(1) Writing Essays: An Overview. Essay Writing: Purposes. Essay Writing: Product. Essay Writing: Process. Writing to Learn Writing to Communicate

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "(1) Writing Essays: An Overview. Essay Writing: Purposes. Essay Writing: Product. Essay Writing: Process. Writing to Learn Writing to Communicate"

Transcription

1 Writing Essays: An Overview (1) Essay Writing: Purposes Writing to Learn Writing to Communicate Essay Writing: Product Audience Structure Sample Essay: Analysis of a Film Discussion of the Sample Essay Essay Writing: Process Stage 1 Clarifying Essay Topics Stage 2 Gathering Material Stage 3 Formulating a Thesis Statement Stage 4 Drafting Stage 5 Revising the Thesis Statement and Essay Structure Stage 6 Revising Individual Paragraphs Stage 7 Final Editing

2 (1) WRITING ESSAYS: AN OVERVIEW 3 In this book we focus on essay writing for two reasons. First, the thinking skills you practise in the process of writing essays are central to the work you do in college or university. Second, the procedures you learn for writing and revising essays will help you with many other kinds of writing assignments. Essay Writing: Purposes Writing to Learn How can writing essays help you develop thinking skills? One way is by encouraging you to explore your ideas. This purpose is reflected in the French word from which the term essay comes: essai, meaning attempt. The term was first used by the French author Michel de Montaigne, who published a book of short prose pieces entitled Essais in This title suggests the personal, exploratory nature of Montaigne s attempts to understand the world around him by writing on everyday subjects such as the art of conversation or liars. You may study informal essays of this type in composition and literature courses, and create them as well. Since Montaigne s day, the term essay has come to include formal writing on a wide range of subjects, from the nature of love in Shakespeare s King Lear to theories about the origins of the universe. Writing academic essays of this kind will help you develop systematic analytic thinking. It is this more formal type of essay writing that you will most often be asked to do in your university and college courses, and that we will focus on in this text. Thinking about a subject* and writing about a subject are different processes. Thinking is largely internal and abstract, while writing requires you to make your thoughts external and concrete. If you were taking a painting course, you would recognize that no matter how good the instructor s lessons might be or how much you thought about painting, you would learn to paint only by painting. The same holds true for writing. Through writing essays, whether formal or informal, you develop greater awareness of the language you and others use to make meaning. What may be less obvious is that you learn the theories, concepts, and procedures of academic disciplines more thoroughly by actively employing them in writing essays. Writing to Communicate Some of the writing you do such as class notes, responses to reading, drafts that go nowhere may have no reader other than yourself. Other types of writing, like texting, have very specific, immediate purposes and may be *Terms in bold are defined in the Glossary of Rhetorical Terms (xxx xxx).

3 4 (Part 1) rhetoric deleted without much further thought. Writing essays, however, is a means of sharing your understanding of a particular issue with others and generally involves a more sustained engagement with the issue you are writing about. Most academic essays require an argument or opinion that will persuade the reader. Contrary to the popular belief that everyone has a right to an opinion of his or her own, not all opinions have equal merit: some opinions can be harmful (such as racism) or even incorrect (that the Earth is flat). Moving beyond mere factual information, an essay will draw conclusions about a particular topic and support a position or course of action related to that topic. The merit of an argument or opinion relies on the reasons and evidence you give to support that position as well as its ability to persuade the reader. In an academic essay, this combination of an opinion and the reason(s) supporting it is called a thesis. A thesis is like a hypothesis in a scientific experiment: it is the statement or assertion that is to be proved. Proof in an academic essay consists of the logical, orderly development of your thesis through explaining your reasons and giving evidence (such as factual information, examples, and quotations from authorities) to support those reasons. By explaining your thesis carefully and giving evidence to support it, you are likely to persuade readers to take your opinion seriously, whether or not they agree with it. Essay Writing: Product If both informal essays and formal academic essays present writers opinions on particular subjects, then the writer must consider the audience for whom a piece is being written and the presentation of the material. Audience Most informal essays are written for a popular audience, and the subject material is usually fairly general in nature. Magazine articles and newspaper stories often contain much factual material and are geared toward information or entertainment as a starting point for discussion. These types of essays do not represent sustained analyses of topics. Formal essays on an academic subject, in contrast, are written for specialized audiences already familiar with the subject. Readers of these essays want to know the writer s thesis from the beginning and to have the evidence supporting the thesis laid out in a logical, orderly fashion. They also appreciate essays that are well written according to the conventions of the discipline. Most of the essays you write in college and university courses will be of this second type. You will be writing for instructors and classmates who know something about the subject and want to hear your opinion on

4 (1) WRITING ESSAYS: AN OVERVIEW 5 it. For such academic audiences, then, you do not need to include broad generalizations or unnecessary summary in the essay, particularly in the introduction. Try to be as specific as possible. Structure Many students have learned the five-paragraph essay structure that includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The five-paragraph essay is an acceptable, if simple, approach to the essay. However, the fiveparagraph essay can become a crutch if a writer uses it as a template for every essay. This model s main drawback is that it tends to make writers think in terms of three subpoints, which is not always the best approach to thinking about any given topic. The structure begins to dictate content, when it is generally preferable to let content dictate the structure. Whether you write five, seven, nine, or any other number of paragraphs in your essay, it is important that you have an introduction, middle paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here is a brief description of these elements: Introduction The introduction presents the thesis of the essay. It may also establish the context for the discussion (for example, by defining necessary terms or giving historical background). The introduction should not include broad generalizations that will not be supported in your essay, nor should it contain references to examples or ideas that will not be analyzed. Middle Paragraphs Middle paragraphs present subpoints of your essay, which support your thesis statement. Topic sentences explain each subpoint and how it relates to your thesis. However, you may have two paragraphs that support a single subpoint with a different example explained in each paragraph. One paragraph may fully explain a subpoint of your thesis, or you may need more than one paragraph to explain a subpoint. We will show you how to create an umbrella topic sentence a topic sentence for two middle paragraphs in Chapter 5. Conclusion The conclusion ties together the points developed in the middle paragraphs and mentions the wider implications of the discussion, if any. Sample Essay: Analysis of a Film So that you can see what this kind of essay might look like in practice, here is an example. The assignment asked students to choose their favourite film, to identify a key theme or topic, and to make an argument about their understanding of the material. The main structural elements of the essay have been labelled.

