Roxy's Research Series: Part 2 of 3 / Using Quotes

 

Hello again, Roxy Readers!

When you're writing an essay, evidence is one of your best friends. It helps prove your ideas, builds your credibility, and shows your reader that you've done your research.

But here's the thing: you don't want your sources surfing the entire wave for you!

It can be tempting to pack your body paragraphs with quote after quote because it feels like stronger evidence. In reality, though, your professor wants to hear your voice. Quotes are there to support your ideas, not take over the whole essay.

After all, if your reader wanted to read only the source material, they could just read the original article! 

Catch the Right Balance

Your body paragraphs should mostly be made up of your own ideas, explanations, and analysis. Think of yourself as the surfer and your sources as the surfboard! They help you ride the wave, but you're the one steering where the essay goes.

Here are a few tips to help keep your quotes balanced:

• Introduce your quote. Don't let it suddenly appear out of nowhere.
• Never let a quote stand alone. Follow it with your own explanation. Ask yourself:
• Why is this quote important?
• How does it support my thesis?
• What should my reader take away from it?
• Avoid stacking quotes back-to-back. Give yourself room to explain each piece of evidence before moving on to another source.
• Keep quotes concise. Borrow only the words you really need. If you can say it just as well in your own words, try paraphrasing instead! Don’t forget to credit the author even if you do paraphrase! 
• Keep your voice in the spotlight. Your analysis should be longer than the quote itself.

Think of it like an Oreo cookie! Your words are the cookie portion, and the quotes are the cream filling. Sure, the filling is delicious, but nobody wants an Oreo that's all cream and no cookies! The best paragraphs have a healthy balance of both.

Here's What That Looks Like

Surfing forces people to practice mindfulness while they're in the water. Since the ocean is constantly changing, surfers have to stay aware of everything happening around them. According to surfing expert Slater, "[I]f one does not pay attention, they can easily be wiped out by a huge wave! It's extremely crucial to be on guard at all times" (50). This idea shows that mindfulness isn't just helpful, but it's necessary for staying safe. By remaining alert, surfers can react to changing waves and avoid dangerous situations.

Notice how the quote only supports the point I'm making. Most of the paragraph is still my own writing.

Your body paragraphs should mirror a similar format for the sake of balance.

How to Avoid Riding the Quote Wave Too Much

If you find yourself leaning on quotes a little too heavily, try these tricks:

• Ask yourself: If I removed this quote, would my paragraph still make sense? If the answer is yes, the quote might not be necessary.
• Write your point first. Don't go hunting for a quote until you know what you want to say.
• Treat quotes like supporting characters. You're the main character of your essay! The quotes are just here to help you shine.
• Spend more time analyzing than quoting. Your explanation should do most of the talking.
• Quote only what can't be said better. If the author's exact wording isn't important, paraphrase instead.

Ride Your Own Wave

Remember, Roxy Readers, you don't have to hide behind a wall of quotations to write a strong essay. Your reader wants to hear your ideas, your analysis, and your voice. Quotes are simply there to help strengthen what you've already said.

So don't let your sources steal the spotlight! Grab your surfboard, catch your own wave, and let your writing do the talking. :) 

And remember... just like a good quote, Roxy is always here to support your writing, not replace it!

Writing Rocks!

Roxy <3

Roxy's Research Series: Part 1 of 3 / Mastering Databases and Research

Hi there, Roxy Readers!

So, you’ve been handed a research assignment, and your professor wants you to find your own sources plus a couple from a database. 😬

If you’ve never used a database before, that might sound like you’re about to crash right into an impending wave. But don’t worry! Databases are much easier to navigate than they might seem. Let’s break it down and get you riding that research wave! 🌊

Finding and Using a Database

Most colleges have database links right on their library website, including Del Mar College. Once you scroll through the page, you should find the available database:

Valdar’s Discovery is Del Mar College’s default database, but many databases work in a similar way. If Valdar’s Discovery isn’t giving you what you need, you can also check out the A–Z databases listed farther down the page.

Catch Better Sources with Advanced Search

Roxy’s first tip? Click “Advanced Search”!

This option can help you narrow down your search and find sources that are more relevant to your topic. Once you click it, you’ll see three search bars where you can break your topic into smaller pieces.

And remember: keep your search simple! If you throw every possible detail into the search bar, you might accidentally wipe out your results. 😉

For example, if I were researching the mental and physical benefits of surfing, I could use the advanced search to break down my topic into a few simple search terms:

Right away, I find a relevant source that can be used for my argument!

