Chapter 1—Good Writers Are Good Readers

Chapter 1—Good Writers Are Good Readers

• Writing and Reading are activeand they must be analyzed and interpreted.

• Good readers often preview the text, ask questions, andmake personal connections

Ch. 2--The Writing ProcessPage 12, Cooley

• Writing is a recursive process; that is, it involves repetition.

– Plan– Draft– Revise– Edit

Good writers rarely turn in their first draft!

Why Write? What is Your Purpose?

• to inform (most common)• to persuade (to encourage action)• to express yourself

(creative writing fiction/diaries)• to entertain

Who is Your Audience?

It is important that you take into consideration who it is you want to reach. Words carry the message (and can be misunderstood) so assess your audience before writing!

Rhetorical Situation: Page 15, Cooley

Think Critically

Make sure you organize and refine your ideas before submission. Effective writers rarely submit their first drafts. Good writing requires time, revision, and reflection.

Getting Started( Page 19)

Before you start writing, it helps to organize your thoughts. Two common methods:

Brainstorming: focusing intently on a subject and listing every idea and detail that comes to mind.

Organizing Thoughts (Page 20)

• Clustering: Free word association emphasizing the relations between ideas by using nonlinear drawing/connections.

Activity

• Cluster some ideas (at least six) that focus around the following topic:

There are several challenges students face when they enter their first year of college.

Once you have some ideas the next step is to use the technique of Questioning—What type

of essay will you be writing?

A useful way to generate information is to ask questions about your topic, audience, & purpose

• WHO?• WHAT?• WHERE? • WHEN?• WHY?

ESSAY PATTERNS (page 25)

• Narration: How did it happen?• Description: How does it look, sound, feel?• Illustration: What are the reasons?• Analysis: What are its parts?• Classification:Into what groups can it be sorted?• Compare/Contrast: Similarities vs. Differences• Cause-Effect: Why did it happen?• Process Analysis: How does it work?

Parts of an Essay (p. 28)

• All essays—no matter how long or how short—must always have a beginning (introduction), a middle (the body), and an end (the conclusion).

• See graphic organizer on board***

Paragraphing

• An effective paragraph focuses one central idea and maintains unity.

• The general idea --topic sentence--must then be supported with specific details (facts, evidence, reasons, examples)

One of the most enjoyable restaurants to take “that special someone” out to dinner is ___________.

• The details must be coherent—the sentences flow together logically and smoothly.

• Transitional expressions (34-35)

Help to connect ideas and forge fluency between sentences.

Give detail to your supporting sentences—never be vague! Use your senses.

• 1. The food was delicious.• 2. The accident was horrific.• 3. The instructor had no idea what she was

doing.• 4. The dog behaved badly and was in need of

training. • 5. The economy is crippling the average

family.

Homework:• Review the topic you previously

brainstormed: There are several challenges students face when they enter their first year of college.

• Compose three separate paragraphs based on the topic above. Make sure you are detailed and focus on one main point per paragraph.

The Introduction

Most introductions follow a basic format. Begin with an attention getter or “grabber” to get the reader’s attention. Then provide a sentence or two giving a general description of the topic. Then provide the thesis which highlights the main point (s) of your essay.

*Grabber or attention getter*General description of topic

*Thesis (what specifically is your essay mainly about?

Opening Paragraphs of an Essay (p.30)

• Opening paragraphs announce the topic and he writer’s approach to that topic.

Common strategies:Interesting anecdoteThought-provoking questionBackground informationCommon view the writer and readers shareForecast the rest of the essay

THE THESISThe thesis announces the main point, major claim, or controlling idea in an essay. It prepares readers for what they will be reading.

Example:Why would anyone enter politics? Politicians, after all, have to give up their privacy and devote their entire lives toward service. Politicians, once elected, are obliged to consider the moral and social standards of those who elected them, and their behavior must reflect those standards. In fact, there are three important rules of behavior to observe if one wishes to succeed in politics.

Concluding Paragraphs • Restate your main point (the thesis) and remind readers of your key points.

• Emphasize the significance of your perspective on the topic.

• Bring your piece to closure.

Revising(36)• Looking at your draft and making necessary

changes in content, organization, or emphasis.

• Asking questions: Is there enough detail? Is it organized well? Is there a good variety of sentence length?

Editing & Proofreading

• This is when you add your finishing touches to correct minor errors in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc.

• Review the checklist on page 45 before turning in your essays.

• Review Ch. 3 for Academic Essay examples

Descriptive Writing p. 121

It’s important to paint an image in the reader’s mind by using great detail.