5 6 (Part 1) rhetoric Writing Sample Free Will and Fatalism In The Matrix Introduction Thesis statement Topic sentence Middle paragraph 1 Transition topic sentence Middle paragraph 2 Topic sentence Middle paragraph 3 Released in 1999, the movie The Matrix has found a central place in popular culture, certainly more so than its two sequels. Aside from its compelling action scenes, part of the film s popularity derives from its questioning of the principle of personal freedom, a principle that is usually an unchallenged assumption in North America. The film s fundamental premise is that reality is an illusion and that most humans live their lives inside a computergenerated world called the matrix, manipulated by the machines of the future. The film asks the audience to consider the extent to which they are in control of their decisions and how much technology and other social conditions influence or determine their lives. The two characters Neo and Cypher represent opposite positions in the debate between free will and fatalism, yet the film s treatment of both characters suggests that neither free will nor fatalism is an absolute position but are related terms in the decision-making process. Through his involvement with technology, the film s main character Neo (Keanu Reeves) has the opportunity to choose between knowledge and ignorance, and ultimately to escape from his prison. An office worker by day and computer hacker by night, Neo is searching for more meaning in his life, perceiving that something is wrong with his apparent reality. It is through the hacker network that Neo meets Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) who leads him to Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). Morpheus offers Neo the chance to learn about the matrix, but he must make a choice between the blue pill (to remain ignorant inside the matrix) or the red pill (to learn the truth and escape the matrix). In choosing the red pill, Neo takes control of his future, which begins his quest through the film to overcome the constraints of the matrix and to become humanity s liberator. To some extent, Neo is god-like in his power at the end of the film, and he has attained this power through choosing to question his surroundings. In contrast to Neo, Cypher represents the opposite reaction to the realization that something is wrong with reality. Cypher has already escaped the matrix and works with Morpheus to liberate other humans from their prison. However, Cypher has grown tired of his struggle against the harsh conditions of life in the real or non computer-generated world. Ironically, when one of the matrix s agents asks Cypher, a technical operator outside of the matrix, to betray Morpheus, Cypher willingly agrees on condition that he be reinserted back into the matrix. Cypher asks to be rich and important in his new life inside the matrix and suggests the life of an actor; he wishes to remember nothing of the outside world. Essentially, Cypher consciously adopts a life inside the illusion provided by technology, a move equivalent to committing suicide in his real life so he can become an actor in a fictional world. Two extremes of the debate are therefore clear. On the one hand, Neo follows his own intuition to discover the limits of technology in order to overcome them and to live in the real world. On the other hand, Cypher, who already knows the limits of technology, cooperates with technology in order to live, once again, inside the illusion of the matrix. Neo appears to embody self-determination and the triumph of free will. Cypher appears to embody resignation and fatalism.

6 (1) WRITING ESSAYS: AN OVERVIEW 7 Transition topic sentence Middle paragraph 4 Conclusion However, the film complicates this simple contrast. While Cypher appears to side with an ignorant life inside the matrix, he makes a free choice to betray his friends. Although we may understand his reasons, we ultimately disagree with his decision. In the case of Neo, Morpheus and his crew believe that Neo is the one. That is, there is a myth inside the matrix that a special person will emerge from within the matrix to liberate humanity. In other words, Neo is predestined to fulfill his role of the one, which implies that he is not acting totally out of free will. In this way, the film reminds its viewers that our choices and situations are not as simple as they might first appear. Free will and fatalism are not discrete and separate; rather, they are intimately intertwined with one another. Overall, the film suggests that the very idea of free will is a concept that is, perhaps, part of our social conditioning. The contradiction the film explores is that the ability to choose free will may be an illusion leaving no meaningful choice. While Cypher apparently gives up in the face of real-world challenges, Neo offers hope that choice is possible, despite the influence of the matrix. Thus, the matrix represents not only technology but also larger social conditions such as politics, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual beliefs. As the internet and other technologies like social media become more pervasive in our lives, The Matrix reminds us to question whether these technologies allow us greater personal freedom to make our own choices and to realize our individuality or whether they limit our creativity by replacing meaningful face-to-face communication with computermediated friendships. The question becomes less about the possibility of free will than about the ability to understand why and how we make our choices within the circumstances in which we make them. Discussion of the Sample Essay Free Will and Fatalism in The Matrix illustrates the effective use of structural elements common to college and university essays. The introduction provides basic information about the film and introduces the topics of free will and fatalism. It concludes with the thesis statement, which posits that the film complicates a simple division between free will and fatalism as evidenced in the characters of Neo and Cypher. The thesis is debatable, because one could argue that free will and fatalism are distinct and separate concepts. The thesis statement also serves as a guide to the structure of the essay as a whole. It sets out a simple proposition that free will and fatalism are opposite terms and establishes that this distinction does not capture the complexity of the film. The essay will demonstrate how each character represents either free will or fatalism, and it will then show how each character demonstrates the opposite position in his actions. The middle paragraphs develop the characters in terms of the concepts under discussion by referring to specific details from the film. The first two

