33
Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Department Work Department 1 Tips for Better Tips for Better Writing Writing The following is not intended to be a The following is not intended to be a complete guide to writing. Instead, it complete guide to writing. Instead, it serves to alert the student to problems serves to alert the student to problems I I ve encountered in student writing over ve encountered in student writing over the years. Hopefully, you don the years. Hopefully, you don t need to t need to repeat the mistakes of others if you repeat the mistakes of others if you heed the following pointers. heed the following pointers.

Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

better writing tips

Citation preview

Page 1: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 11

Tips for Better WritingTips for Better WritingThe following is not intended to be a complete The following is not intended to be a complete guide to writing. Instead, it serves to alert the guide to writing. Instead, it serves to alert the

student to problems Istudent to problems I’’ve encountered in student ve encountered in student writing over the years. Hopefully, you donwriting over the years. Hopefully, you don’’t t need to repeat the mistakes of others if you need to repeat the mistakes of others if you

heed the following pointers.heed the following pointers.

Page 2: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Quick TipsQuick Tips As a professional, your credibility is in question if As a professional, your credibility is in question if

you do not make the effort to write according to you do not make the effort to write according to the accepted standards in the fieldthe accepted standards in the field

In the long run, being correct takes less time, less In the long run, being correct takes less time, less judgment, and less energy judgment, and less energy

Good writing is rewriting.Good writing is rewriting. Write frequently. Set aside a block of time to Write frequently. Set aside a block of time to

write.write. Use the spell check and grammar check on your Use the spell check and grammar check on your

word processor. word processor. Use the latest edition of the APA Style Manual. Use the latest edition of the APA Style Manual.

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 22

Page 3: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 33

Have at least one colleague proof your paper & Have at least one colleague proof your paper & reciprocatereciprocate

Use the Academic Skills Lab Use the Academic Skills Lab You are not in a race with your colleagues. It may You are not in a race with your colleagues. It may

take you more time to write a paper than your take you more time to write a paper than your classmates. To this I say, classmates. To this I say, ““So what?" So what?"

Page 4: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 44

Use Scholarly ReferencesUse Scholarly References Peer reviewed scholarly works safeguard Peer reviewed scholarly works safeguard

against the weaknesses of commercial against the weaknesses of commercial works such as works such as – MagazinesMagazines– NewspapersNewspapers– Trade Journals (Newsletters)Trade Journals (Newsletters)– Some BooksSome Books– Most Internet SitesMost Internet Sites

These works have value, but lack some of the These works have value, but lack some of the characteristics of scholarly/peer reviewed characteristics of scholarly/peer reviewed sources of information.sources of information.

Page 5: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Characteristics of Peer Characteristics of Peer Reviewed JournalsReviewed Journals

UnbiasedUnbiased– Fair consideration of facts (the author Fair consideration of facts (the author

does not have a conflict of interest—a does not have a conflict of interest—a stake in persuading you to her/his view)stake in persuading you to her/his view)

Rigorous Rigorous – Safeguarded for accuracy in methods & Safeguarded for accuracy in methods &

resultsresults Theoretical Theoretical

– "Fits" with what is known & unknown"Fits" with what is known & unknown– Offers Offers evidenceevidence to support conclusions to support conclusions

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 55

Page 6: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 66

What Does What Does ““Peer ReviewedPeer Reviewed”” Mean?Mean?

The study is read by a panel of experts The study is read by a panel of experts without knowledge of authorship (blind without knowledge of authorship (blind review) to assurereview) to assure

No bias No bias The study is read and evaluated on its own meritsThe study is read and evaluated on its own merits

Reviewed by expertsReviewed by experts Experts in the field consider the manuscriptExperts in the field consider the manuscript’’s s

"robustness:" value, veracity (accuracy, conformity to "robustness:" value, veracity (accuracy, conformity to fact; devotion to truth)fact; devotion to truth)

Experts weigh its importance to the field with their Experts weigh its importance to the field with their approval or disapproval (studies are often revised approval or disapproval (studies are often revised and resubmitted by the author before they are and resubmitted by the author before they are accepted for publication)accepted for publication)

Page 7: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 77

How Do I Know if an Article is Peer How Do I Know if an Article is Peer Reviewed (Scholarly)?Reviewed (Scholarly)?

