What is wrong with the academic paper? [originaltext]M: Hi there, I’d thought to

M: Hi there, I’d thought to drop in and find out exactly where I went, wrong with this last paper. Do you remember marking it?
W: Yes I do and... well, my impression was that you were trying to connect argument after argument without any grounds to support each assertion.
M: But surely, you would agree that there simply isn’t a lot of research out there to substantiate my arguments.
W: Ah, but research is only one-way to back up an argument.
M: May I know what other things I can use?
W: For starters, your experiences. Experience forms the basis for conclusion. Then perhaps try to look at analogies to see all that can help.
M: Are there any guidelines available on how I can use these?
W: I did give a whole lecture on it dated February 3rd you were there, weren’t you?
M: Whoops, that was one that fell on the week I couldn’t be there. I had to rush back for personal reasons.
W: Well, perhaps on your next paper you’ll know that every argument you make needs legs or your paper will remain on the ground.
M: Oh yeah, thanks, Mrs. Moser. It’s all food for thought and you can bet the next one will have a solid base.
W: That’s the spirit.