Written Communication - Spring 2009
In this class this semester, I learned about different writing styles. I learned how to write a narrative and descriptive essay, an analytical essay and a persuasive essay. Each was a little more difficult than the last.
In writing a narrative and descriptive essay, you are writing about a personal experience. When writing this type of an essay, one of the most important aspects of your writing should be in the details. You want to make the reader feel like they are there. You want your reader to see what you saw, feel what you felt, taste what you tasted and hear what you heard.
In analytical essays, there are several different ways you can write your paper. It can be cause and effect, comparison and contrast, classification, process writing, definition or a combination of any of these. In any analytical essay, it is very important to pick a topic that is important to you. You want to convey that importance in your writing to your readers. The main purpose of an analytical paper is to inform your audience about a topic.
In persuasive writing, it is also very important to pick a topic that you care about. You want to pick a topic, explain it to the reader, take your position, and persuade your readers in a non-condescending way to change the way they think or act about your topic. In persuading your readers you want to be sure to take and show your position, but also show the opposition and have rebuttals for those opposing views. You may also want to propose a solution.
In all forms of writing, it is a step-by-step process. You want to pick your topic, have a good understanding of your current knowledge on the topic and then do some research. Whenever you do research, you must make sure to quote your sources. You always want to make sure you are aware of your audience and what they may already know about the topic. A very important part of writing is knowing your readers. You always want to write a fist draft and get some feedback on it. You want to make sure that you have enough details and supporting evidence (if needed in the type of paper you are writing). You also want to be sure that you are clear in your essay as well as having a good flow; a good organization method to your essay. You want to make sure that your opening is attention grabbing and your closing is fitting to your topic. Then you want to revise your essay based on the feedback you received and correct any grammar and spelling errors. Then you are ready to write your final draft and publish your essay.
In this class, I would say the most difficult essay for me to write was the last essay, which was our persuasive essay. I found it the most difficult because you are trying to persuade your readers to change their opinions on a topic that you care about deeply. And you must do it in a way that is not argumentative (in a bad way). You must talk in a voice that is thoughtful. I think that is hard to do when you are talking about a heated topic.
Overall, I really enjoyed this class. I really enjoyed writing the essays we were required to write. And I especially enjoyed hearing all the different essays in class. I really like that there are people from all around the globe in our class and we get an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of others.
Showing posts with label Summaries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summaries. Show all posts
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Chapter 20 - Proposing a Solution Summary
Chapter 20 - Proposing a Solution - Summary
This chapter is all about identifying a problem and coming up with the best solution for it. You should pick a topic that is real, serious or shows danger or brokenness. The problem you choose to discuss should also have a workable solution. You should always identify and analyze your audience. You need to think about what they may already know about the issue, if it affects them directly or indirectly. You also need to know if there is any common ground between you and your audience. In your paper, it is of course very important to define the problem for your reader. They need to understand all the parts to the issue. You need to determine the seriousness of the issue, analyze the causes, and explore the history of the issue and solutions that may have been previously tried. And you must think creatively. Try to look at the issue through other peoples eyes. Maybe a different countries or gender or races sees the issue differently than you. Next, I learned that you need to brainstorm possible solutions and evaluate them. You need to be able to pick the best possible solution to this problem with supporting evidence that this is the best solution. Then you outline your proposal, showing the problem, the solution and the support. You should always get feedback when writing a paper, and then take the feedback into consideration. You then edit your paper, check for grammar and spelling errors and publish your paper. I did learn in doing my exercise for this chapter, that you need to be careful of including fallacies in your proposal. This seems to be very easy to do without even knowing sometimes. So I would ask your peers for feedback on that as well.
