Notes from Professor for Revision of Literature Review and Introduction
You have a good start with your draft. However, I would recommend that you spend some time with your revision. Remember that transforming your first draft into a final draft can be a challenging process. The following questions may guide you as you decide what and how to revise. Questions to Ask Yourself THE INTRODUCTION 1. Do I catch the reader’s interest, provide relevant background, and narrow the topic into a thesis sentence? Does the thesis encompass all of my key ideas? Can I underline the thesis to make sure that it is clearly stated? Do I need to adjust the thesis–either broaden or narrow it? THE REVIEW 2. Have I clearly organized my paragraphs, using one main idea per paragraph? Have I included a topic sentence to introduce the main idea for each paragraph? Do I need to adjust any topic sentences in any way? 3. Have I used transitions as links back to the thesis and to preceding paragraphs? 4. Does my argument: • have a clear structure? (Can I easily outline it? Can someone else?) • develop in the most logical order? Would a different organization be more effective? • respond in sufficient depth to all aspects of the assignment? 5. Do I have enough evidence, or too much? Does my evidence advance the argument in some way, without repeating the same points? Does each sub-argument have enough explanation and support (quotations, detailed discussion of events or language,…)? 6. Do I explain in my own words the significance of all quotations? Am I using quotations to support my own analysis? Am I using the documentation method my professor requires? THE CONCLUSION 7. Does my conclusion bring my argument to a close? Does it tie the argument together in such a way that the reader knows my purpose in writing this paper? Does it accomplish more, such as provide a broader context for the topic, propose a course of action, offer a new perspective on the topic, or end with an interesting twist? Do I leave my reader with something to ponder? Remember, this class is not about “fixing” one paper, but it is instead about giving you the tools to create a solid writing process. You should use these questions to craft a stronger text while crafting a stronger awareness about writing.
Revision of Literature Review and Introduction Follow the directions below for the completion of the introduction and literature review revision assignment for Unit V.
If you have questions, please email your professor for assistance.
Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to revise the introduction and literature review of your academic argumentative research paper, which you created a draft of in Unit IV.
Description: In this assignment, you will revise the introduction and literature review that you wrote for the Unit IV assignment.
Revisions must be substantive and should be made in accordance with the professor’s instructions. The following parts of the assignment must be revised:
Introduction (9-12 well-developed sentences/approximately 350 words): For more details about what is expected for each of the following sentences, please see “Lesson 4: The Introduction.” You may also want to review the “Example Introduction and Literature Review (with comments).”
The following components must be included in the introduction (in the following order).
Sentence 1: Introduce the general topic
Sentence 2: Pro side (general)
Sentence 3: Con side (general)
Sentence 4: Narrow the scope (1)
Sentence 5: Examples of the narrowed topic
Sentence 6: Narrow the scope (2)
Sentence 7: Specific controversy
Sentence 8: Pro side (specific)
Sentence 9: Con side (specific)
Sentence 10: The thesis
Literature Review (800-900 words): For details about the structure of the literature review, you will want to review “Lesson 3: The Literature Review: The Process.” You may also want to review the “Example Introduction and Literature Review (with comments).” The link is below.
Literature review preface: This paragraph acts as a guide to what the reader can expect in the literature review. Literature review body: This section includes three to four body paragraphs that discuss the history, terminology, and both sides of the controversy (pro and con). Literature review conclusion: The conclusion signals that the literature review is ending, but it also acts as a kind of preface for the body of the paper by restating the thesis statement and establishing your argument once again.
