Common Errors Found in Project #1
Project #1 is a beast. You are expected to research something new. You are expected to address a work of fiction. You are expected to use only Peer-Reviewed Sources and the original source material (the work of fiction). Here are the common errors students have made in the past. Review this list, then review your paper to make sure you also have not fallen into these traps.
Not reading, viewing, or listening to the work of fiction before writing your paper. I am expecting you to make specific references to the work of fiction, not general summations of the "theme". If I don't feel confident that you know the work of fiction well, I will count off for lack of ethos.
Writing a research paper which has nothing to do with the work of fiction. This will not fulfill the prompt.
Writing too broad. Focus on something specific. If you are examining historical fiction, you will not be able to cover the whole historical period. Instead focus on one specific part of that historical period. (For example, if you are writing about Forrest Gump, you will not be able to cover the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War, the Shrimping Industry, and persons with disabilities in post-War Alabama in only 2,000 words. Pick one.)
Not following the outline. The impulse to sit down and hammer out a draft without a plan will result in an unfocused paper.
Introducing Sources. When you provide evidence or data, explain to the reader where it comes from IMMEDIATELY. On first reference. For example, "According to Brandi Bradley, instructor of record for English and Composition at Florida State University, writers who do not introduce their sources leave readers confused."
When you reference a source for the first time, use both first name and last name. Every instance after that, last name only.
Forcing the research to create the result you want. This is a project where you are not to take a side or give an opinion. The evidence (sources and data) should support the findings. If your evidence does not support the findings, then check your findings.
Not using Peer-Reviewed Sources. News outlets are not Peer Reviewed. Neither are magazines, blogs, dictionaries, or How Stuff Works. Google all your publications to see if they are peer reviewed. "Is (Insert publication name) a peer reviewed journal?" Your responsibility as a writer is to confirm the ethos of your sources.
Using a citation generator for your Works Cited page where all the citations are incorrect. Follow the guidelines from the previous lecture or Purdue Owl and make sure your citations are correct.
Not including a captivating title. Always include a title which gives the reader an idea of what to expect with this paper. If your title says Project #1 or simply restates the research question, that is not a compelling title.
Too long paragraphs. If the paragraph is over a page long, it is too long. Go into the paragraph and find where your topic transitions into a subtopic and make your paragraph break there. Often the problem is the claim is not specific enough for the paragraph.
Writing in 1st and 2nd person - this is a real easy fix. Before you complete your draft, go to Find/Replace and search for all the I, me, my, mine, us, we, our, you, your.
Using rhetorical questions. The only question which should be in your paper should be the research question. All others are unnecessary.
Not meeting the Word Count - For P1, the Word Count is 2,000 words. That includes Draft 1. I can't give feedback on something which does not exist. I want all the words.
Use this list as a checklist BEFORE your submit.
Don't Forget
Outlines are due before 11:59 pm FRIDAY SEPT. 20.
Project #1 Draft 1 is due before 11:59 pm FRIDAY Sept. 27. Post the text to your P1 page and upload the correct link to Canvas.
Be sure to tweet!
