Skip to Main Content

Geography and the Environment

Writing for Geography

This page is where you'll find useful information on citation styles, easy tips for avoiding plagiarism, and guidance on writing different types of assignments specific to geography. We also offer a variety of writing support and resources, including peer tutoring, online writing tools, and detailed guides and tutorials. Whether you're working on a research paper about human geography, an annotated bibliography on physical geography, or an argumentative essay on environmental issues, these resources are designed to support you every step of the way.

 

Geography Writing Tips:

  • Choosing a Topic: Select engaging and relevant topics that resonate with current events and your interests. This will make your research more compelling and enjoyable.
  • Research and Data Collection: Use thorough research and effective data collection methods, including maps, statistics, and case studies, to support your analysis.
  • Planning and Organizing: Structure your essay clearly, presenting arguments logically and coherently. This helps in making your writing impactful and easy to follow.
  • Analyzing Examples: Review successful geography essays to understand how to present facts and interpret them, offering fresh insights into your topic.

 

Common Mistakes in Geography Writing:

  • Incorrect Terminology: Misusing geographical terms like "weather" and "climate" or "erosion" and "weathering" can lead to inaccuracies
  • Poor Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a single point, supported by evidence.
  • Lack of Evidence: Support your arguments with data, case studies, or examples. Simply stating a point without backing it up weakens your argument.
  • Misinterpretation of Data: When analyzing graphs, maps, or statistics, ensure you understand what the data shows and how it relates to your topic.
  • Ignoring Different Perspectives: Geography often involves complex issues with multiple viewpoints. A balanced discussion that considers various angles demonstrates critical thinking.
  • Spelling and Grammar Errors: Proofread your work to catch these mistakes and improve the overall quality of your writing.

Citing Your Work

In your courses, you may encounter different citation style requirements depending on your instructor. Some instructors might specify a particular style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, while others may allow you to choose the citation style that best suits your research. It's important to carefully review your assignment guidelines and consult with your instructor if you're unsure which style to use. Below, you'll find links to comprehensive guides for each citation style to help you properly format your references and avoid plagiarism.

 

APA Citation Guide        MLA Citation Guide        Chicago Citation Guide         Other Citation Guides

 

Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work or ideas without giving proper credit. It's important to understand that plagiarism isn't just about copying; it's about failing to acknowledge the contributions of others. By giving credit, you show respect for the original creators and maintain academic integrity.
 

Some common examples of plagiarism are:

  • Copying sentences, paragraphs, data, or visuals without properly citing their source.
  • Quoting material without proper use of quotation marks (even if otherwise cited appropriately).
  • Paraphrasing or summarizing information from a source without proper acknowledgment.
  • Paying someone to write your assignment.
  • Listing a source in the bibliography/reference list that was not cited in the assignment.


To avoid plagiarism, provide an in-text citation and an entry in the Works Cited or list of References for all instances of quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing from other sources. This simple practice ensures that you give credit where it's due and enable you to confidently produce original work while respecting the intellectual property of others.

 

Library Guide on Academic Integrity

Geography Assignments

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and other sources, each accompanied by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph known as the annotation. In your geography assignments, an annotated bibliography serves several purposes. It helps you critically assess the relevance, accuracy, and quality of your sources, providing a summary of the content and its significance to your research topic. This process encourages deeper engagement with the material, allowing you to reflect on how each source contributes to your understanding of geographical concepts and issues. Additionally, annotated bibliographies can guide readers by offering insights into the scope and depth of research you've conducted, making it easier to identify key resources and perspectives in the field.

The following resources provide helpful information on how to write an annotated bibliography:

 

Writing Support and Tools at KPU

At Kwantlen Polytechnic University, we offer a variety of supports and tools to help you succeed in your writing assignments. Whether you need assistance with brainstorming ideas, structuring your paper, or refining your citations, there are numerous resources available to guide you through the writing process. Explore the services provided by our Writing Centre, access online writing tools, and take advantage of workshops and tutoring sessions designed to enhance your writing skills. These supports are here to ensure you have the confidence and skills needed to produce high-quality academic work.

 

KPU Online Writing Resources

  • Online Writing Tutoring: Peer-based online tutoring service that provides feedback on your academic writing. Get personalized advice and improve your writing skills through one-on-one sessions.
  • KPU Virtual Writing Centre: Offers help with grammar, analyzing texts, writing in different disciplines, avoiding plagiarism, and citing sources. Access a wealth of resources and expert guidance to enhance your writing.
  • Writing Guides: Learn to write academic papers

 

Peer Tutoring at KPU

  • Peer Tutoring: KPU offers peer tutoring services where trained student tutors provide one-on-one support to help you develop effective learning skills. Tutoring is available both in-person and online, covering a wide range of subjects including writing. Peer tutors can assist you with understanding course concepts, improving study techniques, and enhancing your writing assignments.

 

External Online Resources

  • Purdue University Writing Labs: Online Resources for Writers: Guides for punctuation and sentence construction, as well as planning, writing, and revising an essay. These comprehensive resources can help you refine your writing techniques.
  • Writing Different Types of Papers: JIBC guide to writing annotated bibliographies, book reviews, critiques, executive summaries, literature reviews, research questions, systematic reviews, and thesis statements. Learn how to approach various types of academic writing.
  • Writing Argumentative Essays [PDF]: Detailed format for writing argumentative papers. Understand the structure and components of a compelling argumentative essay.

 

Research and Citation Tools

 

Books on Writing