• Sensory Approach: utilizing details from all 5 senses (smell, sight, touch, taste, sound)

• Spatial Approach: describing in terms of physical dimensions and its relationship to the objects around it.

Beginning With DetailsP. 128

• Begin a description with specific details and let your readers form an impression.

Create a dominant (overall)impression: You don’t have to give equal attention to all the senses; you can appeal to a single sense.

Use Figurative Language• Make comparisons (by using similes and

metaphors, personification) to allow the reader to make connections to your piece.

• Stay consistent in the vantage point (the perspective in which the piece is written)

• Watch out for vague “empty” words:

wonderful, fun, things, big, small, etc.

Reader ResponseIn class:• Hurston’s, “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” p.

157 • Discuss selected questions: 1, 2, 3 in

corresponding sections on page 162. At home: • E. B. White’s “Once More to the Lake” 2., 1, 4

Example / ExemplificationChapter 6, p. 173

• Providing a “for instance” or illustration• It provides abstract concepts more concretely• Two parts: 1. A general statement

Everything was on sale.2. Specific items illustrating the general statement.

Shoes, pants, glasses, etc.

Always consider your audience!• What if you are describing your fantasy man

or woman? You would describe that person very differently to your grandmother than you would to your best friend!

• Grandma: He’s so charming and sweet!• Best friend: She’s hot! She’s got the finest….

Your audience may be professionals in which you are using technical terms of the job.

Preplanning—p. 176

• Generate ideas/brainstorm• Develop a clear thesis your details will

support• Provide specific examples to back up your

supporting statements• Use transitions between examples

• Review the check list on page 181.• Read p. 190 The Onion

Formal Essay 1Compose an exemplification essay of 500-700 words which incorporates descriptive elements. You may choose one of the topics below:

Discuss three people in your life (you may include yourself) who are guilty of one of the seven deadly sins. Provide specific examples to support your discussion. Please use first names only.

The economy’s downward spiral has had a negative impact on various individuals. Discuss this (first person or third person is okay) in detail providing examples to back up your discussion.

Make sure to follow MLA formatting• See page 725 in text• Double space• Heading top left hand corner• Centered title• Proper margins• Paging with last name on top right hand

corner

Comparison and ContrastCh. 8 p. 269

• Discussing the similarities and differences of a particular topic

• Think about this: Do you shop around before you buy a car, a home, or clothes? Why do you do this?

• Always compare subjects that are truly comparable (apples to apples). Your subjects should have enough in common to provide a solid basis of comparison.

Always choose your purpose carefully. Are you writing merely to inform or to evaluate?

• See page 272

Planning the Essay

• Brainstorm some ideas that are comparable and then list their similarities/differences.

• Possible topics: restaurants, clothing stores, make-up, athletic teams, pets, vehicles

• ACTIVITY: Choose a topic a brainstorm similarities/differences. See p. 273

Choosing an Organization• Point by point: discuss each point of similarity

or difference between your two subjects before going on to the next point. See p. 274

• Individual points: discuss each subject separately indicating both similarities and differences

• Review checklist: 279-280

Homework

• Compose a Comparison/Contrast essay draft (500-700 words) on a subject of your choosing. Have this ready by next class to discuss.

• Complete reader response sections on Kristof & Sapra in journal: questions 1 & 2 of corresponding sections.

ClassificationPage 316

Breaking a subject into categories by sorting them into groups

Step1: Divide your subject into appropriate categories

Step2: Examine important attributes

Step 3: Organizing ideas

Organization of Essay p. 319

• Introduction: This should tell the reader what you are classifying and why and also explain your system.

review past essays• Body: Choose the significant characteristics to

categorize.Example: Three types of parents: The overachievers, the “I’m never there,” and the “my kid can do no wrong” parents.

• Conclusion: Review your discussion, bring essay to close

• Review Checklist, p. 326• Discuss student example, p. 328• Brainstorm ideas & begin drafting

Formal Essay 2

• The ClassificationASSIGNMENT:

Choose a topic you can classify into three parts(restaurants, movies, cars, music, pets, occupations, etc.) and use strategies of descriptive writing to make your paper clear and detailed. 500-700 words.

Bring in draft to next class!

Writing to Explain Causes & EffectsChapter 11, p. 451

Causes: Reasons why something occurs (the action)Effects: The result or consequence of the action

Because Mary didn’t study, she failed the test.

Cause-Effect Examples• Why does the cost of attending college seem

to increase?

