Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Thinking Activity: Research and Writing



This blog is written as part of a task assigned by Prakruti Ma'am and centers on the theme of 'Research and Writing.' It explores various questions that students may encounter during their journey into this topic.



1).In your opinion, should research always strive to achieve something new and creative or is it ok to pursue an existing direction and arrive at newer understanding of the same? In which one of these two categories would you classify the topic that you have chosen for your dissertation?

Answer:

Research can take various forms, and both approaches—striving for something new and creative or deepening the understanding of an existing direction—are equally valid and valuable. While groundbreaking discoveries often garner attention, revisiting established directions with fresh perspectives can lead to profound insights and nuanced understanding.

My dissertation topic, "Fading Truths: Memory, Aging, and the Unreliable Narrator in Kazuo Ishiguro’s An Artist of the Floating World and Julian Barnes’ The Only Story," falls into the second category. It explores existing themes and literary devices but does so in a way that may offer new interpretations and connections between the texts. This approach enriches the discourse on memory, aging, and the unreliable narrator, while deepening our understanding of these works and their relevance to broader human experience


Paraphrase version of the given paragraph

Separating any artistic form or movement from its influences and related works is rarely productive. When critics isolate creative practices from their shaping contexts, they risk adopting a limited perspective. Though this idea might seem self-evident, revisiting such fundamental truths is essential, particularly during times of change. When something "new" emerges, we often disconnect it from the contexts that played a key role in its development. For instance, understanding electronic literature requires recognizing its ties to traditional literature, gaming, and sensory experiences. How can we critically evaluate anything without such reference points? While it’s impossible to explore everything, the most effective approach involves learning from the past, building on established foundations, and highlighting aspects that merit deeper attention.


1). Is the paraphrase approximately the same length as the original passage?

Answer:
That's correct. The paraphrase preserves the original meaning and conveys the same ideas in a reworded manner, ensuring that no sentences or phrases have been directly copied. It maintains the original length while providing a fresh articulation of the content.

2). Has any part of the passage been copied word for word?

Answer:
Yes, Certain elements, like the double-inverted comma word "new" and the term "electronic literature," as well as a few key terms central to the passage's meaning, have been retained in the paraphrase. This is intentional, as these terms are essential to accurately conveying the original ideas and cannot be replaced without altering their significance. However, the overall structure and wording have been rephrased to ensure originality while preserving the core message.


3). Does the paraphrase have the same meaning as the passage?

Answer:
Yes, The paraphrase effectively retains the original passage's meaning, emphasizing the necessity of considering context in understanding artistic forms and the importance of drawing on prior knowledge to analyze and interpret new ideas. It stays true to the central theme while presenting the ideas in a fresh way.



What is the full form of CIS? Discuss some of the types of searches which can be employed to search for sources in a library equipped with CIS.

Answer:
The full form of CIS is Central Information System.

As outlined in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, the Central Information System in an academic library integrates a range of resources to assist users in their research. It typically includes the library’s catalog (encompassing books, periodicals, electronic sources, and audiovisual materials), bibliographic and full-text databases, curated websites, and practical information such as the library’s location, hours, and policies.


Types of Searches in a CIS-Enabled Library:

1. Author Searches: Identify works by entering an author’s name.


2. Title Searches: Locate resources by providing the full or partial title.


3. Subject Heading Searches: Find materials grouped under specific subject categories.


4. Call Number Searches: Use the call number to retrieve detailed bibliographic information.


5. Keyword Searches: Search for specific terms within titles, subjects, or descriptions.


6. Boolean Searches: Apply operators like AND, OR, and NOT to refine or exclude search results.


7. Expanded Searches: Use truncation or wildcards to retrieve all variations of a term or related subjects.


8. Advanced Filters: Narrow results by criteria such as publication year, language, format (e.g., books or audiovisuals), or collection location.




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