The publication will state this factThe publication will state this fact Check the cover of the publication—it should be notedCheck the cover of the publication—it should be noted Look at a statement such as "information to authors"Look at a statement such as "information to authors"

Lack of advertisements Lack of advertisements Sometimes you see notices for meetings & "calls for Sometimes you see notices for meetings & "calls for

papers," but these are not the same class of papers," but these are not the same class of advertisements as for cigarettes or automobiles, for advertisements as for cigarettes or automobiles, for exampleexample

Rather than pictures, there are graphs & diagramsRather than pictures, there are graphs & diagrams PaperPaper

Not glossyNot glossy Format of studyFormat of study

Conformity to "scientific style" reporting, APA style Conformity to "scientific style" reporting, APA style (Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Data (Abstract, Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Data analysis, Conclusions & Implications, References)analysis, Conclusions & Implications, References)

Page 8: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 88

Where Do I Find Peer Reviewed Where Do I Find Peer Reviewed Works?Works?

University libraryUniversity library Conduct a Search for journalsConduct a Search for journals Look at abstracts databaseLook at abstracts database Click the box that says Click the box that says ““peer reviewedpeer reviewed”” when when

searching for articles in the online cataloguesearching for articles in the online catalogue Ask the librarianAsk the librarian

Public libraryPublic library Small communities may not subscribe to peer-Small communities may not subscribe to peer-

reviewed journals, however, some do or can get reviewed journals, however, some do or can get articles on loanarticles on loan

– Interlibrary loanInterlibrary loan Most libraries can acquire the journal article quickly, Most libraries can acquire the journal article quickly,

but donbut don’’t wait until the last minute to do a literature t wait until the last minute to do a literature search.search.

Page 9: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 99

InternetInternet Be careful! You must confirm that the article is peer Be careful! You must confirm that the article is peer

reviewed. The web site should note that the article is reviewed. The web site should note that the article is peer reviewed. If you are using the university library peer reviewed. If you are using the university library and have checked the box that says and have checked the box that says ““peer reviewed,peer reviewed,”” then you can be assured the article is from a then you can be assured the article is from a scholarly journal. scholarly journal.

Knowledge of your fieldKnowledge of your field As a social worker, you should recognize the As a social worker, you should recognize the

following as being peer reviewed: Social Work, Affilia: following as being peer reviewed: Social Work, Affilia: Journal of Women and Social Work, Journal of Studies Journal of Women and Social Work, Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Journal of Multicultural Social Work, to on Alcohol, Journal of Multicultural Social Work, to name but a few. name but a few.

Examples of works that are not peer reviewed are the Examples of works that are not peer reviewed are the APA Monitor, NASW News; Time Magazine, APA Monitor, NASW News; Time Magazine, Psychology Today; The Courier Press, Cosmopolitan, Psychology Today; The Courier Press, Cosmopolitan, Red Book, The Enquirer, and the New York Times.Red Book, The Enquirer, and the New York Times.

Page 10: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 1010

What of Textbooks?What of Textbooks? Textbooks, while generally well written and Textbooks, while generally well written and

scholarly, may become rapidly outdated. Some scholarly, may become rapidly outdated. Some textbooks are requested by publishers with an textbooks are requested by publishers with an eye for their commercial appeal. Some books are eye for their commercial appeal. Some books are ““offbeat,offbeat,”” and and ““fringefringe”” ideas and may be touted ideas and may be touted without fair consideration for what is known about without fair consideration for what is known about a subject. Frequently, students do not have the a subject. Frequently, students do not have the professional experience to judge the rigor of a professional experience to judge the rigor of a particular textbook. particular textbook.

Are books acceptable to cite in a research paper? Are books acceptable to cite in a research paper? Yes. Often, a textbook is cited in the Methodology Yes. Often, a textbook is cited in the Methodology section of a research paper or used in a section of a research paper or used in a Discussion section of a paper.Discussion section of a paper.

Page 11: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 1111

What About Internet Sources?What About Internet Sources? If it’s free, be wary of the possibility (and If it’s free, be wary of the possibility (and

stereotype) that the contributor is middle-aged, stereotype) that the contributor is middle-aged, single, unemployed, and lives in his mothersingle, unemployed, and lives in his mother’’s s basement. Professionals usually charge for their basement. Professionals usually charge for their work.work.

The internet is rife with uninformed opinions The internet is rife with uninformed opinions (blogs) and advertisements masquerading as (blogs) and advertisements masquerading as legitimate information.legitimate information.

Even Wikipedia, for example, is riddled with Even Wikipedia, for example, is riddled with errors. Its contributors, though probably pure of errors. Its contributors, though probably pure of heart, are not always experts.heart, are not always experts.