• Why does the freshmen failure rate at universities increase each year?

• What causes low morale in the workplace?

• What are the effects of rudeness at work?

Rhetorical Considerations• Audience: Who would be likely to accept your

claims?• Purpose: To convince readers that a cause-effect

relationship exists. • Voice/Point of View: What are your attitudes

toward the topic and audience? How will you convey this attitude?

• Context: What is the most effective way to present your information?

Organizing the Cause-Effect PaperOptions for organizing the paper p. 455:

1. Identify an effect & determine its causes2. Identify a cause & determine its effects3. Determine a series of causes & effects

Activity• Brainstorm some ideas for a topic.• Complete a clustering or mapping activity

in which you branch relationships among your topic. • Prepare a brief outline highlighting the

organizational pattern that would work best for your topic..

• Introduction strategies—Remember to grab the reader’s attention!

You can do one of the following:– Vividly portray how/why the topic is important

Picture this: It is midnight and your car just broke down. You are in the middle of nowhere and you have no idea where the nearest service station is. What do you do? How will you get help? Thanks to technology and the invention of the cellular phone problems such as this are rare.

– Make a statement that suggests the unexpected– Examine a surprising causal relationship

• Essay Body: Choose the strategy that suits your topic

• Conclusion: Reinforce the connections between the causes/effects. Bring closure to your discussion.

Revising

• Put aside your draft for a day or two• Is the thesis clear?• Will the reader be interested?• Are all explanations

and connections clearly defined?

Editing & Polishing

• The final stage in perfecting the essay• Review grammar, sentence structure,

punctuation, etc. • Make minor changes

• Activity: Review Varian essay on page 500 and discuss.

Writing Scenarios

Issues which you feel need to be addressed:

• Community (pollution, speeding laws)• Campus (tuition, parking)• Political (employment, healthcare)• Educational (class size reduction, uniforms)•Media (violence on TV, news ethics)• Occupational (dangers in the workplace)

Formal Essay 3

• Discuss some type of problematic issue in society and its causes/effect. You must cite two outside sources to solidify your discussion. The essay must be 700-1000 words and include a works cited page. Draft due next class and final due next Wednesday.

Using Research in Writing

• Unless your paper is exclusively focused on your personal experiences, you will usually need to include information gained from outside research. This strengthens your piece.

•Statistical data•Expert testimony (interviews)•Examples

The Body

Provide all of the information you want your readers to know. Present data (details, quotations, graphs, charts, etc.)

The Conclusion

This ties your paper together and brings closure

– Summarize your main points– Explain the subject’s most critical part– Outline/review the most important aspects

DO NOT INTRODUCE NEW MATERIAL!

MLA Documentation

• Whenever you use information from a source and put it in your paper, you must give credit to that source: PARENTHETICAL DOCUMENTATIONCitation formats must provide enough information for the reader to locate

1. the source in your works cited page2. the place in the source where the borrowed

material appears

Ways to document your sources

1. Provide the author’s last name & page number (Jones 220).

2. Provide the author’s name in the text and page in parenthesis. According to Bob Jones….. (220).

3. If work doesn’t have an author, list the title of the work (“The Dangers of Plagiarism”).

Works Cited Page• Whenever you use a source of information you

must provide a works cited page which provides details about your source. The type of source you have will determine the formula you will follow for your works cited page.

• Citation Machine is helpful. • Review page 713 in text.• Final formal essay due Wednesday!

Using Strategies for ArgumentChapter 12, P. 513

The Academic Argument

• To debate about an issue• The means of persuasion• To convince others to accept

your point of view—or at least understand it

Rhetorical Appeals

Appeal: a means of convincing your audience to agree with your argument

1. Logical Appeals: Solid reasoning & appropriate evidence (statistics, testimony)

2. Ethical Appeals: Communicating you are credible, fair (present both sides), & knowledgeable (give credentials)

3. Emotional Appeals: Using emotion to help readers connect to your ideas

Effective Arguments combine all rhetorical appeals:

Message (Logos)

Audience Writer (Ethos)(Pathos)

Approaches to Argument

1. Classical Strategy (Aristotle’s): Known as the deductive way to reason. You state your claim and support it.

• Introduction• Main claim• Evidence• Present other perspectives• Conclusion

or the Inductive approach: Presenting reasons and evidence first then draw your conclusion (your main claim). Page 520

