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Steps to the Magnum Opus

Steps to the Magnum Opus. A.K.A. El Diablo. CHOOSE A TOPIC Interesting Manageable --Time --Resources Worthwhile Narrow. Cautions in Topic Choice. Too trivial Too subjective Too controversial Too familiar Too technical Too new. Preliminary Step. Write a research question.

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Steps to the Magnum Opus

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  1. Steps to the Magnum Opus A.K.A. El Diablo

  2. CHOOSE A TOPICInterestingManageable--Time--ResourcesWorthwhileNarrow

  3. Cautions in Topic Choice • Too trivial • Too subjective • Too controversial • Too familiar • Too technical • Too new

  4. Preliminary Step Write a research question. Read background information. Refine the question.

  5. Working Bibliography • Use the card catalog. • Use magazines and newspapers. • --Oplin • --Infohio • --Newspaper Indexes • (www.newsworks.com) • Interviews • Electronic (Internet)

  6. Electronic Sources cont’d • ---Use key words or phrases. • ---Try several variations of the word or phrase. • ---Use a directory like AltaVista or HotBot. • ---Use a metasearch engine: • www.dogpile.com • www.google.com • www.inference.com/ifind/ • www.isleuth.com • www.metacrawler.com (Use a minimum of three search engines.)

  7. Create a Working Outline • Controversy • Background • Point of Persuasion • Point of Persuasion. • Point of Persuasion • Refutation

  8. Take Notes(The biggest task) THE NOTECARD • Use a heading (slug). • Use one side. • Use ink • Identify source • Include page numbers • Limit information on the card.

  9. Take Notes: Warnings • Avoid taking too many from one or two sources. • Use relevant, timely sources. • Take notes only on what corresponds to the working outline or its revision. • Revise the working outline as needed

  10. VI. Sort Notecards and Create Final Outline Thesis statement • Avoid using a question • Avoid using statements beginning: “The purpose of this essay is. • Avoid using multiple main clauses. • Avoid using a statement of the topic.

  11. Final Outline Organization • Introduction • Background • Establishment of controversy • Refutation: before or after points • Points: place best argument last place second best first

  12. Final Outline: Structure • Divide into equal parts for balance. • Avoid illogical use of subheadings. • Avoid subdivisions if there is only one sentence. • Use parallel structure within a level. • Use conventional outline form: • Roman numerals arranged so periods align • Capital letters with periods at second level • Arabic numbers with periods at third level • First words capitalized at each level • Topic outline, NOT SENTENCE

  13. Draft • Hints: • Use temporary documentation. • Save all notecards even if you do • not use them. • Enclose direct quotes in quotation marks. • Document : quotes, others’ ideas, others’ opinions, facts. WHEN IN DOUBT, DOCUMENT. • Write focusing on content. • Try to write in one sitting.

  14. Revision Try to set the draft aside for at least a day. Answer the following questions as you review your essay: • Do I do what the thesis says? • Do I have all the required elements: introduction,background, • establishment of controversy, support, refutation, conclusion. • Are all the paragraphs well-written: • Topic sentence related to thesis • Sufficient supporting details related to topic sentence • Unity within paragraph • Transitional words, phrases • Accurate word choice with tone where appropriate • Variety of sentences in length and structure

  15. ? “” , ; : . Pro-ant, pro, SF, RO Editing • Check the following mechanical and usage errors: • Are the sentences sound: no run-ons, sentence fragments comma splices? • Are the commas, semicolons, colons, quotation marks, and apostrophes used correctly? • Are there any pronoun errors, pronoun-antecedent errors, parallel structure errors, diction errors? • Are there any documentation errors? • Is the Works Cited page alphabetical, double spaced, titled. • Does the Works contain all items cited and only items cited? • Are all internal documentations correct in form? • Are all necessary items documented?

  16. Publication • Be sure that the essay is in MLA format. • Appropriate margins, numbers, title. • Works page and outline page in correct format. • Cover page as specified in class. • Double check all requirements. • Follow turn in procedure. • Complete the final draft a day early to obviate potential disaster.

  17. IT IS DONE! YOU CAN RELAX!

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