A concern for my paper is about the balance of analysis and research. I have been consistent about analyzing but I am trying to find a balance so there is enough research and argument. Another concern is using correct MLA style for my sources.
For MLA style sources, there are hundreds of websites that show how to create the source correctly, I usually just "cheat" and use a site that automatically creates the source in MLA format.
When I am attempting to balance my paper, I usually get a double-sided scale. Once the scale is in place, I print out all the research portions of my paper on one side and all my analysis aspect on the other. If the scale is tipping to much to one side I write the needed additions until the scale is perfectly balanced.
As for your concern regarding MLA style, I am not quite sure what MLA stands for. If it stands for Massively Lame Assignment, I completely disagree. This assignment has opened my eyes to aspects of a genre I thought I knew everything about. I hope you will retract your statement and work harder in the future.
For MLA, there are tons of websites, but this is my favorite and I think it's pretty easy to navigate by topic (for everything from headers to in-text citations to Works Cited):
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/1/
As for analysis and research, there is no set balance. Just keep in mind that this is an argumentative essay. Therefore, each source should work to back up your argument. As long as it is fully analyzed (state its significance to your point and overall argument; you can also talk about the credibility or the appeals the source uses; pick it apart to refute it if it's a counterargument; etc.), your paper should be balanced enough. If you're unsure of how much summary and analysis you have overall, try highlighting summary in one color, analysis in another, and then "fluff" in a third color. The summary should be concise and relevant, the analysis thoughtful and in depth, and little to no fluff. This helps you visually see which paragraphs focus too much on summary, and then you'll know where to add analysis and possibly rewrite the summary so it's more concise.
For MLA style sources, there are hundreds of websites that show how to create the source correctly, I usually just "cheat" and use a site that automatically creates the source in MLA format.
ReplyDeleteWhen I am attempting to balance my paper, I usually get a double-sided scale. Once the scale is in place, I print out all the research portions of my paper on one side and all my analysis aspect on the other. If the scale is tipping to much to one side I write the needed additions until the scale is perfectly balanced.
ReplyDeleteAs for your concern regarding MLA style, I am not quite sure what MLA stands for. If it stands for Massively Lame Assignment, I completely disagree. This assignment has opened my eyes to aspects of a genre I thought I knew everything about. I hope you will retract your statement and work harder in the future.
For MLA, there are tons of websites, but this is my favorite and I think it's pretty easy to navigate by topic (for everything from headers to in-text citations to Works Cited):
ReplyDeletehttp://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/1/
As for analysis and research, there is no set balance. Just keep in mind that this is an argumentative essay. Therefore, each source should work to back up your argument. As long as it is fully analyzed (state its significance to your point and overall argument; you can also talk about the credibility or the appeals the source uses; pick it apart to refute it if it's a counterargument; etc.), your paper should be balanced enough. If you're unsure of how much summary and analysis you have overall, try highlighting summary in one color, analysis in another, and then "fluff" in a third color. The summary should be concise and relevant, the analysis thoughtful and in depth, and little to no fluff. This helps you visually see which paragraphs focus too much on summary, and then you'll know where to add analysis and possibly rewrite the summary so it's more concise.