If you do want to use an internet source, be If you do want to use an internet source, be certain the site states that the article presented is certain the site states that the article presented is peer reviewed (Google Scholar, for example). peer reviewed (Google Scholar, for example). Best yet, use the Rice Library search engine that Best yet, use the Rice Library search engine that allows you to filter non-peer reviewed articles.allows you to filter non-peer reviewed articles.

Page 12: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 1212

Note the appearance of a scholarly journal. The cover would not grab Note the appearance of a scholarly journal. The cover would not grab your attention at a newsstand, and the article displayed follows APA your attention at a newsstand, and the article displayed follows APA style format.style format.

Page 13: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 1313

A A ““tradetrade”” magazine is not peer reviewed and has greater commercial appeal magazine is not peer reviewed and has greater commercial appeal than scholarly works. Although interesting to read for news and innovations, than scholarly works. Although interesting to read for news and innovations, trade magazines dontrade magazines don’’t meet the rigorous standards of a peer reviewed journal. t meet the rigorous standards of a peer reviewed journal. Please note the glossy paper and the use of advertising.Please note the glossy paper and the use of advertising.

Page 14: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 1414

Brochures and other materials found at your agency are typically geared Brochures and other materials found at your agency are typically geared towards the general public. This material may be helpful in describing your towards the general public. This material may be helpful in describing your agencyagency’’s policies, for example, but are too week in rigor to defend your thesis.s policies, for example, but are too week in rigor to defend your thesis.

Page 15: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Where Do I Find How to Cite Where Do I Find How to Cite and Reference Sources?and Reference Sources?

The APA Style Manual, of course! If The APA Style Manual, of course! If you donyou don’’t own a copy, then use the t own a copy, then use the one in the Social Work Computer Lab one in the Social Work Computer Lab or Rice Library.or Rice Library.

Look at a recently published paper’s Look at a recently published paper’s reference sectionreference section

Why not look it up on the internet?Why not look it up on the internet?– Not a bad idea, but often these websites Not a bad idea, but often these websites

are not updatedare not updatedDr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work

DepartmentDepartment 1515

Page 16: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

What if I am Really Lazy?What if I am Really Lazy? It takes 30 seconds to compare your It takes 30 seconds to compare your

citation/references with the APA citation/references with the APA Manual.Manual.– Compare your paper with the paper in Compare your paper with the paper in

the Manualthe Manual No one reads the Manual from cover No one reads the Manual from cover

to cover—just look up the particular to cover—just look up the particular writing problem you are trying to writing problem you are trying to solve in the index. solve in the index.

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 1616

Page 17: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

What if I am Really, Really, Really Lazy?What if I am Really, Really, Really Lazy? At the very least (and I mean the very least), do At the very least (and I mean the very least), do

this:this:– Citation in the body of your paper: Citation in the body of your paper:

Jones (2006) states that poverty is the root cause of psychosocial Jones (2006) states that poverty is the root cause of psychosocial problems. problems.

Or Or

The root cause of psychosocial problems is poverty (Jones, 2006). The root cause of psychosocial problems is poverty (Jones, 2006).

Reference at the end of your paper: Reference at the end of your paper:

Jones, F. (2006). The root causes of poverty. Jones, F. (2006). The root causes of poverty. The Psychosocial Journal, 12 The Psychosocial Journal, 12 (4),(4), 66-78. 66-78.

The above reference is for a journal article, the below is for a book. The above reference is for a journal article, the below is for a book.

Jones, F. (2006). Jones, F. (2006). My twenty years finding causes for povertyMy twenty years finding causes for poverty. NY, NY: . NY, NY: Noble Barnes. Noble Barnes.

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 1717

Page 18: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 1818

Common Writing ProblemsCommon Writing Problems

(A Hodgepodge of Errors Found (A Hodgepodge of Errors Found Reading Student Papers)Reading Student Papers)

Page 19: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Imitate Journals Not MagazinesImitate Journals Not Magazines Avoid popular magazine writing:Avoid popular magazine writing:

For example: “In the book, For example: “In the book, ‘Psychopharmacology for Social Workers’ ‘Psychopharmacology for Social Workers’ by John Smith in 2015, he grabs the by John Smith in 2015, he grabs the reader’s attention with fascinating facts.”reader’s attention with fascinating facts.”Instead write using APA Style: “Smith Instead write using APA Style: “Smith (2015) identifies three specific criteria for (2015) identifies three specific criteria for prescribing tricyclic antidepressants.” prescribing tricyclic antidepressants.”

