1.

Thinking like a researcher

Thinking like a researcher is essential for effective academic writing. In "Student's Guide to
Writing College Papers," the author emphasizes that research is not just about gathering
information but involves critical thinking and problem-solving.
Key Points on Critical Thinking in Research
1.Decline in Critical Thinking Skills: Studies indicate a significant decline in critical thinking
abilities among college students, affecting their research processes. Many rely heavily on Google
and Wikipedia, often unaware of how to effectively search scholarly databases or apply good
search logic
2. Importance of Purpose: Research should be purposeful, aimed at solving specific problems
rather than merely collecting facts. This involves a cyclical process of brainstorming, analyzing,
organizing, interpreting, critiquing, and concluding
3.Brainstorming Techniques: One effective method is clustering or webbing, where you start
with a central idea and brainstorm associated words or concepts. This helps in generating ideas
and organizing thoughts effectively
4.Effective Writing Strategies: To enhance productivity, identify your best writing times,
minimize distractions, create outlines, and set timers to work under pressure. Avoid editing while
writing to maintain flow
5.Engaging the Reader: Good research should not only present information but also convey its
significance. Understanding what questions your audience might have can guide your research
focus and improve engagement
6.By cultivating critical thinking skills and applying these strategies, students can improve their
research capabilities and produce high-quality academic writing.
The use of argument and evidence is crucial in persuasive communication, particularly when
navigating cultural, religious, and political barriers. Here’s a breakdown of how these elements
function in persuasive writing.
Barriers to Persuasion
Cultural Barriers: Statements can resonate differently across cultures. For example, the assertion
that "women should not enter the workplace" may be persuasive in some contexts but not in
others, such as the U.S., where gender equality is more widely accepted.
Religious Barriers: Claims like "preserving the life of the innocent is our responsibility" may not
be universally accepted, as moral interpretations vary significantly among different religious
groups.
Political Barriers: Political affiliations can hinder acceptance of certain arguments. For instance,
the claim that "voting Republican is the only morally right option" may alienate those with
differing political beliefs.
Types of Arguments
Deductive Arguments: These start with a general premise and lead to a specific conclusion. They
provide certainty if the premises are true. For example:
Major Premise: All mammals are warm-blooded.
Minor Premise: No lizards are warm-blooded.
Conclusion: Therefore, no lizards are mammals.
Inductive Arguments: These begin with specific observations and lead to general conclusions but
lack certainty. For example:
Major Premise: Gravity makes things with weight fall.
Minor Premise: I have weight.
Conclusion: If I jump off a building, I will fall.
Flawed Arguments
Recognizing flawed arguments is essential for effective persuasion. Common types include:
Ad hominem
Appeal to authority
Strawman
Slippery slope
Understanding these flaws can enhance critical thinking and improve persuasive writing.
Providing Evidence
The core of any argument is its claim, supported by reasons and evidence. In writing:
Major Premise: This serves as your thesis statement.
Minor Premises: These represent the sections of your paper, providing detailed support for your
thesis.
Conclusion: This summarizes the argument and reinforces your main point.
By effectively combining well-structured arguments with robust evidence, you can create
persuasive communication that resonates across various barriers.
 2. Formal academic writing -1
Formal academic writing is crucial for effectively communicating ideas in educational settings.
Here are key differences between informal and formal writing styles, along with essential tips for
improving your academic writing.
Key Differences
Tone: Informal writing is personal and conversational, while formal writing is objective and
impersonal.
Language: Use standard English; avoid slang, contractions, and colloquialisms. For example, use
"children" instead of "kids."
Sentence Structure: Formal writing employs a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences
to express nuanced ideas.
Pronouns: Avoid first and second person pronouns (e.g., "I," "you") in favor of third person or
passive constructions.
Tips for Effective Academic Writing
Clarity and Precision: Use clear and precise language. Avoid exaggerations and vague terms.
Objective Tone: Maintain an impersonal tone by focusing on facts rather than personal opinions.
Variety in Sentence Structure: Use a mix of sentence types to keep the reader engaged.
Citations: Properly cite sources to support your arguments and enhance credibility.
Editing and Proofreading: Thoroughly revise your work to eliminate errors and improve clarity.
By adhering to these principles, you can enhance the quality of your academic writing and
effectively communicate your ideas.

3. Formal academic writing -2

In this second part of our series on formal academic writing, we will focus on the use of formal
language and objectivity, concluding with strategies for enhancing clarity in your writing.

