DWS #3: Paragraphs, Style, and General Impressions

1.  Put a note in the margin for places where the writer needs more support.

2. In what ways to the topic sentences give a clear indication of the paragraph's content? Which ones need revision, and why? Make revisions on the draft.

3. Find 5-6 examples where the author loses his/her professional & objective tone.  Make revisions on the draft.

4.  Find 5-6 examples where the author slips into slang, sounds like s/he's talking to his/her "best bud," or uses less than top-of-the line academic language.  Make revisions on the draft.

5.  Remember our discussion about how scientific writing can include interesting and refreshing images or words? Find 4-5 places where you lose interest as a reader. Suggest ways to liven things up a bit.

6.  Remember that you're to use PRESENT tense when discussing scientific research / experimental results. Find 5-6 places where the author accidentally slips into past tense. Re-write those sentences.

7.  Do you get the sense that the author has not documented ideas carefully? Find 1-2 spots of potential plagiarism. Come to the author's rescue!

8.  What's the best thing about this paper?

9.  If you could only change one thing, what's the most important recommendation you have for the author? Review the assignment sheet just to make sure s/he has covered all based.