Writing Help

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Writing Help

• Process Content Development

Image Source Jess Connell
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Important Resources

• Perdue OWL Lab   On Essay Writing
• Use MLA , APA, or CMS style if youre
  citing outside information.
• CSU Fresno ARC SystemWriting Process and
  Content Development with Thesis Builder

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Grammar, Mechanics, Style

• Juliets Resources PageProofreading Marks
  www.julietdavis.com/proofreadingmarks.pdf
  Grammar Tips www.julietdavis.com/grammartips.pd
  f Style Tips (Words to Avoid)www.julietdavis.c
  om/wordstoavoid.pdfVisual Analysis Language
  Tipswww.julietdavis.com/visualanalysislanguagetip
  s.pdf
• Slickwrite.com Is free software that marks your
  writing style.

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Writing Process
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What steps are involved in the writing process?

• Brainstorming (listing, mind-mapping)
• Freewriting (the biggest mistake students make is
  to submit a paper in the freewriting or drafting
  phase, which usually results in a failing paper).
  
• Organizing (doesnt have to be a formal outline)
• Thesis Statement Develop a thesis statement as a
  starting point for drafting and organizing.
• Drafting (Rearranging and adding ideasrewriting
  major areas)
• Revising (rewriting for clarity and style--most
  time spent writing is revising)
• Editing (for grammar, spelling, mechanics)
• Proofread ALOUD with a second person.
• Writing takes A LOT of time.

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1. Brainstorming
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Mind-mapping a Topic
Image Source CSU Fresno
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2. Freewriting
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Feel free to bounce ideas off your friends and
your professor at any time during the writing
process.
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3. Organizing

• Thesis Statement New research indicates
  teenagers health and fitness needs are not being
  met.- Support Point 1 Teens are not getting
  enough sleepand school schedules can be the main
  problem. (collect all related material--freewriti
  ng, notes, resources, statistics, web sites,
  etc., relating to each support point)- Support
  Point 2Teens are not getting the exercise they
  needand once again, school regimens can be the
  problem. When children are young, we force them
  to sit still in school and learn how to be
  sedentarythen we tell adults theyre not
  active enough. (Cite research and
  solutions.)- Support Point 3 Much has been
  written about the problem of obesity today (e.g.,
  _____), but the solutions typically suggested may
  not be helpful, particularly when unhealthy foods
  are being government subsidized and healthy foods
  are so expensive for middle and working class
  families.

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4. Drafting/Rewriting

• Start in the middle,not the intro.
• Write rearrange, add, delete.
• Typically, studentsneed 3-4 draftsof a short
  essay over a periodof days.
• Save versionsas you go.

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Writing is Rewriting

• --Richard North Patterson

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5. Editing for Grammar Style

• Grammar Tips www.julietdavis.com/grammartips.pdf
  
• Style Tips (Words to Avoid)www.julietdavis.com/
  wordstoavoid.pdf
• See Saunders Writing Center for help.

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Feel free to share a strong draft with your
professor for feedback any time, in office or in
email.
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6. Proofreading ALOUD
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Final Edits

• Sleep on it, read it again, make final edits.

