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Boundless Writing
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Chapter 2

Writing an Effective Paper

Book Version 15
By Boundless
Boundless Writing
Writing
by Boundless
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Section 1
Overview of the Process of Writing a Paper
Introduction to the Writing Process

Learning to write is like following a recipe; there is room for creativity, but you need to know the basics.

Introduction to the Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is specific, focused, and holds tension between ideas.

Section 2
Steps of Writing a Paper
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Step 1: Prewriting and Choosing a Topic

Prewriting can help you take a general topic and make it more specific.

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Step 2: Researching

Researching your subject is an important step in writing because it helps you narrow your focus.

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Step 3: Outlining

After you choose your topic and assemble your research, organize your ideas before you start drafting.

Step 4: Drafting

The drafting phase creates a coherent path for the reader to follow from thesis to conclusion.

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Step 5: Revising

Revising happens on many different levels of your paper, from individual words and sentences to larger issues of organization and coherence.

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Step 6: Editing and Proofreading

Editing and proofreading ensure clarity, improve style, and eliminate errors.

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Step 7: Completing a Final Review

When you're done with all the steps of revision—revising for purpose, editing, and proofreading—make one final review of your paper.

Section 3
Prewriting Techniques
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Brainstorming

Brainstorming is a prewriting technique used to help generate lots of potential ideas about a topic.

Freewriting

Freewriting, a prewriting technique, can help you break out of writer's block by letting your ideas flow naturally.

Clustering and Concept Mapping

Creating a concept map is an easy way to visually represent the relationships among your ideas.

Section 4
Building Your Narrative
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Modes of Persuasion: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos

Careful rhetoric, or the art of crafting arguments through tone and presentation of evidence, can make your argument more convincing.

Approaches to Your Introductory Paragraph

The effective introductory paragraph introduces the topic in a way that makes the reader interested and curious.

Approaches to Your Body Paragraphs

A powerful argument depends on solidly and appropriately constructed body paragraphs.

Approaches to Your Concluding Paragraph

The conclusion, while not adding new information to the argument, can inspire readers to believe the paper's thesis.

Section 5
Quoting and Paraphrasing
The Basics of Quotations

When you're writing a paper, it is important to avoid vague generalizations, especially when it comes to paraphrasing other authors.

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Introducing and Formatting Quotations

To quote an author, copy the author's exact language and use quotation marks to show you are reproducing language from another source.

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Paraphrasing

Appropriately paraphrasing the ideas of researchers and authors can add strength to your argument.

Section 6
Incorporating Objections and Opposing Views
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The Importance of Addressing Opposing Views

When you consider and counteract opposing arguments, you strengthen your own argument.

Techniques for Acknowledging Opposing Views

You can boost your credibility by acknowledging specific sources who disagree with your position, then effectively refuting their arguments.

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Refuting Your Opposition

After you present the likely objections to your argument, you can show your readers why they should be willing to take your side.

You are in this book
Boundless Writing by Boundless
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Introduction to College-Level Writing
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Chapter 2
Writing an Effective Paper
  • Overview of the Process of Writing a Paper
  • Steps of Writing a Paper
  • Prewriting Techniques
  • Building Your Narrative
  • Quoting and Paraphrasing
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Chapter 3
The Research Process
  • Understanding the Academic Context of Your Topic
  • Organizing Your Research Plan
  • Finding Your Sources
  • Understanding Your Sources
  • Using Your Sources
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