(Writing Unleashed Chapter 4)
Chapter four of Writing Unleashed provides many valuable tips about writing a research paper. For my issue report, I described the conflicting sides of standardized testing, and I will be writing my argument paper on the many negative effects of these tests. I have and will continue to use secondary sources, “information that has previously been analyzed, assessed or otherwise documented” (120), for these papers.
One of the toughest parts of writing an issue report or argument paper is finding the best sources. “A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is used to specify addresses on the World Wide Web; it is considered a fundamental network identification for any type of resource connected to the web” (120-121). One can look at the URL of a source to know whether or not it is plausible. In this chapter, the author gives examples of different search engines that are popular for research. The author also reveals that “either more accurate terms or punctuation changes should be used to signal a more specific search or topic and lead to better results” (122). The way one searches something can truly affect what comes up.
The author once again references the hamburger diagram when talking about the implementation of sources. While diagram is very helpful, the reader is introduced to a new formula for paragraphs called PIE. The P stands for point; this is where the writer puts their topic sentence. The I stands for illustration; this is where the writer puts their evidence. The E stands for explanation; this is where the writer tells why the evidence proves their point. Every paragraph should be structured in this way. I will definitely be making sure all my paragraphs follow this form in my future writing.
After reading this chapter, I have learned that I must be specific in my searches for sources and that I must pay close attention to the URLs. As I continue to find sources for my research paper, I will remember these tips.
Source: Priebe, Sybil, et al. “Writing Unleashed.” OER Commons, North Dakota State College of Science, 25 Oct. 2017, http://www.oercommons.org/courseware/module/18115.
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