Suggestions for Writing an Academic Paper

Suggestions for Writing an Academic Paper
 
 
1. Introduction: In the introduction you should explain a problem you are trying to solve, how you are going to solve it, and what is your procedure for solving it.[footnoteRef:1] [1: Searle, audio1. ]
A. Thesis: Make sure you have a clear thesis which argues for a certain, distinctive conclusion. It should be incorporated into your introduction and should be only one sentence.[footnoteRef:2] [2: Searle, audio2. ]
B. Methodology: Explain your method of procedure, what you are going to do first, second, third, and so on.
2. Paragraphs: Paragraphs are a way to separate your distinct thoughts. A paragraph should only contain a single thought, no more. This doesnt mean that your paragraph should only be one sentence; in fact it should be at least five to six sentences elaborating on the thought you are expressing.
3. Body of the paper: Use Roman numerals to divide the body of your paper into distinct themes. Also, label your sections with names that indicate what you are going to talk about in that section. In addition to this, use named subsections in the body of your paper as needed, to indicate distinct themes within a theme.
A. Make sure that each of your sections or subsections provide support for you thesis. Dont assume that the reader will be able to figure out what you are talking about in each section. You ought to tell the reader exactly how your sections support your overall thesis.
B. Ask yourself how you should organize yours sections, i.e. which section should begin the defense of your thesis, what should come afterwards, etc. It is important to discuss the issues in your paper in proper order.
4. Evaluation. This is the part of the paper where you defend your thesis. This is determined by whether you think the objections you have presented in your paper to the theory you have presented are enough, in your mind, to refute the theory or not.[footnoteRef:3] [3: Sober, Elliott. ]
5. Conclusion: You should always have a section in your paper which you label as Conclusion in which you recapitulate what you think you have accomplished in your paper. In addition, the conclusion is used to indicate the potential implications of your argument. [footnoteRef:4] [4: Ibid., p. 3. ]
6. Plagiarism: If you use another writers words or thoughts without her consent, you are guilty of plagiarism. Plagiarism is a form of cheating and lying, and usually punished in the academic context with a failing grade for the course, or an academic suspension.
7. Citations: In general you should use either footnotes or endnotes for you citations. You must give credit for any thoughts which are not yours, whether you are using direct quotations or merely paraphrasing someone elses thoughts. If you are not sure whether to give credit for someone else or not, its best to do so. Also, you should only use reputable sources for you information, not just google the topic and trust that the sources are reputable.
In addition, you should always use quotation marks () for direct quotation, and no quotation marks for indirect paraphrasing (you must still use a footnote or an endnote). Also, any quotations longer than four sentences should be avoided, but if you do use them, use indentations instead of quotation marks.
Note: Your paper should be yours, and not someone elses which means that your voice should be identifiable; your paper should not be primarily filled with quotations and foot or end notes. Your task is to interpret and analyze the quoted and cited passages, and to evaluate the validity or the strength of the argument.