Welcome to Seminar 8

“The wastebasket is a writer’s best friend,” by Isaac Bashevis Singer.

--Why do you think that is?

Unit 8 Project Assignment

• This week you are supposed to send in a copy of your rough draft to the KU Writing Center. Make sure you follow the instructions posted in the classroom for this assignment because it’s an “all or nothing” grade!

• Suggestion, make the changes I have suggested before submitting. This will allow them to focus on new issues that need to be corrected.

• Submit the paper EARLY this week. The sooner you submit, the more time they will have to make suggestions.

Important Review of the Introduction

• Shaped as upside-down triangle (broad to specific)

• Opens with lead to grab reader’s attention.

• Last sentence is thesis statement and should cover all the topics of body paragraphs.

For the body paragraphs- What revision techniques should be in place?

• Think about structure?• What has to connect to what?• How do we make the paragraphs and ideas

connect together?

Answers For Body Paragraph Issues!

• Should start with a topic sentence. This sentence connects key point in thesis to the body paragraph.

• Transitions should be used to connect the paragraphs and to shift ideas within the paragraph.

• Check paragraphs for the 5-7 sentence requirement.

• Should be indented five spaces and entire paper should ONLY be double-spaced (no extra spaces between paragraphs).

Closing paragraph elements

1. How is the closing paragraph formatted?

2. What should be the first sentence?

3. How should it end?

4. Do we want to use “In conclusion”?

Answers to Conclusion Issues

• Should be shaped like a regular triangle (from narrow to broad).

• First sentence should be the restated thesis. This thesis should be worded a little different than the original thesis.

• Do not introduce any new ideas, but summarize all the key points for readers to remember.

• End it with “style”!!!

Revising vs. Editing

Revising

• Think about the ‘big picture’

• Rethink the paper as a whole

• Does it flow• Does it make sense• Are ideas fully supported

Editing• Nitpick

• This is line-by-line process

• Look for grammatical errors

• Do you have fragments, run-ons

• Take the time to do this right!

• This is where your Mechanics grade comes from

Revision- Why?

• What is the purpose of revision? Why is it necessary?

• Why should you proofread?

Revision is Critical!!!

• You spent all this time writing, why not perfect it.

• Revising helps to remove informal writings (such as contractions, helps correct point of view issues).

• Proofreading helps to correct spelling and grammar errors, typos, unclear sentences, etc..

What are Some Effective Revision Techniques?

Effective Revision Techniques

• Use your notes, highlighters, look at assignments.

• Make sure the environment is comfortable and lighting is good.

• Brainstorm, use graphic organizers• After you write it, put it down, then come back

later and re-read.• Label the parts within paragraphs to see what is

missing.• What techniques might you use?

Proofreading Mistakes

• It takes too long!• I used spell-check.

Isn’t that enough?• I can proofread in two

minutes, and that is enough.

• I don’t like looking at my errors.

• Laziness!!!

Proofreading Tips

• Read Slowly

• Use spell check and grammar check

(if on computer)

Use a hand-held dictionary

• Ask a friend or family member to read it for you. (They can usually see mistakes faster than you.)

• Use the Writing Center

Tutor Review Process

• Participate in the tutor review process.

• Tip: Turn in your paper early, so that you will get substantial feedback.

• How do you feel about the process of using the tutor review?

Game Time Again! This is like trivia. Answer as quickly as

possible.

• What is a completed version of an essay that still is not in the completed, “polished” form called???

More Trivia

Answer to question is:

----draft----

New Question

What is the information given by your classmates (peers), a tutor, and/or your instructor that will help you improve your writing called?

Stumped Again?

Answer is:

Duh, ---feedback---

(I can say duh because I wrote the question. Otherwise, I would

have probably been, -duh- too! (ha-ha)

Next Question is:

1. How much does it cost to submit your essays for review at Writing Center?

2. How many papers can you submit per term?

And the Answers Are:

• 1. FREE

• You can submit up to five papers per term. (It used to be only three.)

For Project- Do you remember how to get to KU Writing Center?

• Go to KU homepage (page before actually entering class).

• Click on “My Studies”

• Then, “Writing and Math Centers”

• Then, in left-sidebar, click on paper review service.

Important Things To Remember for Submitting Papers to Paper Review• Papers must be submitted as a Microsoft Word

document.• If using Word 2007- make sure to look at their

guidelines.• In the email provide your name, email address,

and course name and section number with every submission.

• 48-hour turn around process.• Must send paper as attachment.• In title for email put paper review• Send to: KUWC@Kaplan.edu

Lot’s of Information!

• Take a minute to go to Writing Center and make sure you can find it.

• Re-read their instructions and come back to me with any questions, problems, concerns, etc…

Any Questions or Concerns?

Set Your Goals High and Reach for the Stars! This term is almost complete, so

don’t give up now!• Only one more seminar.• Less than two weeks of

class left!• Major project due next

week!• Make sure to make-up

any incomplete work.• Must have a “C” average

to continue your educational studies at Kaplan, so work hard these last few weeks!

Your Input

• Tell me three things you feel you have learned, improved upon, or even just understand from this course.

• Give me one suggestion that might be beneficial for future students that I can do better. (Don’t worry- I won’t take it personal. I want to be the best at helping others succeed.)

If you have no questions, “Have A Great Evening!!”