Book review @

INTRODUCTION



Professional writing is the most challenging task for the inexperienced student. Above all academic requirements it still ranks top of the list in day to day campus stressors. On average, eighty five percent of the requirements are based upon how well the student is able to express him or self on paper. The content has to meet the standards of the college or university level expectancy and writing must present itself at the bachelor or masters or doctorate level of thinking. Interesting enough, a very large percent of college students are never prepared to take such monumental challenges in today’s world of academics, therefore modern technology has invented a myriad of ways too assist even the average student in this task. One of those inventions comes in book form—namely A writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker. Her manual is user friendly, practical, analytical, and widely excepted in most university level circles.[1]

The reference is more than a reference in that it motivates the student to a level of excellence by which he has not known before. It prepares the user to write in such a way that it surpasses elementary standards of expression. It teaches areas of: composition style; research techniques; and basic grammar just to name a few. The author‘s dedication to improving the writing ability and standard of expression is notable and is applauded by scholars within the academic circles. One of the accolades she is best appreciated is the teaching tutorial concerning plagiarism, which is the primary focus today.

Plagiarism has been the nightmare that keeps educators awake across millions of college campuses nation wide, yet it took one educator—Diane Hacker, to put that monster to rest.

Plagiarism the Nightmare

Plagiarism, by definition contains three variables: 1) failing to cite quotations and borrowed ideas, 2) Failing to enclose borrowed language in quotation marks, and 3) Failing to rephrase summaries and paraphrases. Diana devotes a full section in her book, “A Writer’s Reference,” to alleviate sleepless nights. The title of this section is simply called, “Avoiding Plagiarism.”

The teaching method used consists of formal literary styles particularly for the American Psychological Association (APA) recommendations, as well as the Chicago Manuel Style (CMS) papers. Her teaching tutorials includes: illustrative points, examples and citing problems errors for the reader. Though one on one, hands on models are the most preferred method, the book does a great job in getting the message across. That message addresses Citing quotations and borrowed idea, enclosing borrowed language in quotations, integrating sources and paraphrasing where a few major topics discussed.

Citing Quotations

Dianna, suggest the student be able to cite properly[2]. This is the first step toward a restful beginning. She gives one, and only one exception to the rule—common knowledge is the exception key that unlocks your brain, while releasing the information that belongs to another. In other words you are free to express your personal knowledge in the document that may be familiar to others; however you are not free to omit quotation-source information from the text. This information maybe already listed within the document itself and need not be repeated. For instance if facts and data are cited within the text proper you are free to leave it in place. Citing quotations are as easy as one, two, and three. The sample APA documents provided in the tutorials are he standard of practice at the graduate level. Most universities favor that particular style.

Enclosing Borrowed Language



The second way to a peaceful rest is enclosing exact phrases or sentences from an original source. The phrase itself must be written in a way to give all the credit to its originator. To avoid plagiarism use quotations as you indent the message borrowed. Students unanimously agree that this section is the most difficult to master, especially if vocabulary poses and issue in verbal expression-writing will as well. Dianna has covered the basis in that area by understanding the requirements that the professional writer may face. So, plan to brain-storm thoughts ideas and make a word list prior to starting the paper—Thesaurus works well in unclogging written expressions. The Writer’s Guide has a section on word selection that may stimulate the thoughts.

Summaries and Paraphrases

Diana Hacker explains,



“A summary condenses information; a paraphrase reports information in about the same

number of words. When you summarize or paraphrase, you must restate the sources

meaning using your own language. You are guilty of plagiarism if you half-copy the

author’s sentences—either by mixing the author’s well chosen phrases without quotation

marks or by plugging your own sentence structure.”[3]



The ongoing message provided had to do with the strategies given that introduces a

standard of excellence in the way the student expresses himself in the academic world. In other words it is the spirit of excellence or ethical standards of behavior gained through teaching methodology. Professionalism in writing does involve ethical standards of behavior and Diana Hacker is living proof that standards; like good home training can be taught. It is really true that practice makes perfect, but knowledge prevents perfect mistakes

Integrating sources

Integrating sources is like showering before bed time; it stirs all of the information gained throughout the day, and settles it down with ease. It allows the delineation of facts within the text, giving credit to source information and credit to personal knowledge of the student and the reader will be able to decipher which is which. In comparison, integration is bridging the research data in the framework of the document giving it clarity, so the reader may visualize your ideas. This visualization produces free flowing materials as one thought at a time—one transitional though at a time.

Paraphrasing



Paraphrasing is like hugging a stuffed pillow at night—embracing its substance as your

own. This is where your comprehension of the author’s intent is the critical element in passing the knowledge gained to the reader. How well the message flows depends upon how well the documentation is executed. Paraphrasing keeps everyone honest and it give integrity to the full document. A perfect example for clarity is found in section APA-4a under documenting sources it says, “ basic format for a summary or paraphrase includes,: the author’s last name and the date, either in a signal phrase introducing the material or parenthesis in it.” No matter if the paper has multiple authors, quotes, paraphrasing and properly citing the source are honest brokers in helping the student avoid acts of plagiarism thus producing a work of professional art in writing.

Conclusion

Professional writing is the most challenging task for the inexperienced student. Above all academic requirements, writing assignments ranks top of the list in day to day campus stressors, however, after the student becomes thoroughly versed in citing quotations and borrowed ideas, and so on, he or she will experience fewer sleepless nights. Proper utilization of the Writer’s Reference will ensure a more polished written paper, as well as an informed student. Though the final analysis of the well written paper, ultimately lies in the professors pin, the student will rest on a bed of ease knowing that the confidence lies in the skillful execution of a well documented, graduate level, thesis or dissertation.

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[1] Dianna, Hacker, A Writer’s Reference, 5th edition, Boston Ma. (2003):383.



[2] Diana Hacker A Writer’s Reference by, 5th edition , Ma. (2003), 383.

[3] Dianna, Hacker A Writer’s Reference, 5^TH Edition, < Ma.(2003)391.