Please read Chapter IV of Rampolla's Pocket Guide to Writing In History (pp. 51-89). Comment here on that fourth chapter. What here strikes you as
particularly important? Is there anything you hadn't thought of
before? Anything you disagree with?
When reading through chapter four of the book what really struck out to me that was particularly important was forming a good historical thesis for your paper. I liked how the author gave us tips on how to write an effective thesis statement as well as showing us an ineffective thesis statements so we know what to write and what not to write. For example the author states on page sixty two not to open with a global statement in your thesis. We can't assume people know and are interested in the topic we are talking about.
I also particularly liked the tips the author gave us again. Tips on good sentence structures and good introduction sentences into your new paragraphs. Making sure you can get good connections with your thesis and topic in each paragraph as well. I liked how in the conclusion part of your paragraph to make sure you know that your reader will understand that it is the conclusion.
I did not disagree with anything in this chapter. I actually learned a lot about how to be an effective writer when writing my introduction paragraph. I will be adding these new tips to the paper I'm writing now.
When reading this chapter, I thought it was very interesting when the author discussed respecting a historical subject. Rampolla states, "It is condescending, for example, to suggest that intelligent or insightful individuals, such as Galileo or Marie Curie were "ahead of their time" (suggesting, of course, that they thought the same way we do and that their contemporaries were unintelligent)" (Rampolla 54). I never really thought about it that way, so making sure you do not write in a bad tone is important in respecting historical figures and cultures. I like the author's ideas in interpreting history, because we need to put ourselves in the shoes of the people who lived before us, as we always tend to push our viewpoints when looking back at history.
I think this chapter really helped define what a thesis is, because most of the time I think we mistake it for a statement regarding the topic of a paper. Rampolla goes into depth about how a good thesis should be created, by suggesting an answer, being specific, being debatable, and supported through evidence. The author also provides tips in organizing and writing a good paper, as they give examples to help articulate the points they make.
There was nothing I disagreed with in this chapter, as it helped me understand how to formulate a thesis better and provided examples towards writing a good history essay.
While reading chapter 4, one thing that struck me as particularly important was to think like a historian when you are writing history. One thing that was interesting was in the think like a historian section, Rampolla says that you should respect your subject and to be aware of your own biases. "We naturally choose to write about subjects that interest us". (Rampolla, 55) This is something that I hadn't thought about in a writing context. Have respect for the subject in your paper is important because if you don't, your writing will show that particular bias towards your subject.
There wasn't anything I disagreed with in this chapter. I thought it brought up a lot of interesting takes on developing a thesis that made me think about my previous historical papers.
After reading through chapter four of the book, I noted a lot of key information. One specific thing that I think is important is the section on developing a good thesis. It's important to know and remember because a thesis is the heart of the paper and if it's a weak thesis then the paper will suffer. Something that I hadn't thought of before was when Rampolla talked about using active vs. passive voice. Not only is it something I've never thought about, but I honestly don't think I've ever heard of it. I appreciated Rampolla's descriptions and uses for both the voices. There's nothing that I disagree with in this chapter.
One thing that I found important in ch.4 is the section about the thesis. Rampolla states, "a thesis is not a description of your paper topic, a question, a statement of fact, or a statement of opinion..." (Rampolla, 56). We tend to forget was a thesis should be and start to make them more a statement of facts or even opinion. I know that there are a few times were I have done the same thing. I really like how the author gave a description of what a thesis should and should not be. It helped to see exactly what your thesis should be and how to do that.
One thing I did not think about is not to open your paper with a global statement. I did not realize that in doing that is can crate a generalize statement about a place or groups of people. Because not everyone is going to full under that generalization, which could also only be true for one person.
I thought it was interesting how the author points out the difference between passive and active voice, and how passive voice can be used to emphasize a particular subject or group of people. In pervious writings I don’t think I was very aware of whether or not I was using passive or active writing. This is definitely something I will have to focus on when writing in a future. One thing I hadn’t really given much thought about, was that when writing I should use the expanded form of words. Usually when I’m writing a paper, I switch back and forth between using contractions or the expanded form. It usually just depends on which form of the word sounds best to me.
What strikes me as particularly important in this chapter is the section on “Responding to counterevidence and anticipating opposing viewpoints.” This section is important because it addresses a common misconception: that acknowledging opposing viewpoints and arguments weakens ones own argument. This is an idea which is all too common in the modern world and especially in social media where acknowledging that you made a mistake can often lead to further hardships. However, as this section explains, it is important to acknowledge that your argument is not the only valid argument to be made about a subject and that an important part of the knowledge gathering process can be to revise your argument if you have encountered evidence which makes it ineffective. Moreover, this section also highlights how you should treat those opposing viewpoints and arguments with respect and dignity. This is also an important part of being a member of the historical community. Finally, this section is also important because it highlights the fact that acknowledging and discussing opposing viewpoints adds credibility to your own argument and reassures your readers that you are not simply supporting your own biases.
