Gotta love reading for English class. This time, it was another chapter in out book, focusing today on the topics of outlines, structures, and how to put together an argument for a paper. Think about it, even the action of thinking about it is outlining something, and so structuring a paper, you have to delineate what you're going to write about.
When you make an outline, that's the real start of your paper. In that outline, you make note of every point you make, or want to make anyways. The outline itself is the very structure of your future paper, because in the way that it is laid out. In my head, Im able to make an outline as i go along, which makes writing extremely easy to do. I almost never make a formal outline unless it is required of me, but because of my skill in formulating one as I go, I usually am able to write a fully functioning paper.
From that outline your argument takes shape. Researching a point, and your own ideas on a topic are two good ways of producing an argument. If you tie together your own words with the facts form reading up on something, your argument can be clear, concise, and can have your own flavorful spin to it while remaining true to its idea.
A major part of writing an argument into a paper is the use of quotes and citations, sources. Using that actual words form a source provides a first-hand basis for fact and argument that you're making. By providing these things, you prove that you're not the first person to have had this idea, or, you're not the first person to explore this topic in some manner. Quotations are an integral part of forming an argument, and therefore an outline.
Just use common sense. We've all written papers before, we've had to make outlines and argue our points. Keep up the good work, and I'll give you a cookie.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Interviewing, Woo-Hoo
Reading those interviews was certainly an interesting ride. They werent exactly what you'd call an easy read. Reading something thats more dialogue than prose or a creative questioning format makes for droll reading. The fact that it was on military and technology was the only thing that kept it form being a complete snooze.
However by the time I made it to the second interview, it finally began to read like an interview, with questions and the like. Ritzer's view on "Mcdonalised society"? Genius topic; not 100% genius answers. However, the questions seemed to have been prepared in advance, which made it feel scripted, because even Ritzer seemed a little too quick and concise on the response. Being scripted takes away the feeling of authenticity, so it left me with only a slight gain in knowledge.
Like Ellen's, my computer, too, would not allow me to watch the next interview. It may just be a Mac thing, because neither of us could make the plugin work, and we're both intelligent enough when it comes to that sort of thing.
If anyone knows my personality, they know that when I interview someone, its like competing on American Gladiators, Fear Factor, and the Olympics all in one action-packed Steven Segal, Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone thriller. Ok, maybe a little less glitzy than that, but I try to make things interesting and keep things lively. To me, interviewing someone isnt so much about the questions that are asked, so much as it is about the answers and how much they bring to light about the topic. I try o make the atmosphere enjoyable and keep the interviewee as entertained as I am. If its in some format other than spoken word, I try and keep it as humorous and lighthearted as possible.
So even though I may not have a blockbuster documentary on my hands, I try to make my interviews as productive and entertaining as possible, while maintaining a sense of direction and hoping to keep a level of reputability at the same time. Interviews can be great things, if only done properly.
However by the time I made it to the second interview, it finally began to read like an interview, with questions and the like. Ritzer's view on "Mcdonalised society"? Genius topic; not 100% genius answers. However, the questions seemed to have been prepared in advance, which made it feel scripted, because even Ritzer seemed a little too quick and concise on the response. Being scripted takes away the feeling of authenticity, so it left me with only a slight gain in knowledge.
Like Ellen's, my computer, too, would not allow me to watch the next interview. It may just be a Mac thing, because neither of us could make the plugin work, and we're both intelligent enough when it comes to that sort of thing.
If anyone knows my personality, they know that when I interview someone, its like competing on American Gladiators, Fear Factor, and the Olympics all in one action-packed Steven Segal, Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone thriller. Ok, maybe a little less glitzy than that, but I try to make things interesting and keep things lively. To me, interviewing someone isnt so much about the questions that are asked, so much as it is about the answers and how much they bring to light about the topic. I try o make the atmosphere enjoyable and keep the interviewee as entertained as I am. If its in some format other than spoken word, I try and keep it as humorous and lighthearted as possible.
So even though I may not have a blockbuster documentary on my hands, I try to make my interviews as productive and entertaining as possible, while maintaining a sense of direction and hoping to keep a level of reputability at the same time. Interviews can be great things, if only done properly.
How I Creatively Anti-Steal
I take information in all the time; being in primarily lecture-based clases, its a required skill. But how do I manage to not take notes word for word and effectively keep from plagiarizing? Therein lies the secret to success.
When Im in a lecture class, I take notes in a variety of ways, whether it be electronic or tangible. I take out my handy-dandy notebook and put pencil (or pixel) to paper, and get to work chronicling my source of information. I paraphrase what I hear, so that while the information is true, I am able to maintain a sense of my own creativity while also keeping my facts straight. But what happens if i feel that I need a direct quote? Well thats exactly what I do: I put quotation marks down and transcribe what needs to be said verbatim. Writing word for word takes too much time and effectively minimizes any chance of understanding what is heard; instead, you tend to just write the words, not listen to them or understand what you're hearing. Thats where listening and writing simultaneously is a key factor. However, notes must be carefully sourced so that plagiarism is avoided. But how do I do that?