This chapter is all about identifying a problem and coming up with the best solution for it. You should pick a topic that is real, serious or shows danger or brokenness. The problem you choose to discuss should also have a workable solution. You should always identify and analyze your audience. You need to think about what they may already know about the issue, if it affects them directly or indirectly. You also need to know if there is any common ground between you and your audience. In your paper, it is of course very important to define the problem for your reader. They need to understand all the parts to the issue. You need to determine the seriousness of the issue, analyze the causes, and explore the history of the issue and solutions that may have been previously tried. And you must think creatively. Try to look at the issue through other peoples eyes. Maybe a different countries or gender or races sees the issue differently than you. Next, I learned that you need to brainstorm possible solutions and evaluate them. You need to be able to pick the best possible solution to this problem with supporting evidence that this is the best solution. Then you outline your proposal, showing the problem, the solution and the support. You should always get feedback when writing a paper, and then take the feedback into consideration. You then edit your paper, check for grammar and spelling errors and publish your paper. I did learn in doing my exercise for this chapter, that you need to be careful of including fallacies in your proposal. This seems to be very easy to do without even knowing sometimes. So I would ask your peers for feedback on that as well.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Chapter 19 - Persuading Readers to Act - Summary
Chapter 19: Persuading Readers to Act - Summary
This chapter is all about how to write a persuasive paper and getting the reader to change their behavior, thinking or act upon something in a certain way. In choosing a topic for this essay, this chapter recommends choosing a topic that you are passionate about. Maybe your topic will be related to a personal experience you have had that raised some questions or a personal idea, some thought or fear that you think of often. Maybe your topic will have to do with a concern of the community, national or international affairs, or something you may not have an opinion on now, but would like to have a stance on. Regardless of what your topic is, make sure that it is debatable and that you are trying to persuade your reader, not to manipulate them. You want to make sure that your voice in your paper is passionate, thoughtful and sincere. When writing a persuasive paper you need to address both sides to the argument; your side and then the opposing side. I think the biggest thing I learned in this chapter is that when writing a persuasive paper, you need to think about whether you want to write on the whole issue or just one aspect of it. I think when writing my persuasive paper, I will need to keep this in mind. I think with any issue really, you can go down so many different avenues with it. I think I will look at my issue in its entirety and then try to just choose one aspect of it to write about.
This chapter is all about how to write a persuasive paper and getting the reader to change their behavior, thinking or act upon something in a certain way. In choosing a topic for this essay, this chapter recommends choosing a topic that you are passionate about. Maybe your topic will be related to a personal experience you have had that raised some questions or a personal idea, some thought or fear that you think of often. Maybe your topic will have to do with a concern of the community, national or international affairs, or something you may not have an opinion on now, but would like to have a stance on. Regardless of what your topic is, make sure that it is debatable and that you are trying to persuade your reader, not to manipulate them. You want to make sure that your voice in your paper is passionate, thoughtful and sincere. When writing a persuasive paper you need to address both sides to the argument; your side and then the opposing side. I think the biggest thing I learned in this chapter is that when writing a persuasive paper, you need to think about whether you want to write on the whole issue or just one aspect of it. I think when writing my persuasive paper, I will need to keep this in mind. I think with any issue really, you can go down so many different avenues with it. I think I will look at my issue in its entirety and then try to just choose one aspect of it to write about.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Chapter 18 - Taking a Position Summary
Chapter 18 - Taking a Position Summary
This chapter really focuses on teaching the reader how to take a stand on a topic and write a persuasive paper on that stand. There are guidelines that you need to follow in order to make this happen. The first step is to select and narrow a topic. You need to choose a topic that you care about and then decide which angle you would like to use to explain the topic. Before you start writing you need to make sure that you have a stance on your beliefs when it comes to the topic you chose. Then you want to build your position to be defendable. You need to make sure you understand all possible positions that are out there regarding your topic. You need to do some research, find pros and cons, statistics, analysis, experiences, observations, and/ or expert testimony on your subject. Make sure that you watch out for fallacies. You don’t want your writing to have any slanted language, generalizations, oversimplifications, or have either/ or thinking. Once you have researched your topic, you need to refine your position. In the chapter, they give you a formula to use, which is, “I believe this to be true about…” Then you can choose your organization method you wish to use for your essay. There are a few different types outlined in this chapter. These different methods are traditional pattern, blatant confessions, delayed gratification, changed mind or winning over. Once you decide how to organize your essay, you can write your first draft. You want to be sure to grab the reader’s attention, clarify and support your position, stress your position or ask the reader for action, and make sure to choose a bold title that offers a glimpse into your stance. Then you will want to get feedback, revise your writing, edit & proofread your essay and then publish it. When reading this chapter and looking over the guidelines outlined in this chapter for taking a position and writing a persuasive essay, I was thinking about my upcoming essay. I was thinking about what form of organization I would use. I think my plan right now is to use the traditional method of organization. This method has you introduce your issue, state your position, support it, address and refute the opposition and then restate your issue to close. I think this method will work best for me. Who knows, maybe once I start my research, my organization method of my upcoming essay will change. We will have to see.
