The Writing Process

What is an essay?  An examination examination and analysis analysis of ideas. Provide a developed thought thou ght about a thesis idea. i dea. 

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Four Basics of Effective Writing Exposure Motivation Practice Feedback 

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Exposure  

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Reading informative essays. Examine the essays you are reading. -Look for: Thesis statements Supporting thoughts Supporting evidence Critical Analysis If you only expose yourself to incorrect forms of   writing you will develop improper habits

Motivation  

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To write well you have to want to write well!  When you have the choice pick topics that interest  you.  When you are assigned topics search for something  within the topic that makes it relevant for you.

Practice Practice makes perfect Proof read Learn from your own mistakes 

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Feedback  

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Learn to take constructive feedback. Do not feel like you are being criticized or put down accept the feedback as informative. Learn to give constructive feedback. If you do not like something explain why.

3 Essentials for Success Believe in yourself! Use big words when they’re the right words, not to impress your reader!  Write something you want to read! 

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Decide type of writing 

Informal- opinion based, writing what you see or know   

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 You are the main authority in an informal writing Ex: Infant circumcision is sexist

Formal- Analytical writing   

Experts are the main authority in a formal writing Never use the first person I or you in formal writing Ex: Routine infant circumcision is brutal, has no demonstrable medical or health benefit, and should be discontinued

Find your purpose 

Papers are only written for one of three reasons. Entertain Inform Convince  Ask yourself why are you writing your paper? Once you identify the why you will be able to choose the proper tone 

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Tone 

The tone of your paper will ref lect to the reader your feelings on the topic The tone can be: Serious Logical Emotional  All formal writings should have an overriding tone of  professionalism 

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Analyze your audience  

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 Who are you writing to? If your audience is a general population than your  word choice should represent their understanding of  the material If your audience is people involved in the field you are  writing about than the language used may reflect their deeper level of understanding

Preparing to Write Thinking- brainstorm ideas Planning- organize ideas  Writing a thesis statement- tell your reading exactly   what you plan to write about. 

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Writing   

Developing body paragraphs Organizing the essay   Writing the introduction, conclusion

Revising   

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Thesis statement- make sure it is parallel Basic elements- does your paper support the thesis? Unity- do you use transitions and does the f low from one topic to the next? Organization- did you organize your material from  weakest to strongest? MLA format

Editing   

Sentences- subject verb agreement Punctuation and Mechanics  Word Choice and Spelling

MLA Formatting 1 inch margins 12pt New Times Romans Double Spaced Indent paragraphs one tab 

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Heading 

Upper left hand corner Name Topic Date Class 

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