Rédiger un Mémoire (Writing a Long Paper)

Learning ObjectivesIdentify the key components of a research paper, called a mémoire (thesis/dissertation) [mem-WAHR].Structure a coherent argument using logical connectors.Formulate a problématique (research question) [pro-bleh-mah-TEEK] and a thèse (thesis statement) [TEZ].Understand and avoid common pitfalls like plagiat (plagiarism) [plah-zhee-AH].Imagine you're in your first semester at the University of Montreal. 🎓 Your sociology professor asks you to write a 20-page mémoire (thesis/dissertation) [mem-WAHR] for the end of the semester. Where do you start? Don't panic! This lesson will guide you through the key steps to succeed in this challenge. 📝Real-World ApplicationsSucceed in your university and college studies.Write clear and convincing professional reports.Develop critical an...

French TermEnglish ExplanationExampleMémoire (n.m.) [mem-WAHR]An in-depth research paper on a specific topic, often required to obtain a degree. It can mean 'thesis' or 'dissertation'.Son mémoire (thesis) [mem-WAHR] de maîtrise portait sur l'impact des réseaux sociaux. (His master's thesis was about the impact of social media.)Problématique (n.f.) [pro-bleh-mah-TEEK]The central question that the paper tries to answer. It guides all the research.La problématique (research question) [pro-bleh-mah-TEEK] est : en quoi le télétravail a-t-il modifié les relations sociales au bureau ? (The research question is: how has remote work changed social relationships in the office?)Thèse (n.f.) [TEZ]The main argument or the proposed answer to the research question, which the author defends throughout the...

1. Using Indirect Speech to Cite SourcesIn a research paper, you often need to report what other authors have said. Indirect speech is essential for this.Rule: To report a statement, you use verbs like affirmer que (to affirm that) [ah-feer-MAY kuh], déclarer que (to declare that) [day-klah-RAY kuh], souligner que (to emphasize that) [soo-leen-YAY kuh], or prétendre que (to claim that) [pray-TAWN-druh kuh], followed by a subordinate clause. Verb tense agreement must be respected. Example: L'auteur affirme que (affirms that) [ah-FEERM kuh] cette tendance est nouvelle. (The author affirms that this trend is new.)2. The Present Conditional to Add Nuance and HypothesizeThe conditional tense allows you to express a hypothesis or a possibility, or to add nuance to a statement, which is crucial i...