This chapter really focuses on teaching the reader how to take a stand on a topic and write a persuasive paper on that stand. There are guidelines that you need to follow in order to make this happen. The first step is to select and narrow a topic. You need to choose a topic that you care about and then decide which angle you would like to use to explain the topic. Before you start writing you need to make sure that you have a stance on your beliefs when it comes to the topic you chose. Then you want to build your position to be defendable. You need to make sure you understand all possible positions that are out there regarding your topic. You need to do some research, find pros and cons, statistics, analysis, experiences, observations, and/ or expert testimony on your subject. Make sure that you watch out for fallacies. You don’t want your writing to have any slanted language, generalizations, oversimplifications, or have either/ or thinking. Once you have researched your topic, you need to refine your position. In the chapter, they give you a formula to use, which is, “I believe this to be true about…” Then you can choose your organization method you wish to use for your essay. There are a few different types outlined in this chapter. These different methods are traditional pattern, blatant confessions, delayed gratification, changed mind or winning over. Once you decide how to organize your essay, you can write your first draft. You want to be sure to grab the reader’s attention, clarify and support your position, stress your position or ask the reader for action, and make sure to choose a bold title that offers a glimpse into your stance. Then you will want to get feedback, revise your writing, edit & proofread your essay and then publish it. When reading this chapter and looking over the guidelines outlined in this chapter for taking a position and writing a persuasive essay, I was thinking about my upcoming essay. I was thinking about what form of organization I would use. I think my plan right now is to use the traditional method of organization. This method has you introduce your issue, state your position, support it, address and refute the opposition and then restate your issue to close. I think this method will work best for me. Who knows, maybe once I start my research, my organization method of my upcoming essay will change. We will have to see.
Chapter 17 - Strategies for Argumentation and Persuasion Summary
Chapter 17 - Strategies for Argumentation and Persuasion Summary
In this chapter you learn about strategies of argument and persuasion. In a persuasive argument you are trying to get a person (your reader or listener) to think or feel a certain way or to act on something. In order to build a persuasive argument, there are some necessary steps to take. First you must prepare your argument. You need to know who your audience is and know your goal. You also need to gather evidence and ideas that support your argument and develop reasoning. You must make and qualify your claim by drawing conclusions based on the evidence that you gathered. You need to add qualifiers into your argument. Some examples listed in the chapter are words like, typically, sometimes, almost and often. You should try to avoid making all or nothing claims or extreme claims. So, stay clear of words like, all, best, never or worst. And avoid obvious or unsupported claims as well. Next you want to support your claim. To support your claim you will need evidence. A few examples of evidence that you can use would be observations, statistics, analogies, and predictions. Make sure all of your evidence is accurate, complete, relevant, current, authoritative and appealing. While showing the evidence you gathered, use patterns of inductive or deductive logic. I also learned that you need to identify fallacies. There are several different types of fallacies that can be within an argument. Some of these types of fallacies are trying to distort the issue, sabotage the argument, draw faulty conclusions, misuse evidence, or misuse language. Also, when building a persuasive argument, you want to make sure to engage the opposing side. You do so by acknowledging the opposition and develop rebuttals to it as well. In this chapter I learned there are three types of claims you can make in an argument. These types of claims are claims of truth, claims of value, and claims of policy. Claims of truth state whether something is or is not the case. Claims of value show whether something does or does not have worth. And claims of policy show what ought to be or ought not to be. I also learned that in an argument you need to be able to distinguish a claim from fact and/ or opinion. A claim is a conclusion in which was drawn from logical thought and reliable evidence. A fact is a statement that can be checked for accuracy and an opinion is a personal attitude toward something. I think for myself, the rule in building a persuasive argument that stuck out for me was to have a rebuttal for the opposing side. I believe that really can make your argument whole or complete.
In this chapter you learn about strategies of argument and persuasion. In a persuasive argument you are trying to get a person (your reader or listener) to think or feel a certain way or to act on something. In order to build a persuasive argument, there are some necessary steps to take. First you must prepare your argument. You need to know who your audience is and know your goal. You also need to gather evidence and ideas that support your argument and develop reasoning. You must make and qualify your claim by drawing conclusions based on the evidence that you gathered. You need to add qualifiers into your argument. Some examples listed in the chapter are words like, typically, sometimes, almost and often. You should try to avoid making all or nothing claims or extreme claims. So, stay clear of words like, all, best, never or worst. And avoid obvious or unsupported claims as well. Next you want to support your claim. To support your claim you will need evidence. A few examples of evidence that you can use would be observations, statistics, analogies, and predictions. Make sure all of your evidence is accurate, complete, relevant, current, authoritative and appealing. While showing the evidence you gathered, use patterns of inductive or deductive logic. I also learned that you need to identify fallacies. There are several different types of fallacies that can be within an argument. Some of these types of fallacies are trying to distort the issue, sabotage the argument, draw faulty conclusions, misuse evidence, or misuse language. Also, when building a persuasive argument, you want to make sure to engage the opposing side. You do so by acknowledging the opposition and develop rebuttals to it as well. In this chapter I learned there are three types of claims you can make in an argument. These types of claims are claims of truth, claims of value, and claims of policy. Claims of truth state whether something is or is not the case. Claims of value show whether something does or does not have worth. And claims of policy show what ought to be or ought not to be. I also learned that in an argument you need to be able to distinguish a claim from fact and/ or opinion. A claim is a conclusion in which was drawn from logical thought and reliable evidence. A fact is a statement that can be checked for accuracy and an opinion is a personal attitude toward something. I think for myself, the rule in building a persuasive argument that stuck out for me was to have a rebuttal for the opposing side. I believe that really can make your argument whole or complete.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Chapter 16 - Definition - Summary
“The College Writer” - Chapter 16 Definition - Summary
This chapter is all about how to write an essay on a word. I never knew that you could write an entire essay on just one word, so this chapter was interesting to read. In reading Understanding Dementia, I got a clear picture of how to outline and write an essay to better help a reader understand a word. When writing an essay on a definition of a word, it can help to bring in personal experience like the author did in Understanding Dementia. I think personal experience adds a deeper level of understanding to the reader. I also learned and believe that bringing in etymology, expert research, statistics, and supporting details help the reader to understand the word/ definition of a word better. I think when writing this type of an essay, it is extremely important that the essay is written clearly. You want to make sure whatever you are trying to write about, that the reader completely understands that meaning when they are done reading your essay.