Introduction: gain attention of audience & establish credibility

Narration: explain issue and why it should be important to your readers

Confirmation: Main body of argument– Provide evidence to support claim

Refutation: The counterargument considering opposing viewpoints

Conclusion: Summarize your argument and possibly call for action

2. Toulmin Strategy: Provide the claim (thesis) and give your data (the because supporting the claim) p. 523

Three components:3. Claim: the conclusion/point you will argue4. Data: reasons to support your claim

(because statements)5. Warrant: connection between the claim &

data

3. Rogerian Strategies: negotiating differences and cooperating to reach a resolution acceptable to both parties p. 528

Components:• Introduction: description of issue in positive

tone and invitation for others to help develop a solution

• Summary of opposing views (be neutral)• Statement of understanding• Statement of writer’s position• Statement of context & benefit

Flaws in Arguments p. 524logical fallacies (flaws in reasoning):

Appealing to

• irrational fears (swine flu)

• Pity: If I get another speeding ticket, I’ll loose my license.

• Preexisting Prejudice: positive or negative (American flag bumper sticker supporting a car dealership)

• Tradition: “We’ve always done it this way”

• Bandwagon: “Everyone else is doing it.”

• Attacking opponent’s character(ad hominem) an attempt to distract from the logic of a case

• Attributing false causes (post hoc, ergo propter hoc) — “After this, therefore because of this”

• Begging the question (circular reasoning): My friend would never cheat because he is an honest person.

• Overgeneralization: Reaching a conclusion with insufficient evidence (stereotyping)

• Red Herring / Non Sequiter: Introducing irrelevant material to divert attention to issue

The Research Paper• Choose a controversial issue in society today

and defend your position on that issue. • 2000-2500 words (approximately 6-8 pages)• Cite/document a minimum of 7 sources.• Mix your sources and

techniques (paraphrase, direct quotations, summarize).

• Follow MLA format

The paper must include the following:

–Cover sheet–Outline–Research (6-8 pages)–Works cited page

Note: Your handbook reviewsResearch techniques on pages82-135

STEP 1: Choosing a TopicLet your purpose guide your research & let your interests guide your choice of a topic.

Topics to Avoid * Those based entirely on personal opinion --

these can’t be supported by library research.* Those fully explained in a single source * Those that are brand new--can’t find sufficient

material* Those that are overly broad--limit your topic.

STEP 2: Assembling a Working Bibliography

• Once you have your topic, you need to see if you can find enough resources you will need to complete the project (library activity).

• Make sure to copy down all appropriate bibliographical info. of sources you will use

• Note: Upon your initial search for sources, you may need to adjust the scope and emphasis of your topic

• Save the last 15 pages of your journal to jot down notes from the sources.

• Use separate pages for EACH source.

• At the top of the page, write out the bibliography of the source.

• Skip a line and then jot down notes from source.

• If applicable, place the author’s name and pg. at the bottom of the paper.

Types of notes

• Summary: Condenses material, presents core ideas in YOUR OWN WORDS!

• Paraphrase: Restates material in your own

words without condensing it. • Direct Quotation: A direct copy of original

material. Make sure to use “ “ when copying in your journal.

STEP 3: Organizing / Outlining• See formal outline structure (22-24).

1. Determine main divisions of paper.2. Determine if further subdivisions are

needed.3. Develop outline

Topic outline: presents short phrases & clauses Sentence Outline: presents complete sentences/ more detail

STEP 4: Writing the First Draft

– Plan your thesis - Reveal yourmain idea/organizational plan in your introductory section.

– Stick to your outline and use transitions to connect your ideas.

Rubric• Library activity: 5 points

• Research Journal (5 sources & notes from those sources): 10 points

• Final outline (attached to final paper): 5 points

• The research portion of paper:– method of argumentation 20 points– Use of sources and documentation 20 points– Organization of material 10 points– Format 10 points– grammar/mechanics 10 points

• The works cited page: 10 points

TOTAL POINTS100

Using Research

• When conducting research, it is imperative to use the most relevant and reliable sources in your writing.

• Effective research can be conducted– Library catalogues– Online databases– Reference books/online sites– Academic Journals– Newspapers/Magazines

BE CAREFUL!

• Blogs• Wikipedia• Outlets Sensationalizing Information

(advertisements, web sites, etc.)• Outdated resources

Primary vs. Secondary Sources

• PRIMARY SOURCE: firsthand accounts (letters, speeches, eyewitness reports)

• SECONDARY SOURCES: report and analyze information drawn from other sources (historian’s account of a battle, a reporter’s summary of a controversial issue).