7 8 (Part 1) rhetoric middle paragraphs deal with separate characters to develop them individually, while the following two paragraphs deal with the characters together in comparison with each other. Also notice that this structure does not follow a simple five-paragraph essay structure that deals with three subpoints. But that does not mean that the essay has a flawed structure. Notice how the point made in each paragraph builds upon the previous one: the second paragraph contrasts Cypher to Neo, who was discussed in the first paragraph; the third paragraph develops the two contrasting characters in relation to the relevant concepts; and the fourth paragraph, developing from the third, explains the intertwining of the concepts of free will and fatalism. Each paragraph in the essay furthers the overall argument. In the middle paragraphs of the essay, each of these points is clearly made in a topic sentence. Each topic sentence identifies the aspect of the film to be discussed and connects that aspect to the thesis by stating how it contributes to the topics of free will and fatalism. The topic sentences and some other sentences also provide transitions between one paragraph and the next. The framework you create by establishing this kind of relationship between the thesis, topic sentences, and transitional devices will give your reader valuable assistance in following your line of thinking. The conclusion sums up the argument of the essay and points to the wider implications of the argument. Rather than making broad generalizations, the conclusion takes a minor theme of the essay (technology) to ask further questions about how the technology in the film (The Matrix) might be related to our real lives (the internet, Facebook, and other social media) in terms of the major themes of the essay, namely free will and fatalism. Essay Writing: Process Most people don t write an essay or anything intended to be read by others, for that matter by sitting down with paper and pen (or computer) and rising an hour later with a finished product. The final draft is the last stage of a highly complex process of thinking and writing, rethinking and rewriting. If you want to produce an interesting, thoughtful essay like the one on The Matrix, you have to be prepared to give time and serious attention to your subject. Without that willingness, you will not learn how to write from this book or from any other. But if you make the effort, you can learn to write essays that have something to say and say it well. To help you learn the skills you need, we will begin by discussing reading analytically and writing summaries, important prequels to writing an essay (see Chapter 2). Throughout the rest of the book, we will focus on the major stages of writing academic essays:

8 (1) WRITING ESSAYS: AN OVERVIEW 9 Stage 1: Stage 2: Stage 3: Stage 4: Stage 5: Stage 6: Stage 7: Clarifying Essay Topics Determining what your assignment requires and exploring ideas to define a topic Gathering Material Using methods of analysis to stimulate your thinking and to organize ideas, information, and specific details about your topic Formulating a Thesis Statement Forming a main idea and selecting points to support it from the material you have gathered Drafting Selecting and organizing material in a first draft Revising the Thesis Statement and Essay Structure Checking for possible problems in your thesis statement and essay structure, and making necessary changes Revising Individual Paragraphs Checking for possible problems in your introduction, middle paragraphs, and conclusion, and making necessary changes Final Editing Improving your sentence structure and word usage, and correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and format We are not claiming that the methods and the stages we propose are the only way to write or to write effectively; we don t even claim that they reflect exactly what writers including ourselves do when we write. For many of us, writing is far messier and more intuitive than our model would suggest. You may find that the order in which we present writing activities suits your method of composition perfectly; on the other hand, you may find yourself writing a draft to clarify your understanding of a topic or mentally revising the structure before a word hits the page. Try out our suggestions, adjust them to your needs, and fit them into a writing process that works for you. Exercise Answer each of the following questions in a sentence or two. 1. We suggest that writing essays can help you think through your ideas and communicate them to other people. Which of these purposes is most relevant to you as a writer? Why? 2. What is your usual approach to writing an essay? How effective do you find this approach? Which stage(s) of the process do you find easiest? Hardest?

Glossary of Rhetorical Terms*

Glossary of Rhetorical Terms* Glossary of Rhetorical Terms* Analyze To divide something into parts in order to understand both the parts and the whole. This can be done by systems analysis (where the object is divided into its interconnected

More information

MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL English Department Writing Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS. 1. Prewriting Introductions 4. 3.

MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL English Department Writing Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS. 1. Prewriting Introductions 4. 3. MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL English Department Writing Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Prewriting 2 2. Introductions 4 3. Body Paragraphs 7 4. Conclusion 10 5. Terms and Style Guide 12 1 1. Prewriting Reading and

More information

A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR READING AND WRITING CRITICALLY. James Bartell

A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR READING AND WRITING CRITICALLY. James Bartell A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR READING AND WRITING CRITICALLY James Bartell I. The Purpose of Literary Analysis Literary analysis serves two purposes: (1) It is a means whereby a reader clarifies his own responses

More information

Mr. Wangelin Freshman English & American Literature

Mr. Wangelin Freshman English & American Literature Mr. Wangelin Freshman English & American Literature 1 Intro consists of at least 4 sentences Sentences: 1. Grabber Gets the attention of the reader. YOUR GRABBER IS NOT YOUR THESIS STATEMENT!!! Yes, true

More information

Processing Skills Connections English Language Arts - Social Studies

Processing Skills Connections English Language Arts - Social Studies 2a analyze the way in which the theme or meaning of a selection represents a view or comment on the human condition 5b evaluate the impact of muckrakers and reform leaders such as Upton Sinclair, Susan

More information

HOW TO WRITE A LITERARY COMMENTARY

HOW TO WRITE A LITERARY COMMENTARY HOW TO WRITE A LITERARY COMMENTARY Commenting on a literary text entails not only a detailed analysis of its thematic and stylistic features but also an explanation of why those features are relevant according

More information

Hints & Tips ENGL 1102

Hints & Tips ENGL 1102 Hints & Tips ENGL 1102 Writing a Solid Thesis Think of your thesis as the guide to your paper. Your introduction has the power to inspire your reader to continue or prompt them to put your paper down.