Sometimes, you’ll catch a great source right away! Other times, your first search might leave you floating around with nothing useful. That’s totally okay.

Take a look through your results and see which sources seem relevant. If you don’t find what you need, change up your wording and try again. For example: use synonyms or more professional terms rather than simple terms and slang to better hone your results! You may need to experiment with a few different searches before you catch the right wave.

Search Filters 

Sometimes database searches give you way too many results, while other times they barely give you anything at all. Don’t worry! You can use search filters, called Boolean operators, to help steer your search in the right direction!

The three main Boolean operators are: 

- AND
- OR
- NOT

Need to narrow down those search results? AND is your friend!

Using AND tells the database that all of your search terms need to appear in the results. This helps you get more specific and avoid getting totally wiped out by a wave of unrelated results.

For example: surfing AND mental health AND physical wellbeing

This search looks for results that include all three concepts.

Not getting enough results? Time to catch a bigger wave! OR helps you broaden your search by allowing any of your search terms to appear in the results.

For example: mental health OR exercise OR physical wellbeing

This search can return results containing any one of these concepts, giving you a much wider pool of sources to explore.

Sometimes a search brings up results about a topic you don't want. That's where NOT comes in!

Using NOT tells the database to leave out a specific concept so you can focus your search on what you actually need.

For example: Mental health NOT physical health 

Think of Boolean operators as your search-board controls. AND narrows the wave, OR makes it bigger, and NOT helps you dodge the waves you don't want!

Using Filters

Sometimes, your professor will require you to filter your search, and they will only accept pieces from the database with said filters applied. The most common filters are that it must be peer-reviewed and from the last 5 years.

Luckily, applying filters is pretty easy! Scroll down on the search page until you find the “Filters” section. From there, select whichever filters your professor requires.

Then, select the specific filters that are required by the professor. In this case, I needed my sources to be “peer reviewed”.

Then, search like normal! Your database will automatically apply those filters to your results. Easy-peasy, Roxy Readers! 🙂

Importance of Research

Research does more than fill up your Works Cited or References page. It backs up your argument, strengthens your ideas, and helps establish your credibility as a writer.

The more comfortable you become with research databases, the easier it will be to navigate academic research and understand how scholarly information works.

So, don’t let databases wipe you out! Grab your topic, hop on that research wave, and start exploring. 🏄‍♀️🌊

Writing Rocks!

Roxy <3

Beat the Clock: A Plan for In-Class Writing

Hello again, Roxy Readers!

Ever feel like a timed writing assignment has you paddling against a giant wave? Writing within a time limit can feel overwhelming, especially when you can’t work on your essay outside of class. But don’t wipe out just yet! With a little planning and practice, you can make the most of that class time and ride the wave all the way to the finish!

Plan It Out Before You Paddle Out 

One of the biggest mistakes writers make is jumping straight into their essay without figuring out where they’re going. Then suddenly, you’re halfway through paragraph two thinking, “Wait... where am I going with this?” 😅

Instead, spend your first five minutes planning. Trust Roxy! It can save you a lot of time later!

Before you start writing:  

Reread the instructions. Look for the most important things your professor is asking you to do.

Choose your topic or stance. Decide what you want your essay to say.

Map it out. Jot down your thesis, main points, and supporting evidence on scratch paper.

For example, imagine your assignment says:

“Write an essay that makes an argument about what adults should do to live a healthier lifestyle.”

First, I’d think about a topic I know well and could easily support with evidence. Naturally, Roxy is going with surfing! 😊

Then, I’d create a thesis that gives my entire essay a direction:

“Adults should incorporate surfing into their lifestyle because the sport has many health benefits, including strengthening the heart and lungs, sharpening balance and leg strength, and promoting mental health benefits such as mindfulness.”

Boom! 🌊 In about five minutes, I have my argument and a roadmap for the rest of my essay. 

Now I’m ready to paddle out!

Reminder: Don’t forget to give your essay a quick intro and conclusion, just like you would with any other paper! But remember: the thesis and body paragraphs are the main waves to focus on, so make sure they get most of your attention.

Spend Your Time Where the Big Waves Are

Once you have your thesis, your body paragraphs become much easier to build because your thesis has already given you your main points. 

Your body paragraphs will make up most of your essay, so this is where you’ll want to spend the most time.

