The Dreaded Research Paper

In The Dreaded Research Paper, retired university professor Larry Patriquin draws on decades of teaching experience to bring to light the process of writing and structuring academic papers, from the title to the bibliography and everything in between. With a focus on undergraduate students, Patriquin explains how to conduct research, read critically, avoid plagiarism, and employ formatting; how to develop a title, an introduction, an argument, and a conclusion, while citing accurately; and how to form paragraphs, compose clear sentences, punctuate properly, and quote effectively. He also draws attention to words you need to watch (such as then vs. than), ending with dozens of writing dos and don’ts. Intended especially for those with little time to spare, The Dreaded Research Paper is a wellspring of practical advice and concrete examples, crammed into a small space. This slim volume will give you the skills and the confidence you need to complete works of the highest quality. And while it’s directed at students, this humorous, engaging book offers valuable tips for anyone who writes argumentative nonfiction for a living, be they scholars, journalists, or bloggers.