More information

Department of American Studies M.A. thesis requirements

Department of American Studies M.A. thesis requirements Department of American Studies M.A. thesis requirements I. General Requirements The requirements for the Thesis in the Department of American Studies (DAS) fit within the general requirements holding for

More information

TERMS & CONCEPTS. The Critical Analytic Vocabulary of the English Language A GLOSSARY OF CRITICAL THINKING

TERMS & CONCEPTS. The Critical Analytic Vocabulary of the English Language A GLOSSARY OF CRITICAL THINKING Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about. BENJAMIN LEE WHORF, American Linguist A GLOSSARY OF CRITICAL THINKING TERMS & CONCEPTS The Critical Analytic Vocabulary of the

More information

BPS Interim Assessments SY Grade 2 ELA

BPS Interim Assessments SY Grade 2 ELA BPS Interim SY 17-18 BPS Interim SY 17-18 Grade 2 ELA Machine-scored items will include selected response, multiple select, technology-enhanced items (TEI) and evidence-based selected response (EBSR).

More information

ENGL S092 Improving Writing Skills ENGL S110 Introduction to College Writing ENGL S111 Methods of Written Communication

ENGL S092 Improving Writing Skills ENGL S110 Introduction to College Writing ENGL S111 Methods of Written Communication ENGL S092 Improving Writing Skills 1. Identify elements of sentence and paragraph construction and compose effective sentences and paragraphs. 2. Compose coherent and well-organized essays. 3. Present

More information

12th Grade Language Arts Pacing Guide SLEs in red are the 2007 ELA Framework Revisions.

12th Grade Language Arts Pacing Guide SLEs in red are the 2007 ELA Framework Revisions. 1. Enduring Developing as a learner requires listening and responding appropriately. 2. Enduring Self monitoring for successful reading requires the use of various strategies. 12th Grade Language Arts

More information

The art and study of using language effectively

The art and study of using language effectively The art and study of using language effectively Defining Rhetoric Aristotle defined rhetoric as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion. Rhetoric is the art of communicating

More information

Self Esteem. The Essential Ingredient for the Artist, the Teacher & the Learner

Self Esteem. The Essential Ingredient for the Artist, the Teacher & the Learner Self Esteem The Essential Ingredient for the Artist, the Teacher & the Learner Self Esteem This presentation is designed as an introduction for a course to be held next year. Offer a specific definition

More information

Thesis-Defense Paper Project Phi 335 Epistemology Jared Bates, Winter 2014

Thesis-Defense Paper Project Phi 335 Epistemology Jared Bates, Winter 2014 Thesis-Defense Paper Project Phi 335 Epistemology Jared Bates, Winter 2014 In the thesis-defense paper, you are to take a position on some issue in the area of epistemic value that will require some additional

More information

Critical Thinking 4.2 First steps in analysis Overcoming the natural attitude Acknowledging the limitations of perception

Critical Thinking 4.2 First steps in analysis Overcoming the natural attitude Acknowledging the limitations of perception 4.2.1. Overcoming the natural attitude The term natural attitude was used by the philosopher Alfred Schütz to describe the practical, common-sense approach that we all adopt in our daily lives. We assume

More information

This is a template or graphic organizer that explains the process of writing a timed analysis essay for the AP Language and Composition exam.

This is a template or graphic organizer that explains the process of writing a timed analysis essay for the AP Language and Composition exam. INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH Write a broad, universal statement relating to the subject or the theme of the text here. Read the prompt information to clue you into the SOAPStone. Hopefully, you have a bit of

More information

Seven remarks on artistic research. Per Zetterfalk Moving Image Production, Högskolan Dalarna, Falun, Sweden

Seven remarks on artistic research. Per Zetterfalk Moving Image Production, Högskolan Dalarna, Falun, Sweden Seven remarks on artistic research Per Zetterfalk Moving Image Production, Högskolan Dalarna, Falun, Sweden 11 th ELIA Biennial Conference Nantes 2010 Seven remarks on artistic research Creativity is similar

More information

Introduction and Overview

Introduction and Overview 1 Introduction and Overview Invention has always been central to rhetorical theory and practice. As Richard Young and Alton Becker put it in Toward a Modern Theory of Rhetoric, The strength and worth of

More information

U N I T 2 : T H E M I D D L E A G E S E N G 1 2 A

U N I T 2 : T H E M I D D L E A G E S E N G 1 2 A U N I T 2 : T H E M I D D L E A G E S 1 0 6 6-1 4 8 5 E N G 1 2 A WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Unit Objectives Read, analyze, and interpret selections from the medieval period Identify and analyze elements of

More information

GENERAL WRITING FORMAT

GENERAL WRITING FORMAT GENERAL WRITING FORMAT The doctoral dissertation should be written in a uniform and coherent manner. Below is the guideline for the standard format of a doctoral research paper: I. General Presentation

More information

How to write a memoir about someone else. Your research paper or lab report is all..

How to write a memoir about someone else. Your research paper or lab report is all.. How to write a memoir about someone else. Your research paper or lab report is all.. How to write a memoir about someone else >>>CLICK HERE

More information

Kansas Standards for English Language Arts Grade 9

Kansas Standards for English Language Arts Grade 9 A Correlation of Grade 9 2017 To the Kansas Standards for English Language Arts Grade 9 Introduction This document demonstrates how myperspectives English Language Arts meets the objectives of the. Correlation

More information

Name Date Period NINTH GRADE LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION UNIT 1 ESSAY OUTLINE

Name Date Period NINTH GRADE LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION UNIT 1 ESSAY OUTLINE Name Date Period NINTH GRADE LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION UNIT 1 ESSAY OUTLINE INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH Hook Grab your reader s attention with a general statement about the topic. (1 to 2 sentences) Information

More information

Bas C. van Fraassen, Scientific Representation: Paradoxes of Perspective, Oxford University Press, 2008.

