Page 195 - Keys to College Success

look for logical holes. Consider feedback from a peer reviewer or your instructor. Ask
yourself these questions:
■ Does the paper fulfill the requirements of the assignment?
■ Do I prove my thesis?
■ Is each idea and argument developed, explained, and supported by examples?
■ Does the introduction prepare the reader and capture attention?
■ Is the body of the paper organized effectively?
■ Are my ideas connected to one another through logical transitions?
■ Do I have a clear, concise writing style?
■ Does the conclusion provide a natural ending without introducing new ideas?

Then, based on what you and other reviewers conclude needs adjustment, revise
your draft.
Editing involves correcting technical mistakes in spelling, grammar, and punctua-
tion, as well as checking for consistency in such elements as abbreviations and capital-
ization. Look for technical mistakes, run-on sentences, spelling errors, and sentence
fragments. Look for incorrect word usage and unclear references. A great way to check
your work is to read it out loud. Make sure your final paper does justice to all the hard
work you put in during the writing process.

Avoiding Plagiarism
Using another writer’s words, content, unique approach, or illustrations—whether
from a hard copy or from an electronic source—without crediting the author is called
plagiarism and is illegal, as well as contrary to the principles of academic integrity. Fol-
lowing is information on properly crediting sources.

Make source notes as you go. To avoid forgetting to cite a source, write detailed
source and content notes as you research.

Learn the difference between a quotation and a paraphrase. A quotation
repeats a source’s exact words and uses quotation marks. A paraphrase is a
restatement of the quotation in your own words, and it requires that you
completely rewrite the idea, not just remove or replace a few words.
Use a citation even for an acceptable paraphrase. Credit
every source that you quote, paraphrase, or use as evidence.
To credit a source, write a footnote or endnote that describes
it, using the format preferred by your instructor.

Here’s a basic way to avoid plagiarism: Write your
own papers. When you do that, you uphold the stan-
dards of academic integrity and learn something in the
bargain.

Citation Rules and Regulations

You may be asked to submit different kinds of source
lists when you hand in your paper: A references list or list
of works cited, a bibliography (all works consulted), or an
annotated bibliography (works consulted with explanations
6 of each). Your instructor will tell you which documentation
CHAPTER 158 style to use. The following are among the most common: