Category Archives: Writing Lessons

The Right Time to Quote Suppose we have an argument that’s difficult to prove, and evidence is scarce, but we do have one good quote that clearly demonstrates the validity of our position. Suppose also that the quote isn’t entirely … Continue reading →

Way better than vanilla Google for academic research. Accessible easily at http://scholar.google.com. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the search results delivered by Google and Google Scholar for an identical simple search request: positive reinforcement to train elephants. Notice few if … Continue reading →

I Can’t Find any Good Quotes. This common complaint rises from a misunderstanding that the only useful quotes are those that “support my thesis.” As I’m sure I’ve told you more than once, establishing a thesis before you’ve begun your … Continue reading →

Why this is important I found Username a source using Google Scholar and the Rowan library. “I can’t find any sources!” Username and I were talking yesterday about his topic, the hateful anti-gay rhetoric spewed by the Westboro Baptist Church, … Continue reading →

For awhile now I’ve been thinking about a particular counterintuitive law, but I haven’t completed my post on it yet. This is a work in progress. Perhaps you’ve heard of ag-gag laws, legislation designed to criminalize journalists who publicize the … Continue reading →

Monday we practiced trading vague, weak opening paragraphs for more direct, clear, provocative claims to begin an essay. Tonight, let’s practice the simplest, most effective technique to improve your writing: robust subjects and verbs. Better Arguments Your essay is a … Continue reading →

Choose the Only Good Opening Sentence: An argument cannot be won in the first sentence, but it can be lost. First sentences are very important. Most authors of articles of all kinds have trouble writing first sentences. There are several … Continue reading →