Not so bad.really!

Ohhh, the dreaded "paper." You were given two months to write a ten-page paper in high school. In college, however, a generous professor will give you seven days to pound out 2,500 words on the quotidian habits of insidious schizophrenics. How much better could it get? Don't panic. Show your professor that you've been listening, discussing, and thinking about the topics in class. If you haven't been, then start.

So, you have to write it. Here's how to start!

            Look at the paper topic carefully. How does it relate to the class you're in? Does your instructor want you to inform the reader? Maybe it is more of an entertaining piece. You could be tyring to persuade the reader.   Know exactly what it is your being asked.

            Now, just think. That's right, think. The most important part of writing a paper is brainstorming. What are the important points you need to cover? What fits and what doesn't? Are you going to use sources and research from outside of class? For some it is enough just to think, others outline their ideas. Personally, the spidograph works wonders. Whichever organizational method works for you, use it. You'll thank yourself.

            If you need to do research, the Renne Library has wonderful hard copy sources, and an amazing system of databases. You can access them as an MSU student at http://www.lib.montana.edu/epubs/indexes.html. From here, click into any of the three featured inter-disciplinary indexes. They give full text articles and citations for scholarly works. Use sources to support and cement your writing. Don't allow them to carry all the weight.

Now, just write!

Easier said that done, isn't it? Well believe it or not, if you have done your brainstorming, half of your work is done. Give yourself plenty of time to write. Begin with the ideas you developed in your brainstorming. And, transition, transition, transition. Help your reader easily jump from one topic to the next.

What if the words aren't flowing? One way to overcome writers block is to leave the paper and come back to it. If you are in a crunch, simply start typing. Type out your thoughts on why the assignment is ridiculous, or why you think the topic is interesting. Even, re-type the words from the assignment sheet. Don't forget to erase the copied material once your own words start coming. The idea is to get your mind focused.

Finally, she's done! But wait.

The fruit of your blood, sweat, and tears looks perfect on your word processor. You've grammar and spell checked it. Great! Sorry, not quite good enough. Grammar and spell check is convenient, but there's nothing like reading your paper aloud. That's right, I said aloud. Confusing and awkward sentences easily show up when you speak. Do this for every paper.

If you have allowed yourself enough time, have someone read your paper. Better yet, make an appointment at the Writing Center in Wilson Hall (994-5315). They will not only give you grammar help, but they can also give suggestions for negations or additions.             

Hand it in and be proud!

            Be confident and make everything you write a learning experience. Take heed of comments and suggestions you get from professors and others. Lastly, keep writing. The only way to get better is to practice.

Sources for some additional help:

MSU Writing Center. Wilson Hall 1-108.

Flesch, Rudolf. "The Classic Guide to Better Writing."

Grossman, John. "The Chicago Manual of Style."

Provost, Gray. "100 Ways To Improve Your writing."

Zinsser, William K. "On Writing Well."

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 11/01/06