students will be able to list and explain the steps in writing a research paper 2. Students will be able to define the word plagiarize, and explain what it means. They will be able to name at least three ways to avoid plagiarizing 3. Students will be able to differentiate (tell the difference between) a citation and a reference or an entry in a Works Cited list 4. Students will be able to explain what it means to write according to MLA or APA style 5. Students will be able to name three ways to include information sources in a research paper 6. Students will be able to name and locate the building which houses the Troy University Writing Center © Troy University 39 THE END IS NEAR Any Questions? We just discussed…. Writing a Plagiarism-free Research Paper •The steps in writing a research paper •What it means to plagiarize and how to avoid plagiarizing •Writing according to a writing style (MLA and APA style) •How to use quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing •Tips and tricks for Microsoft Word ® © Troy University 40 CONCLUSION Thank You From left: Alex Neuenberg and Charile JaeckerJones avoid the foul smell as they pose for their parent's cameras. The Corpse Flower after reaching over six feet nine inches, opened it leaf base fully releasing a foul fragrance resembling rotting flesh at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, Calif., Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Corpse flowers come from Sumatra. (AP Photo/Evans Vestal Ward) This image is used by permission from the database named AP Images. © Troy University 41