blog 8 draft paper

Tammy Ronkowitz

Making writing as simple as One…Two…Three…FOUR

When one is writing a paper, the basics should always be remembered….. ‘WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY’.
WHO is your audience? Of course, the first reader will be the instructor who assigned the paper. Addressing this issue can get a little tricky. Most instructors follow the same format. They assign a topic for the paper and ask the student to write about this topic. Although this sounds simple, one must realize that the instructor already has a preconceived idea about what they want in response. Unless one is a mind-reader, the writer may find themselves in a pickle. How does one prevent the inevitable doom? The obvious, (but more difficult for some students) is to simply talk to the instructor. Most professors are more than willing to share their thoughts and listen to other points of view. Instructors are not there to fail the students. In fact, their true goal is to help their students succeeded. If the student is embarrassed to talk in class, most professors will stay behind to share with their students. If they are unavailable after class, or if your concern needs more time, all instructors have office hours. A student can simply drop in and spend time one –on- one. Additionally, most instructors are willing to work around the student’s schedule to arrange for a mutually agreeable appointment time.
Once the topic is clear, the writing can begin. There are several writing ‘tips’ that will help with the process:
1. Support the paper with valid sources. (Wikipedia is not a valid source!)
2. Using thesaurus tools are helpful – but, make sure the words chosen are right. Sometimes meanings change. Be able to define the word, if needed.
3. Get to the point and stay on topic. Keep away from the fluff. That only confuses or bores the reader.
4. Visit the writing center for guidance.
WHAT will be the focus of the paper? What does the student want to write about? What is the professor expecting from the assignment? To find your focus, think about what interests you as a writer. What make the most sense? Try these steps:
1. Critically look at all topic ideas and write a paragraph on each topic. The topic that feels right should be the choice.
2. Write with passion. Don’t write the paper because you have to. Write it because you love to. Make your paper become a part of you and not just a bunch of words on the paper. Remember, there is a reason why no one can ever cook better than your mom. Her food is made with ‘love’. That is how the paper should be written.
3. Decide what you want to achieve. Are you just trying to pass the class? Or, are you willing to put yourself out there to achieve greater.
4. Go to the writing center for inspiration.
The WHEN is simple.... When is the paper due?
Organizing to prepare for the ‘when’ is the easiest to understand but may not be the easiest to commit to. If you look around the classroom on the day papers are due, there are always more empty seats than usual. There is a very good reason. Generally, the ‘absentees’ are overwhelmed and unprepared. Missing class is not the solution. You are not fooling anyone…..the professors know why you are not there! How does one insure that class is not missed on the deadline day? (You need to save that day for a ‘sick day’ at the beach!)
1. Organize your time. Research, plan, write, proof-read, and re-write.
2. Never wait until the last minute to write the paper. Space out your timing. Write a page or two and then return to it again later. Your best work is done over time. Do not overwhelm yourself.
3. Write a few pages and then consult with your professor to make sure you are on the right track. This will reinforce your understanding of what the professor is looking for.
4. Go to the writing center for help and direction.
WHERE you write helps you understand yourself as a writer. Some writers like to have a noisy environment. Listening to music or having background noise helps them concentrate. Other writers need absolute silence…. No noise… No interruptions. Then there are those who fall in the middle….. quiet but an active environment of people or things to observe while writing.
1. Know your style
2. Try other environments
3. Develop your style
4. Visit the writing center to discuss your options and who you are as a writer.
Finally, we reach ‘WHY’. Why should the student put all this thought into writing a paper? It is only one grade! While this may be true, a written paper usually holds more weight than other assignments throughout the semester. Just giving a little bit more of yourself on a written paper can be the difference between passing or failing, taking the class over, or becoming one step closer to graduation. The attitude we take in writing a simple paper helps define the person we become in life. A student that hands in mediocre work and settles for a ‘C-‘ will settle for mediocre in the real world. While a student that pushes himself to become a better writer will see success. This experience will encourage persistence and perseverance in everything they do. Rewards are sweet! So…..
1. Push yourself to reach higher goals.
2. Demand the best for yourself and don’t settle for less.
3. Ask questions. As the popular saying that states, “There is no such thing as a stupid question” - so don’t be afraid to ask.
4. Check out the writing center… for YOU!
One can conclude that becoming a successful writer takes effort and self-analysis. However, help is always key. Throughout the theme (somewhat tongue in cheek) was the availability of the writing center. There is a misconception that this resource is available for someone to proofread your written work. While that may be true, the writing center has so much more to offer. This peer-based gathering center was put in place to help students focus and receive guidance throughout each step of the writing process. Here, great tools for learning new concepts and for positively developing students’ confidence are utilized. Stop in to experience one of Kean’s true gems. What do you have to lose?