Class Handouts: Jewels or Junk?
If you've recently finished writing a research paper, then it might be difficult to think about writing another research paper next term—the words research and paper might even bring back a few nightmares for you if you had to pull an all-nighter (or a few all-nighters) trying to meet a deadline. However, as a new term approaches, it's important to discuss the importance of in-class handouts when writing research papers. In-class handouts include scholarly articles, essays, and random periodical excerpts that your instructor passes out throughout the semester. Even if your instructor doesn't require you to store these items in a class binder, it's still important to hold on to all of the handouts you receive throughout the semester, as they can significantly help you when it comes time to research and write a paper. Class handouts are important when writing research papers for two reasons: they save time and they show your instructor that you're an awesome student.
Class Handouts Can Save You Time
Class handouts can save you valuable time as you look for sources to include in your paper. One of these handouts might be perfect for your research paper, which eliminates a source that you have to search for at the library or in the research databases. If the instructor describes your research assignment(s) at the beginning of the term, you can place those handouts that you think will be of interest to your paper(s) in a special folder.
Referencing a Class Handout in a Paper Will Impress Your Instructor
Also, incorporating a class handout into your paper shows your instructor that, not only were you in class that day, you read the material and reflected on its meaning, which enabled you to incorporate it into your paper. You have to be a super smart student if you were able to weave into your paper an important class handout, right? (Wink wink) The important point to note about using class handouts for your research papers is that it has to be done in moderation. A paper that incorporates one or two class handouts is great. On the other hand, a paper that only uses class handouts as sources is not so good. Just be mindful of the types of sources you use and you'll do fine. (And don't forget to recycle those class handouts at the end of the term!)
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