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GradingRubric
Criteria Excellent/Outstanding Average Below Average
Content The paper demonstrates exceptional understanding of subject matter, highly insightful critical analysis, complex ideas and rhetoric. The paper pushes dialogue beyond predictable fare and could be interesting to a larger audience. The paper demonstrates strong understanding of subject matter, fairly insightful critical analysis, and some complexity in ideas and rhetoric. The paper is fairly predictable in its points, but solid. The paper may reflect misconceptions about the subject matter, lack critical analysis in favor of overly simplistic summaries/descriptions, and/or be overly simplistic in its ideas and rhetoric.  
Structure,Organization The paper is strongly structured. For example, conventionally structured essays contain an engaging introduction and clear thesis statement. Each body paragraph presents a main idea that supports the thesis statement and is well supported by evidence/examples. The papers conclusion is not merely redundant but reflects thoughtfully on the topic that has unfolded. Unconventionally structured essays utilize creative alternatives to advance a main idea, but the ideas can be clearly followed. The paper is fairly well structured but shows some weaknesses. For example, the introduction and/or conclusion may be perfunctory rather than particularly engaging. A thesis statement is clear. Body paragraphs are fairly well organized and supported but perhaps could be more so. Unconventionally structured essays may appear to be a bit disorganized rather than easy to follow. The paper needs structure. For example, there may be no clear thesisor the thesis may be hard to find. Body paragraph(s) may not have clear main ideas or be strategically organized to advance the thesis statement. A conclusion may need more substantive ideas or may not be present. Unconventionally structured essays may be hard to follow.
Clarity, Coherency Ideas are clearly developed and thoroughly explained. One idea flows eloquently to the next, with clear transitions as needed. The paper stays on topic. Most ideas are clearly developed and thoroughly explained. Some could be more so. Ideas may be a bit disjointed or need transitions to eloquently flow. More clarity and/or coherency is needed. For example, a substantial number of ideas need to be more clearly explained and/or need to flow much more clearly and smoothly into others. The paper may stray from topic.
Language, Style, Grammar, Mechanics, Spelling The writing is flawless in its grammar, mechanics--and adept in its use of language and vocabulary. Language is precise, concise, vivid, engaging. Sentence structures are varied and eloquent. The paper is fairly solid in language, grammar, mechanics, and spelling. Vocabulary may be average rather than particularly adept. Language may demonstrate some redundancy, unfounded generalizations, and/or vagueness. Sentence structures may be somewhat redundant and/or ineligant. The paper reflects substantial need for improvement in style, grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling.
Format MLA format is used. Outside resources (if assigned/referenced) are properly cited and effectively incorporated to advance the students own ideas. Seehttp//owl.english.purdue.edu. MLA format is used. Outside resources (if assigned/referenced) are properly cited however, they could be utilized more appropriately/effectively. Errors in MLA format impede readability. Outside resources may not be properly cited and/or need to be incorporated into the text more effectively.
Image source http//humansareweird.com/2013/02/2
5/how-much-should-a-writer-write
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ContentDevelopment
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Introduce the topic. Give background
needed. Identify the focus/purpose. State thesis.
Topic Sentence Topic Sentence
Topic Sentence.
ExamplesDescriptionNarrativeExplanation Defini
tionclassificationComparison/ContrastFacts /
Statistics
Revisit thesis. Apply to broader context.Dont
be redundant.Dont open a new argument.
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Introductions
Image source http//www.expats.cz/prague/article
/czech-culture/dos-and-donts-introductions/

• The intro is usually written last. Why?
• Usually begins with an attention-getting opening,
  such as a question, statistic, anecdote,
  description, or surprising fact.
• The thesis statement usually appears at the end
  of the introduction.
• Intro often includes background information on a
  topic, author, or work.
• Do not write just to take up space (thats boring
  and irrelevant).

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Opening Line

• Which of the following opening sentences are
  effective and why? Why are the others not
  effective?I went with my class to the Tampa
  Museum of Art to complete an assignment on
  analyzing art.The Tampa Museum of Art exhibits
  many interesting works of art.Artist Ella
  Tucker was born in 1953.In 1953, before
  second-wave feminism had gained momentum, artist
  Ella Tucker began photographing women in domestic
  environments.

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Introducing Interpretation

• Interpretations usually being with an overview of
  the work to ground the reader.
• Example film reviews often begin with a brief
  statement about plot. A priests faith is
  challenged when supernatural events visit a rural
  farm house.
• An art review might begin with brief description
  of contentFieldplay presents a field of yellow
  flowers under an azure sky.
• More detailed description and analysis of
  individual elements follow.

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Thesis Statement

• Which of the following is a thesis statement and
  why? Why wouldnt the other ones work?Different
  films have different meanings.Many themes
  immerge in this film.The set design and costume
  design support the theme of gender identity
  conflict.This film was a box office success.I
  found this film to be attention-getting.This
  social issue has always been of interest to me.

