IShouldProbablyBeDoingSomethingProductiveInstead
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Feb 11, 2014 10:58 PM
IShouldProbablyBeDoingSomethingProductiveInstead
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279
heroesbane
Guys in must essays you can't right your own opinion- make sure you include both sides of the argument ( or more views) and use 3rd person
rykkertnyberg
I feel like adding quotes is something you should do in the writing process, not after. Your academic sources are the basis of knowledge.
mnemo70
Kickass tip: Make PowerPoint screenshots with grammar correction turned off, make them in projection mode or just save as PNG.
BobPantsSpongeSquare
favorited for my next paper. Thanks OP!
crassigyrinus
Interestingly, this presentation also doubles as an example of a terrible PowerPoint presentation (text-heavy, no figures or images)
hheva
"No one wants to write 2000 words." As I sit here with a half-done 100k word novel.
WatsonToYa
I know this has been stolen from tumblr, but I like it
brianjamesrobot
spooky
smedleybutler
For citations, I recommend easybib.com
leadfeathers
It is the best.
shitmadeoutofwood
You should probably at least draft a thesis statement before you begin your body paragraphs. Otherwise your paper can quickly lose focus.
TheFlyingPolack
As a student... I like this, thank you +1
IShouldProbablyBeDoingSomethingProductiveInstead
You're welcome.
PolkaBrat
Next up: Advice on how to use bullet points. Good advice all around though.
RandomJPG
Eh, I don't really agree with the thesis statement. The thesis statement is supposed to be the purpose of the essay.
smedleybutler
Yeaaahh, the thesis should really be the first thing you write.
gonnabezopity
As someone who is on imgur instead of writing a paper, thank you OP. You are such a helpful person.
liamrogers
Alright, now how about the Research paper edition? Because there is most certainly a difference. And how about the annotated Bibliog one?
PraiseMelora
You're right, there is a huge difference. Citations and presenting other's work is going to take precedence over what you think.
liamrogers
yes! Heavily, at that.
Sassychemist
Always write the thesis first! It provides direction and can tie everything together. Writing it last is a great way to have a shitty paper.
imallouttalollipops
No but seriously, I absolutely LOATHE reading papers that start with, in this paper, I will show/argue, etc. Don't tell me, do it.
racheid77
I'm already reading a paper, don't remind me that I'm reading a paper.
ohgodthepressure
I think in some academic papers, it's been good. My prof put it "Don't write it like a mystery novel. Tell me what you'll do and then do it"
Z4N74R
Anybody looking to imgur for essay writing advice may be to far for help.
apegoneape
No no no. I always start with the intro and it helps me organize my thoughts and flesh out a draft. I'm an A student BTW.
droma
As a formerly A student we could spew crap on paper and get A's. It's not hard for us. Thus the guide.
shesaidgoodbyetotheground
Same, but I usually had to revise during/after writing the body
Moan2
I enjoy the irony in you telling us how to write an essay via powerpoint
GoddamnCaptchas
Well, if he had just dumped a large amount of text nobody would have bothered reading it. But I'm probably missing the point.
MishaMasha
As well as the irony of the user name.
KV55
I work for my university's Writing Center.. and this kind of made me cringe. Sorry, it isn't this easy to write a paper.
AwesomeWelles
yeah, I don't think this is intended for university level - hence the tiny word count. High-school maybe?
SuperKamiNico
As a fellow Writing Center tutor, I concur. The better option? See us, we know how to help all levels of writers.
CptTightPants
As a writing tutor, It's fine for writing a rough draft but you'll still have a lot of work to do revising the paper into something good.
HHRR
So how do you write a paper? I suck at writing :/
KV55
It takes a lot of practice, and a LOT of getting your work reviewed. Feel free to message me if you have questions! I love helping writers
Googlibears
Not even close for a scientific paper.
BentleyB
Definitely for high school. I just suck at writing intro/putrp paragraphs, which sadly are the most important. I'll try doing it last next.
Arufunsu
Citations, citations everywhere.
Soxfreak64
Same. Word. You should never use first person in a formal paper, and nobody likes "This paper will argue..." painful. Following.g
shesaidgoodbyetotheground
It's a decent guide if you're not a great writer/have anxiety/don't know how to even begin
KV55
I think it would be good for, say, a college freshman who isn't experienced at it. But I learned this stuff as a high school sophomore
ninmonkey
When I was there, they taught 5 paragraph format. Since that's what the tests are on.
KV55
My high school was big on college prep stuff. Interestingly, now a ton of our graduates work at my university's Writing Center, lol
hadakanogokiburi
Writing is not the problem, starting is.