Evaluating Web Sites-

Not all sources are worthwhile or relevant to your subject. You must evaluate them with a critical eye!

Questions to ask when evaluating sources:

• Who is the author—is he/she an expert?• What is the suffix at the end of the web

address?• What is the purpose of the site?• How professional is the tone?• Is the date of publication recent?• What kinds of links does the site provide?

Types of Sites

• Scholarly: Suffixes edu and org• Informational: Suffixes edu, org, gov, com • Advocacy: Suffix org• Commercial: Suffix com

Gathering Information From Sources

• When gathering information, you must keep accurate records of what your sources say and synthesize this information appropriately. – Summary– Paraphrase– Direct Quotations

NOTE: All require source citations!

Quotations

Using another author’s exact words– Use when the exact words are important– Use when you are analyzing primary sources– Use when you take issue with the author’s

statement or he/she seems especially authoritative

ENCLOSE IN YOUR TEXT IF THE QUOTATION IS SHORTER THAN FIVE LINES. IF LONGER, SET APART FROM THE REST OF THE TEXT.

Paraphrase

• When you put someone else’s ideas into your own words & sentence structure

• You must credit the source even though you are using your own words—you are still borrowing the source’s ideas.

Summaries

• Condensing the material by another author into a briefer form.

• Most useful when you want to record the gist of an author’s idea without the background evidence.

Punctuation

• Ellipses . . . If you want to condense a lengthy quotation place an ellipsis in place of the omitted words.

• Brackets [ ] If you find something within a quotation is not clear and you need to add information so your readers will understand it better, use brackets.

MLA Style Citations

• Every source cited within the body of the paper must appear in the works-cited list.

• The in-text citations work in conjunction with the list of works cited to provide readers detailed information about the sources.

Using Visuals in Your Paper

Visuals should be used to enhance the process of communication and should follow specific principals:

• PROXIMITY– Utilizing space and order between and around text

(using borders, columns, colors, etc.)

• CONTRAST– Using coloring, highlighting, underlining, etc. to

make important points stick out from the text.

• ALIGNMENT Utilizing placement of the text: justifying margins,

centering, blocking text, etc.

•REPITITION/CONSISTENCY•Using similar functions, fonts, headings, etc. when

listing information. Notice how this page is inconsistent with the bullets and coloring of text.

Using GraphicsPhotographs, charts, diagrams, cartoons, etc.

To achieve consistency you need to consider– What you want to accomplish– The overall look of the image– How the graphic will work with text– How you should introduce the graphic

Tables: Organizes info. in columns/rows Graphs: Presents numerical info. (usually to

compare info. Or show changes)Charts: Shows relationships among different

items (pie and flow)Photographs: Used to portray vivid detailDrawings: Helps readers visualize a subjectDiagrams: Explain the arrangement &

relationships among parts of a systemMaps: Presents geographical info.Cartoons: Often used with satire

Always consider• Your purpose—the visual must serve a

purpose (a reason) and be useful

• Your audience—do readers need the visual to better understand the material?

Sample Research Paperp. 725

• Use MLA style—not APA

• Follow format EXACTLY as shown in text.

• Provide a works cited page as the last page of your paper. See example, page 732.

PLAGIARISM

• Using language and/or sentence structures that are too close to the original. Plagiarism is considered cheating!

• Reminder: ALWAYS credit your source of information, even if the idea is put into your own words.

Making Effective Oral Presentations

Oral presentations are rhetorical acts. Ask yourself

• What do I want to accomplish?• Who is my audience &

what do I want them to know?• What kind of visuals will

be most effective?

Developing the Presentation

OrganizationIntroduction:

Attention grabbing! Overview of main points:

Forecast the main topics you will cover Provide evidence:

Support each of your claims—this helps your credibility

Point back:Repeat your main point so listeners can understand your purpose.

Visual aids:These should complement your discussion. PowerPoint slides should outline your main points.

Conclusion:Summarize & emphasize your main points

Ineffective PowerPoint Presentation • Using small type & too much info. on one slide

• Merely reading the slides without adding new information or examples

• Using the same effects, colors, or pictures in every slide

Make sure to do the following:

• Be clear, upbeat & energetic—don’t bore us!• Speak to the group! Don’t turn your back on

your audience.• Practice in front of a mirror.

Revised scheduleWeek 12 (Monday): • Turn in research papers• Notes: How to prepare for oral presentation• Review for punctuation quiz

(Wednesday)• Punctuation Quiz

Week 13, 11/14 (Monday)• Review research papers (returned)• Grammar: Proper Usage• Q & A for oral presentations—begin next

class!(Wednesday)• Oral Presentations

Week 14, 11/21 (Monday)• Finalize Oral presentations• Off on Wednesday!

