Objectives

By the end of this mini-lesson, students will be able to:

* Define patchwriting

* Recognize why it’s problematic in academic writing

* Identify strategies to avoid it

Story Time

Once upon a time ...

"Your writing is both good and original. But the part that is good is not original, and the part that is original is not good." 

Definition

Patchwriting = copying from a source and making surface level changes

Often done when:

• We don’t fully understand the material

• We’re in a rush

• We’re trying to “play it safe”

Original: Academic writing requires critical thinking and clarity.

Patchwriting: Scholarly writing needs analytical thinking and clear expression.

• Don’t rely on synonyms swaps

• Practice paraphrasing often

• Read the material, then look away* and summarize

• Use your own voice and sentence structure

🔑 Understand before you write

How to avoid?

Takeaway

Patchwriting is a sign that we’re still learning.

The solution?

Practice mindful, original paraphrasing.

Any Questions?