This chapter is all about how to write an essay on a word. I never knew that you could write an entire essay on just one word, so this chapter was interesting to read. In reading Understanding Dementia, I got a clear picture of how to outline and write an essay to better help a reader understand a word. When writing an essay on a definition of a word, it can help to bring in personal experience like the author did in Understanding Dementia. I think personal experience adds a deeper level of understanding to the reader. I also learned and believe that bringing in etymology, expert research, statistics, and supporting details help the reader to understand the word/ definition of a word better. I think when writing this type of an essay, it is extremely important that the essay is written clearly. You want to make sure whatever you are trying to write about, that the reader completely understands that meaning when they are done reading your essay.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Chapter 15 - Process Writing Summary
Chapter 15 - Process Writing - Summary
This chapter teaches you about the writing of processes. There are three basic forms of writing about a process. You can write a description of a process, explain a process, or write instructions. Describing and explaining a process are normally written in an essay format, while instructions are in a numbered list format. In describing a process, you are telling the reader how something happens. In explaining a process, you are telling the reader how something is done. And in writing instructions, you are giving the reader a step-by-step of how to do something. In any of these writings you do, you need to make sure you are writing for all readers. So make sure that a person who knows nothing about the topic for which you are writing, can understand your essay or instructions. You also need to make sure when you are writing about a process, that you have smooth transitions between each step. You need to make sure to describe the process as a whole, explain any follow up activity and highlight any safety precautions. To test your writing, the best way to is to have a person who is unfamiliar with the process, go through it. That way you can see that you wrote it properly and with correct order in your steps.
This chapter teaches you about the writing of processes. There are three basic forms of writing about a process. You can write a description of a process, explain a process, or write instructions. Describing and explaining a process are normally written in an essay format, while instructions are in a numbered list format. In describing a process, you are telling the reader how something happens. In explaining a process, you are telling the reader how something is done. And in writing instructions, you are giving the reader a step-by-step of how to do something. In any of these writings you do, you need to make sure you are writing for all readers. So make sure that a person who knows nothing about the topic for which you are writing, can understand your essay or instructions. You also need to make sure when you are writing about a process, that you have smooth transitions between each step. You need to make sure to describe the process as a whole, explain any follow up activity and highlight any safety precautions. To test your writing, the best way to is to have a person who is unfamiliar with the process, go through it. That way you can see that you wrote it properly and with correct order in your steps.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Chapter 14 - Classification Summary
Chapter 14 - Classification - Summary
This chapter teaches the reader how to write a classification essay. A classification essay is when you pick a topic like education, for example, and then you subdivide that topic into subgroups like learning styles and testing methods. In your first paragraph you state your topic, thesis and explain how you are going to subdivide the subject. The middle of your essay is where you want to develop your thesis and explain your subgroups in more detail. And then you want to have a conclusion that brings the subgroups back together. When writing a classification essay, you want to be sure that your essay is consistent and exclusive in when you subdivide your topic and you want to write in such a way that your reader will understand the essay as a whole. This type of essay will probably require some amount of research, so make sure to list your sources.
