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Strategies for Becoming an Effective Academic Writer

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Submitted By jason012
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Strategies for Becoming an Effective Academic Writer
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September 27, 2012

Strategies for Becoming an Effective Academic Writer

• Consider how the writing process you read about in this class differs from the process you have used in the past. What specifically have you done in the past compared to what you have read about this week?

In the past I never have really created a Thesis Statement, I did not even know what one really was. I use to just run with my thoughts in my writing, I always felt I explained early in the writing what I was trying to get across. After I learned greater detail of a Thesis I went back to look at my previous papers, and I noticed I never had a thesis, it was more along the lines of a point versus explaining my opinion, but I received a grade for having a proper thesis.
Another thing that I picked up on was outlining. This is also completely new to me. I always thought outlining was used to just show major points of topics and sub-topics. I have also played with this a little bit, and I have realized this does make the writing process a lot easier as I am not constantly rereading a topic to look for that important point I want to get across to my audience. In the past I have always knew what I wanted to write about, and knew how I wanted to get it across to the readers. I always thought I was a good writer as previously I have never had a Defense Attorney attack my report in a criminal proceeding; I have never left room for questioning. I learned Police report writing in the Academy, and since then I have made all my writings in that style.

• Which step in the writing process is easiest for you to complete? Why is it easier?

The easiest step in the writing process for me to complete is outlining. The reason is, when I outline something I see that I don’t have to constantly keep referring back to

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