One of the most challenging tasks for students of any discipline is to write a term paper or other important form of paper when it is assigned with a seemingly far off due date.
What is interesting is that most citation errors have nothing to do with the citation, but the grammar contained within the body of the work. Let's review some common mistakes and help you learn what to be on the lookout for.
Citation
When using a laptop, research various applications and programs which may assist you in your note taking. Programs like Evernote provide easy, instant access to your information regardless of whether you are viewing it from a phone, tablet, or computer. You can also scan your handwritten notes in for digital storage if you so prefer.
When you are working on citations, refer back frequently to your handbook to make sure you are using the correct format and style for citing. Your citations in-text and in the bibliography are important and even missing a simple thing like a period can cause you to miss points if your professor is feeling particularly pernicious. Be detailed in your study of the citation style noting things like line spacing, margins, page numbering, and font size.
The first thing that a student can do to make sure that they can complete their term papers in a timely manner and to work on them throughout the semester rather than the week before the paper is due is to take the time to organize and plan. Organizing a paper, at least at this step, is not so much about content as it is about rationing out the work and coming up with a general outline for the paper.
Outlining itself is another way for a student to help themselves to stay on task with their term papers throughout the semester. After the general organization of the paper is complete, a student can focus on the specific outline for the paper.
First, we'll discuss commas and apostrophes. Commas are the bane of Grammar Nazis everywhere. Most people use them too little or too much and quite frequently in the wrong places altogether. The only way to fix this is to study a reliable resource or ask someone who knows and then truly internalize the rules for comma usage. Now to apostrophes; never use an apostrophe to indicate a plural. Ever. Apostrophes are used to denote a contraction, or the combination of two words where some letters are removed like 'they're' for 'they are', and to denote possession as in, 'that is Mary's book.' Additionally, remember that possessive pronouns never take the apostrophe. (his, hers, theirs, yours, ours, and its)
Read, Proofread, Re-read, and RE-proofread your paper. Keep an eye out for the above mentioned faux pas and watch for capitalization and punctuation mistakes. Again, refer to your handbook for the capitalization and punctuation rules for any citations. Be aware of any mis-used homonyms like 'their', 'they're', and 'there' or 'to', 'two', and 'too'. Avoid slang terms and use only proper academic English.
Regardless of your note taking style here are some things you want to make sure you don't miss. Obviously if your instructor says, 'this will be on the test,' write it down. If the professor repeats himself and more importantly if he slows his repetition down so that it can be taken word for word, you want to capture that information. On the flip side, if he speaks faster, louder, or with added emphasis, pay attention. When they write on the board or use a power point, snag that too, and if possible, get a copy of the power point. And lastly, take note of any material where a relationship between ideas is expressed by using words like 'however,' 'most importantly,' or 'first, second, third.' As you work to perfect your note taking style, it will become easier for you to focus and prepare clear notes that you can study later. Whether you're pursuing a business administration degree in National City, or simply taking a single continuing education course, you will find this skill to be most valuable in helping you succeed.
What is interesting is that most citation errors have nothing to do with the citation, but the grammar contained within the body of the work. Let's review some common mistakes and help you learn what to be on the lookout for.
Citation
When using a laptop, research various applications and programs which may assist you in your note taking. Programs like Evernote provide easy, instant access to your information regardless of whether you are viewing it from a phone, tablet, or computer. You can also scan your handwritten notes in for digital storage if you so prefer.
When you are working on citations, refer back frequently to your handbook to make sure you are using the correct format and style for citing. Your citations in-text and in the bibliography are important and even missing a simple thing like a period can cause you to miss points if your professor is feeling particularly pernicious. Be detailed in your study of the citation style noting things like line spacing, margins, page numbering, and font size.
The first thing that a student can do to make sure that they can complete their term papers in a timely manner and to work on them throughout the semester rather than the week before the paper is due is to take the time to organize and plan. Organizing a paper, at least at this step, is not so much about content as it is about rationing out the work and coming up with a general outline for the paper.
Outlining itself is another way for a student to help themselves to stay on task with their term papers throughout the semester. After the general organization of the paper is complete, a student can focus on the specific outline for the paper.
First, we'll discuss commas and apostrophes. Commas are the bane of Grammar Nazis everywhere. Most people use them too little or too much and quite frequently in the wrong places altogether. The only way to fix this is to study a reliable resource or ask someone who knows and then truly internalize the rules for comma usage. Now to apostrophes; never use an apostrophe to indicate a plural. Ever. Apostrophes are used to denote a contraction, or the combination of two words where some letters are removed like 'they're' for 'they are', and to denote possession as in, 'that is Mary's book.' Additionally, remember that possessive pronouns never take the apostrophe. (his, hers, theirs, yours, ours, and its)
Read, Proofread, Re-read, and RE-proofread your paper. Keep an eye out for the above mentioned faux pas and watch for capitalization and punctuation mistakes. Again, refer to your handbook for the capitalization and punctuation rules for any citations. Be aware of any mis-used homonyms like 'their', 'they're', and 'there' or 'to', 'two', and 'too'. Avoid slang terms and use only proper academic English.
Regardless of your note taking style here are some things you want to make sure you don't miss. Obviously if your instructor says, 'this will be on the test,' write it down. If the professor repeats himself and more importantly if he slows his repetition down so that it can be taken word for word, you want to capture that information. On the flip side, if he speaks faster, louder, or with added emphasis, pay attention. When they write on the board or use a power point, snag that too, and if possible, get a copy of the power point. And lastly, take note of any material where a relationship between ideas is expressed by using words like 'however,' 'most importantly,' or 'first, second, third.' As you work to perfect your note taking style, it will become easier for you to focus and prepare clear notes that you can study later. Whether you're pursuing a business administration degree in National City, or simply taking a single continuing education course, you will find this skill to be most valuable in helping you succeed.
About the Author:
National City, satellite of California San Diego college campus, is located in the South Bay area of San Diego. The campus has wireless internet access with approximately 5,500 square feet that offers a medical lab, six classrooms, and space for tutoring, student services, and other educational services. Parking is available to students and bus stops are within walking distance. The satellite is conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, and services.
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