If Im reading a book or website, and I happen to come across a snippet of information i deem worthy for entrane into my thesis or extended essay, I make note that all steps to avoid stealing work must be done. If its a website, I take down its URL and cite it through whichever fashion is easier for me; likewise with books or periodicals, I also cite them in the appropriate manner. If I directly quote something, I mark down in my notes where Im citing something, and then make the proper effort to formalize the citation. Its not difficult to avoid stealing while taking note or writing a paper, you just need to be creative in how you memorize the information and present direct quotations back.
Taking notes isnt difficult if you manage yourself and your notes carefully, its what I do every day. Not stealing is as easy as 1..2..easybib...3....
When Im in a lecture class, I take notes in a variety of ways, whether it be electronic or tangible. I take out my handy-dandy notebook and put pencil (or pixel) to paper, and get to work chronicling my source of information. I paraphrase what I hear, so that while the information is true, I am able to maintain a sense of my own creativity while also keeping my facts straight. But what happens if i feel that I need a direct quote? Well thats exactly what I do: I put quotation marks down and transcribe what needs to be said verbatim. Writing word for word takes too much time and effectively minimizes any chance of understanding what is heard; instead, you tend to just write the words, not listen to them or understand what you're hearing. Thats where listening and writing simultaneously is a key factor. However, notes must be carefully sourced so that plagiarism is avoided. But how do I do that?
If Im reading a book or website, and I happen to come across a snippet of information i deem worthy for entrane into my thesis or extended essay, I make note that all steps to avoid stealing work must be done. If its a website, I take down its URL and cite it through whichever fashion is easier for me; likewise with books or periodicals, I also cite them in the appropriate manner. If I directly quote something, I mark down in my notes where Im citing something, and then make the proper effort to formalize the citation. Its not difficult to avoid stealing while taking note or writing a paper, you just need to be creative in how you memorize the information and present direct quotations back.
Taking notes isnt difficult if you manage yourself and your notes carefully, its what I do every day. Not stealing is as easy as 1..2..easybib...3....
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Research Process
In chapter 5 we learn about the research process and how it correlates to a research project as a whole. But research as a whole is a detailed and complex process, one that extends far beyond just Google'ing all of your sources without any further conquest of knowledge. Like an iceberg, research is a detailed and complex thing that extends beyond simple answers on a superficial level. It is because of research that people are able to shy away from their old ideas, or are able to cling to them with renewed vigor. It used to be that research was slaving over ancient tomes and dusty codices; today research can be completed by simply typing in a query on the Internet. Likewise the old books still remain a constant, but they have lost their influence and sway now that the Public Domain has rendered them digital as well. Technology is a wonderful thing, but even in its greatness, we hamper our own creativity and capabilities when it comes to our knowledge on how to decently research a new topic.
The old adage of how primary sources are always the better source is a questionable stance While yes, it gives primary details from the time that you're conducting your research, it is worth noting that hindsight is always 20/20. Say you were a German during World War Two; the propaganda from that time would now be a primary source, but would you believe that it was factual and reliable? The use of hindsight on old primary sources helps generate a good sense of validity to the source, allowing for you to make an educated use of that source. However, more knowledge on a topic can be learned in ways other than just reading an old journal or looking at an historical picture. Field research, actually going out and performing an experiment, is a great way to learn something firsthand, allowing you to make discoveries on the spot. Read and experimenting are both great ways to ensure a varied and comprehensible set of answers to any research topic. Finally, don't forget to source what you find. Sourcing, and annotating are huge plusses for any research done, because it keeps track in an organized manner about what was learned, in what manner, and, in the case of annotations, just why you used that source and how.
Keep in mind just how everything was done, from the reading to experimenting to the sourcing. With all of that in tow, you can begin to write a successful research paper, utilizing a wide variety of fields from which you can learn. It's not easy, but it can be done, and it can be done well. Remember kids, knowledge is power.
The old adage of how primary sources are always the better source is a questionable stance While yes, it gives primary details from the time that you're conducting your research, it is worth noting that hindsight is always 20/20. Say you were a German during World War Two; the propaganda from that time would now be a primary source, but would you believe that it was factual and reliable? The use of hindsight on old primary sources helps generate a good sense of validity to the source, allowing for you to make an educated use of that source. However, more knowledge on a topic can be learned in ways other than just reading an old journal or looking at an historical picture. Field research, actually going out and performing an experiment, is a great way to learn something firsthand, allowing you to make discoveries on the spot. Read and experimenting are both great ways to ensure a varied and comprehensible set of answers to any research topic. Finally, don't forget to source what you find. Sourcing, and annotating are huge plusses for any research done, because it keeps track in an organized manner about what was learned, in what manner, and, in the case of annotations, just why you used that source and how.
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