One of the things I took away from the chapter that stuck out to me the most was when Rampolla says to remember to leave enough time to revise and edit your work. I think this is very important because I related to it well, as I have made this mistake before many times. Rampolla says this is one of the most common mistakes in young writers, and it totally made sense to me when I read this because of the fact that I've done it so many times.
Something that I found very interesting was the paragraph titled "A thesis is NOT a statement of fact." This is because in every single paper that I have ever written, I have always been told that my thesis is a fact that I am trying to defend and that is what the body of my paper is for. I guess that's why I always write my thesis after I finish the body of my paper. However, I am conflicted because as I read the actual definition of a thesis, I feel as though I have done both. I also feel as though I have a better thesis after I write and rewrite until I am confident that I have my final draft because then I have the most accurate thesis that I can have for that particular topic.
Something that I have never thought of before is that a thesis is a DEBATABLE sentence. I always thought that a thesis is only debatable when used in a persuasive speech/paper. As I said above, I always thought that my thesis should be a fact that I defend, not debate.
There wasn't really anything that I disagree with.
The thing that I really found to be important in this chapter was when Rampolla said to "Be aware of your own biases". This is important to me because it brings to light to the fact that as a historian, you should not let your own biases and concerns direct the way you write about the past. I feel like this is a good thing because if you let your own biases take over, you won't be writing something 100% historically accurately. I will be using this a lot within my own writing for my chapter because I want it to be completely authentic and true, and because I don't want to twist what I learn by interjecting my own thoughts about how I think something should be.
There really wasn't anything I disagree with in this chapter.
This chapter was great. Coming from a debate background, everything sounded right. Defending one's argument, their thesis, means crafting a relationship with evidence that both supports their viewpoint and also being able to work with opposing evidence and make clear and articulate arguments as to why it should be disregarded or given little weight. I strongly agree with the messaging of this chapter. If more people thought about their writing this way the world would have many more readable papers, articles, etc.
This chapter was very interesting to say the least. I think the most important part of this chapter was the idea of Constructing an argument. I was never a good at arguing papers and different opinions on different topics. This chapter was especially useful for me or anyone reading Rampolla being able to construct a good argument can lead to a good argument that supports your thesis. I don't really disagree with anything in this chapter from page 64-68 Rampolla gives us clear information on how to organize and write a clear paper.
When reading through chapter four of the book what really struck out to me that was particularly important was forming a good historical thesis for your paper. I liked how the author gave us tips on how to write an effective thesis statement as well as showing us an ineffective thesis statements so we know what to write and what not to write. For example the author states on page sixty two not to open with a global statement in your thesis. We can't assume people know and are interested in the topic we are talking about.
ReplyDeleteI also particularly liked the tips the author gave us again. Tips on good sentence structures and good introduction sentences into your new paragraphs. Making sure you can get good connections with your thesis and topic in each paragraph as well. I liked how in the conclusion part of your paragraph to make sure you know that your reader will understand that it is the conclusion.
I did not disagree with anything in this chapter. I actually learned a lot about how to be an effective writer when writing my introduction paragraph. I will be adding these new tips to the paper I'm writing now.
When reading this chapter, I thought it was very interesting when the author discussed respecting a historical subject. Rampolla states, "It is condescending, for example, to suggest that intelligent or insightful individuals, such as Galileo or Marie Curie were "ahead of their time" (suggesting, of course, that they thought the same way we do and that their contemporaries were unintelligent)" (Rampolla 54). I never really thought about it that way, so making sure you do not write in a bad tone is important in respecting historical figures and cultures. I like the author's ideas in interpreting history, because we need to put ourselves in the shoes of the people who lived before us, as we always tend to push our viewpoints when looking back at history.
ReplyDeleteI think this chapter really helped define what a thesis is, because most of the time I think we mistake it for a statement regarding the topic of a paper. Rampolla goes into depth about how a good thesis should be created, by suggesting an answer, being specific, being debatable, and supported through evidence. The author also provides tips in organizing and writing a good paper, as they give examples to help articulate the points they make.
There was nothing I disagreed with in this chapter, as it helped me understand how to formulate a thesis better and provided examples towards writing a good history essay.
While reading chapter 4, one thing that struck me as particularly important was to think like a historian when you are writing history. One thing that was interesting was in the think like a historian section, Rampolla says that you should respect your subject and to be aware of your own biases. "We naturally choose to write about subjects that interest us". (Rampolla, 55) This is something that I hadn't thought about in a writing context. Have respect for the subject in your paper is important because if you don't, your writing will show that particular bias towards your subject.
ReplyDeleteThere wasn't anything I disagreed with in this chapter. I thought it brought up a lot of interesting takes on developing a thesis that made me think about my previous historical papers.