This chapter teaches the reader how to write a classification essay. A classification essay is when you pick a topic like education, for example, and then you subdivide that topic into subgroups like learning styles and testing methods. In your first paragraph you state your topic, thesis and explain how you are going to subdivide the subject. The middle of your essay is where you want to develop your thesis and explain your subgroups in more detail. And then you want to have a conclusion that brings the subgroups back together. When writing a classification essay, you want to be sure that your essay is consistent and exclusive in when you subdivide your topic and you want to write in such a way that your reader will understand the essay as a whole. This type of essay will probably require some amount of research, so make sure to list your sources.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Chapter 13 - Comparison and Contrast Summary
Chapter 13 - Comparison and Contrast - Summary
In this chapter you learn about comparison and contrast essays. When writing a comparison and contrast essay, there are some things to remember. First, you need to show two subjects in a side by side manner. You need to show your reader how they are comparable and how they are different. At the end of your essay, you need to draw a conclusion or make a point on what you were showing. When choosing a topic, you should find subjects that are related or think of items that are paired. You need to do some research on your subjects and make sure to list where you got your information from. I learned that there are two ways to go about writing or organizing your essay. If your essay will be a short comparison, then you can write subject by subject. If your essay will be longer and more complex, then you will need to organize it in a trait by trait manner.
In this chapter you learn about comparison and contrast essays. When writing a comparison and contrast essay, there are some things to remember. First, you need to show two subjects in a side by side manner. You need to show your reader how they are comparable and how they are different. At the end of your essay, you need to draw a conclusion or make a point on what you were showing. When choosing a topic, you should find subjects that are related or think of items that are paired. You need to do some research on your subjects and make sure to list where you got your information from. I learned that there are two ways to go about writing or organizing your essay. If your essay will be a short comparison, then you can write subject by subject. If your essay will be longer and more complex, then you will need to organize it in a trait by trait manner.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Chapter 12 - Cause and Effect - Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 12 – Cause and Effect – Summary
This chapter on cause and effect is an overview of how to write a cause and effect essay. I think the most important thing I learned is that you should write about a topic that you care about. This totally makes sense because if you did not care about the topic, it will show in your writing. You need to have an understanding of what your reader may already know about the topic; you need to think logically, research the topic, have a working thesis, and be clear when making all points for your argument. You need to have many supporting details to support your topic. I think a cause and effect essay can be compared to a persuasive essay in a way. I mean, this is choosing a topic that you care about, showing cause and effect in the details of the topic and trying to get the reader to think a certain way.
This chapter on cause and effect is an overview of how to write a cause and effect essay. I think the most important thing I learned is that you should write about a topic that you care about. This totally makes sense because if you did not care about the topic, it will show in your writing. You need to have an understanding of what your reader may already know about the topic; you need to think logically, research the topic, have a working thesis, and be clear when making all points for your argument. You need to have many supporting details to support your topic. I think a cause and effect essay can be compared to a persuasive essay in a way. I mean, this is choosing a topic that you care about, showing cause and effect in the details of the topic and trying to get the reader to think a certain way.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Chapter 11 - Description and Reflection - Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 11 – Description and Reflection – Summary
This chapter is very similar to the last (Narration and Description). You are still going to be writing an essay on a personal experience, but you are also going to be reflecting on that experience and why it is important in your life. You need to write about something that is a memorable experience; one worth reflecting upon. You reader need to pick up on that and understand why you reflect back on this experience. You need to be honest and show the reader all of the emotion that is attached to this experience. Even if you were embarrassed or felt a great deal of pain, you need to portray this to your reader. This experience may be a time when you felt secure, distraught, appreciated or frightened. This experience may be a time when you made a decision about your lifestyle or religious belief, about your education or deciding to leave home. You may decide to talk about an event that tested your will or patience or an event that changed your opinion of a person or institution. Regardless of what topic you choose, you must follow some writing guidelines. After your topic has been selected, you need to gather the details, get organized, and write you first draft. Once you have a draft of your essay, review and revise it based on accuracy and completeness. Then you can reflect upon the writing. You need to reflect on your tone, viewpoint and assess if the readers will appreciate your essay. Get feedback from peers or family or friends. Make sure to edit and proofread your essay and then you are ready to write the final copy and publish your writing. I feel like this chapter was really an extension of the last chapter. It is just one more step towards the process of writing a good personal experience essay.