IShouldProbablyBeDoingSomethingProductiveInstead
I feel you.
GoddamnCaptchas
I feel both of you.
ninmonkey
Get a room.
AlbusBrianWulfricPercivalDumbledore
I read half way through and realized I already graduated college. (⌐■_■)
hette
Doesn't mean you can't still write essays. Maybe you have something to say?
housewife
Yeah, but I kind of feel like writing one up now. Maybe I will write: Why Imgur is Not Actually a Waste of Time. ha ha ha ha ha
geohiddles
I don't need to do this anymore either but it brought back memories! Lol
backwoodsbarbie
Same. I'm like "Oh that's really interes- wait I don't care about this stuff anymore."
FalafelisImportant
Are those sunglasses? Haha
justcallmemb
I started reading and I was like HAHAHA I DON'T HAVE TO CARE ABOUT THIS ANYMORE!!
yesyesyoufoundthevegan
I just graduated with a degree in English. I read everything and giggled. I never need to do it again... well, in the immediate future...
TheLegendaryBlackBeastOfAaaaarrrrrrggghhh
I read that you had a degree in finnish. That would br way mpre interesting, unless you were finnish.
agoraphobiotch
Finnish don't graduate...they...finish...and I'm done lol
Arufunsu
Yup, I'm with you, friend. Still, this can always come to use when... Ohhh, who am I kidding? I'll resume my job hunting now.
TwmTrwNos
I read the whole thing then realised I never even went to Uni. (⌐■_■)
iRecommendBooks
Well this might come in handy.
darlingchan
I'm in the same boat (⌐■_■) .... (⌐o_o) dammit.
chemistrydoc
Incorporate this for extra internet laughs.
FNG20
.
ahikikomori
I ain't even mad.
IShouldProbablyBeDoingSomethingProductiveInstead
Make essay writing your bitch.
theexileddood
I just started my first paper in over five years, so thank you.
pandalabcoat
NO
TheSwedishCryptid
FUCK I CANT FIND A MILKSHAKE!!!
kingkimbit
but this IS productive
TheChinamanIsNotTheIssue
- spooky
kamnakaram
you are! and helpful too.
Illyric
...relevant username?
kungfuman
I'm sure a certain Sarah will appreciate this.
eternalearth888
I needed this so badly. We read 6 short stories for Monday and she wants 6 essays by Friday. I nearly died.
ChuckNorrisAteMySock
(almost) four years of high school, and this is the most helpful thing I've ever learned about essays.
goroshek
its ridiculous how terribly some teachers explain it. thankfully, i had a great one in 10th grade. waltzed through essays ever since
Jeroz
Make your bitch writing essay.
CountMippipopolous
Is this Blumpkin??
SpaceApes
I like the way you think
DeathtyOneDeathtyTwoDeathtyThree
You forgot step 1: Procrastinate
CleverUserNameNoOneElseThoughtOf
step 2 - get distracted by imgur posts.
commedesconnes
Step 3- fall asleep
interuptingcow
Make everything your bitch.
CaseyCase
Yo dawg...
weirdlycutetron
Bitching's getting out of hand
asianboy
eid94
Should you be writing an essay OP?....no wait this is equally as productive. THANKS!
DancingButterfly
Why did you not post this when I was in school?! Why???!!!! +1
Losm
I feel informing us on how to write an essay is pretty productive, actually.
IShouldProbablyBeDoingSomethingProductiveInstead
Maybe thats what I want you to think...Maybe its all just a conspiracy
YesImProductive
To my dearest twin... Thank you for this wonderful post. But that philosophy paper still isn't getting written until later :p
MoonbyulBias
The only issue I'm worrying about is that my milkshake might bring all the boys to the yard.
EarthBound
Would have made for a kickass caption. Oh well.
Superfastsheep
The only thing I have a problem with though is the part about the body paragraph. My profs made it clear you should only give your (1/2)
Superfastsheep
Opinions or assumptions if you have "PhD" next to your name.
superben
Pretty good line coming from a PhD
Saywhaa
I tried writing the papers for my masters degree and found that your way was the best way to keep from hitting a dead end like you stated.
