Essential Reference Tools for Academic Writing

1. Atlas Definition – a bound collection of maps, tables, illustrations Synonyms – book of maps Antonyms – novel

2. almanac an annual publication containing • a calendar • weather related data • agricultural forecasts • rising / setting of sun • eclipses • high tide • religious dates • timelines • up to date facts / figures • lists of all types

3. bibliography Definition – a list of works referred to in a text, the last page of a research report Synonyms – quotes, references, resources Antonyms – index table of contents

4. Works Cited Definition – a list of works referred to in a text, the last page of a research report Synonyms – bibliography, references, quotes, resources Antonyms – index table of contents

5. end note Definition – a note of reference or explanation placed on a separate page at the end of the research paper. Synonyms – explanation Antonyms – plagiarize Sentence – End Notes 1. The Declaration of Independence 2. Williams, Richard. The War Against Britain. 1975. 3. Encyclopedia Britannica

6. foot note Definition – a note of reference or explanation placed below the text on a printed page. Synonyms – explanation Antonyms – plagiarize Sentence – According to our founding fathers, all 1 people were created equally. 1 The Declaration of Independence

7. cite Definition – to refer to or quote Synonyms – quote, mention Antonyms – plagiarize Sentence – “All men are created equal.” From The Declaration of Independence

8. credentials Definition – educational degrees, job titles, training, experience Synonyms – knowledgeable, expert Antonyms – unskilled, uneducated, inexperienced

9. compare Definition – the similarities between two things Synonyms – analyze, examine Antonyms – ignore, disregard

10. contrast Definition – the differences between two things Synonyms – unalike, vary Antonyms – similar agree

11. fact Definition – a statement that can be proved, true Synonyms – reality Antonyms – fantasy

12. opinion Definition – a statement that reflects a writer’s belief Synonyms – viewpoint Antonyms – fact

13. problem and solution Definition – author describes a problem and then offers one or more possible solutions Synonyms – dilemma, solve Antonyms – viewpoint and evidence

14. viewpoint Definition – the author’s opinion on an issue or topic Synonyms – perspective, belief Antonyms – ignorance

15. Note-taking Definition – can help you remember key facts, details Synonyms – studying by writing Antonyms – Skimming

16. skimming Definition – glancing quickly through a selection Synonyms – glance, skipping Antonyms – closely reading

17. summarize Definition – telling the main idea or events in your own words Synonyms – shorten Antonyms – long version

18. lead Definition – opening paragraphs in a magazine or newspaper containing who, what, when, where, why Synonyms – beginning Antonyms – conclusion

19. connation Definition – emotional feelings that surround a word Synonyms – emotions Antonyms – dictionary definition

20. denotation Definition – the strict, literal meaning of a word Synonyms –dictionary definition Antonyms – emotional definition

21. propaganda techniques Definition –methods – not based in fact – that are used to make arguments more persuasive Synonyms – stretch the truth Antonyms – honest

22. expository Definition – text that explains or informs Synonyms – nonfiction Antonyms – narrative

23. synthesize Definition – reflecting on individual parts or elements of a text and deciding how they affect the subject as a whole Synonyms – combine Antonyms – separate

24. question the author Definition – asking questions as you read about why an author made certain decisions Synonyms – questions Antonyms – not engaged

25. reading critically Definition – understanding and evaluating the point the author is trying to make, consider the facts and details, read between the lines, think about what is missing Synonyms – analyze Antonyms – skimming

26. URL Definition – a web address Synonyms – www.yahoo.com Antonyms – 24 S. Main St.

27. sponsor of a website Definition – organization or person who establishes and maintains a website Synonyms – creator Antonyms – user

28. expertise or expert source Definition – a person or document with special knowledge or skills Synonyms – intelligent Antonyms – unintelligent

29. homepage Definition – the first page of a website Synonym – beginning web page Antonym – hyperlink

30. link Definition – allows you to jump directly to another page or website Synonyms – hyperlink, blue words, connect Antonyms – browser

31. browser Definition – software tool that allows you to surf the web Synonyms – Internet Explorer, Netscape Explorer, FireFox Antonyms – hyperlink

32. bookmark Definition – saved address of a website Synonyms – shortcut Antonyms – email

33. search engine Definition – tool for helping you find things on the world wide web Synonyms – Google, Ask Jeeves Antonyms – email

34. world wide web Definition – a system of computers that are joined around the world and that share files Synonyms – internet Antonyms – textbook

35. website profiler Definition – graphic organizer that helps you evaluate a website Synonyms – chart Antonyms – email

36. email Definition – an electronic message consisting of two parts – header (to, from, date, subject) and the body of the message Synonyms – memo Antonyms – Google

37. interview Definition – a series of questions and answers between two or more people, an exchange of information about a given topic Synonyms – inquiry, planned conversation Antonyms – essay, letter

38. Supporting evidence Definition – facts, figures, statistics and examples used to support a view point Synonyms – proof, facts Antonyms – opinions, beliefs