Academic Writing Essentials

Paraphrasing

• Translating another person's ideas into your own words and in reduced form
• Must change the words significantly to avoid similarity with the original
• Avoid using the original words, expressing ideas in the same order, and substituting a few words

Plagiarism

• Using others' ideas and words without clearly acknowledging the source
• Can be deliberate or accidental

Referencing

• Importance of acknowledging the source of information

SQ3R Reading Strategy

• A strategy for reading and understanding texts

Summary Format

• Includes title and author, main idea, key points, and conclusion
• Example:

Title and Author

• Mention the title and author of the text

Main Idea

• State the main idea in one sentence

Key Points

• Highlight 2 to 3 key points or events

Conclusion

• End with a brief statement about the overall message

Example of Summary Format

• For "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee:
  • Scout and her brother, Jem, are raised by their father, Atticus Finch
  • Atticus defends a black man, Tom Robinson, falsely accused of raping a white woman
  • Through the trial and other events, Scout learns about prejudice and courage
  • The mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley, shows kindness and heroism, challenging Scout's initial perceptions
  • The story illustrates the impact of racism and the importance of empathy and understanding

Paraphrasing

• Translating another person's ideas into your own words and in reduced form
• Must change the words significantly to avoid similarity with the original
• Avoid using the original words, expressing ideas in the same order, and substituting a few words

Plagiarism

• Using others' ideas and words without clearly acknowledging the source
• Can be deliberate or accidental

Referencing

• Importance of acknowledging the source of information

SQ3R Reading Strategy

• A strategy for reading and understanding texts

Summary Format

• Includes title and author, main idea, key points, and conclusion
• Example:

Title and Author

• Mention the title and author of the text

Main Idea

• State the main idea in one sentence

Key Points

• Highlight 2 to 3 key points or events

Conclusion

• End with a brief statement about the overall message

Example of Summary Format

• For "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee:
  • Scout and her brother, Jem, are raised by their father, Atticus Finch
  • Atticus defends a black man, Tom Robinson, falsely accused of raping a white woman
  • Through the trial and other events, Scout learns about prejudice and courage
  • The mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley, shows kindness and heroism, challenging Scout's initial perceptions
  • The story illustrates the impact of racism and the importance of empathy and understanding