6.5. Drafting and Refinement

• The methodology in an independent study defines the approach to research and analysis
• When selecting post-1900 literature, it is crucial to consider its relevance to course themes
• Steps to meet the key requirements of an independent study:

  1️⃣ Ensure the title reflects the main argument

  2️⃣ Choose a topic aligned with course themes

  3️⃣ Define the methodology for research

  4️⃣ Provide detailed textual analysis

  5️⃣ Critically assess arguments and limitations

  6️⃣ Summarize findings in the conclusion
• The feasibility of a study depends on the time available and the scope of the material
• Match the characteristic with the type of research question:

  Specific ↔️ Good Research Question

  Broad ↔️ Poor Research Question
• What are three key characteristics of a well-crafted research question for an independent study?

  Specific, feasible, and interesting
• What is the primary difference between a good and a poor research question?

  Specificity and focus
• Establishing a timeline with milestones helps keep the study on track.


  True
• Categorizing sources by theme or author is an effective organizational strategy.


  True
• What should the title of an independent study clearly state?

  Focus and scope
• What does the depth of material in a literary work allow for in an independent study?

  Thorough analysis
• What are some critical approaches or research methods that can be used in a literary analysis?

  Close reading, historical contextualization, literary theory
• Creating a detailed study plan is crucial for a focused and well-structured
• Steps for establishing a realistic timeline in a study plan

  1️⃣ Complete literature review

  2️⃣ Draft the analysis

  3️⃣ Revise the final paper
• Secondary sources provide additional context and analysis
• Why is organizing evidence from various sources important in an independent study?

  Build a solid foundation
• What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

  Introduce the main idea
• What is the primary benefit of crafting a detailed essay outline?

  Develop a coherent argument
• Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic
• To write a first draft of your independent study, begin by reviewing your outline
• Smoothly connect paragraphs using transitions
• Match the key area with its aspect to consider:

  Content ↔️ Accuracy

  Structure ↔️ Logical flow

  Clarity ↔️ Thesis clarity

  Style ↔️ Tone
• Match the key requirement with its explanation:

  Title ↔️ States the focus of the study

  Topic Selection ↔️ Aligns with course themes

  Methodology ↔️ Defines the research approach

  Evaluation ↔️ Critically assesses arguments
• Choosing literature that aligns with course themes ensures its relevance to your study.


  True
• Characteristics of a strong research question

  1️⃣ Be Specific and Focused

  2️⃣ Be Feasible

  3️⃣ Be Interesting
• Steps to create a realistic timeline for your study

  1️⃣ Complete the literature review

  2️⃣ Draft the analysis

  3️⃣ Revise the final paper
• Establishing a realistic timeline with milestones helps manage time effectively in research.

  True
• A well-crafted study plan provides a clear roadmap for your independent study
• What is an example of a focused research question that guides the analysis of T.S. Eliot's 'The Waste Land'?

  Symbolism in post-WWI disillusionment
• Primary sources are the original literary texts, documents, or artifacts you are analyzing
• Steps for gathering and organizing evidence from primary and secondary sources

  1️⃣ Categorize sources

  2️⃣ Take detailed notes

  3️⃣ Use a reference management tool

  4️⃣ Create an annotated bibliography
• What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a body paragraph?

  Introduce the main idea
• What is the final step in the process of writing an independent study?

  Review and revise the first draft
• Transitions are essential for maintaining coherence and flow between paragraphs in an independent study.

  True
• Improving transitions and ensuring coherence are key actions to take when reviewing the structure of your first draft.


  True
• Steps to refine body paragraphs in an independent study

  1️⃣ Ensure each paragraph has a strong topic sentence

  2️⃣ Provide detailed analysis of evidence

  3️⃣ Connect evidence to thesis statement

  4️⃣ Use transitions between paragraphs
• What should be ensured when incorporating new evidence into your independent study?

  Well-integrated, coherent argument
• Steps to finalize and edit an independent study

  1️⃣ Review the final draft for cohesion

  2️⃣ Edit for content and structure

  3️⃣ Edit for style and mechanics

  4️⃣ Ensure all requirements are met

  5️⃣ Proofread thoroughly
• A good title for an independent study should clearly state the focus and scope of the study
• Detailed analysis in an independent study requires the use of quotes and evidence from primary sources.


  True