Writing Center

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Grad School Writers’ FAQ

What are the necessary components of a graduate research paper?

How do I use models to understand the expectations of the assignment (e.g. how an article differs from a literature review)?

How do I choose a topic?

How do I avoid plagiarism?

How do I use sources correctly?

How do I use databases? Which databases are appropriate for my discipline?

How do I write in the style expected by my professor/discipline/possible publisher?

How do I write a grant? What are some essential steps when writing a grant proposal?

Where can I find a documentation guide online?
How do I get help if English is not my first language?

How can peer review help me with my assignment?

What if I struggle with grammar and paragraph structure?

What kind of citation style do I need to use?

Brainstorming

1. What are the necessary components of a graduate research paper?

Graduate papers in professional fields include most of the following elements:

· Title page

· Abstract (usually brief – a paragraph of 100-150 words that summarizes the paper)

· Introduction (provides context for audience and statement of purpose or question to be discussed or resolved)

· Literature Review (discussion of findings and ideas of other scholars on the topic at hand)

· Framework for analysis (discussion of evaluation criteria or specific research models followed by the writer)

· Methods (used in empirical studies)

· Results (used in empirical studies)

· Discussion/Analysis

· Conclusions

· Recommendations (may not be necessary in all fields)

· List of References

Depending upon the assignment, you may not need to include all of these elements. Ask your instructor for clarification.

2. How do I use models to understand the expectations of the assignment (e.g. how an article differs from a literature review)?

Look at published examples of similar types of writing in academic journals, as these papers will enable you to understand the necessary components of the paper and the ways in which published authors have been successful in addressing the tasks that you are working on in your own paper.

3. How do I choose a topic?

First, consider the issues in your class and discipline that are interesting to you. You may look at the course readings or at current academic journals in your field. These sources will help you to identify the subjects and questions that other scholars are exploring. Finally, you should talk with classmates and with your instructor about appropriate topics for your paper.

Then, be sure that your topic is not too broad.

· A topic that is too broad: a 20-page paper about the history of China.

· A topic with a manageable focus: a 20-page paper about a key aspect of the trade relationship between China and Japan during the Ming dynasty.

Drafting, including finding and using sources

1. How do I avoid plagiarism?

Plagiarism is defined as borrowing information, ideas, data, or direct quotation without giving credit to the source. If plagiarism is detected in student writing, the consequences may be severe, including a failing grade on the assignment and in the course along with expulsion from the university.

In order to avoid plagiarism, you must learn to use the documentation style for your discipline. Documentation styles include MLA, APA, Chicago (Turabian)

Cite sources whenever you cite information, use direct quotation (exact language from the source), or borrow and/or apply ideas from a source.

See also the following sources: Claremont Graduate Writing Center Plagiarism Page

http://www.cgu.edu/pages/903.asp

Purdue OWL Avoiding Plagiarism

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/

2. How do I use sources correctly?

Be sure to consult a style manual or a handbook for guidance on using sources.

If you want examples, look at how published scholars in your field use sources in their writing.

You may also consult the Purdue OWL website for in-depth guides on using sources.

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/585/1/

3. How do I use databases? Which databases are appropriate for my discipline?

Talk with your instructor or with a librarian about databases.

Some of the most popular databases are Academic Search Complete, EBSCO, ProQuest, and JSTOR.

You may also find tips at the NGCSU library website.

http://northgeorgia.edu/Library/

Revising and Editing

1. How do I write in the style expected by my professor/discipline/possible publisher?

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the writing style in your discipline is to read professional articles in the discipline.

2. What kind of citation style do I need to use?

Check with your instructor and read journals in the field to see which citation style is the standard for your discipline.

Examples: English uses MLA style, Business uses APA, and History uses Chicago/Turabian.

3. Where can I find a documentation guide online?

There are many valuable documentation guides online. Here are a few of the best:
[Bedford St Martins Research and Documentation Guide]

http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/

[Purdue Owl Documentation Guide]

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/

How do I get help if English is not my first language?
The Writing Center tutors are available to help students whose first language is not English.

See the following guide (click on ESL help link): [Hacker guide for ESL students – Writer’s Reference ESL section]

http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/writersref6e/Player/Pages/Main.aspx

4. How can peer review help me with my assignment?

Because we often have significant personal investment in our writing, we need readers who can offer an objective response to our paper before we submit it for a final grade. A peer review can give you valuable feedback from an audience who knows the discipline and is also working on the same assignment.

Peer review happens when classmates look at each other’s drafts and provide feedback. These reviews may be a part of class meetings or may happen informally after class. The classmate will serve as an audience who will let you know the strengths and weaknesses of your draft and can help you think about specific ways to improve the content and focus of your paper.

5. What if I struggle with grammar and paragraph structure?

Come to the Writing Center for a tutoring session and let us know what kind of help you need. You may also get advice from a classmate who has more confidence and/or experience than you in writing academic papers for your discipline. (Library Technology Center 180, 706-867-2979, writingcenter@northgeorgia.edu)

Dissemination

1. How do I write a grant? What are some essential steps when writing a grant proposal?

a. Identify your need and the focus of your proposal.

b. Connect your need with prospective funders.

c. If a specific outline isn’t provided, draft the grant proposal using the following outline:

Summary

Needs Statement

Program Description

Evaluation

Staff & Organizational Experience

Budget

Appendices/Supporting Documentation