Tips for Effective Writing

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Tips for Effective Writing
By Colleen H. Fava, Studio CoordinatorCollege
of Basic Sciences Communication across the
Curriculum (CxC)
BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Defining the Rhetorical Situation
Purpose
Audience
Persona
BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Purpose

• What is the purpose of your essay?
• Genre Research, Explanatory, Position
• Subject Chosen or Assigned Topic
• Expectations Learning objectives and skills

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Audience

• Who is your target audience?
• True Readers
• Who will actually read and evaluate your essay?
• Imagined Readers
• Who should be able to read and learn from your
  essay?
• Expectations
• What will both real and imagined readers expect
  to gain from this essay?

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Persona

• What is your authorial expertise?
• Are you a novice or an expert?
• Are you expected to pose questions or offer
  solutions?
• Are you expected to teach the readers something
  or prove that you have shared knowledge?

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Pre-Writing

• Format Requirements
• Source materials (primary/ secondary)
• Required Sections
• Page length
• Citation Style

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Research

• Identifying and gathering source material
• Using the LSU library
• Verifying validity of sources
• Maintaining a Works Cited Page

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Note Taking

• Annotating important information with sources
• Compiling graphics with sources
• Marking supporting and contradictory information
• Matching source material to requirements

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Drafts From 1st to 2nd

• Major Reviewers You, Peers
• Map back to the writing prompt, outlines, notes,
  and your assumptions
• Identify and list any gaps, missing information,
  or contradictions
• Ask a peer, preferably someone with a bit less of
  an understanding of your subject to read and mark
  up your essay

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Drafts 2nd to Final

• Major Reviewers You, Peers, Tutors
• Tools Outside readers, Your voice, Grammar
  Garage, Grammar Style guide books.
• Read your essay aloud.
• Form a peer review group.
• Consult a technical resource.

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Common Pitfalls

• Lack of transitions
• Unsourced materials
• Vague language
• Claims without warrants and evidence
• Inconsistent / Unprofessional Voice
• The murder mystery approach
• Redundancies and lack of cohesion
• Lack of a true intro and conclusions section

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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Helpful Resources

• Writing Style Guides
• Citation website
• LSU online databases
• Writing Center
• Grammar Garage
• Tutors
• Peer groups
• BASC CxC Studio

BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008
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BASC CxC Studio
Colleen H. Fava, Studio Coordinator 155
Howe-Russell Geo-Science Complex colleenf_at_lsu.edu
225.578.6704
BASC CxC Communication Studio Last Updated
October 2008