Until human beings learn how to send thoughts with mental telepathy, we need to be able to communicate effectively. Writing is one of our most important tools of communications. Through out your life, the ability to write well can prove to be an asset time and time again. This unit is designed to take some of the fear and discomfort out of writing for you. We will be going step-by-step through the Art of Writing.
Take the Pre-Test in class. I will notify you on what areas in building block you need to complete based on the results of your Pre-Test.
Sentences are the foundation of good writing. This section deals with both grammar and punctuation. Everyone could do with a little review in this section. It will remain there to give a little help as needed and some exercises to strengthen the Art of Sentence Writing.
Again, we're taking the guess work out of writing so I'm going to provide you with a formula you can use in writing most paragraphs. From then on check the schedule and daily activities for what's going on everyday.
Once you've got the basics of structure down, we can move on to dealing with the first question of writing. "What should I write about?" This section will show all of the ways you can come up with ideas for getting and organizing ideas for your writing.
After the planning stage, there ain't nuthin' to it but to do it. When writing your first draft, grammar, punctuation, and even sentence structure really aren't your main concern. You're writing what's in your head and trying to get it to make a little bit of sense. Rest assured that your first draft won't be your last and thinking any other way is a sign of a bad writer.
Remember all drafts should be double spaced with plenty of room in the margins for comments.
This is where we start worrying about grammar and punctuation. Take a look at your paper, read it aloud. Ask yourself these 6 questions...
Those are the first things that you can look for and change pretty easily. After you've answered those questions go back and re-write your paper. This is a fairly easy process in Word because you can cut and paste things instead of having to write the whole thing over by hand. When that's done give it to a few friends and let them take a look at it. Wait a day if you have the time and then do this step all over again.
When all of the re-writes are done then you finsih the paper with one final draft. This should be double spaced in 12 point type using Times New Roman, unless the guidelines of your assignment state differently.
Page by Brandi Martin
Last updated 7/2003
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