Remember to be like Sgt. Joe Friday: “Just Remember to be like Sgt. Joe Friday: “Just the facts, mam.”the facts, mam.”

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 1919

Page 20: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Avoid Plagiarizing Literature ReviewsAvoid Plagiarizing Literature Reviews Scholarly journal articles include a section on “Literature Scholarly journal articles include a section on “Literature

Review.” Lit Reviews are a summary of what is know about Review.” Lit Reviews are a summary of what is know about a subject (current evidence) and states the purpose of the a subject (current evidence) and states the purpose of the present study—which is typically to fill a gap in knowledgepresent study—which is typically to fill a gap in knowledge

Do not find citations in an author’s literature review for your Do not find citations in an author’s literature review for your paperpaper– Doing so creates a problem of citing secondary sources. The rule is to Doing so creates a problem of citing secondary sources. The rule is to

always go to the primary source unless that source has been destroyed always go to the primary source unless that source has been destroyed or is otherwise unobtainable (it is possible to cite a secondary source, or is otherwise unobtainable (it is possible to cite a secondary source, but it is usually viewed with suspicion)but it is usually viewed with suspicion)

– Do read the Literature Review of a particular journal article of interest Do read the Literature Review of a particular journal article of interest and if you would like to reference the article cited by the author of the and if you would like to reference the article cited by the author of the Literature Review, then look up and read the original paper—that is Literature Review, then look up and read the original paper—that is what you citewhat you cite

Instead, look to the “Findings,” “Results,” “Conclusions” Instead, look to the “Findings,” “Results,” “Conclusions” and “Discussion” Section and then cite the primary authorand “Discussion” Section and then cite the primary author

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2020

Page 21: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2121

CitationsCitations Citations prevents plagiarismCitations prevents plagiarism Cite articles no more than 10 years old unless it is a Cite articles no more than 10 years old unless it is a

landmark studylandmark study Repeat the authorRepeat the author’’s name only when changing "voice"s name only when changing "voice"

Here is an example of citing sources in the body Here is an example of citing sources in the body of your paper: Smith (2004) found 73% of the of your paper: Smith (2004) found 73% of the social workers surveyed believe managed care is social workers surveyed believe managed care is deficient in serving client needs. He noted that deficient in serving client needs. He noted that 20% of the respondents were "undecided." Jones 20% of the respondents were "undecided." Jones (2006) supported this finding by replicating (2006) supported this finding by replicating Smith's study. Smith's study.

In this example, it is clear whose work is being In this example, it is clear whose work is being cited. Please, please, please be careful not to do cited. Please, please, please be careful not to do what I refer to as "over-citing." what I refer to as "over-citing."

The rule: “Be clear whose voice you are using”The rule: “Be clear whose voice you are using”

Page 22: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2222

Take a look at this example:Take a look at this example: Smith (2004) found 73% of the social Smith (2004) found 73% of the social

workers surveyed (Smith, 2004) believe workers surveyed (Smith, 2004) believe managed care (Smith, 2004) is deficient managed care (Smith, 2004) is deficient (Smith, 2004) in serving client needs (Smith, 2004) in serving client needs according to Smith (2004). Smith (2004) according to Smith (2004). Smith (2004) noted that 20% of the respondents were noted that 20% of the respondents were "undecided" (Smith, 2004). Jones (2006) "undecided" (Smith, 2004). Jones (2006) supported this finding by replicating supported this finding by replicating Smith's (Smith, 2004) study according to Smith's (Smith, 2004) study according to Jones (2006) (Jones, 2006).Jones (2006) (Jones, 2006).– Preventing “over-citing” is based on a rule Preventing “over-citing” is based on a rule

learned (and forgotten) in elementary school: learned (and forgotten) in elementary school: “Use of pronouns”“Use of pronouns”

Page 23: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2323

Remember the rule: Remember the rule: as long as the reader as long as the reader recognizes whose recognizes whose ““voicevoice”” you are citing, don't you are citing, don't keep repeating the citation. I have seen students keep repeating the citation. I have seen students successfully write about an author's work for a few successfully write about an author's work for a few paragraph with only citing, "Smith (2004)" once, paragraph with only citing, "Smith (2004)" once, and then using a pronoun or her last name and then using a pronoun or her last name without the date of the publication. without the date of the publication.

