These great suggestions were published in the article on teaching in the PowerPoint era by Tara Brabazon.
Draft one:
- Correct all spelling and grammatical issues. Draft two:
- Check that all references are complete. Draft three:
- Verify that all quotations are accurate. Draft four:
- Read the introduction. Does it explain the trajectory of the paper?
Draft five: - Read the conclusion. Is there an efficient and evocative ending to the assignment?
Draft six: - Check the first sentence (the topic sentence) of each paragraph. Does it convey the content of the paragraph that follows it?
Draft seven: - Check the last sentence of each paragraph. Does it create a transition to the next paragraph?
Draft eight: - Read each word and sentence for meaning and clarity. Is each word required? When in doubt – chop it out.
Draft nine: - Ensure that there is cohesion between sections of the argument.
Draft ten: - Do you answer the question? Return to the question and the marking criteria. Are you addressing all the required elements in the assignment? What mark would you give the paper?
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Take notes from readings separate from the books and articles. Do not write ‘notes’ on photocopies or the books themselves. Do not annotate digital copies.
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Stop highlighting text and underlining. Take notes. Do not colour in your photocopies.
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Ensure that every module has a separate file. Insert notes from module readings on separate pages from the notes from lectures and seminars.
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Ensure than an accurate reference is logged. This will save time later.
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Either type or write your notes. Ensure they are legible for future use.
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Write down the key argument of the writer/s in one sentence.
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Look at the bibliography/reference list used by the writer, noting the quality and dates of the cited scholarship.
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Copy important quotations accurately. Carefully differentiate between your notes, the paraphrasing of the author, and direct quotations.
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Ensure that your notes are sufficiently detailed so that you do not need to return to the original text when writing an assignment.
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Ensure that your notes are sufficiently brief that you have not paraphrased the entire article.