390 Draft assignment
Here's a sample of some citations in an article.
(I have also included this link from the syllabus in the draft
assignment details).
First of all, the more narrow your project the better. If you
think "I don't have enough to discuss", then find more about the topic,
do *not* broaden the topic. If you think you have lots of
resources, then narrow your topic.
Your next task in this sequence is the most important. For April
5 you are writing your paper. Write it completely and fully to
the best of your ability. The only sense in which it is a "draft"
is that you won't have my comments yet to improve it. Instead of
5-8 pages, to avoid formatting and font questions, let's make it
1200-2000 words. (contrary to popular culture, a picture is *not*
worth a thousand words, neither is an equation - they don't count
toward the word total). I recommend each of you taking your draft
to the writing centre before bringing it to me, so that you can get a
second opinion on writing issues.
Here's some important points - do **not** begin your paper with some
vague obvious statement. Do not include things unless you have a
specific reason to - and make that specific reason clear to the reader.
> have a title
>
> avoid contractions
>
> avoid passive voice
>
> be careful about 'this' and 'that'. Make sure it's completely
explicit to
> what they refer.
>
> Try to use a variety of language - don't repeatedly use the same
words. I know it's not easy, but work at it. Otherwise
> your paper becomes a list.
>
> Check each sentence - one by one - to see if they are saying something
> particular or meaningful. Eliminate vague sentences or general
sentences.
> Probably replace them with particulars. Be more precise about
what
> happens
>
> Give precise and specific
> details. Stay focused - do not include anything that does not fit
into
> the your topic. Get to the point. Omit
> everything else that is not to the point.
Ultimately, focus, focus, focus. Do not stray.