Cite the source, then use pronouns as in, Cite the source, then use pronouns as in, "He "He studied…" and "Smith's study also noted that…studied…" and "Smith's study also noted that…" "

As in the case above, it is clear that the student is As in the case above, it is clear that the student is still referring to "Smith (2004)" without beating still referring to "Smith (2004)" without beating the reader over the head. the reader over the head.

Look at published journal articles—these author’s Look at published journal articles—these author’s do not “over-cite.”do not “over-cite.”– Aside from breaking an elementary rule of English, Aside from breaking an elementary rule of English,

“Over-citing” confuses the reader—the reader might “Over-citing” confuses the reader—the reader might think that you are citing the same author’s other works.think that you are citing the same author’s other works.

Page 24: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Please note that the citation is a part Please note that the citation is a part of the sentence as follows:of the sentence as follows:

When frightened, the subject ran toward his When frightened, the subject ran toward his mother (Jones, 2015).mother (Jones, 2015).

Not:Not:

When frightened, the subject ran toward his When frightened, the subject ran toward his mother. (Jones, 2015)mother. (Jones, 2015)

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2424

Page 25: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2525

All facts Must Be Cited in the Social Sciences All facts Must Be Cited in the Social Sciences

For example, if you wrote, "Most Native For example, if you wrote, "Most Native Americans receive inadequate social services," Americans receive inadequate social services," you must cite a source. Even if this statement is you must cite a source. Even if this statement is "common knowledge," do not consider it to be so "common knowledge," do not consider it to be so in formal papers. You must cite a source. If this in formal papers. You must cite a source. If this statement is your opinion, then state it as your statement is your opinion, then state it as your opinion. But please keep in mind that a research opinion. But please keep in mind that a research paper (or literature review) is not about your paper (or literature review) is not about your opinion. You are asked to cite what is known and opinion. You are asked to cite what is known and therefore substantiated by evidence. therefore substantiated by evidence.

Page 26: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2626

Colloquial expressions lack specificity Colloquial expressions lack specificity (spoken language--too informal)(spoken language--too informal)

Using the word "you,Using the word "you,”” ““wewe”” and and ““ourour”” should be avoidedshould be avoided– For example, “When social workers observe For example, “When social workers observe

children you see them socializing. You kind of children you see them socializing. You kind of begin to notice things around that time. We begin to notice things around that time. We abuse our kids.” abuse our kids.”

Unless you are writing a qualitative Unless you are writing a qualitative research paper (in which case you would research paper (in which case you would write in the 1write in the 1stst person), writing in the 3rd person), writing in the 3rd person is advised. When I read, "you" in a person is advised. When I read, "you" in a student's paper, it sounds as though the student's paper, it sounds as though the student is accusing me of something I student is accusing me of something I didn’t do. didn’t do.

Page 27: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2727

Plural/SingularPlural/Singular– (e.g. The child and their parents were (e.g. The child and their parents were

interviewed by the social worker.) This interviewed by the social worker.) This example should read, "The child and his example should read, "The child and his parents were interviewed by the social parents were interviewed by the social worker." Or, "The children and their parents worker." Or, "The children and their parents were interviewed by the social worker."were interviewed by the social worker."

InformalityInformality– (e.g. I found this, like, really cool study that, (e.g. I found this, like, really cool study that,

"groovy," I said to my friend; far out: I can use "groovy," I said to my friend; far out: I can use this in my research paper--like right now. Here this in my research paper--like right now. Here it is, man!). Perhaps this is how I might sound it is, man!). Perhaps this is how I might sound to you, but the words and expressions you use to you, but the words and expressions you use may be equally baffling to me. Informality:may be equally baffling to me. Informality:

Is Confusing to the readerIs Confusing to the reader Causes problems in punctuation Causes problems in punctuation Colloquial expressions change over timeColloquial expressions change over time

Page 28: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2828

Using QuotesUsing Quotes– I strongly discourage using quotes. In fact, when writing I strongly discourage using quotes. In fact, when writing

a paper for me, just plan on not using them at all. It is a paper for me, just plan on not using them at all. It is very obvious when students quote passages because very obvious when students quote passages because they are being lazy, padding a paper, don't understand they are being lazy, padding a paper, don't understand what the author is saying, want to beef-up their paper to what the author is saying, want to beef-up their paper to sound more authoritative, or lack confidence in their sound more authoritative, or lack confidence in their ability to use the author's ideas in the context of their ability to use the author's ideas in the context of their paper. Instead, read the paper, understand it, and write paper. Instead, read the paper, understand it, and write what you understand in your own words.what you understand in your own words.

