Alternate 5

Page 1

  • Just Writing DUCCESS

  • Just plain writing 0000

Page 2

  • Considerations in Writing

    • Not all writing is treated equally.

    • Some documents attract more attention.

    • Good writing is always preferred over sloppy writing.

    • Characteristics of bad writing:

      • Unclear

      • Jargonistic (incomprehensible)

      • Cliched

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  • Defining Bad Writing

    • Poor word choice

    • Wrong tone

    • Unclear thesis

    • Bad spelling, grammar, and usage

    • Clutter

    • Plagiarized content

      • What does this mean?

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  • Effects of Bad Writing

    • Written text has permanence and can be referenced repeatedly.

    • May carry "connotative consequences" with emotional implications.

    • Other factors contributing to bad writing?

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  • Characteristics of Good Writing

    • Effective, understandable, and clear.

    • Should be easy to read.

    • Audience expectations:

      • Readers often expect writing to be hard.

      • A well-structured document looks inviting and encourages reading.

    • Reference: Forsyth, P. (2008). "The art of getting it right."

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  • Reader Preferences

    • Shorter writing is preferable.

    • Clear and precise language is favored.

    • Techniques for achieving this:

      • Cut unnecessary content ("cut the fat").

      • Remove cherished phrases ("kill the darlings").

      • Separate personal pride from the writing.

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  • Additional Reader Preferences

    • Logical structure is crucial.

    • Use concrete language:

      • Engage senses (taste, sight, touch, sound, smell).

    • Ensure language accuracy:

      • Use correct, simple words instead of overly complex language.

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  • Fundamentals of Writing

    • Every piece of writing must:

      • Have a main idea.

      • Support that main idea cohesively.

      • Be aware of the audience and write appropriately for them.

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  • More Fundamentals

    • Know your purpose:

      • Are you persuading, informing, or entertaining?

      • Adjust strategy based on your audience's stance (agree, disagree, or neutral).

      • Ensure knowledge of your topic and support with facts.

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  • Language Use

    • Informal language can build intimacy but should be used carefully.

    • Careless use of informal language could harm credibility.

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  • Deal Killers in Writing

    • Factors that detract from credibility:

      • Sentence fragments.

      • Run-on sentences.

      • Misused homonyms (e.g., their/there/they're).

      • Misspelled words.

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  • Assignment Instructions

    • Write a conclusion paragraph and revise your paper.

    • Make instructor-requested changes.

      • Conclusion should summarize key points and thesis (4-5 sentences).

    • Create a References Page with prior articles in correct format.

    • Include in-text citations.

    • Summary of revisions made, including tools used (e.g., Grammarly).

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  • Focus Areas for Revision

    • Ensure thesis statement is clear and one sentence.

    • All body paragraphs must have a topic sentence.

    • Supporting evidence from outside sources is required (at least one).

    • Ensure conclusion reiterates main points.

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  • Writing Conclusions

    • Elements of conclusion writing:

      1. Overview of topic and thesis.

      2. Summary of main arguments.

      3. Explain importance and community value of your idea.

    • Important Considerations:

      1. Reread paper before writing conclusion.

      2. Avoid new ideas in conclusion.

      3. Keep it brief and avoid redundancy.

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  • Questions?

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  • Final Week Overview

    • No live lecture this week.

    • Complete outstanding assignments by Tuesday, Nov. 5th.

    • Resubmit assignments as needed.

    • Submit password for live sessions to gain points.

    • Ensure questions are asked; assistance is available.

    • Finish strong for improved writing skills and grades!