Inmate45
Make your bitch write essays for you.
dagg3r
I'm just glad you said.. "Now you have your draft". Coz that shit needs rereading yo
pinkcris
*reads everything and still does exact opposite, yet gets a B* http://img99.xooimage.com/files/7/4/c/e-et-cie-jurassic-park-169-403017c.gif
goroshek
ITS YOU!! MY GOODNESS HOW ARE YOU I MISS YOU HOWS SCHOOL ARE YOU GETTING GOOD GRADES??!
pinkcris
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! I miss you too! I was gonna message you, but I didn't want to be clingy. Haha. School is merp. HOW ABOUT YOU?!
goroshek
dawwww, you didnt wanna be clingy. thats adoooorable. IVE BEEN HERE AND THERE AND STUFF YO. AND IM PRETTY OKAY. mutual missing ^_^
pinkcris
Lol. I've had back experiences. :p Jk. YOU'RE BETTER THAN PRETTY OKAY, YOU'RE BEAUTIFULLY AWESOME. :D
strangerthanfiction
I have to write an essay tonight... you might become my god if this works.
djmazmusic
Bitches Love ESSAYS
WanderingBlueWanderlust
Who are you? My TA from Writing 101??
faiora
Pro tip for making the skeleton: Use one colour of flashcards for each paragraph. One card says how it relates to your thesis, one has (1)
faiora
the argument you're making, + cards for each source used to support the argument... etc. (2)
faiora
Then you can shift around the piles until they look cohesive. My sister had a 5-page essay to do recently, I helped her out this way. (3)
jhoijhoi
As a teacher, this is terrible.
StrideWideMan
Why is that?
jhoijhoi
One major point is that he just clumped steps together. If you really wanted to make it easier, you'd discuss the PEEL paragraph, at least.
StrideWideMan
Thanks for explaining, but what's a PEEL paragraph?
StrideWideMan
Never mind, I did the obvious thing and Googled it.
Usernamesseemtomeanalotonthissite
thank you. I'm shit at writing essays. This helps and I shall do better in my exams and stuff. :)
IShouldProbablyBeDoingSomethingProductiveInstead
You're welcome :)
Usernamesseemtomeanalotonthissite
Thanks again. I have an essay kind of exam tomorrow and it's mock exam week so really good timing. Now, go do something productive! ;)
IShouldProbablyBeDoingSomethingProductiveInstead
We're about to have a snow storm so I don't have too..then again we might not, guys aren't the only one who lie about 8 inches.
Usernamesseemtomeanalotonthissite
hehe that was a good one. It's pretty windy up here too, like a raging storm. Where abouts are you?
andJillcametumblingafter
Step 1: Don't start 12 hours before it is due.
ReverendLovejoy
Or two...
jmr1021
Don't worry I still have like 18 hours
purplemango
I wrote my senior thesis overnight in the basement of a frat house. Got an A. But, I did have all my research done already.
ACowAsWhiteAsMilkACapeAsRedAsBloodASlipperAsPureAsGold
I fucked up step 1.
KRGmz
3 hours before it's do for research and writing should be fine... I got a B :D
YouMightGetIdeas
12 hours? You filthy casual.
CaptainJonathanSTuttle
People are able to do that??
DishonoredUser
Failed step 1 :/
GuyWhoIsGreat
protip: start 12 hours after it's due. you won't worry about being late. you'll just worry about being later
TrustMeIdoThisForALiving
its an art-form called freestyle, maybe you've heard of it
Opportunist
"Look it up!" :P
callmeabitcrazy
Is it a good time to start at 2 am (which is now), for an essay due tomorrow morning?
audcam
Don't worry, I am doing that now.
RCSlyman
No. Wait until 4 am.
callmeabitcrazy
Oh thank God, I thought i was procrasterbating... I mean procrastinating
Arufunsu
Pffffft, amateurs. You only need 5 - 6 hours, a cup of your favorite coffee and some paper towels (to wipe off the tears of desperation).
str8outtamumbai
seriously people NEVER EVER EVER USE WORD CITATIONS
NanoPi
I tried to use it but the citation manager is completely empty
JediKnight
What if we do citations manually?
RedRocketLADB
savage
JediKnight
I like using my brain for things sometimes.
molsted09
I have never had problems with citations in word (2013)??
ScubaSnacks
Mendeley is your friend! It's so handy,
lumittamu
Why?
CanIHaveOneOfYourFriesNoLikeJustOne
I didn't even know there were such a thing as citation makers. I've been doing them my own like some kind of savage.
JediKnight
*Like a proud, independent black woman who don't need no technology to do her work for her.
