Lesson One - Week One
| Chapter 1 - An Introduction to Writing | Chapter 2 - The Writing Process |
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Steps to
writing An Effective Essay
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| 5. Web Reading REQUIRED |
7. Weekly Assignments: |
| 4. What Makes This Section Important? | 6. Other relevant sites |
Lesson One
Making and Supporting a Point - Chapter 1
Writing just for the sake of writing can be useful, cathartic, and even fun; however, when writing academic papers, your writing has to have a POINT.
The POINT in a Paragraph (top of page)
The point of a paragraph is called a topic sentence -- a single sentence that states the topic and the author’s opinion or statement on that topic. The paragraph itself then develops that topic sentence (the point) with specific evidence and details.
If a sentence or section in not clearly developing the topic sentence, then you probably have a UNITY problem. This means that your paragraph is not unified (working as one). UNITY can also be a problem in essays.
It is standard that a topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph; however, a topic sentence may follow an introductory sentence and can sometimes be found at the end of a paragraph.
EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH:
(1) Where do superstitions come from? (2) Most superstitions have interesting origins. (3) While most people no longer believe in many superstitions, those superstitions are still part of our lives. (4) For instance, over a thousand years ago, people began saying "God Bless You." (5) At that time it was believed that sneezing was a precursor to death, and by telling the sneezer "God Bless You" death may be thwarted. (6) The superstition that a broken mirror causes bad luck comes from the ancient belief that the image in a mirror was an actual soul. (7) Thus a broken mirror caused your soul to become disrupted or to wander. (8) Also there is the superstition that walking under a ladder is bad luck. (9) This is because a ladder was considered a way to heaven and walking under one interrupted souls ascending to heaven. (10) All superstition is cultural and varies from country to country. (11) Most of these superstitions seem a little silly nowadays. (12) However, we still say "God Bless You" to people sneezing to be polite, and tell people who break mirrors they will have seven years bad luck. (13) Most people will avoid walking under ladders in case the darn thing falls on them! (14) Superstitions no matter the origin can become a common part of life even when the fear that superstition instills is gone.
What was the topic sentence?
Did you think it was, "While I do not believe in superstitions, superstitions are still part of our lives, even if we don’t accept the logic of their origins"?
Yeah! You are RIGHT!
But did you notice that a sentence that didn’t fit the topic sentence?
If you thought it was "All superstition is cultural and varies from country to country," you are right RIGHT AGAIN!
While it is about superstitions, it isn’t about origins or how superstitions are still part of our culture.
Helpful links:
Let's Work On it!
On page 4 in your text book you will find the following paragraph:
The Hazards of Moviegoing
Although I love movies, I've found that there are drawbacks to moviegoing. One problem is just the inconvenience of it all. To get to the theater, I have to drive for at least fifteen minutes, or more if traffic is bad. It can take forever to find a parking spot, and then I have to walk across a huge parking lot to the theater. There I encounter long lines, sold-out shows, and ever-increasing prices. And I hate sitting with my feet sticking to the floor because of other people's s pitted snacks. Another problem is my lack of self-control at the theater. I often stuff myself with unhealthy calorie-laden snacks My choices might include a bucket of popcorn, a box of Milk Duds, a giant soda, or all three. The worst problem is some of the other moviegoers. Kids run up and down the aisle. Teenagers laugh and shout at the screen. People of all ages drop soda cups and popcorn tubs, cough and burp, and talk to one another. All in all, I would rather stay home and watch a DVD in the comfort of my own living room
The key to this textbook exercise is to see organization and support.
On page 4 in your text book you will find Activity 1 (see a representation below):
The paragraph on moviegoing, like almost any piece o f effective writing, has two essential parts:
( 1) a point is stated and advanced,
( 2) that point is then supported with detailsTaking a minute to outline "The Hazards of Moviegoing" will help you understand these basic parts. Write in the following space the point that has been advanced in the paragraph. Then add the words needed to complete the paragraph's outline showing supporting details in order presented
ACTIVITY 1
___________________________________________________________(Point Supported or Topic Sentence)
1 . _______________________________________________________
a. Fifteen-minute drive to theater
b. ______________________________________________
c. Long lines, sold-out shows and increasing prices
d. ______________________________________________
2.
Lack of self-controla. Often stuff myself with unhealthy snacks
b. Might have popcorn, candy, soda, or all three
3. ______________________________________________________
a. _____________________________________________
b. _____________________________________________
c. People of all ages make noise.
How did you do? Check your answers HERE
The POINT in an Essay (top of page)
Thesis:
The point or purpose of an essay is made in a thesis statement often just called a thesis -- a single sentence that states the topic and the author’s opinion or statement on that topic (with an optional plan of development).
A standard definition of a thesis statement: the main idea of an essay or a summary of essay puropose. Usually this sentence will be the last sentence (or last two sentences) of the introductory paragraph. It should NEVER be the first sentence or buried in the middle of an introductory paragraph.
A thesis warns the reader not only what the topic is, but also, as a rule, states the author’s opinion on the topic and a brief explanation of his/her reasons for that opinion.
This paper will be about the Civil War.
POOR - Only the topic is shared.There were women in the Civil War.
POOR – Slightly clearer topic, but no opinion or reason or purpose – just a fact
Women played an important part in the Civil War.
BETTER - A narrowed topic and an opinion, but opinion is a little vague and reasons presented
Women’s roles in nursing, the Underground Railroad and even in battle were vital not only to the Civil War, but to women’s evolving independence.
BEST – Topic is narrowed, opinion is clear, and there is even a suggestion of the main points/reasons for the author’s opinion which will be developed in the essay.
