Writing in the Tutorial

Exercise	Title and Description
Paper 1	Artificial Intelligence
	Clarify thesis Paraphrase
Paper 2	Describe an Expert System
	Library Research to find information on a specific expert system Identification of approach and main points
Paper 3	World Wide Web
	Explore a concept, theme, or application Library Research
Paper 4	Parallel algorithms or Risks of Computing
	Describe a specific parallel algorithm, or Identify several risks of computing
Paper 5	Library Reserach and Report
	Draft for peer review Paper revision Oral presentation

Some Notes on Writing Papers

1. An effective paper must be based on an idea.
   • You must have something to say.
   • This requires adequate research/background.
   • You need to have thought about the topic, but the idea need not be earthshaking.
   • Just find an idea you find interesting.

2. While a nice appearances does not guarantee a good grade, a sloppy paper is likely to receive a lower grade.
   • Spelling/punctuation/grammar errors undermine your creditability.
   • Even worse, sloppiness suggests you don't care, so why should the reader?
   • On the other side, a paper that looks nice sends the message that you care and are interested.
   • Calvin of "Calvin and Hobbes" once said that a clear plastic binder would guarantee him a good grade. While this is overstated, do not dismiss this out of hand.
   • All this suggests that
     • use of a spelling checker should be considered mandatory, and
     • proofreading a paper a few times is essential.

3. Spend enough time organizing, writing, editing, and polishing your ideas.
   • A paper is the only evidence the reader has on how much you have done.
   • 20-30 hours of research and thought cannot be explained by writing for only an hour or two.
   • At the other extreme, people vote for politicians with smooth speeches, even if there is little content .
     • Even faculty may not be immune from the lure of polished writing.

4. The introduction (e.g., introductory paragraph) should identify the topic, place the topic in a context, and indicate the structure of the paper.
   • Place the topic in context, but do not over-generalize.
   • State your thesis clearly and concisely.
   • Since the rest of your paper explains and justifies your thesis, the introduction should indicate how the following explanation or logical argument is organized.

5. Structure your argument, so that each paragraph has a unifying theme.
   • Each paragraph should contain a clearly stated, topic sentence.
   • All other components of the paragraph should related directly to that theme.
   • Think about each topic enough, so you have something to say. A paragraph with only two or three sentences often indicates the author should think more deeply about the topic.

6. Structure your sentences to make your point clearly, concisely, and forcefully.
   • State what you mean directly. (Using words in "quotes" often indicates a lack of clarity -- use the words you mean.)
   • State your ideas completely, but do not repeat over and over and over again.
   • Use active verbs whenever possible to propel the reader forward. Sentences often can be tightened if they are rewritten to replace passive verbs and linking verbs with active ones.

http://www.math.grin.edu/~walker/courses/tutorial/writing/