Formal Language
Avoid Contractions and Abbreviations: Use full forms such as "do not" instead of "don't" and
"photograph" instead of "photo." Only use acronyms after defining them (e.g., "United Bible
Societies (UBS)").
Use Precise Language: Clearly articulate your ideas without vague descriptors. For instance, say
"many people rejected the findings" rather than "many people felt bad about it."
Active Voice: Favor active voice over passive voice for clarity. For example, use "The study
shows" instead of "It is shown by the study."
Objectivity
Avoid Personal Opinions: Eliminate phrases like "I think" or "in my opinion." State facts
directly, e.g., "The scriptures are clear," without qualifiers.
Be Cautious with Absolutes: Use terms like "most" or "many" rather than absolutes such as
"always" or "never," as these can alienate readers who may know exceptions.
Writing with Clarity
Use Clear Descriptors: Instead of subjective terms like "nasty," opt for specific descriptions, e.g.,
"the food smelled of mold."
Combine Sentences for Efficiency: Merge related ideas into single sentences to enhance flow.
For example, instead of saying, "My father is a dentist. He plays golf on his day off," you could
say, "My father, a dentist, plays golf on his day off."
Avoid Dangling Modifiers: Ensure modifiers clearly relate to the words they modify to prevent
confusion.
Proofreading Techniques:
Print your paper and read it aloud to catch errors.
Have a peer review your work for fresh perspectives.
Read your revised paper aloud to someone else to identify lingering issues.
By applying these principles, you can produce high-quality formal academic papers that
effectively communicate your ideas.
4. Writing a Thesis Statement
A strong thesis statement is essential for guiding your research and writing. It should clearly
define the purpose and scope of your paper. Here’s a structured approach to formulating an
effective thesis statement based on the principles discussed.
1. Identify Your Topic
Start by selecting a meaningful topic that interests you. For example, you might
explore circumcision in the call of Abraham.
2. Narrow Your Focus
Refine your topic to a specific question or issue. Instead of broadly addressing circumcision,
consider: "What was the significance of circumcision in distinguishing the Israelites from
surrounding cultures?"
3. Formulate Research Questions
Create two or three potential research questions that delve deeper into your topic:
Did other groups in the Middle East practice circumcision?
What cultural significance did circumcision hold for the Israelites compared to their neighbors?
4. Draft Your Thesis Statement
Combine your topic, purpose, and scope into a concise thesis statement. For example:
"This paper will examine God's use of circumcision in the call of Abraham as a unique sign of
divine covenant, highlighting its cultural significance within ancient Near Eastern societies."
5. Outline Supporting Points
Develop an outline that identifies main points supporting your thesis:
Historical context of circumcision in ancient cultures.
The theological implications of God's covenant with Abraham.
Comparative analysis with other practices in neighboring societies.
Conclusion
A well-crafted thesis statement not only clarifies your argument but also sets the direction for
your research and writing process. By following these steps, you can create a focused and
compelling thesis that engages both you and your readers.
5. Crafting Good Paragraphs
Good writing is an essential skill, and understanding how to craft effective paragraphs is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key components of a well-structured paragraph and provide tips
for enhancing your writing.
Key Components of a Paragraph
A good paragraph typically consists of three main parts:
1. Topic Sentence
The topic sentence is the first sentence in the paragraph and introduces the main idea. For
example, when discussing Abraham, a strong topic sentence might be:
"Abraham led a long life full of many difficulties."
This sentence sets the stage for what the paragraph will discuss.
2. Supporting Details
Following the topic sentence, supporting details elaborate on the main idea. These sentences
provide evidence, examples, and explanations that reinforce the topic. For instance:
"Called by God, Abraham left his homeland and all his family."
"His wife Sarah encouraged him to have a baby with her slave Hagar."
"Genesis 22 records a dramatic story of how God tested his faith with the near sacrifice of his
son Isaac."
These details develop the narrative of Abraham’s life and highlight its challenges.
3. Closing Sentence
The closing sentence wraps up the paragraph by restating the main idea in different words. An
example might be:
"After many years of family strife and difficulty, Abraham died at age 175 and was buried with
Sarah in the Cave of Machpelah."
This sentence summarizes Abraham's life while echoing themes introduced earlier.
Steps for Pre-Writing Paragraphs
To effectively pre-write your paragraphs, follow these steps:
Identify Your Thesis Statement: Determine how you will answer your research question.
List Initial Questions: Write down questions you want to address in your paragraph.
Conduct Research: Gather facts and information related to your questions.
Organize Your Ideas: Frame your main ideas into topic sentences.
Structure Supporting Details: Align your research facts with each topic sentence to create
cohesive paragraphs.
Tips for Writing Effective Paragraphs
Stay Focused: Ensure each sentence relates back to the topic sentence.
Check Grammar and Spelling: Proofread for errors.
Read Aloud: This helps catch mistakes that might be overlooked when reading silently.
Ensure Subject-Verb Agreement: Verify that subjects and verbs agree in number.
Maintain Verb Tense Consistency: Keep verb tenses consistent throughout your writing.
Make It Interesting: Craft engaging content that draws readers in from the first sentence.
Types of Paragraphs
Understanding different types of paragraphs can enhance your writing style:
1. Choice Paragraph
Requires a decision between options, often including personal opinions.
2. Classification Paragraph
Groups ideas or objects into categories using phrases like "is a kind of."
3. Compare and Contrast Paragraph
Discusses similarities and differences between subjects using comparative phrases.
4. Definition Paragraph
Explains concepts or terms, often starting with "is defined as."
5. Description Paragraph
Describes characteristics of people, places, or things using sensory details.
6. Evaluation Paragraph
Makes judgments about ideas or actions supported by research.
7. Explanation Paragraph
Explains how or why something happens using causal language.
8. Sequence Paragraph
Describes a series of events or processes in chronological order.
Conclusion
By mastering these components and techniques for crafting paragraphs, you can enhance your
writing skills significantly. Remember to enjoy the process of researching and writing—it's an
opportunity for creativity and expression! Happy writing!

