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Writing A Source Analysis Paper

The document outlines a 10-step process for writing an effective source analysis paper: 1) Identify the assigned question before reading sources, 2) Read sources and take notes, 3) Write a thesis statement answering the question, 4) Identify sub-themes to analyze, 5) Create an outline, 6) Write a first draft, 7) Proofread for spelling, grammar, punctuation, tense, and flow, 8) Get feedback and make revisions, 9) Ensure the thesis, evidence, and conclusion make sense, and 10) Have someone else review the paper to catch any missed errors or issues. Following these steps helps create a well-structured paper supported by evidence from the sources.

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122 views2 pages

Writing A Source Analysis Paper

The document outlines a 10-step process for writing an effective source analysis paper: 1) Identify the assigned question before reading sources, 2) Read sources and take notes, 3) Write a thesis statement answering the question, 4) Identify sub-themes to analyze, 5) Create an outline, 6) Write a first draft, 7) Proofread for spelling, grammar, punctuation, tense, and flow, 8) Get feedback and make revisions, 9) Ensure the thesis, evidence, and conclusion make sense, and 10) Have someone else review the paper to catch any missed errors or issues. Following these steps helps create a well-structured paper supported by evidence from the sources.

Uploaded by

bigbuddhaz
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Writing a Source Analysis Paper: The Ten-Step Process

There are many things that go into writing a good source analysis paper. One might compare it to building a house. Think about it: if you do not take the time to plan for construction, the house will fall. Writing a good thought paper is similar. Here is a ten-step process to help you write a better source analysis paper. These guidelines will help you in writing any short essay. 1) Before reading the documents, write down the assigned question that you are going to address in your paper. Read this question several times to yourself. The purpose of this exercise is to get you thinking about what your answer will be, before you begin reading. 2) Read the documents. Meanwhile, jot down any evidence from the documents that you might want to use in the paper. 3) Write a thesis statement that answers the assigned question. 4) Write down several sub-themes that you would like to address in the paper. Initially, write as many as you think of. Then pick the two most interesting subthemes that you would like to discuss. 5) Write an outline, like one listed below. After completing this outline, you'll find that the paper is virtually written. All you have to do now is write the first draft. Suggested Source Analysis Paper Format: A. Introductory paragraph 1. Write a lead sentence that gains the reader's attention. Example: When speaking of families, it is important not to neglect the issue of sexual behavior. 2. Introduce your thesis or primary argument. Example: The American Revolutionary War was less of a social revolution than it was a fight for economic autonomy. 3. Introduce sub-arguments or sub-themes that you are going to use to support your thesis. B. Body of the paper 1. Discuss the sub-themes that you identified in the introductory paragraph, in separate paragraphs. 2. Write down page numbers of the book (document reader or textbook) that you're going to use to support these sub-themes. C. Conclusion 1. Restate your thesis and sub-themes. 2. Write any closing comments. 6) Write the first draft of the paper. 7) After you've completed writing the first draft, the hard part begins. Yes, it's time to proofread. 8) When proofreading, you want to correct several things, which I've listed below:

SpellingMost word processors have a spell-checking feature, but do not rely heavily on them. Use a dictionary, to correct any words that you are not sure about. UsageBe sure that you are using the word that you intend to use correctly. Examples: there/their/they're, no/know, it's/its, lead/led, or any other homonym PunctuationUse periods, commas, semi-colons, colons, em-dashes (two hyphens), when necessary. Verb tenseto improve the flow of your writing, choose a tense (i.e., past, present, future) and stick with it. Most historical writing speaks of figures from the past in the past tense ("John Hancock said..."). Paragraph constructionThink of each paragraph that you write as presenting a complete idea. Thus, you want to form a topic sentence that each subsequent sentence relates to. Then you want to make sure that the last sentence of each paragraph, flows into the first sentence of the following paragraph. Words of hesitationTry to eliminate words that connote a sense of hesitation (e.g., maybe, might, perhaps, possibly) unless you absolutely have to use them as qualifying language. 9) After proofreading for these things, go back, and read your paper aloud. This process will allow you to hear any inconsistency that you did not pick up earlier when reading silently. Meanwhile, ask yourself the following questions: a. Do my thesis, sub-themes, and conclusion make sense? b. Do I support all of the statements that I've made with evidence from the readings? 10) This last step is probably the most important. Have someone else read your paper. Often a fresh eye will catch things that you did not. I will be happy to read drafts of your paper during my office hours. Congratulations! You're ready to turn in your paper.

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