Bas C. van Fraassen, Scientific Representation: Paradoxes of Perspective, Oxford University Press, 2008. Bas C. van Fraassen, Scientific Representation: Paradoxes of Perspective, Oxford University Press, 2008. Reviewed by Christopher Pincock, Purdue University (pincock@purdue.edu) June 11, 2010 2556 words

More information

read read essay book how writes write. essay

read read essay book how writes write. essay How to write an essay on a book read. The student had submitted an essay written by someone How as his essay. If write, can you relate the ideas already developed in previous paragraphs to this read paragraph..

More information

Writing Philosophy: A Student's Guide To Writing Philosophy Essays PDF

Writing Philosophy: A Student's Guide To Writing Philosophy Essays PDF Writing Philosophy: A Student's Guide To Writing Philosophy Essays PDF Writing Philosophy: A Student's Guide to Writing Philosophy Essays is a concise, self-guided manual that covers the basics of argumentative

More information

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS Content Domain l. Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, and Reading Various Text Forms Range of Competencies 0001 0004 23% ll. Analyzing and Interpreting Literature 0005 0008 23% lli.

More information

Shaping the Essay: Part 1

Shaping the Essay: Part 1 Shaping the Essay: Part 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS LESSON 1: Generating Thesis Statements LESSON 2: Writing Universal Thematic Sentences LESSON 1 Generating Thesis Statements What is a Thesis Statement? A thesis

More information

Presentation Overview

Presentation Overview Critical Reading and Writing for Graduate School School of Social Work Graduate Writing Workshop Troy Hicks Steve Tuckey Beginning Words We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but

More information

A Brief Guide to Writing SOCIAL THEORY

A Brief Guide to Writing SOCIAL THEORY Writing Workshop WRITING WORKSHOP BRIEF GUIDE SERIES A Brief Guide to Writing SOCIAL THEORY Introduction Critical theory is a method of analysis that spans over many academic disciplines. Here at Wesleyan,

More information

Unit 3: Multimodal Rhetoric Remix Assignment 5: Photo Essay & Rhetorical Analysis

Unit 3: Multimodal Rhetoric Remix Assignment 5: Photo Essay & Rhetorical Analysis Unit 3: Multimodal Rhetoric Remix Assignment 5: Photo Essay & Rhetorical Analysis Overview: In this assignment, you will create a Photo Essay geared toward a specific audience. Additionally, you will write

More information

The Rhetorical Triangle

The Rhetorical Triangle The Rhetorical Triangle When you read a text, start asking three questions: Who is the author of the text? What is revealed in the text by the writing about the author (background, biases, purpose, education,

More information

Intro to Writing from Sources

Intro to Writing from Sources To start this discussion, listen to Andrea Lunsford, author of the Everyday Writer, talk about plagiarism s big picture. Plagiarism in the Remix Culture I really like what Lunsford says about how we re

More information

SpringBoard Academic Vocabulary for Grades 10-11

SpringBoard Academic Vocabulary for Grades 10-11 CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.6 Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career

More information

Writing a Critical Essay. English Mrs. Waskiewicz

Writing a Critical Essay. English Mrs. Waskiewicz Writing a Critical Essay English Mrs. Waskiewicz Critical Essays (Also called Analysis Essays) In critical essays you have to show your knowledge and understanding of a text that you have studied a novel,

More information

Representation and Discourse Analysis

Representation and Discourse Analysis Representation and Discourse Analysis Kirsi Hakio Hella Hernberg Philip Hector Oldouz Moslemian Methods of Analysing Data 27.02.18 Schedule 09:15-09:30 Warm up Task 09:30-10:00 The work of Reprsentation

More information

Mark Scheme (Results) January GCE English Literature Unit 3 (6ET03)

Mark Scheme (Results) January GCE English Literature Unit 3 (6ET03) Mark Scheme (Results) January 2013 GCE English Literature Unit 3 (6ET03) Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications Edexcel and BTEC qualifications come from Pearson, the world s leading learning company. We provide

More information

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION. Grey s Anatomy is an American television series created by Shonda Rhimes that has

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION. Grey s Anatomy is an American television series created by Shonda Rhimes that has CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1. Background of Study Grey s Anatomy is an American television series created by Shonda Rhimes that has drama as its genre. Just like the title, this show is a story related to

More information

Rhetoric - The Basics

Rhetoric - The Basics Name AP Language, period Ms. Lockwood Rhetoric - The Basics Style analysis asks you to separate the content you are taking in from the methods used to successfully convey that content. This is a skill

More information

Writing Tips and Reminders

Writing Tips and Reminders Writing Tips and Reminders Beginning Middle End The beginning of your essay, which can be more than one paragraph, should do the following: Entice/hook the reader Introduce the main focus or idea of your

More information

Arkansas Learning Standards (Grade 12)

Arkansas Learning Standards (Grade 12) Arkansas Learning s (Grade 12) This chart correlates the Arkansas Learning s to the chapters of The Essential Guide to Language, Writing, and Literature, Blue Level. IR.12.12.10 Interpreting and presenting

More information

Peer Evaluation Sheet: Synthesis Multi- Paragraph Essay

Peer Evaluation Sheet: Synthesis Multi- Paragraph Essay Peer Evaluation Sheet: Synthesis Multi- Paragraph Essay Author s Name (Student who wrote the paper): Date: Per: Peer Respondent (Student(s) who is/are reading & evaluating the paper): Reminder: You will

More information

how to write the perfect essay for a scholarship

how to write the perfect essay for a scholarship how to write the perfect essay for a scholarship how to write the perfect essay for a scholarship >>>CLICK HERE

More information

Approaches to teaching film

Approaches to teaching film Approaches to teaching film 1 Introduction Film is an artistic medium and a form of cultural expression that is accessible and engaging. Teaching film to advanced level Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) learners

