E N G L 150 27 2010 Jane Griffith

Informative Writing

Week 6, Part 1

Today

1. Peer edit preparation2. Peer edit/grading criteria for

informative essay3. Writing Process

1. Introductions2. Formatting

4. Quizzes back

Word-of-the-day

Canon:“any comprehensive list of books within a field.”

Example:The literary canon includes Shakespeare,

Milton, and Donne.

Grammar-rama: Hyphens

Hyphens and dashes

Hyphens and Dashes

Hyphens: short (one click on the keyboard)

Dashes: two hyphens on the keyboard

Hyphens

(qtd in St Martin’s Handbook 5):Hyphens show up every time you listen to

hip-hop, wear a t-shirt, make a left-hand turn, eat a Tex-Mex meal, get one-on-one tutoring, or worry about a long-term relationship.

Hyphens

Used with compound words Used with prefixes

Hyphens: Compound Words

We need to check in at the check-in desk.

Hyphens: Compound Words

Compound Adjectives: A twentieth-century sculpture was in the

museum. I like the twentieth century and its

sculptures. The well-deserved award required

applause. The award was well deserved that evening.

Hyphens: Prefixes

Prefix examples: anti, re, mis, non, un, ex

Hyphens: Prefixes

Don’t put hyphens in the middle of a prefix and a root EXCEPT With capitalized words

anti-Harper, non-Muslim, un-American With time

pre-1983, post-2001 With compounds

post-evacuation policy For clarity

Re-sign or resign? Coop term? Recover? Antiinflammatory?

Dashes

Emphasize explanatory material Emphasize material at the end of a sentence Mark a change in tone

She enjoys funemployment—her new perspective on the unfortunate effects of the recession.

The woodcarver never had an accident—unless you count the time he fell off his stool.

The contestant’s dancing was a mess—but a beautiful mess.

Peer Edit Preparation

What to look for?

Peer Edit Preparation

“what I remember the most” “the main idea I’m getting from this

paper” A balance between “Perfect! Wouldn’t

change a thing!” and scrawled comments on every point.

Receiving Feedback

Strike a balance between overly bendable and defensive

Bring questions

Essay Reminders: Formatting Catchy title Formatting—stick to the sheet Double-spaced Left-hand corner Second-page (and on) header

Essay Reminders: Structure

Introduction and Conclusion Three (or four) Main Points Thesis Topic Sentences Transitions Method is clear—does not flip among

methods Narrow topic Sticks to guidelines in class about each

method

Essay Reminders: Content

Balance of Ideas and Details (mostly details)

No repetition of obvious details Interesting and engaging Creative No research Your own words

Essay Reminders: Sentence-Level Agreement Complete sentences Punctuation No comma splices Concrete language No clichés Formal language

Peer Edit

Read through peer’s paper Write detailed notes on both the paper

AND the marking sheet Save time to return your paper to your

peer and discuss comments

Upper left corner

Your NameInstructor’s NameClass NameDate

Catchy Title

Upper Right Corner

Smith 2

First sentence . . .. .

Formatting

Your title Paragraph gaps

Grading Standards

Introduction

Attention-grabber Thesis statement

Attention-Grabber

Significance of your subject Well-phrased quotation Startling statement Ask a question Begin with a generalization (be careful!) Challenge a common opinion Begin with a definition Describe an interesting

incident/anecdote

Conclusion

Not just a throw-away paragraph Tie back to the attention grabber in the

introduction Restate topic sentences Remind the reader why this paper is great Name the stakes—what would happen if this

information was not followed by the reader? What would happen?

Define success Define who the reader is Explain what the reader can learn after the paper

Article Response

Choice of several articles Quiz: not just summary—your critical

response Critical analysis: introduction next class

Grammar Quiz 2

5. We travelled through the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat. Our best vacation by far.

A. We travelled through the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat. Our best vacation by far.

B. We travelled through the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat, our best vacation by far.

C. Our best vacation by far travelling through the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat.

Grammar Quiz 2

And Mr. Obama vowed to treat taxpayer’s money with respect.

A. And Mr. Obama vowed to treat taxpayer’s money with respect.

B. And Mr. Obama vowed to treat taxpayers’ money with respect.

C. Mr. Obama vowed to treat taxpayer’s money with respect.

Grammar Quiz 2

As the company unveiled its brand name for the first time, along with a fuchsia logo.

A. As the company unveiled its brand name for the first time, along with a fuchsia logo.

B. As the company unveiled its brand name for the first time along with a fuchsia logo.

C. The company unveiled its brand name for the first time, along with a fuchsia logo.

Grammar Quiz 2

If a student needs a computer, they should head to the Ewing building.

A. If a student needs a computer, they should head to the Ewing building.

B. If students need a computer, he/she should head to the Ewing building.

C. If students need computers, they should head to the Ewing building.

Grammar Quiz 2

The study shows improvement, however, thanks to new technology.

A. The study shows improvement, however, thanks to new technology.

B. The study shows improvement; however, thanks to new technology.

C. The study shows improvement. However, thanks to new technology.