RobotCosmonaut
Word citations are great! If you add another sentence in the middle w/ new citation, it reformats the numbers so you don't have to
crassigyrinus
Zotero and EndNote do this too
DrHey
Use Mendeley or Zotero (my favourite), they're free and awesome and sexy and powerful. If you need help on this, message me!
crassigyrinus
Most colleges should offer courses on how to use Zotero or EndNote (and your school might/should offer an EndNote license thru the library)
DrHey
"Should" in like "an ideal world"? because that's exactly what it would be... Using zotero is cool because you can legally keep it for (1/2)
DrHey
Free after you graduate. Also, I'm surfing between 2 departments and one offers it for free and the other one doesn't :S (2/2)
aleicrowley
will totally take you up on this, getting ready to restart college @ 30, scared of being rusty lols
DrHey
You've got balls of steel to restart college. I could never do the undergrad dance again. I'll help you rock the competition.
str8outtamumbai
also don't format until the END GODDAMNIT
ninmonkey
Why? Because if you format with the style editor, ie: "H1", "h3" "quote" etc, you can make one change that will update 20 h2's in one go
DrHey
Ha, got it. Yes, never format your text as you go, unless you use LaTeX or if you must use a template. MS word can be a lovely bitch.
ninmonkey
2013 and open office let you define html 5-like structure. This Generates a foldable TOC.
DrHey
Neat. I'll admit I use Wine (linux) to run Word 2003 or LaTeX and I'm not a huge fan of Libre or OpenOffice.
DrHey
I'm not sure what catbirdgirl means, but you need a strong database first. You make sure all needed info is properly and consistently (1/3)
DrHey
noted in you reference manager (ex, caps in titles, journal titles, volumes, pages, years), then you can add references in your text (2/3)
DrHey
as you go, but only wait until the end to format your bibliography. That way, it'll be a breeze and you'll get complimented. Trust me (3/3)
ninmonkey
I thought she meant formatting document sections. You can set styles somewhat like the web.
DrHey
Yes, took me too long to understand... MS Word likes to "assume". If you format at the end, you save minutes of yelling at your screen
RobotCosmonaut
I know some English teachers who would be pulling their hair out because of some of these suggestions...
Chukapi
I am in my third year of my English and Writing University course, and have been studying English adamantly for years ( excelling) so t(1/2)
Chukapi
to me a lot of these are just, as many people say, common sense. Also, writing an introduction, for me personally, is a great way to get 2/3
Chukapi
going, get your ideas actually written in a formal manner so you can pursue them later. It's daunting to take on a full body immediately.
youknowidontspeakspanish
I'm a university writing prof, and I actually think this makes sense. It's a better process than what most students try to do.
MrFnortner
Fuck them.
GirlWithCuriousHair
As a writing professor, yes.
GaelicGiraffe
Yeah... Despite what you've been taught the intro and conclusion aren't actually supposed to be written that way...
Atharaenea
I create charts and graphs first.
shesaidgoodbyetotheground
Yeah, "kickass" is a strong word. Thus is more of a guide on how to just GET IT DONE (not necessarily kickass, but something to turn in)
Spatzist
Most of the English teachers at my school would pull their hair out at the suggestions of other English teachers in the same department.
RobotCosmonaut
Fair point!
yesyesyoufoundthevegan
For a rough draft, I wouldn't complain. Most students wouldn't consider this a rough draft; that's the problem.
deepdishonyourdick
My mom is currently getting her degree in English...I know the difference between a rough draft a finished paper. Yay english nazi mom
RobotCosmonaut
I should say, not all of them are bad, but some of them are a great way to write a mediocre-at-best paper.
NotAmused1001
Mediocre is a generous descriptor for what would come out of these guidelines.
YoSoyMelonLord
Good enough for me
yellowdove
Well, this is just a way to get out a good rough draft. If that is it, yes the paper will generally be mediocre. But then ... (1/2)
yellowdove
(2/2) ... you get to edit. For me the hardest part was getting that first draft done. Then the magic happened.
YouWannaGoToWarBuhlakay
"In this essay, I argue that..." would earn an immediate F in my English class.
PeepBunnies
Yup. That and passive tense were automatic failures.
GHDUDE17
My professor always says "Don't tell us what you're going to say, just say it!"
bruisedeye
Have I had you in my class?
CptTightPants
It depends on the class and assignment. Some professors want that, others don't. But yeah don't do it unless specified to.
DamnAllTheNamesAreTaken
I thought I was the only one
NoWisdomWithoutRegret
It is extremely rare that it is acceptable to speak in the first person. "You" is also generally unacceptable.
CptTightPants
As a writing tutor: Write your goddamn thesis statement first, then revise it if necessary as you develop your argument more.
iRecommendBooks
Ends with Rough Draft. It basically says what you probably would- formulate your thoughts first before writing a thesis.
RobotCosmonaut
1) Sometimes it's impossible to. IE, I wrote a 9 page paper once on the history of Hopi pottery and how contact/colonialism w/ Europeans
RobotCosmonaut
2) affected their traditional styles. I didn't know anything about it, but I was interested in finding out, and I was starting from...