More information

Module 11 Exercise 1 How to develop a structured essay

Module 11 Exercise 1 How to develop a structured essay Section 1A: Comprehension and Insight skills based on short stories Module 11 Exercise 1 How to develop a structured essay Before you begin What you need: Related text: Seven Wonders by Lewis Thomas Approximate

More information

Introduction to APA. Format, Citation, and References

Introduction to APA. Format, Citation, and References Introduction to APA Format, Citation, and References What is APA? The manuscript and documentation style of the American Psychological Association (APA). Specific and in-depth information about APA style

More information

Fairfield Public Schools English Curriculum

Fairfield Public Schools English Curriculum Fairfield Public Schools English Curriculum Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, Language Satire Satire: Description Satire pokes fun at people and institutions (i.e., political parties, educational

More information

HFCC Learning Lab Special Writing Forms How to Write a Review of a Book or Article

HFCC Learning Lab Special Writing Forms How to Write a Review of a Book or Article HFCC Learning Lab Special Writing Forms 8.92 Introduction: How to Write a Review of a Book or Article During your college education, you often will be required to read a book or essay and write an evaluation

More information

School District of Springfield Township

School District of Springfield Township School District of Springfield Township Springfield Township High School Course Overview Course Name: English 12 Academic Course Description English 12 (Academic) helps students synthesize communication

More information

Correlation to Common Core State Standards Books A-F for Grade 5

Correlation to Common Core State Standards Books A-F for Grade 5 Correlation to Common Core State Standards Books A-F for College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading Key Ideas and Details 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to

More information

ENGLISH IVAP. (A) compare and contrast works of literature that materials; and (5) Reading/Comprehension of Literary

ENGLISH IVAP. (A) compare and contrast works of literature that materials; and (5) Reading/Comprehension of Literary ENGLISH IVAP Unit Name: Gothic Novels Short, Descriptive Overview These works, all which are representative of nineteenth century prose with elevated language and thought provoking ideas, adhere to the

More information

Logic and argumentation techniques. Dialogue types, rules

Logic and argumentation techniques. Dialogue types, rules Logic and argumentation techniques Dialogue types, rules Types of debates Argumentation These theory is concerned wit the standpoints the arguers make and what linguistic devices they employ to defend

More information

Using Nonfiction to Motivate Reading and Writing, K- 12. Sample Pages

Using Nonfiction to Motivate Reading and Writing, K- 12. Sample Pages Using Nonfiction to Motivate Reading and Writing, K- 12 Sample Pages Course Overview Using Nonfiction to Motivate Reading and Writing, K-12 is content-based graduate level course, exploring the genre of

More information

english free Pdf download amharic. pdf, dictionary english english

english free Pdf download amharic. pdf, dictionary english english English amharic dictionary free download pdf. In fact, pdf is what most of your english are free selecting and analyzing data, and arriving at a free conclusion about them. Bal Gangadhar Shastri Jamblekar

More information

Eleventh Grade Language Arts Curriculum Pacing Guide

Eleventh Grade Language Arts Curriculum Pacing Guide 1 st quarter (11.1a) Gather and organize evidence to support a position (11.1b) Present evidence clearly and convincingly (11.1c) Address counterclaims (11.1d) Support and defend ideas in public forums

More information

Cgp books online science gcse. Cgp death penalty has been in science book to America being discovered..

Cgp books online science gcse. Cgp death penalty has been in science book to America being discovered.. Cgp books online science gcse. Cgp death penalty has been in science book to America being discovered.. Cgp books online science gcse >>>CLICK HERE

More information

George Levine, Darwin the Writer, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2011, 272 pp.

George Levine, Darwin the Writer, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2011, 272 pp. George Levine, Darwin the Writer, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2011, 272 pp. George Levine is Professor Emeritus of English at Rutgers University, where he founded the Center for Cultural Analysis in

More information

How to write an introduction

How to write an introduction How to write an introduction Choices play a greater role in the downfall of characters in Macbeth than fate. Discuss. Rewrite the question in your own words - use synonyms Choices play a greater role in

More information

Warriors Don t Cry In Class Essay (80 points)

Warriors Don t Cry In Class Essay (80 points) Warriors Don t Cry In Class Essay (80 points) Assignment: Write a 4-paragraph persuasive essay, which clearly describes a theme in the novel, Warriors Don t Cry. Requirements: 1.Thesis that directly answers

More information

Elegant Essay Checklists

Elegant Essay Checklists Steps to Writing an Informative or Descriptive Essay A (Outlining and writing by section) 1. Think and Brainstorm chart. Develop a thesis using the Thesis Checklist. 2. Outline and Write Outline the body

More information

Essential Question(s):

Essential Question(s): Course Title: Advanced Placement Unit 2, October Unit 1, September How do characters within the play develop and evolve? How does the author use elements of a play to create effect within the play? How

More information

UNIT SPECIFICATION FOR EXCHANGE AND STUDY ABROAD

UNIT SPECIFICATION FOR EXCHANGE AND STUDY ABROAD Unit Code: Unit Name: Department: Faculty: 475Z022 METAPHYSICS (INBOUND STUDENT MOBILITY - JAN ENTRY) Politics & Philosophy Faculty Of Arts & Humanities Level: 5 Credits: 5 ECTS: 7.5 This unit will address

More information

WRITING A BACHELOR THESIS (B.SC.) AT THE ENDOWED CHAIR OF PROCUREMENT

WRITING A BACHELOR THESIS (B.SC.) AT THE ENDOWED CHAIR OF PROCUREMENT WRITING A BACHELOR THESIS (B.SC.) AT THE ENDOWED CHAIR OF PROCUREMENT Information for Students Spring 2017 PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT These guidelines shall help to structure the process of writing a Bachelor

More information

Mark Scheme (Results) January GCE English Literature (6ET03) Paper 01

Mark Scheme (Results) January GCE English Literature (6ET03) Paper 01 Mark Scheme (Results) January 2012 GCE English Literature (6ET03) Paper 01 Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications Edexcel and BTEC qualifications come from Pearson, the world s leading learning company. We provide