Helpful Links:
Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements - OWL Purdue
In writing an essay, the reader needs to be brought into the essay. Consider your own reading habits. When you pick up a book, you probably read the first few lines and decide whether this book will interest you, solely on those lines. Your reader is making those same decisions based on your first few lines.
As a writer, try to attract readers’ interest with an interesting opening. This is sometimes referred to as a "hook." In academic writing, hooks are often more formal or serious.
Some of the most commonly used introduction techniques include:
Give a general background (This could be common knowledge or historical background)
Tell a story (Don’t make the story too long)
Ask a question (Don’t ask too many questions and try to answer any question you ask)
Use a quote (Quote should be relevant to the paper)
Helpful links:
ESOL Essayist - http://www.edb.utexas.edu/pbl/ESOL/intro.htm
Introductions - http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/introductions.html
Body: Supporting Paragraphs: (top of page)
Once you have introduced your topic and stated your thesis in the intro, the body paragraphs are meant to develop your point (thesis). Each one needs a topic sentence as a major reason to support your thesis, followed by detailing sentences that explain, detail, and in some way support the topic sentence.
For more ideas or examples check out the Helpful Links
Helpful links:
The Body Paragraphs - Esol Essayist
The Body of Your Paper - POWERWRITE at Furman University
Concluding Paragraph: (top of page)
The book states that the conclusion often "summarizes the essay by briefly restating the thesis and at times, the main supporting point" (10). This is true, but beware the perils of writing a conclusion.
Peril #1 – Do not give into the temptation to simply cut and paste your thesis into the conclusion.
Peril #2 – Simply summarizing your introduction makes for a dry conclusion.
Peril #3 – Bring new ideas into the conclusion, ideas that are not in the paper, but you thought of at the last minute, looks just like --- you thought of them at the last minute.
Peril #4 – Avoid the conclusion that does not feel like a definite end to the paper. The paper should feel resolved in some way.
The book also states that the author often "presents a concluding thought about the subject of the paper" (10). Again, think of your own reading habits. When you are finishing a book or essay, you don’t want a lame conclusion. We like conclusion that make sense and leave us, the reader, with the answer to the question, "Why did I just spend all this time reading this?"
Helpful links on this topic:
- Guide to Grammar and Writing by Capital Community College Foundation
What Makes This Section Important? (top of page)
Since you will be writing essays in this class, you should revisit this section often. The key words and ideas that you need to remember for future quizzes, questions, and all those up-coming essays are:
Topic Sentence
Thesis Unity
Introduction paragraph
Body paragraph Concluding paragraph
Outlining
Supporting Details Prewriting
Draft Revising Editing Tips
Web Reading REQUIRED (top of page)
Read the sites below:
http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/archive/Cl1/CL/story/middlecc/TSCMC.htmStudents speak out on Collaborative Learning - Advantages
Students speak out on Collaborative Learning - Disadvantages - http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/archive/CL1/CL/story/middlecc/TSCMD.htm
Other relevant websites (top of page)
Working In Groups - http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/processes/group/index.cfm
'Sore Thumbs' Make Group Work Hard to Handle - http://media.www.themuleskinner.com/media/storage/paper563/news/2007/03/22/Opinion/sore-Thumbs.Make.Group.Work.Hard.To.Handle-2787843.shtml
Weekly Assignments (top of page)
DISCUSSION BOARD (top of page)
This week there will be two different Discussion Board tasks
1. Weekly Discussion Board Introductions - Introduce yourself
2. Weekly Discussion Board Question
Go to the discussion board and discuss the following:
1) one example of your experiences working in a group (good or bad)
2) your solution on how to make the best of a one of the following bad situations in a group or come up with one of your own.
A member who does not show up or participate
A boss who is --- bossy
Difficulty meeting to get work done
By Monday, post to the discussion board and respond to at least TWO peers.
The Group Essay Instructions:
INSTRUCTIONS: Most college students are required to work in groups at different times during their tenure at school. Write a five paragraph essay in which you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of group work that is often required in college. OPTIONAL: Also discuss a solution or solutions to survive one or more of the disadvantages of group work.
350-600 word essay (approximately 1 ˝ - 2˝ pages)
Introduction paragraph with a thesis (main idea)
Minimum THREE body paragraphs with topic sentences and appropriate, detailed support
Conclusion paragraph (that clearly wraps up the essay)
Reference one of the websites from the reading
Use one quote (minimum) from the web readings
Correctly formatted in MLA (while many of theses formatting techniques do not translate to online text box submissions, you should make reasonable effort to be knowledgeable with this format as the research paper will be submitted as an attachment and MUST be in this format)
Things NOT to have in your paper:
Things to HAVE in your paper:
Slang
Your name and class info (as shown website sample)
sentences starting with “And” or “But”
A title
The word “got”
A clear thesis
the words “horrible” or “horrific”
Five paragraphs (minimum)
Contractions (don’t, won’t, etc)
Good specific details and examples
Over use of the word “you” or "I"
Details that accomplish the purpose (prove your point)
A “grocery list” of details
Topic sentence for each body paragraph
QUICK TIP ON REFERENCING A SOURCE:
By referencing a source the author indicates that he/she read and is using or responding to that source.
Some uses include stating ideas, direct wording or a summary.
Example:
In Christina Bart's article, she discusses the dangers of the global economy.Example of a reference and quote:
In Christina Bart's article, she states "a global economy while allowing widespread growth, also opens every nation to danger of be9ing affect by war, famine, or economic crisis in other countries."NOTE: when actually using research for a research paper there are some other aspects to correctly using sources that are not needed at this time.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT Group ESSAY.
Text or Lesson assignments:
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