RobotCosmonaut
3) scratch, so I developed my thesis statement way later. But I guess, y'know, this is all very circumstantial too. No one right answer.
curiousincident
Don't say "I argue..." or anything in first person. But the rest of this is solid.
ParkerAdderson
the phrase is clunky but roadmaps are an invaluable tool
Imonlydoingthisforthefoodporn
'I' is no bueno in the sciences, but change to an impersonal 'we' and you're golden.
Bobinstein
The power of the 'we' is undeniable.
DaveCoulierDeservedAnEmmy
I've never had a problem with "I" in any of my students' essays. It's just most effectivet in moderation (like every other technique).
buzzboy
As a mathematician, ask our papers are written in first person plural. "Here we show..."
ohgodthepressure
Nah man, in humanities academic writing, it's all over the place. Writing around 'I' gets convoluted when you're making your own argument.
Schweed
Yes, thank you. See: "Your name is already at the top of the page."
yarfyarf
Yeah, no need to say 'I'. It's your paper, we already know it's your argument and opinion.
marriedwithcats
"This research demonstrates..." "The following points argue..."
erratica
It's REQUIRED to write in the third person for historical writing. Poli sci? MANDATORY that we say "I will argue... " So cray.
demut
Yeah, I’m studying history right now and this was the first thing I meant to criticize in the comments.
molsted09
I have both sociology, economics, and pol sci and I'm not allowed to use 1person in any of them. Strictly objective at all time
TheIceQueen
I'm in Polisci, and have defs used "I will argue," and haven't given any problems. A lot of my profs have also said it's cool.
JM1911A1
I was told I had "written too professionally" in one of my courses cause I wrote third person/no I's anywhere. THIS WAS AT UNIVERSITY!
brendanrhys
Yep. Third person mandates were the worst thing a high school English course could do for college prep.
RollyPollyGiraffe
No they weren't. There are plenty of courses and fields where third person is the standard.
NotAmused1001
In PS I never entered an essay stating "I will argue." Neither in Sociology nor History nor Economics.
cyrusjoneslivedforever
In Anthropology as well.
dontbeupsettihavesomespaghetti
I was about to say that... but I'm a French Canadian... you can (almost) never use I in French essaies
JJmah
I just wrote a kickass research paper in 1st person. And by kickass I mean A+ material so I don't think that is a universal rule.
purplemango
Some papers it's okay.. but I usually say something like "this paper will address..."
purplemango
or discuss. Just depends on the topic! and professor!
TheSecondRunnerUp
When I got to college the 1st thing I learned was to forget what your HS teacher said. First prof I had told us to introduce it like this.
JM1911A1
Mine were both really, drove me absolutely mental!
NotAmused1001
Three degrees later, and the only time a professor ever said I could say "I" in a paper was if I was quoting something I had written.
TheSecondRunnerUp
I had more than one professor across two different majors say it, but I was in the social sciences.
Icaruswes
Unless you're in grad school studying something to do with English. Then you can do whatever the fuck you want. Sometimes.
yarfyarf
From day 1 of my undergrad we were told never to use 'I'. Sounds too much like a school essay.
NotAmused1001
If you're in college, and you want an "A" paper, you need to follow some rules. And if you don't want to learn to write, expect low marks.
Icaruswes
Of course - rules like make a good argument. Wrote plenty of papers in first person. A's on all of them.
AVRoe
simple solution - ask your prof! Most of mine are completely fine with using I in the thesis/outline as it makes your argument clearer (1/2)
AVRoe
Others hate it. Key thing is that there are no hard and fast rules, learn to write for the prof you have and you'll do way better!
AVRoe
Love this post by the way :)
AVRoe
even though it kinda clashes with your username OP
shouldbedoinghomework
bs. Rules like this are what stifle good writing. Write however the fuck you want as long as it has a purpose and you can defend it
KV55
Ha, not if it's an academic paper. If I turned in an art history paper with an "I" in it, instant letter grade lower. Or worse
JM1911A1
I got marked lower once for NOT using 'I'. Turns out the uni-lecturer thought I'd stolen my assignment cause everyone else did that.
ohgodthepressure
This seems insane to me. If you're writing your own point, why dance around saying that it's yours? But I'm in comm so maybe it's different.
KV55
Because it's a given that it's from your perspective. Using first/second person pronouns comes off as lazy writing for many disciplines
ohgodthepressure
I guess I can see that, but that just isn't how anyone here has told me to write. (But no second person for sure. Too informal, to my mind.)