Supporting your Argument with research Beyond Five Paragraphs: Advanced Essay Writing Skills

When to include a source Use a source when you want to: show the reader that an expert or authority agrees with your argument refer to opinions that help to prove your argument, but are not your own present opinions that contradict your argument, so that you can respond to them include details or specific information about history, facts, or data present current thinking on your subject, demonstrating to your reader that you have up-to-date knowledge Include relevant experiences of others to add a deeper layer of insight to your argument

Integrating quotations Rules to live by How to follow the rule Why follow the rules? 1. Provide a signal phrase, which is contextual information that introduces your quotation. Include the first and last name of the person whom you are quoting, as well as the title of the text the first time you introduce the author and the text in your essay. Doing this tells the reader that the information you are sharing comes from research. It signals that the opinion expressed is not simply your own, but is supported by an expert in the field.

Integrating quotations Rules to live by How to follow the rule Why follow the rule? 2. Avoid “floating” or “dropped” quotations that appear at either the beginning or end of a paragraph. be sure to state a clear point before incorporating a quotation into your argument. Then ensure that solid analysis and explanation are provided for each quotation. You don’t want to leave it to the reader to determine the relevance of the quotation, so you must emphasize how the quotation is significant through explicit explanation. Doing so enables the reader to make the connection between your stated point and the textual evidence you have included.

Integrating quotations Rules to live by How to follow the rule Why follow the rule? 3. Ensure that signal phrases follow the rules of grammar and sentence structure. Reread the introductory clause of the sentence that includes the direct quotation to make sure that the punctuation, syntax, and grammar are correct. If you need to modify the original quote to accomplish this, be sure to place square brackets around any words that you add. Effective communication requires that the writer follows the rules of grammar and sentence structure. Not doing so creates jarring writing and can undermine the credibility of the work.

Signal phrases avoid repetition of the same signal phrases i.e. do not use “state” or “says” over and over in your essay verb use within the signal phrase can indicate whether you are neutral, in favour, or are opposed to the subject matter E.g. See how the choice of verb has an impact on the following statement: Jamison _____________ that all fiction is non-fiction. “refutes” reveals disagreement “concedes” indicates agreement “comments” shows neutrality

Verbs to convey intentions Disagreement Neutrality Agreement or acceptance bemoans answers accepts condemns comments acknowledges contradicts defines adds counters describes admits denies explains affirms deplores illustrates agrees derides mentions concedes disagrees notes concurs disparages observes confirms disputes points out echoes laments relates endorses questions reports grants refutes responds recognizes rejects reveals suggests warns says understands

Punctuation rules use a comma if signal phrase is incomplete E.g. According to Ms. Ilchyna, “ students should be on time for class.” use a colon if the signal phrase is complete E.g. Ms. Ilchyna, an English teacher at TCI, makes a clear statement: “students must take course content seriously and maturely.” use no punctuation if quote is imbedded into the sentence E.g. Ms. Ilchyna argues that “by providing leveled assignments, all students should be successful in her course.”

Drawing Conclusions: Never Quote and Run! quotations should support your argument, not make the argument for you! avoid excessive quoting– you will lose your voice and point of view if you do! make sure you explain the significance of your quote in a few sentences. You can either: State the relevance of the quotation. Show how the quotation relates to the overall argument in your paragraph. Connect the quotation to your thesis statement to reinforce your essay’s main message. AVOID using obvious phrases like “this connects to my thesis because…” Always cite your source– use a proper in-text citation.

Why paraphrase? You want to introduce a number of opinions on a specific topic. You want to present information in a straightforward way (your own words and sentence structure often makes it simpler and more direct). You want to include information that is academically reliable for the purpose of supporting your claims. You want to avoid direct quoting excessively.

Alter the order in which ideas appear Communicate a notable, but poorly expressed, idea from research Exclude ideas that are not important for your argument Presents stats and other forms of data (i.e. from graphs, charts, survey, etc.) You should paraphrase when you need to… Simplify something the author has stated Retain your voice and preserve the flow of your essay Clarify an idea

How to paraphrase effectively 1. Read the section as many times as necessary to get an overall understanding of the section. Look up any words/phrases you do not know. 2. Select the parts of the original that will support your argument in your essay. 3. Take brief notes on the selected parts. Take a break from notes before fully paraphrasing. 4. Write your paraphrase using your notes. Be sure to capture the main idea of the original text. 5. Make sure you have changed the wording (vocabulary) and sentence structure– you can also change the order of ideas from the original text. 6. Cite your phrase with a proper in-text citation.