Crafting Research
Even though I have only gotten through the first 29 pages of this book, I am already in love. I’ve had to write a research paper before but the explanation I received on how to go about writing it wasn’t even close to the caliber of this book. My goal in this class (as cheesy as it sounds) is to learn how to write a ‘good’ research paper. There are several things just in the first couple chapters that I never though about while writing a research paper. Things such as writing as you go and not writing the entire paper only after you have deemed the research you have collected complete; writing important tidbits down so you remember them, not just reading them; and making clear lines around the role of the readers and therefore your role as a writer. Now that those ideas have been presented to me, they seem really obvious and make complete sense. One thing that I hope they get to in this book is how to select and narrow a topic. That is one of the things that I seem to have the most trouble with. However, as wonderful as this book is, I wonder why it has taken me to my second year of college to learn how to write a good research paper. Since I’m going into the science field, I believe that It’s very important but I’ve never had a good teacher for doing it.
Comments
I agree!! This book offers a lot of great advice. Throughout my schooling I have done quite a few research papers. I have actually learned to enjoy writing research papers. Becoming educated on a topic of interest is always rewarding. This book is going to help a lot for this class and in the future.
Posted by: Lana H. | February 3, 2009 8:00 PM
The writing as you go concept is one that I think I will struggle most with. What do they expect from something that is written as the research is unfolding? I have a feeling they are expecting several incomplete drafts. I think it would be interesting to lay them out side by side and see how your thought/reasoning process progressed.
Posted by: Bess R. | February 4, 2009 7:55 AM