Week 15• Course Review (for Final Exam)• Notes: How to respond to an essay question• Review journal entries—to be turned in

during exam!

• Week 16: FINAL EXAM!

Writing Effective Essays on Exams

In college, essay exams are common in various classes: English, History, Humanities, etc.

These can be stressful because you do not have much time to figure out what you want to say and to revise it. You also can’t get immediate feedback from your instructor.

Strategies

• Be prepared! Understand the information the exam will cover.

• Be able to relate the information to other topics discussed in class.

• Analyze the questions you are asked to address and stay focused on the topic! (Don’t “BS” your way through).

• Try to predict what the instructor will ask.• BREATHE! Do not stress yourself out. Remind

yourself you are prepared.

• Instructors don’t expect you to remember every detail & fact, but make sure you understand main concepts and relate them to other ideas.

Reading strategy: Annotate what you read/list main points and jot down comments or questions in the margins. Develop ideas and positions about the topic.

History class: Discuss events that led up to the second Iraq war.

Determine what the prompt is asking you to do!

• Analyze: to explain how the parts make up the whole.

• Evaluate: Make a judgment or critique• Compare/Contrast: Show similarities and

differences of concepts

Note the amount of time given• If you have 30 minutes, your response will have to be condensed but provide ample detail to provide a good response.

• If you have 90 minutes, take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and outline your method of organization. This will keep you focused.

The classical method of organization1. State your position

Provide first piece of evidence connecting it to the main point

Provide second piece of evidence Provide third

2. Briefly outline objections to main point & explain why those objections are incorrect

3. Summarize your position and restate your main points.

Writing to Evaluate

You make evaluations—judgments based on a certain criteria—every day.

Professional Life: A boss evaluating the performance of an employee

Civic Life: Voting on candidates, laws, etc.

Personal Life: emailing a friend about your choice of restaurant, movie, book, etc.

Writing ScenariosMcGraw, page 271What are the rules? Evaluate the

rules of the communal setting in which you live or lived in at one time.

Evaluate a cultural subject: Examine a cultural subject you have a personal connection to and evaluate it based on the criteria you set.

Rhetorical Considerations, p. 274Audience: In addition to the

instructor, consider whether your audience will agree with you. Do you need to convince them?

Purpose: Evaluate the subject & set criteria

Tone & Point of View: Use this to establish credibility so readers will believe you

Context: Consider the most effective way to present your evaluation

Qualities of Effective Evaluative Writing, p. 275 Focus on the outcome. You want

to make a reasoned, thoughtful and justifiable judgment. A. Outline the criteria on

which you will base your evaluations

B. Explain how the subject fits the criteria.

The Criteria, p. 289 Make it clearly defined and

explained Make comparisons (How do McDonald’s fries compare to Burger King’s?)

Provide Evidence supporting your claims (testimony, statistics, details)

Clearly stated judgment (make your readers understand how you arrived to your conclusions)

For next classIN YOUR NOTEBOOK: Brainstorm a topic you may want

to evaluate—see page 289 in text

Produce a list constructing and supporting criteria—see page 290

Explore your ideas with research- see page 291 (come up with two sources of research)

Organizing your Evaluation p. 2941. Inductive Approach:

Discuss the subject you are evaluating

Explain the strengths/weaknesses Explain how your subject fulfills

criteria

2. Deductive Approach Begin with conclusion you have

reached (thesis) Explain how you reached the

conclusion

Drafting, p.296I. Introduction: Grab the reader’s

attention!

Potential Methods: Explain why you are making the

evaluation Indicate your conclusion at the beginning Set the scene for the evaluation by

describing your subject

II. Body: Use the inductive or deductive approach

III. Conclusion: Make sure your evaluation is clearly stated. Your ultimate conclusion is your thesis statement (main point) but also summarize how each piece of evidence supports your main point.

RevisingSet the draft aside for a day or

two—return with fresh eyesDo you have the following:

Full explanation of criteria Effective research or reasoning Clearly defined terms readers

might not know

Editing /Polishing

The final phase before you publish your final work—check the following:

Sentence structureGrammar/mechanicsPunctuation Spelling

AssignmentCompose a draft of an

evaluation from one of the writing scenarios

500-700 words, typedWe will peer edit during next

classYou do not need to include a

works cited page—yet!