Using our surfing example, my three body paragraphs would focus on:

Body Paragraph 1: Improving heart and lung health

Body Paragraph 2: Improving balance and leg strength

Body Paragraph 3: Maximizing mental health benefits, such as mindfulness

Next, I’ll add evidence to support each claim. Depending on the assignment, this might come from your personal experiences or from a book or article you’ve already read.

Since you’ve already planned your topic and argument, finding the right evidence should feel much less like searching for a lost surfboard and much more like catching the wave you already prepared for!

At the end of the allotted time, save yourself a few minutes to reread what you have written and to make any last-minute revisions or edits to fully solidify any missing pieces! 

Want to Get Better? Practice Riding the Waves!

Like any writing skill, timed writing gets easier with practice. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become writing under pressure.

Here are a couple of ways to practice outside of class:

Practice in chunks: Break the writing process into smaller pieces. For example, give yourself five minutes to come up with a thesis.

Simulate real conditions: Grab an old assignment, choose an impromptu topic, and give yourself the same amount of time you’ll have in class. Try writing without your notes!

Timed writing might feel like the weight of the world is sitting on your shoulders, but you don’t have to let that pressure pull you underwater. Make a plan, focus on the biggest waves, and trust yourself!

Now grab your metaphorical surfboard, Roxy Readers, and go ride that writing wave! 🏄‍♀️🌊

Writing Rocks!

Roxy <3

Do I Really Need Tutoring?

Washing Away the Stigma Around Tutoring

Hello again, Roxy Readers! 

As the semester starts gaining momentum and those assignments begin rolling in like a rising tide, you may be wondering: Do I really need tutoring?

If you've ever felt unsure about visiting the Writing Center, you're definitely not alone. There are plenty of myths floating around about tutoring, and today we're going to wash those worries out to sea before they cause a total writing wipeout.

Writing Tutor Myths

Only bad writers need tutoring.

This is probably one of the biggest myths out there!

Many students assume that writing centers are only for writers who are struggling. In reality, writers of all skill levels seek feedback. Whether you're brainstorming ideas, polishing a final draft, or trying to make your writing flow more smoothly, tutoring can help you catch the next wave.

In fact, seeking feedback is often a sign that you're a dedicated writer who wants to keep improving. Even professional authors work with editors and readers before publishing their work!

I should already know how to write in college.

If only writing were that simple!

Writing is a skill that develops over time, and nobody starts out as a perfect writer. College-level writing often comes with new expectations, unfamiliar formats, and challenging assignments. That's why resources like the Writing Center exist.

Think of us as your surfing guide when the waves start getting a little rough. We're here to help you build confidence and strengthen your writing skills every step of the way.

Tutoring is only for English majors or composition classes.

Not even close!

Writing shows up in almost every college course. Nursing students write care plans. History students write research papers. Business majors create reports and proposals. Psychology students analyze studies. Culinary arts students write safety reports. Law enforcement students write evidence-based documents. No matter your major, chances are you'll encounter writing along the way.

The Writing Center is for everyone! 

Catch the Wave

Remember, even the strongest writers benefit from feedback, including me, Roxy Writer! 

At the Stone Writing Center, our goal isn't just to help you complete an assignment. We want to help you build confidence, develop your skills, and become a stronger writer long after the semester ends.

So, the next time you're wondering whether tutoring is worth it, remember this: asking for help isn't a sign that you're sinking. It's a sign that you're willing to learn, grow, and ride the waves of college writing with a little extra support.

Until next time, Roxy Readers, keep riding those writing waves! 

Writing Rocks!

Roxy <3

My Blog Origin Story

 

Hey there, Roxy Readers!

As the Fall semester comes crashing down in full force, I started this blog to help you, fellow writers, ride the wave with confidence rather than feeling like you’re headed for a total wipeout.

Why a Blog? 

The two things I love with every fiber of my being are surfing and writing! 🌊 As a passionate creative writer, I want to share that love and help others feel more stability riding their own writing waves.

Whenever I tell friends or students how much I adore writing, I’m often met with a few blank stares. I never realized just how intimidating writing can feel for so many people. For me, it’s always felt natural to let my thoughts spill onto the page. I could ramble for days without even trying. My words and feelings flow out as naturally as the tide rolling in. I wrongly assumed it was that easy for everyone else! 