This chapter is very similar to the last (Narration and Description). You are still going to be writing an essay on a personal experience, but you are also going to be reflecting on that experience and why it is important in your life. You need to write about something that is a memorable experience; one worth reflecting upon. You reader need to pick up on that and understand why you reflect back on this experience. You need to be honest and show the reader all of the emotion that is attached to this experience. Even if you were embarrassed or felt a great deal of pain, you need to portray this to your reader. This experience may be a time when you felt secure, distraught, appreciated or frightened. This experience may be a time when you made a decision about your lifestyle or religious belief, about your education or deciding to leave home. You may decide to talk about an event that tested your will or patience or an event that changed your opinion of a person or institution. Regardless of what topic you choose, you must follow some writing guidelines. After your topic has been selected, you need to gather the details, get organized, and write you first draft. Once you have a draft of your essay, review and revise it based on accuracy and completeness. Then you can reflect upon the writing. You need to reflect on your tone, viewpoint and assess if the readers will appreciate your essay. Get feedback from peers or family or friends. Make sure to edit and proofread your essay and then you are ready to write the final copy and publish your writing. I feel like this chapter was really an extension of the last chapter. It is just one more step towards the process of writing a good personal experience essay.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Chapter 10 - Narration and Description Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 10 – Narration and Description – Summary
This chapter goes over what a narrative or descriptive essay actually is. It is an essay based on a personal experience. It can be anything from a time you were afraid or angry to a time you found joy. It can be a hard lesson learned or a secret you discovered. It can be about a loved one you’ve lost or a time of celebration. There are so many options as far as topics for this type of essay. You just need to remember some key points. You need to make sure you are passionate about your topic, that you include characters, details, and descriptions. You want to make the reader feel like they are apart of your story. You want the reader to hear, see, touch and taste what you did. Once you know your topic, focus in on a key moment or point to your story, gather details and write an outline, you should ask for some feedback from someone. Once you do, it is time to write your first draft. You need to write the first draft, then share your story, revise it, edit and proofread it, and write up your final copy. I was glad to find out that you are able to add photos or drawing in with your narrative essay. I think that will be really good if I can incorporate some images into my story.
This chapter goes over what a narrative or descriptive essay actually is. It is an essay based on a personal experience. It can be anything from a time you were afraid or angry to a time you found joy. It can be a hard lesson learned or a secret you discovered. It can be about a loved one you’ve lost or a time of celebration. There are so many options as far as topics for this type of essay. You just need to remember some key points. You need to make sure you are passionate about your topic, that you include characters, details, and descriptions. You want to make the reader feel like they are apart of your story. You want the reader to hear, see, touch and taste what you did. Once you know your topic, focus in on a key moment or point to your story, gather details and write an outline, you should ask for some feedback from someone. Once you do, it is time to write your first draft. You need to write the first draft, then share your story, revise it, edit and proofread it, and write up your final copy. I was glad to find out that you are able to add photos or drawing in with your narrative essay. I think that will be really good if I can incorporate some images into my story.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Chapter 9 - Forms of College Writing - Summary
“The College Writer”: Forms of College Writing – Summary
This is a short chapter on the three divisions into which most college curricula is divided, the departments of and types of writing in each division. The three curricular divisions are humanities, social sciences and natural and applied sciences. To name a few examples, Humanities is made up of departments such as archeology, dance, English, history, religion and woman’s studies. Social science is made of departments such as criminology, genetics, government and psychology. Natural and applied sciences are made up of departments such as anatomy, biology, computer science, and zoology. By showing a few examples of each division, you can tell that humanities focus more on human culture, cultural trends and religion; social sciences studies human behavior and societies, while natural and applied sciences focus the aspects of nature. This chapter also briefly shows you what types and traits of writing take place in each division.
This is a short chapter on the three divisions into which most college curricula is divided, the departments of and types of writing in each division. The three curricular divisions are humanities, social sciences and natural and applied sciences. To name a few examples, Humanities is made up of departments such as archeology, dance, English, history, religion and woman’s studies. Social science is made of departments such as criminology, genetics, government and psychology. Natural and applied sciences are made up of departments such as anatomy, biology, computer science, and zoology. By showing a few examples of each division, you can tell that humanities focus more on human culture, cultural trends and religion; social sciences studies human behavior and societies, while natural and applied sciences focus the aspects of nature. This chapter also briefly shows you what types and traits of writing take place in each division.
Chapter 8 - One Writer's Process - Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 8 – One Writer’s Process – Summary
This chapter is a kind of overview of the past seven chapters. You see the process of writing an essay in motion. The example given in this chapter is an essay written by a student named Angela Franco. Angela receives her assignment, examines it, makes a cluster of ideas, as well as does some freewriting. This is to narrow her assignment to a more specific focus. She goes through the process of planning for her essay. This entails answering some questions like who, what, when, why, where and how. She also does research on her topic making sure to record all sources. Angela picks a way to organize her essay and writes her first draft. She then makes some revisions based on ideas, organization and voice. After reviewing her corrections, she gives her paper to a peer for review. These two revisions lead her write an edited draft. At this point, the chapter point out that Angela has now done her first draft, two revisions, an edited draft and a proofread draft. She is now ready to complete her finished essay, which she does. So this chapter gives an example of how to write an essay.
This chapter is a kind of overview of the past seven chapters. You see the process of writing an essay in motion. The example given in this chapter is an essay written by a student named Angela Franco. Angela receives her assignment, examines it, makes a cluster of ideas, as well as does some freewriting. This is to narrow her assignment to a more specific focus. She goes through the process of planning for her essay. This entails answering some questions like who, what, when, why, where and how. She also does research on her topic making sure to record all sources. Angela picks a way to organize her essay and writes her first draft. She then makes some revisions based on ideas, organization and voice. After reviewing her corrections, she gives her paper to a peer for review. These two revisions lead her write an edited draft. At this point, the chapter point out that Angela has now done her first draft, two revisions, an edited draft and a proofread draft. She is now ready to complete her finished essay, which she does. So this chapter gives an example of how to write an essay.
