The three main ideas I was able to gather from the text were the following:
1. The basis of everything we know, believe, and learn comes from the many research hours of others. Through technology, research is now being funneled into one large database where the whole world can benefit from the endless data that exists within. The book mentions that “Research is in fact the biggest industry.” If we are unable to use this large source of data we will be left behind in an ever expanding world.
I have always understood the importance of research and the great contribution by researchers to make this information possible. What I learned from this idea was the fact that we need to adapt to the way research is being distributed to be competitive these days.
2. It is important to make a good argument, but not the typical argument one is used to. Your argument must pre-conceive the questions that will be asked beforehand. By writing in this format you are not forcing your argument on the reader, but helping the reader understand the truths you are trying to convey.
This idea put into perspective how important it is to think both as a writer and a reader. In many of my papers I try and force my arguments on the reader and don’t focus on how to actually convince them. By trying to answer the questions from a reader’s perspective, it gives me a new way to convey my arguments.
3. Creating a plan or outline is a vital part of writing a research paper. In some way or form you have to write a first draft and however this is done, it needs to be organized in a manner that will benefit the reader. Some of the books suggestions before creating a first draft were:
A. Know who the readers are and why they care about your problem
B. Know the reasons supporting your evidence or claim
C. Know the questions and objections that your readers are likely to raise
I’ve always know that a plan or an outline was important, but I sometimes don’t do it. This idea helped me understand what I need to know before I even begin an outline so that I am able to write one effectively.
Possesive Practice Questions:
1. homes’ of my sons-in laws
2. rivers’ of Arkansas
3. house of Jim and Joan
4. research of the Ph.D.’s
5. advertising of McGraw-Hill, Inc.
6. estimate of Fred the electrician
7. idea of anyone else
8. depositions’ of the witnesses
9. the upper level of the airport
10. the daughter of one of my friends
1. The tree surgeon could not save the white spruces’ limb.
2. The user’s manual for the new software package was so confusing that most consumers returned it to the company.
3. Windows intuitive commands make it easy for users to move from one application to another.
4. I will be in Hawaii on Mother’s Day, in New Mexico on April Fool’s Day, and in California on Veteran’s Day.
5. Grover Cleveland was the people’s choice.
6. Each participant filled out the Readers Comment Form.
7. Now that he has his bachelor’s degree, he plans to get his masters, and possibly his doctorate.
8. The National Secretaries Conference will be held in Houston this year.
9. For appearance sake, the feuding vice presidents kept their differences to themselves during the monthly staff meeting.
10. My brother’s-in-law idea was to have the family reunion at the spa.
11. We have been invited to a holiday party at the Roth’s.
12. The telephone company’s president’s idea was to offer discount rates to seniors.
