The Short Paper

Ch 3 Arnaudet

Content
Introduction/definition Thesis vs. controlling idea Writing an introduction Providing Evidence Concluding the paper

Writing an outline Using quotation as documentation

Introduction
Short paper is
3-5 pages in length Not a formal research Written in passive voice

Elements of a short paper

Developed deductively Provides evidence/examples from objective source Written objectively

Thesis vs. Controlling Idea

Thesis
Persuasive Makes a statement about subject, supported with evidence of truth of statement Evaluates and judges Reflects the writers own interpretation of factual information Avoids the obvious
not restate what experts in that subject area consider obvious and needs no proof

 Controlling idea
Informative, expository writing Accepted knowledge true to greatest number of reliable experts in that field Competing theories presented side by side

Content
Introduction/definition Thesis vs. controlling idea Writing an introduction Providing evidence Concluding the paper

Writing an outline Using quotation as documentation

Writing an Introduction
Non-deductive
Establishes context Provides further focus Announces controlling idea or thesis

 Establishing context
Introduces reader to subject area 1-2 sentences Ways to establish context:
Shared knowledge A rhetorical question Background information A quotation

 Providing further focus

Orients the reader in the right direction Ways to provide further focus:
Defining/describing Establishing chronological perspective (for background info) Establishing relevance of a quotation Limiting the subject

 The controlling idea or thesis

Concluding sentence(s) of the introduction Controls the information which is to follow in the paper Usually presented in a direct way (purpose)

Providing Evidence
Support controlling idea or prove thesis, Combine info from two or more sources Information must meet three criteria
Relevant Convincing Specific do not over-generalize, conclusion uncertain

Assembling evidence list and find relationships

Deciding on plan of attack

organize info, decide order, outline Evidence may not support thesis
Approach evidence in a different way Revise original thesis

Concluding the Paper

Not always necessary, give reader sense of completion Types:
Restate/summarize: paraphrase, most imp. points Draw additional implications
Do not contradict thesis Do not open a new can of worms!

Use a quotation (in combination)

To the point, relevant, currently recognized qualified expert authority

Content
Introduction/definition Thesis vs. controlling idea Writing an introduction Providing evidence Concluding the paper

Writing an outline Using quotation as documentation

Writing an Outline
Writing an outline
Indicate the total organization of the paper (p.60)

Using quotation as documentation

Formal footnoting Citation within text

Listing references