More information

SHAKESPEARE RESEARCH PROJECT

SHAKESPEARE RESEARCH PROJECT SHAKESPEARE RESEARCH PROJECT Choose one of the following research topics. You will be working on a research project for three weeks, so choose something that you think you will be interested in. You should

More information

Writing Terms 12. The Paragraph. The Essay

Writing Terms 12. The Paragraph. The Essay Writing Terms 12 This list of terms builds on the preceding lists you have been given in grades 9-11. It contains all the terms you were responsible for learning in the past, as well as the new terms you

More information

Thomas C. Foster s How to Read Literature Like a Professor Assignment

Thomas C. Foster s How to Read Literature Like a Professor Assignment Thomas C. Foster s How to Read Literature Like a Professor Assignment Directions: This assignment introduces you to reading strategies that will be helpful to you during the year. It also requires you

More information

Student Blog Post Online reference:

Student Blog Post Online reference: Student Blog Post Online reference: https://drjonesmusic.me/qcc-group-project-and-sbp-music-criticism/ The websites where SBP will be submitted and discussions will take place: F2 (T 12:10-3): https://fall2018f2.wordpress.com/

More information

Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing

Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing by Roberts and Jacobs English Composition III Mary F. Clifford, Instructor What Is Literature and Why Do We Study It? Literature is Composition that tells

More information

CST/CAHSEE GRADE 9 ENGLISH-LANGUAGE ARTS (Blueprints adopted by the State Board of Education 10/02)

CST/CAHSEE GRADE 9 ENGLISH-LANGUAGE ARTS (Blueprints adopted by the State Board of Education 10/02) CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS: READING HSEE Notes 1.0 WORD ANALYSIS, FLUENCY, AND SYSTEMATIC VOCABULARY 8/11 DEVELOPMENT: 7 1.1 Vocabulary and Concept Development: identify and use the literal and figurative

More information

Standard reference books. Histories of literature. Unseen critical appreciation

Standard reference books. Histories of literature. Unseen critical appreciation Note Individual requirements for further reading are conditioned mainly by your own syllabus. Your lecturers and the editorial matter (introduction and notes) in your copies of the prescribed texts will

More information

Broadcast News Writing

Broadcast News Writing Broadcast News Writing Tips Tell what is happening now. Use conversational style. Read your copy out loud before recording or going on air. Use active voice. Use short sentences. Use present tense. Use

More information

Personal Narrative STUDENT SELF-ASSESSMENT

Personal Narrative STUDENT SELF-ASSESSMENT 1 Personal Narrative Does my topic relate to a real event in my life? Do I express the events in time order and exclude unnecessary details? Does the narrative have an engaging introduction? Does the narrative

More information

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Good History Day Paper

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Good History Day Paper A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Good History Day Paper by Martha Kohl Reprinted from the OAH Magazine of History 6 (Spring 1992). ISSN 0882-228X, Copyright (c) 1992, Organization of American Historians,

More information

Independent Reading Project

Independent Reading Project English II and English II Honors Ms. Davis Independent Reading Project Forms and Guidelines Name: Period: Due Date: Monday, October 2, 2017 1 Independent Reading Project Guidelines 1. You will be required

More information

GRAAD 12 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12

GRAAD 12 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 GRAAD 12 NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P1 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 MEMORANDUM MARKS: 70 This memorandum consists of 9 pages. English Home Language/P1 2 DBE/Feb. Mar. 2016 NOTE:

More information

Norman Rockwell: Then and Now

Norman Rockwell: Then and Now Page 1 of 7 Norman Rockwell: Then and Now By Angela Samuelson Keywords: Norman Rockwell, realism, idealism, narrative, compare and contrast of modern pieces and themes. Curriculum Area: Art Grade level:

More information

GUIDE FOR WRITING AN ESSAY/TERM PAPER

GUIDE FOR WRITING AN ESSAY/TERM PAPER GUIDE FOR WRITING AN ESSAY/TERM PAPER Synopsis 1. What is an essay? 2. Prior to beginning to write 3. The organization of the essay 4. After the writing 5. Maintaining and polishing the essay 6. Dialectics

More information

California Content Standards that can be enhanced with storytelling Kindergarten Grade One Grade Two Grade Three Grade Four

California Content Standards that can be enhanced with storytelling Kindergarten Grade One Grade Two Grade Three Grade Four California Content Standards that can be enhanced with storytelling George Pilling, Supervisor of Library Media Services, Visalia Unified School District Kindergarten 2.2 Use pictures and context to make

More information

TERM PAPER INSTRUCTIONS. What do I mean by original research paper?

TERM PAPER INSTRUCTIONS. What do I mean by original research paper? Instructor: Karen Franklin, Ph.D. HMSX 605 & 705 TERM PAPER INSTRUCTIONS What is the goal of this project? This term paper provides you with an opportunity to perform more in-depth research on a topic

More information

Romeo and Juliet Research Project REVISED

Romeo and Juliet Research Project REVISED Romeo and Juliet Research Project REVISED TASK: This assignment asks you to write a research paper and present your findings to the class. (Details on the presentation TBA) Sources: For your paper, you

More information

Summary. Things I will be marking more closely in your next essay:

Summary. Things I will be marking more closely in your next essay: Essay Feedback Summary Things I will be marking more closely in your next essay: 1) Title 2) Adverbs, or unnecessary words, and other culprits 3) Plan of Development (either missing, or run on sentences

More information

HISTORY ADMISSIONS TEST. Marking Scheme for the 2015 paper

HISTORY ADMISSIONS TEST. Marking Scheme for the 2015 paper HISTORY ADMISSIONS TEST Marking Scheme for the 2015 paper QUESTION ONE (a) According to the author s argument in the first paragraph, what was the importance of women in royal palaces? Criteria assessed