6. Going from Outline to First Draft

In this episode of the 10-Minute Teacher, we will explore the process of transitioning from an
outline to your first draft in theological research and writing. This structured approach will help
you effectively organize your thoughts and arguments.
1. Start with a Basic Outline
Begin by formulating your research question. This question will guide your entire writing
process. As you identify the key questions that need to be addressed, transform these into topic
sentences that represent each main section of your paper.Example: If your research question is
about circumcision in the call of Abraham, your main sections could include:
Historical context of circumcision
Theological implications
Cultural significance
2. Organize Your Arguments
Once you have your questions and topic sentences, organize them into a logical order. Ask
yourself:
Is this the best sequence for my arguments?
Will my reader be able to follow my line of reasoning from the thesis statement to the
conclusion?
3. Draft Introductory Paragraphs
For each main section, write a preliminary introductory paragraph. This should summarize what
that section will cover and how it connects to your overall thesis.Example: For the section on
historical context, you might introduce how circumcision was practiced in various ancient
cultures.
4. Insert Preliminary Findings
As you refine your outline, insert bullet points for key findings and evidence into each section.
This could include quotes, statistics, or references that support your argument.
5. Expand Your Outline
Your expanded outline will now consist of:
An introduction with a refined thesis statement
Main sections with introductory paragraphs
Bullet points of supporting research under each section
A rough conclusion summarizing your findings
6. Transition to Your First Draft
Using your expanded outline, begin writing your first draft:
Introduction: Clearly state your thesis and outline what the paper will cover.
Body Sections: Each section should start with an opening paragraph that includes the thesis for
that section, followed by detailed paragraphs derived from your bullet points.
Summary Paragraphs: End each section with a summary that encapsulates what the reader has
learned and how it ties back to the main thesis.
7. Write Your Conclusion
Your conclusion should:
Summarize the main arguments presented in the paper.
Reflect on whether your research validated or invalidated your thesis.
Discuss any implications or future research directions.
Conclusion
The goal of this process is not just to confirm your initial thesis but to engage critically with the
material. Whether your research supports or challenges your thesis, both outcomes are valuable
in academic writing. By following this structured approach, you can effectively transition from
an outline to a comprehensive first draft.Now, head to the library and enjoy diving into your
research!

7. Use of argument and evidence

The use of argument and evidence is crucial in persuasive communication, particularly when
navigating cultural, religious, and political barriers. Here’s a breakdown of how these elements
function in persuasive writing.
Barriers to Persuasion
Cultural Barriers: Statements can resonate differently across cultures. For example, the assertion
that "women should not enter the workplace" may be persuasive in some contexts but not in
others, such as the U.S., where gender equality is more widely accepted.
Religious Barriers: Claims like "preserving the life of the innocent is our responsibility" may not
be universally accepted, as moral interpretations vary significantly among different religious
groups.
Political Barriers: Political affiliations can hinder acceptance of certain arguments. For instance,
the claim that "voting Republican is the only morally right option" may alienate those with
differing political beliefs.
Types of Arguments
Deductive Arguments: These start with a general premise and lead to a specific conclusion. They
provide certainty if the premises are true. For example:
Major Premise: All mammals are warm-blooded.
Minor Premise: No lizards are warm-blooded.
Conclusion: Therefore, no lizards are mammals.
Inductive Arguments: These begin with specific observations and lead to general conclusions but
lack certainty. For example:
Major Premise: Gravity makes things with weight fall.
Minor Premise: I have weight.
Conclusion: If I jump off a building, I will fall.
Flawed Arguments
Recognizing flawed arguments is essential for effective persuasion. Common types include:
Ad hominem
Appeal to authority
Strawman
Slippery slope
Understanding these flaws can enhance critical thinking and improve persuasive writing.
Providing Evidence
The core of any argument is its claim, supported by reasons and evidence. In writing:
Major Premise: This serves as your thesis statement.
Minor Premises: These represent the sections of your paper, providing detailed support for your
thesis.
Conclusion: This summarizes the argument and reinforces your main point.
By effectively combining well-structured arguments with robust evidence, you can create
persuasive communication that resonates across various barriers.