Assignment 1c: How to Write a Last Minute Essay.

Michael Klein:

Some of the observations made by Michael Klein in “What Is It When We Write Articles Like This?” are similar to ones I have made myself.  In the opening of his analysis, he shares a story of college students working on research papers while chatting and laughing with their friends.  He describes it as more of a transcriptive action than a period of analysis and synthesis.

 

Personal Reflection:

Similarly, in my own life I have seen people use direct, lengthy quotes in papers in order to save themselves from having to rephrase the quote in their own words.  As useful as quotes can be, if used too freely, the paper no longer reflects your writing, just the work of others.

How to Write a College Essay

 

Elementary School Librarian:

In elementary school, my librarian shared a story with my class about quotes and proper citations.  She said that in college she was assigned to a research paper.  She was so proud of the things she was finding — one juicy quote after another after another.  My librarian found so much good information from other authors that she left very little room for her own insights.  After turning in her paper she was called into her teachers office for plagiarism, not because she didn’t properly cite her sources, but because the paper was comprised of nearly all other people’s work.

 

 

After turning in her paper she was called into her teachers office for plagiarism

 

 

Take Aways:

Her story has stuck with me for a decade because it is a reminder that while published authors offer great insight, we, as students and researchers, have useful things to say as well.  Our words can be just as powerful.  The use of quotes are extremely important, especially when used effectively, but they do not need to consume your entire paper.

 

We can all use this story as a lesson in our research processes.  Do not simply transcribe quotes from one source to the “briefcases of our teachers” as Klein put it, but offer your own insights.  We have the power to write inspired papers just like any published author.