Chapter 7 - Submitting Writing and Creating Portfolios Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 7: Submitting Writing and Creating Portfolios – Summary
This is a very short and to the point chapter about the ways to submit your essays. It goes over the proper formatting, typography, spacing and graphical devices for your essays. You need to make sure that all your papers are easy to read, uncluttered, have proper spacing and margins as well as proper use of lists and charts. You can choose a number of different audiences to submit your paper to. You can submit it to peers, your instructor, family and friends or even on a blog. You can submit your papers either on a physical medium, such as paper or by electronic submission. In this class, we submit all of our written assignments via email and a blogging website. I think that is a great idea for many reasons, but the most important being that we are not wasting paper.
This is a very short and to the point chapter about the ways to submit your essays. It goes over the proper formatting, typography, spacing and graphical devices for your essays. You need to make sure that all your papers are easy to read, uncluttered, have proper spacing and margins as well as proper use of lists and charts. You can choose a number of different audiences to submit your paper to. You can submit it to peers, your instructor, family and friends or even on a blog. You can submit your papers either on a physical medium, such as paper or by electronic submission. In this class, we submit all of our written assignments via email and a blogging website. I think that is a great idea for many reasons, but the most important being that we are not wasting paper.
Chapter 6 - Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 6 Editing and Proofreading – Summary
In chapter 6, titled, “Editing and proofreading,” you learn that once you have a revised copy of your essay, the next step it to look it over again. This time you are editing for words, phrases, and sentences that are unclear or that do not look right. You are also looking for any spelling errors, mechanics, usage, and grammar errors. You want to make sure that your reader can completely understand what you are writing about. You do not want to include any jargon or redundancy. You want to write in a way in which you are using fair language with no biased words. You want to make sure to choose nouns and verbs with energy and vividness. When you have someone reading your paper, you want to be sure you have their full attend. This chapter teaches you how to achieve that goal through editing your sentence structure, word choice and punctuation. When you are writing essays, I think this will be a great chapter to refer back to in order to improve your paper.
In chapter 6, titled, “Editing and proofreading,” you learn that once you have a revised copy of your essay, the next step it to look it over again. This time you are editing for words, phrases, and sentences that are unclear or that do not look right. You are also looking for any spelling errors, mechanics, usage, and grammar errors. You want to make sure that your reader can completely understand what you are writing about. You do not want to include any jargon or redundancy. You want to write in a way in which you are using fair language with no biased words. You want to make sure to choose nouns and verbs with energy and vividness. When you have someone reading your paper, you want to be sure you have their full attend. This chapter teaches you how to achieve that goal through editing your sentence structure, word choice and punctuation. When you are writing essays, I think this will be a great chapter to refer back to in order to improve your paper.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Chapter 5 - Revising Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 5 – Revising Summary
This chapter on revising I would say is about just that. This chapter shows you how to take your written first draft and revise it into possibly your final draft. It will differ person to person or paper to paper. You may need to write more than just one rough draft. You may need a couple before you finally have your final paper completed. You need to know how to look at your first draft and address all the issues it may contain. This requires you to ask yourself a lot of questions. Maybe you can make the title more appealing. Maybe your “voice” is not very honest in your writing. Maybe you are not staying organized within the essay. Basically you need to look at the draft as a whole and then paragraph by paragraph to determine what can be changed, what details need to be added, what parts don’t really relate to the topic after all. I think one of the most important teachings of this chapter is to remember the basics! Remember to be organized, support and explore your topic, have lots of detail, ask and answer questions, summarize the main point and make the essay as a whole functional.
This chapter on revising I would say is about just that. This chapter shows you how to take your written first draft and revise it into possibly your final draft. It will differ person to person or paper to paper. You may need to write more than just one rough draft. You may need a couple before you finally have your final paper completed. You need to know how to look at your first draft and address all the issues it may contain. This requires you to ask yourself a lot of questions. Maybe you can make the title more appealing. Maybe your “voice” is not very honest in your writing. Maybe you are not staying organized within the essay. Basically you need to look at the draft as a whole and then paragraph by paragraph to determine what can be changed, what details need to be added, what parts don’t really relate to the topic after all. I think one of the most important teachings of this chapter is to remember the basics! Remember to be organized, support and explore your topic, have lots of detail, ask and answer questions, summarize the main point and make the essay as a whole functional.
