STUDY SKILLS BOOK - Assumption University

c. using in appropriate analogies;d. quoting material that is irrelevant or out of context;e. adopting an emotive tone and writing in the firstperson (“I...”);f. using inconsistent approaches, and;g. making assertions without supporting evidence orargument.10. When you write:a. use complete, straightforward sentences, not notes;b. follow accepted English rules for spelling;c. avoid slang, colloquialisms and undue flourish andaffectation – this is formal work in which precision oflanguage is very important;d. make your punctuation accurate;e. use a good dictionary (e.g. concise Oxford) andthesaurus (e.g. Roget: Thesaurus of English wordsand phrases);f. check each paragraph for a topic sentence (which expresses the main idea of that paragraph) and for linkswith the preceding and following paragraphs;g. support your points with appropriate references andavoid plagiarism at all times;h. use quotations sparingly-paraphrase in your ownwords where possible;11. Your draft:After a day or two re-read your draft, preferably aloud and/or to acritical listener. The listener does not need to be an expert on thesubject. He can advise you on whether or not your essay is intelligiblewithout understanding every word. Be ruthless in your pruning,redrafting or even complete re-writing. Good work requires agreat deal of effort.12. Referencing & bibliographyUse references and bibliography to acknowledge your sources.Set these out according to scholarly conventions.13. Remember to consider your reader:a. Consult your lecturer about any special requirementsyour faculty may have.b. Use any spell or grammar check your word-processoroffers.c. Double-space or 1 space, when typing.d. Use lined paper when writing by hand and write legibly.e. Write on one side of paper only.f. Leave a generous margin for comments (4 to 5 cm)g. Staple pages togetherh. See that your name and subject title are on the paper.STUDY SKILLS BOOK A GUIDE FOR STUDENTS 16