I’m hoping my excitement is contagious and sparks a little more confidence and maybe even some fun in your writing. 😉

What We’ll Be Diving Into 

This blog will provide endless writing tips to assist in any area that you feel paralyzed by. Unsure of all the complex writing rules? No problem! I’ve got plenty of strategies to help you untangle grammar, sentence structure, formal writing, and everything in between. 

Need help getting all your swimming thoughts organized onto the page? You’ve come to the right place! Unsure of how to tackle an application essay? Piece of cake! Resumes, cover letters, APA, MLA, you name it, and I’ll be writing about it. 

Whatever the case, I will not leave you stranded! My goal is to take the fear out of writing and make it an enjoyable process. I hope that my love of writing will rub off on you on this journey together.

Take a deep breath and dive in with me!

Writing Rocks! 

Roxy <3

How to Peer Review

If there’s one thing that might be a little more challenging than writing your own paper, it’s being asked to review your peers’ work.

At some point in your studies, you’ve likely been asked to take part in a peer review assignment in which you read through your classmates’ work and provided feedback. Writers are often taught about the importance of grammar, so it can be easy to get caught up in only addressing mechanical errors as opposed to other important aspects of writing. Although revising and editing are sometimes treated as the same task, they are actually quite different. Note: For more on Revising versus Editing, please see the Stone Writing Center (SWC) handout on this topic.

During peer reviews, readers are expected to look at the details of the written piece and the writing as a whole. Below are some ideas and questions to consider when reviewing someone else’s work:

CONTENT

Determine how the content of the writing, the material the author has written, aligns with any instructions, prompts, or other guidelines.

Consider:

• Does the writing respond to and address the prompt?
• Are you, as the reader, able to understand the writer’s main idea?
• Does the main idea satisfy the expected goals of the genre and criteria of the assignment?
• Does the writer use appropriate supporting details and explanations to develop the main idea?

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT

Effective writers establish a clear purpose for writing that is well supported through fully-developed paragraphs. This means providing logical explanations for all ideas and topics of discussion.

Consider:

• Are the writer’s claims empty, or is there adequate evidence/support?
• Is every paragraph fully developed?
• Do any paragraphs seem rushed or underdeveloped?
• Does the writing stay on topic throughout every paragraph? Are the paragraphs each focused on one idea or claim related to the topic?
• Are there any instances of rambling, going off topic, or relaying unnecessary information?
• Is the main idea incorporated into each paragraph or section? If there is a thesis statement, is it developed and present throughout all parts of the writing?

ORGANIZATION

When writing is well organized, ideas flow into one another smoothly and the overall connection among paragraphs is cohesive.

Consider:

• Is the writing organized in a logical order?
• Is there a beginning, middle, and end, or an introduction, body paragraph/s, and conclusion?
• Does the writing’s organizational structure improve or disrupt the flow of information?
• At any point, do the writer’s ideas seem difficult to keep track of or follow?

When reviewing a peer’s work, consider these questions as you read to help you identify important aspects of writing.

Note: When completing a peer review assignment for a course, carefully read through the assignment instructions and be sure to consider any preferences your instructor may have. For more on understanding assignment instructions, please see the Stone Writing Center (SWC) handout on this topic.

Writing the Application Essay

Hello, Roxy Readers! It's scholarship application and college admission season! Are you ready to apply? Here are some some helpful tips to get you started. You can find this same resource under Additional Resources on our website at delmar.edu/swc. Good luck!

See you next time the sun is up, the breeze is cool, and the waves roll into view. 'Til then, hang ten!

Roxy 

APPLICATION ESSAYS

Writing an application essay for a scholarship or admission into a university or college is something most students will have to do at some point. These essays often differ significantly from a typical English essay, and with so much riding on them, writers should aim for their best. Although each individual essay will be as unique as its writer, there are a few basic strategies for an effective application essay.

WHAT ARE THE READERS ASKING FOR?

The first step in writing an application essay is to figure out what the essay prompt is asking. As with most writing, look for key words and phrases. Is the prompt asking you to demonstrate your personal qualities, your academic experience, or both? How do your readers expect you to illustrate these qualities? Sometimes an essay prompt will ask you to talk about a singular experience that illuminates your knowledge or capabilities. Others may be broader, asking you to discuss why you would be a good fit for a particular program or how a scholarship would help you pursue your career dreams. In any case, start with determining what the essay needs to contain before you begin writing, and pay close attention to the details.