– You may use quotations if you quote a client, and using You may use quotations if you quote a client, and using the client's own words is imperative to understanding the client's own words is imperative to understanding the client's worldview. Use block quotes if more than a the client's worldview. Use block quotes if more than a few sentences long.few sentences long.

Quotes are effective when used sparingly and have a Quotes are effective when used sparingly and have a punch, they are memorable, or succinctly express a punch, they are memorable, or succinctly express a “truth” (such as, "Like sands in an hourglass, so are the “truth” (such as, "Like sands in an hourglass, so are the days of our lives" or "I see dead people.")days of our lives" or "I see dead people.")

Page 29: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 2929

Avoid sexist, racist, ageist languageAvoid sexist, racist, ageist language– (From "All men are created equal" to "All (From "All men are created equal" to "All

persons are created equal," "chair" or persons are created equal," "chair" or "chairperson" instead of "chairman")"chairperson" instead of "chairman")

Word choiceWord choice– (“Effect" is an outcome or result and "affect" (“Effect" is an outcome or result and "affect"

means to influence or produce-also refers to means to influence or produce-also refers to feelings & emotions) feelings & emotions)

– (“It's" for "its," "there" for "their")(“It's" for "its," "there" for "their") Don't use "etc." in a formal paper ---Don't use "etc." in a formal paper ---

Conceivably, it is possible to say “and so on” with Conceivably, it is possible to say “and so on” with just about anything. Typically, an example is all just about anything. Typically, an example is all that is needed to make a point.that is needed to make a point.

Page 30: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 3030

Sentence Structure & GrammarSentence Structure & Grammar Beware: the computer is great for proof-Beware: the computer is great for proof-

reading, but it does not recognize such reading, but it does not recognize such nuances as word choice nuances as word choice

Only have one idea per sentence. As a Only have one idea per sentence. As a rule, the first sentence of a paragraph rule, the first sentence of a paragraph states an idea, and the sentences that states an idea, and the sentences that follow expand on the idea.follow expand on the idea.

Avoid long sentence Avoid long sentence – Awkward, too complex, hard to read, and are Awkward, too complex, hard to read, and are

grammatical nightmaresgrammatical nightmares

Page 31: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 3131

Sentences need to be completeSentences need to be complete– Avoid fragments: "The child running."Avoid fragments: "The child running."– Avoid ending on a preposition: "He didn't know Avoid ending on a preposition: "He didn't know

where he was at."where he was at." Capitalization & AbbreviationsCapitalization & Abbreviations

– Capitalize proper nouns and titles when Capitalize proper nouns and titles when referring to a specific personreferring to a specific person

(e.g. Dr. Jones, not Dr.-write complete word if the (e.g. Dr. Jones, not Dr.-write complete word if the name isn't following the title such as "the doctor.")name isn't following the title such as "the doctor.")

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)--e.g. National Association of Social Workers (NASW)--e.g. write completely, then use the acronym thereafter write completely, then use the acronym thereafter (jargon can be confusing to readers)(jargon can be confusing to readers)

Page 32: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 3232

A Final TipA Final Tip Please donPlease don’’t narrate your paper (unless t narrate your paper (unless

germane to a qualitative design). germane to a qualitative design).

For example, For example, ““I got up early that afternoon I got up early that afternoon and walked to the library wearing just my and walked to the library wearing just my shorts and a t-shirt. I looked for articles shorts and a t-shirt. I looked for articles you wanted me to find for this paper, but you wanted me to find for this paper, but since I waited until the day the paper was since I waited until the day the paper was due, I got frustrated because I would have due, I got frustrated because I would have to work so hard. So I stumbled on an to work so hard. So I stumbled on an article that says…article that says…””

Page 33: Tips for Better Writing-2[1]

Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work Dr. Tom Bordelon, USI Social Work DepartmentDepartment 3333

The EndThe EndThank you for reading Thank you for reading ““Tips for Better Tips for Better Writing.Writing.”” Remember, use the APA Remember, use the APA Style Manual, get writing assistance Style Manual, get writing assistance from peers or USI’s student services, from peers or USI’s student services, use the spell check and grammar use the spell check and grammar check on your word processor, and check on your word processor, and give yourself time to write and then give yourself time to write and then re-write. Never wait until the last re-write. Never wait until the last minute to write. Your last minute minute to write. Your last minute inspirations will probably look like inspirations will probably look like hastily written tripe to the reader. hastily written tripe to the reader.