the essay: starting to write

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The Essay

Starting the Essay

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What is Writing?

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Linear Process

Recursive Processprewrite

write

revise

prewrite write edit/ revise

edit

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Writing is…Prewriting (Exploring)WritingRewriting (Editing and Revising)

–Editing–Revising

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In the Prewriting Stage

First You MUST

Consider…

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TopicWhat is the assignment?How do I feel about it?Do I have any experience or

opinion?Have I seen a movie or read a

book about it?How did I feel about class the

readings?

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AudienceWho are my readers?What do they know?Possibilities: Formal academic, casual academic, Formal Business, Casual,… others?

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Purpose

Is my goal to entertain?to persuade?to inform?

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Then, you must come up with ideas!

Prewriting techniques are helpful!

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Prewriting TechniquesFreewritingBrainstormingQuestioningClustering

OutliningAssertions

(-LY Cousins)Categorization

(FREECASH)

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Freewriting/ BrainstormingWrite whatever comes to mind without worrying about grammar or correctness.

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QuestioningAnswering the WH- Questions

Who WhatWhen WhereWhy How

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Clustering

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Outline Structure Thesis statement:____________________________I. _______________________________________________A. _____________________________________________________B. _____________________________________________________II. ______________________________________________ A. _____________________________________________________B. _____________________________________________________Concluding idea: ______________________________

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Topic Sentence Outline Example

Thesis: Thus, having a good class is easy if you follow these three steps: prepare, concentrate and complete all assignments.

TS1: Before the class, you should prepare before you arrive at the class.

TS2: During the class, you can try to concentrate as much as you can and pay good attention to your instructor.

TS3: After the class, you have to apply what you have learned by completing all assignments.

Conclusion: To sum up, doing well in class is easy if you follow these above steps: prepare, concentrate and complete all assignments.

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Assertions

Looking at the issue from various perspectives

-LY Cousins

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-LY CousinsUsing -ly adverbs to brainstorm can provide a way to begin thinking about your topic and how to explore it.

Ask yourself how the topic/issue affects you, the society, or the world

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Physically

Mentally Academically

Spiritually

Ethically Technologically

Personally

Socially Linguistically

Politically

Financially

Environmentally

Morally Racially Emotionally

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Categorization (FREECASH)A method for organizing an essay ideas is to use FREECASH, a set of eight categories that cover a wide range of ideas while at the same time providing specificity and organization.

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F Freedom, Fairness, Legality, Human Rights, Social Justice

R Right & Wrong, Morality, Ethics

E Economics, Monetary Issues, Finances, Expenses

E Environments: natural, workplace, home, school, etc.

C Convenience, Comfort

A Appearance, Aesthetics

S Safety, Security

H Health: individual, societal, mental, physical, emotional, etc.

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WritingTake all your ideasWrite draftDon’t have to start with the First Paragraph!

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RewritingRevision

–Content–Format–Documentation

Editing– Grammar– Sentence Structure– Vocabulary–Punctuation

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Revising1. Refine Thesis2. Reorganize Material3. Add Details4. Reword Sentences5. Look at Transitions

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EditingCheck for complete sentences

Check for FR and RO Check for SV agreement

Eliminate Passive VerbsCheck Spelling

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For More InformationEmail Mrs. C

ccoleman@clmn.net

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