FORMAT

It is also important to look carefully at any format requirements. Most application essays require a shorter length, some as short as 500 words or less, so the length should be taken into consideration as you plan your essay. Also, check for any font or other style requirements. Be as certain as possible that your writing conforms to your readers’ expectations because most documents of this sort are one-chance opportunities. Inattention to detail may not help you make a great first impression and could cost you the opportunity.

WRITING THE ESSAY

Because most writing of this sort will be limited in length, use every word to your advantage. Regardless of the prompt, as you draft, keep in mind the purpose of the text. Every single word or character counts, so staying on topic is vital. Deviations from the prompt or unnecessary information can take away from the main points, so think carefully about what you include.

Keep in mind that you are likely sending your essay to a committee that will read hundreds, if not thousands, of similar letters. Make sure yours stands out and grabs their attention, in addition to covering the topic/s. One way to do this is to avoid any broad, sweeping statements or cliché language (e.g., “I’ve always wanted to change the world” and similar expressions), and instead stick to specifics.

LETTERS OF INTENT AND PURPOSE STATEMENTS

In a letter of intent or purpose statement, often written as part of an application to a university program, you will likely be asked some form of the following question: How will your previous experience enable you to succeed in this program and/or what do you hope to gain professionally? When drafting such a letter, especially if it can only be a certain number of words, answer these questions as fully as possible without shifting topics. To do this, focus on specifics, and only include details that contribute to your message. As you draft, take breaks to read over your work and ask, “Does this sentence say something about who I am as student and who I want to be? Am I still answering the prompt question/s?”

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Essays for scholarship applications will require the same attention to detail as letters of intent, but the prompt may differ, depending on the scholarship. Some scholarships are for a particular program or subject, while others are designed to assist first-generation, underserved, and other student populations. Some essay prompts may ask you more personal, less academic questions. As with academic applications, though, stay on topic for better clarity.

For example, some scholarship applications may ask you to describe a time in your life when you overcame adversity or another broad, personal question. In such a case, choose your response carefully to make an impression and, more importantly, showcase your best qualities. Most people have overcome some sort of adversity in different ways throughout their lives, but the example you write about needs to say something impactful about who you are and show your unique qualities as an individual.

COVER LETTERS AND OTHER APPLICATION ESSAYS

Applications and cover letters for employment or other career endeavors may ask you to provide even more unique and specialized information, but as you’ve likely noticed, the majority of these essays and letters can be approached in similar ways. When writing cover letters for job applications, treat the job description the same as a prompt for a scholarship or other essay, reviewing it carefully and looking for key phrases and words. For instance, if a job’s qualifications include proficiency in mathematics and effective communication skills, it may be wise to focus on specific examples that demonstrate how your academic and work experience has equipped you with these abilities.

MAKE EACH WORD COUNT

Because your essay will likely have a shorter length requirement, remember to make every word count. The following comparison of two short examples shows how to say more in a certain amount of space. The prompt for these examples requires writers to discuss their academic achievements and explain how these achievements will benefit the program.

My degree from Del Mar College will help me succeed in and complete this program. I completed numerous classes on topics closely related to the field, and I am familiar with the basics of engineering. I made As in most of my classes and was a member of the Engineering Club. With the skills I have learned through my degree, I am well-equipped to enter this program.

My Associate’s in Electrical Engineering from Del Mar College taught me the terminology and mathematical requirements needed to succeed in UT’s Bachelor of Engineering program. Completing courses like High-Reliability Soldering and serving in the extracurricular Engineering Club gave me the technical knowledge necessary to thrive in this program.

The first example is vague; it does not mention the degree attained, the program being applied for, classes taken, or any specific skills, but the second example mentions all of these.

While the second example makes every word count, the first contains wordy phrases and unnecessary information (i.e., course grades because a transcript is part of the application).

Last, with this writer limited by word count, the second example succeeds again. By being specific, the second example says more in 49 words than the first example does in 67. The key is conciseness, or saying as much as possible using only as many words as necessary.

LAST THOUGHTS

Whatever sort of application essay or letter you may need to write, there are several basic strategies to tailor for your use: Read the instructions carefully, identify the goal, be specific, and make every word count. Applying these strategies will help you write more competitive application materials, increasing your chance of getting the scholarship, university acceptance letter, or job interview you seek. As with any other writing, the Stone Writing Center can always provide guidance on these essays as well.