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What is a Topic Sentence?

• Every paragraph should include a topic
  sentence that identifies the main idea of the
  paragraph. Perdue OWL  
• The topic sentence usually appears as the first
  sentence of the paragraph (helps the reader
  follow) but can appear elsewhere.
• The topic sentence communicates the main point
  the writer is trying to make in the paragraph.

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Example

• THESIS STATEMENTSet décor and location in M.
  Night Shyamalans film Signs support the theme of
  primitive human innovation versus high
  technology.
• Support Point 1 The home décor in Signs
  underlines the conflict that develops when
  high-tech creatures overtake a rural environment.
  (notes on wallpaper design, curtains, glasses,
  dishes)
• Support Point 2The basement becomes a
  primitive cave-like dwelling for protecting the
  family against aliens. (Describe the scene.)
• Support Point 3Natural elements have
  surprising properties that fight the aliens.
  (Examples here.)

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Conclusions

• The conclusion reminds us of the main idea of the
  paper and applies it to broader contexts.
  (Example)
• Its not repetitive.
• It also doesnt open a brand new argument.

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First Person

• Problems and Uses

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About First Person

• People often start freewriting using first person
  (thats natural). Its the equivalent of
  journaling to get your ideas flowing.
• In the final version of your paper, only use
  first person if your personal experience is
  relevant to your interpretation.
• Example You are writing about strife in the
  Congo. You grew up in the Congo. You intend to
  disclose personal history in your essay and apply
  your experiences to your interpretation of a film
  or work of art.
• Example of when NOT to use first personI went
  to the Tampa Museum of Art with my class and saw
  a painting that caught my attention. (This story
  has no relevance, and the sentence gives us no
  information.)

Image source http/www.freelancewritingtips.com
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First Person Can OBSCURE Your Writing(i.e., get
in the way)

• EXAMPLEBefore I think the mood of this film
  is depressing. (This sounds like freewriting or
  journaling. Revise and describe.)After The
  dimly lit rooms and overcast skies feel
  depressing.

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Do NOT merely change first person to passive voice

• EXAMPLEBefore I think the mood of this film
  is depressing. Bad Revision (passive voice)It
  could be thought that this film is
  depressing.Descriptive RevisionThe dimly lit
  rooms and overcast skies feel depressing.

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Outside Resources

• Problems and Uses

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Using Outside Resources

• Most of my assignments DISCOURAGE use of outside
  resources. Focus on your own ideas about your
  topic or work you are interpreting.
• However, if background information (history,
  biography, etc.) help to illuminate YOUR ideas,
  they can be used.
• EXAMPLE of the difference USEFUL If you want
  to interpret a painting as an anti-war statement,
  then it might be helpful to know it was painted
  during the Vietnam War . NOT USEFUL If the
  anti-war idea is someone elses that you found on
  the Internet, it is not your idea and therefore
  is counterproductive to the assignment. At the
  very least, the source must be cited.
• REMEMBER Even if you use YOUR OWN WORDS to write
  about another authors ideas, you must cite your
  source or its considered plagiarism.

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Which of the following statements require a
citation to an outside resource and why?

• Persistence of Memory is a 1931 painting by
  Salvador Dali.
• Dawn Ades believed that Dalis soft watches were
  an unconscious symbol of the relativity of space
  and time.
• As the painting was completed during the artists
  Freudian phase, the liquid watches could also
  reference a fear of impotence or castration.
• The Salvador Dali Museum in Saint Petersburg,
  Florida, hosts more than 200.000 visitors per
  year.

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Which of the following sources are credible and
why? Why are the others not necessarily credible?

• Peer-reviewed Academic Journal Article (e.g.,
  found on Google Scholar)
• WebMD
• Time Magazine
• The National Enquirer
• Wikipedia
• Blogs by unknown authors
• Blogs by expert authors who, themselves, cite
  credible sources.

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Questions?