WRITING!

Myths and Overview

MYTH #1

Myth: Writing is hard!

FACT

Just like anything else, it takes practice! The more you work the easier it gets and the better you get.

MYTH #2

Myth: It has to be perfect!

FACT
Writing is a messy, recursive process! It will be imperfect forever

TAKE RISKS!

MYTH #3

Myth: I dont have anything to write about.

FACT
Fact: YES YOU DO! -Novels -Your life -Make stuff up! -Random observations (i.e. transcendentalism)

WRITING PROCESS FOR FORMAL ESSAYS

Free Writing! Planning Draft 1 Peer editing for content (Bones) Draft 2 Peer editing for organization (Muscles) Draft 3 Peer editing for superficial (Skin)

ORGANIZATION
I. Intro II. Sub-claim 1 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence/Examples C. Reasoning (connect examples back to thesis/explain further) III. Sub-claim 2 (same as sub-claim 1) IV. Sub-claim 3 (same as sub-claim 1) V. Address counter arguments (Some may disagree) VI. Conclusion: alternatives or suggestions for future

INTRO
General to specific

Thesis

THESIS
THESIS: [STABLE CONEXT] + [DESTABLIZING CONDITION]
[Many people believe reading is boring.] [They fail to realize that regular reading leads to increased critical thinking skills, overall cognitive functioning, and ones understanding of themselves and the world.]

SUB-CLAIM ONE

CLAIM [topic sentence] EVIDENCE [how do you know?] REASONING [connect evidence to thesis]
I.e. Reading enhances critical thinking skills According to Dale Smith, professor at NYU, Reading increases critical thinking skills by 80% because it His research proves that reading will improve your life. You will be able to

COUNTER ARGUMENT

SOME PEOPLE MAY ARGUE THATHowever,

CONCLUSION

QUICK RECAP IMPLICATIONS OF NEGLECT SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH/STUDY

SAMPLE ESSAY ASSIGNMENT

Step 1: Freewriting and Research Step 2: Write a thesis and outline Step 3: Write essay Step 4: Peer edit for content/organization Step 5: Revise Step 6: Peer edit for grammar Step 7: Revise Step 8: Write final draft

Step 1: Freewriting and Research

(What will you write about?)

Step 2: Write a thesis and outline

Thesis: Stable context+ Destablizing condition, debatable, supportable

Outline: Thesis, Intro, 3 sub-

Step 3: Write the first draft

Step 4: Peer edit for content and organization

Step 5: Revise (easier with electronic copy)

Peer Editing 101

EDITOR ETIQUETTE
1- Have the writer read the essay out loud to you, stop after each paragraph to talk about it.
2- Ask the writer questions instead of telling him/her what to do. (What would happen if you changed.) 3- Remember what you are editing for. At this stage, we are editing for content and organization, not grammar. Do not overwhelm your writer. 3-Check for the rules we have covered regarding the thesis and organization. (See checklist )

Step 6: Peer edit for grammar Step 7: Revise (easier with electronic copy)

Step 8: Write final draft