Mode of Writing in English
- Formal: Used in academic, professional, and official settings. Features formal language, correct grammar, and precise vocabulary.
- Informal: Used in casual conversations, emails, and social media. Allows for contractions, slang, and abbreviated forms.
Research Skills
Finding Information:
- Literature Review: Examine existing research and publications related to your topic.
- Database Searching: Use online databases (e.g., Google Scholar, JSTOR) to search for articles, books, and other resources.
- Library Catalogs: Search library catalogs to identify relevant print materials.
Evaluating Sources:
- Credibility: Consider the author's expertise, reputation, and affiliation.
- Currency: Ensure the source is up-to-date and reflects the latest research.
- Bias: Identify potential biases or conflicts of interest.
Citing Sources:
- MLA (Modern Language Association): Widely used in humanities and social sciences.
- APA (American Psychological Association): Common in psychology, education, and other social sciences.
- Chicago Manual of Style: Used in history, philosophy, and law.
Writing Based on Research:
- Thesis Statement: Craft a concise statement that expresses your main argument or claim.
- Evidence: Support your thesis with evidence from credible sources, both direct quotes and paraphrases.
- Citations: Provide in-text citations to acknowledge the sources of your information.
- Analysis: Interpret and discuss the evidence, explaining its relevance to your thesis.
- Conclusion: Sum up your argument and briefly restate your thesis.
Additional Tips:
- Plan and Organize: Outline your research and writing process to maintain clarity and focus.
- Practice Writing: Engage in regular writing exercises to improve your writing fluency and style.
- Get Feedback: Seek feedback from peers, instructors, or writing tutors to identify areas for improvement.
- Use Technology: Utilize grammar and style checking tools, citation managers, and other writing-related apps.