After reading through chapter four of the book, I noted a lot of key information. One specific thing that I think is important is the section on developing a good thesis. It's important to know and remember because a thesis is the heart of the paper and if it's a weak thesis then the paper will suffer. Something that I hadn't thought of before was when Rampolla talked about using active vs. passive voice. Not only is it something I've never thought about, but I honestly don't think I've ever heard of it. I appreciated Rampolla's descriptions and uses for both the voices. There's nothing that I disagree with in this chapter.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I found important in ch.4 is the section about the thesis. Rampolla states, "a thesis is not a description of your paper topic, a question, a statement of fact, or a statement of opinion..." (Rampolla, 56). We tend to forget was a thesis should be and start to make them more a statement of facts or even opinion. I know that there are a few times were I have done the same thing. I really like how the author gave a description of what a thesis should and should not be. It helped to see exactly what your thesis should be and how to do that.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I did not think about is not to open your paper with a global statement. I did not realize that in doing that is can crate a generalize statement about a place or groups of people. Because not everyone is going to full under that generalization, which could also only be true for one person.
I thought it was interesting how the author points out the difference between passive and active voice, and how passive voice can be used to emphasize a particular subject or group of people. In pervious writings I don’t think I was very aware of whether or not I was using passive or active writing. This is definitely something I will have to focus on when writing in a future. One thing I hadn’t really given much thought about, was that when writing I should use the expanded form of words. Usually when I’m writing a paper, I switch back and forth between using contractions or the expanded form. It usually just depends on which form of the word sounds best to me.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteWhat strikes me as particularly important in this chapter is the section on “Responding to counterevidence and anticipating opposing viewpoints.” This section is important because it addresses a common misconception: that acknowledging opposing viewpoints and arguments weakens ones own argument. This is an idea which is all too common in the modern world and especially in social media where acknowledging that you made a mistake can often lead to further hardships. However, as this section explains, it is important to acknowledge that your argument is not the only valid argument to be made about a subject and that an important part of the knowledge gathering process can be to revise your argument if you have encountered evidence which makes it ineffective. Moreover, this section also highlights how you should treat those opposing viewpoints and arguments with respect and dignity. This is also an important part of being a member of the historical community. Finally, this section is also important because it highlights the fact that acknowledging and discussing opposing viewpoints adds credibility to your own argument and reassures your readers that you are not simply supporting your own biases.
One of the things I took away from the chapter that stuck out to me the most was when Rampolla says to remember to leave enough time to revise and edit your work. I think this is very important because I related to it well, as I have made this mistake before many times. Rampolla says this is one of the most common mistakes in young writers, and it totally made sense to me when I read this because of the fact that I've done it so many times.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I found very interesting was the paragraph titled "A thesis is NOT a statement of fact." This is because in every single paper that I have ever written, I have always been told that my thesis is a fact that I am trying to defend and that is what the body of my paper is for. I guess that's why I always write my thesis after I finish the body of my paper. However, I am conflicted because as I read the actual definition of a thesis, I feel as though I have done both. I also feel as though I have a better thesis after I write and rewrite until I am confident that I have my final draft because then I have the most accurate thesis that I can have for that particular topic.
ReplyDeleteSomething that I have never thought of before is that a thesis is a DEBATABLE sentence. I always thought that a thesis is only debatable when used in a persuasive speech/paper. As I said above, I always thought that my thesis should be a fact that I defend, not debate.
There wasn't really anything that I disagree with.
The thing that I really found to be important in this chapter was when Rampolla said to "Be aware of your own biases". This is important to me because it brings to light to the fact that as a historian, you should not let your own biases and concerns direct the way you write about the past. I feel like this is a good thing because if you let your own biases take over, you won't be writing something 100% historically accurately. I will be using this a lot within my own writing for my chapter because I want it to be completely authentic and true, and because I don't want to twist what I learn by interjecting my own thoughts about how I think something should be.
ReplyDeleteThere really wasn't anything I disagree with in this chapter.
This chapter was great. Coming from a debate background, everything sounded right. Defending one's argument, their thesis, means crafting a relationship with evidence that both supports their viewpoint and also being able to work with opposing evidence and make clear and articulate arguments as to why it should be disregarded or given little weight. I strongly agree with the messaging of this chapter. If more people thought about their writing this way the world would have many more readable papers, articles, etc.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter was very interesting to say the least. I think the most important part of this chapter was the idea of Constructing an argument. I was never a good at arguing papers and different opinions on different topics. This chapter was especially useful for me or anyone reading Rampolla being able to construct a good argument can lead to a good argument that supports your thesis. I don't really disagree with anything in this chapter from page 64-68 Rampolla gives us clear information on how to organize and write a clear paper.
ReplyDelete