If you are concerned about how to study for an exam, please remember that You should read the books carefully and thoroughly. In an essay question you are demonstrating knowledge of course material, and the ability to think on your own about that course material. Remember that writing is thinking in slow motion If you are concerned about how to write a paper, please remember that The paper should have: (1) A clear main idea, or thesis, which appears in the very first paragraph of the paper. Skip wordy and meaningless introductions. A thesis is not the announcement of the topic. (2) What follows the first thesis paragraph is a second paragraph which elaborates on the thesis. (3)The body of your paper should have a series of supporting points, and these must appear (4) in a clear logical order. This is not a list of points, but an arranged sequence of points, and anyone reading your paper can clearly understand why you are moving from point a to point b to point c to point d. The conclusion (5) should not contain all your good ideas. Most of your good ideas should be in the thesis elaboration and in the discussion of individual points. Find a way of ending--it may not be more than a single sentence or two. Do not repeat the main ideas all over again. If you are concerned about your grade, please remember that The first step is to talk to the professor. Don't put it off. Send me an e mail, or talk to me after the next class meeting. |