More information

Literary Analysis. READ 180 rbook Stage B Paragraph Writing. Writing Text Type. Topic Sentence. Detail Sentences. Language Use. Concluding Sentence

Literary Analysis. READ 180 rbook Stage B Paragraph Writing. Writing Text Type. Topic Sentence. Detail Sentences. Language Use. Concluding Sentence Writing Text Type Literary Analysis A literary analysis examines a text or one element of a text, such as character, plot, setting, or theme in a story. Read Kavita Webb s analysis of theme in The Fall

More information

essay why books are important essay why book are book essay are

essay why books are important essay why book are book essay are Essay why books are important. Information to allow the reader to assess the believability of your results, essay why books are important. 4306 Words 25 Pages essay was interesting to me because my own

More information

introduction body of the essay conclusion

introduction body of the essay conclusion Every essay has a beginning, a middle, and an end. In a five-paragraph essay, the first paragraph is called the introduction. The next three paragraphs consist of the body of the essay. The fifth and final

More information

History 600: Black Abolitionists Spring 2011

History 600: Black Abolitionists Spring 2011 History 600: Black Abolitionists Spring 2011 Prof. Steve Kantrowitz Mondays, 1:20-3:20 5255 Humanities The Seminar We are a community of scholars. You are not in competition with each other, and it is

More information

Writing to Inform and Explain. Developing a Research Paper

Writing to Inform and Explain. Developing a Research Paper Writing to Inform and Explain Developing a Research Paper Why Write? Every time an author writes he or she has a purpose Express and Reflect Inform and Explain Evaluate and Judge Inquire and Explore Analyze

More information

ENGLISH I STAAR EOC REVIEW. Reporting Category 1 Understanding and Analysis across Genres

ENGLISH I STAAR EOC REVIEW. Reporting Category 1 Understanding and Analysis across Genres ENGLISH I STAAR EOC REVIEW Reporting Category 1 Understanding and Analysis across Genres E1.1A SS determine the meaning of grade-level technical academic English words in multiple content areas (e.g.,

More information

Università della Svizzera italiana. Faculty of Communication Sciences. Master of Arts in Philosophy 2017/18

Università della Svizzera italiana. Faculty of Communication Sciences. Master of Arts in Philosophy 2017/18 Università della Svizzera italiana Faculty of Communication Sciences Master of Arts in Philosophy 2017/18 Philosophy. The Master in Philosophy at USI is a research master with a special focus on theoretical

More information

The Rhetorical Modes Schemes and Patterns for Papers

The Rhetorical Modes Schemes and Patterns for Papers K. Hope Rhetorical Modes 1 The Rhetorical Modes Schemes and Patterns for Papers Argument In this class, the basic mode of writing is argument, meaning that your papers will rehearse or play out one idea

More information

A C E I T A Writing Strategy Helping Writers Get that A And Avoid Plagiarism

A C E I T A Writing Strategy Helping Writers Get that A And Avoid Plagiarism A C E I T A Writing Strategy Helping Writers Get that A And Avoid Plagiarism What ACEIT stands for A- Assertion C- Citation E- Explication I- Interpretation T- Transition/Termination Purpose All writers,

More information

PHILOSOPHY. Grade: E D C B A. Mark range: The range and suitability of the work submitted

PHILOSOPHY. Grade: E D C B A. Mark range: The range and suitability of the work submitted Overall grade boundaries PHILOSOPHY Grade: E D C B A Mark range: 0-7 8-15 16-22 23-28 29-36 The range and suitability of the work submitted The submitted essays varied with regards to levels attained.

More information

GRADE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P1 MEMORANDUM

GRADE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P1 MEMORANDUM NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE GRADE 12 SEPTEMBER 2017 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P1 MEMORANDUM MARKS: 70 This memorandum consists of 10 pages. 2 ENGLISH HOME LANGUAGE P1 (EC/SEPTEMBER 2017) NOTE: This marking

More information

Essay #1: Analysis of The Orchid Thief. Deadline: Submitted to Turnitin as a Single File Upload by 11:30pm on Tuesday, 2/20.

Essay #1: Analysis of The Orchid Thief. Deadline: Submitted to Turnitin as a Single File Upload by 11:30pm on Tuesday, 2/20. English 120 Yanover Essay #1: Analysis of The Orchid Thief Value: Length: Format: 100 points 1,000 words (6 or more paragraphs) MLA Style Deadline: Submitted to Turnitin as a Single File Upload by 11:30pm

More information

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH 12: LITERATURE SUMMER READING REQUIREMENT 2018) THREE

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH 12: LITERATURE SUMMER READING REQUIREMENT 2018) THREE ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH 12: LITERATURE SUMMER READING REQUIREMENT (rev. 2018) Actively read and take reading notes on the following THREE novels. This work is due the first Friday of the first week

More information

ALAMO HEIGHTS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL

ALAMO HEIGHTS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL ALAMO HEIGHTS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ALAMO HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL English Curriculum Framework ENGLISH II GL 1 d Quarter: Introduction to the short story and poetry, literary analysis, and expository

More information

A Correlation of. Grade 9, Arizona s English Language Arts Standards

A Correlation of. Grade 9, Arizona s English Language Arts Standards A Correlation of, 2017 To Arizona s English Language Arts Standards Introduction This document demonstrates how myperspectives English Language Arts meets the objectives of. Correlation page references

More information

Lead-In Expressions: PURPOSE

Lead-In Expressions: PURPOSE LEAD-IN EXPRESSIONS Lead-In Expressions: PURPOSE PURPOSE (1) LEAD IN: While you are researchers, you are writers first. O Without quality writing, valuable ideas are lost or ignored. O If attribution is

More information