Chapter 4 - Drafting - Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 4 – Drafting – Summary
The chapter outlines how to write a rough draft of your essay. Like the previous chapter, you again learn how to re-look at your topic, think about your audience, purpose and your subject. In every essay you need to have a beginning, middle and end. You need to grab your reader’s attentions, tell them your thesis, ask enticing questions, and show your organization or what direction you are taking the reader. You also need to deepen your issue by providing supporting information for your thesis, test your ideas, have structure and have lots of detail. I think you should share some personal interest in your topic, again, ask and answer questions, and really just get to the point. This chapter goes over many different ways you can structure your details in your essay, such as, analogical, cause and effect, chronological order, classification, compare and contrast, and so on. In ending your essay, you should always reassert the main point and try to urge your reader to look ahead at the possibilities and also accept what you have said.
The chapter outlines how to write a rough draft of your essay. Like the previous chapter, you again learn how to re-look at your topic, think about your audience, purpose and your subject. In every essay you need to have a beginning, middle and end. You need to grab your reader’s attentions, tell them your thesis, ask enticing questions, and show your organization or what direction you are taking the reader. You also need to deepen your issue by providing supporting information for your thesis, test your ideas, have structure and have lots of detail. I think you should share some personal interest in your topic, again, ask and answer questions, and really just get to the point. This chapter goes over many different ways you can structure your details in your essay, such as, analogical, cause and effect, chronological order, classification, compare and contrast, and so on. In ending your essay, you should always reassert the main point and try to urge your reader to look ahead at the possibilities and also accept what you have said.
Chapter 3 - Planning - Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 3 – Planning – Summary
In this chapter it describes the steps in which you plan out the essay you are going to write. You must be able to state your thesis as well as develop an organizational pattern that you are going to follow throughout your essay. In this chapter you learn that you have to take a second look at your topic and do further research on it. You also need to take your general subject or topic and make it into a more specific focus. Throughout the planning process you need to ask yourself questions to make sure your thesis reflects the topic, the details/ research support your thesis, and if there will be a pattern of organization to your essay. In reading this chapter, I have learned there are different ways you can plan your essay. You can use, basic lists, topic outlines, sentence outlines, or graphical organizers. I think this chapter can be a good reference tool in how to prepare for your essay.
In this chapter it describes the steps in which you plan out the essay you are going to write. You must be able to state your thesis as well as develop an organizational pattern that you are going to follow throughout your essay. In this chapter you learn that you have to take a second look at your topic and do further research on it. You also need to take your general subject or topic and make it into a more specific focus. Throughout the planning process you need to ask yourself questions to make sure your thesis reflects the topic, the details/ research support your thesis, and if there will be a pattern of organization to your essay. In reading this chapter, I have learned there are different ways you can plan your essay. You can use, basic lists, topic outlines, sentence outlines, or graphical organizers. I think this chapter can be a good reference tool in how to prepare for your essay.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Chapter 2 - Beginning the Writing Process - Summary
“The College Writer”: Chapter 2 – Beginning the Writing Process - Summary
In this chapter, “Beginning the Writing Process,” gives a full explanation of the steps you must take before and during you begin writing a paper. You first must have an understanding of your subject/ assignment and the options and restrictions of the assignment. You also need to know your audience and the purpose or benefit of writing the assignment. In this chapter you get many tips for helping you select a subject to write about. You need to meet all requirements laid out for the assignment and then you can begin your search for the perfect idea. There are many different places you can look for an idea, such as the library, class notes, websites, etc. Just make sure you pick a topic that genuinely interests you. Once you have selected a topic to write about, you can begin collecting information. It’s best to start with what you know and then move on to other sources. Great sources for your research are the Internet, libraries, interviews, surveys and many more sources. Writing can be a messy task while you are thinking, evaluating, collaborating all the information for your topic. Just keep in mind that all writing assignments come with some challenges. Work through them, and you’ll end up with a great final draft.
In this chapter, “Beginning the Writing Process,” gives a full explanation of the steps you must take before and during you begin writing a paper. You first must have an understanding of your subject/ assignment and the options and restrictions of the assignment. You also need to know your audience and the purpose or benefit of writing the assignment. In this chapter you get many tips for helping you select a subject to write about. You need to meet all requirements laid out for the assignment and then you can begin your search for the perfect idea. There are many different places you can look for an idea, such as the library, class notes, websites, etc. Just make sure you pick a topic that genuinely interests you. Once you have selected a topic to write about, you can begin collecting information. It’s best to start with what you know and then move on to other sources. Great sources for your research are the Internet, libraries, interviews, surveys and many more sources. Writing can be a messy task while you are thinking, evaluating, collaborating all the information for your topic. Just keep in mind that all writing assignments come with some challenges. Work through them, and you’ll end up with a great final draft.
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