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{{Large|From Reading to Writing: An ENGL 1101 Coursebook}} | {{Large|From Reading to Writing: An ENGL 1101 Coursebook}} | ||
{{Dc|W}}{{start|riting and reading skills}} are essential for success in college and beyond. Whether you’re writing a research paper, a personal statement, a business proposal, a Wikipedia entry, or a personal blog, clear and effective writing makes all the difference in effectively communicating and achieving your goals. Likewise, strong reading skills are crucial for comprehending complex texts, synthesizing information, and developing critical thinking abilities. | |||
This composition text is designed to help you develop and enhance these skills through a variety of activities, including writing exercises, grammar and mechanics reviews, and close reading and analysis of professional essays. All of the writing activities are based on a Composition FAQ that targets areas most relevant to first-year composition and core-level humanities classes. | |||
<div style="margin:0.5em 0.2em 0.2em 0.3em; padding:0.5em 0.2em 0.2em 0.3em; text-align:right;">[[/Introduction|Read the Introduction »]]</div> | |||
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''Directions: For each lesson below, follow all links and read them carefully. All assigned essays may be found [https://files.grlucas.com/d/681813c813d64b6cbbbe/ on my server] or by doing a Google search. See your [[ENGL 1101|individual syllabus]] for due dates and additional instructions. All writing exercises should be completed on Packback discussions for '''online sections of the course only'''.'' | |||
==I. Introduction to College-Level Reading and Writing== | ==I. Introduction to College-Level Reading and Writing== | ||
# A Primer for First-Year Composition | # A Primer for First-Year Composition | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/First-Year Composition|What writing knowledge should I already have coming into college?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Essay|What is an essay?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Getting Started|How do I get started writing?]] | ||
# | #* [[CompFAQ/Questions|What questions do I need to ask as a writer?]] | ||
# Writing Exercise: | #* [[CompFAQ/Critical Thinking|What is “critical thinking”?]] | ||
#* [[CompFAQ/Persuasive Writing|How can my writing be more persuasive?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/AI|Is it cheating or unethical to use an AI to help with writing?]] | |||
# Read the following essays (and perhaps [[August 19, 2024|my notes]]) about college and writing | |||
#* “The Joy of Reading and Writing” by Sherman Alexie. | |||
#* “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott. | |||
#* “College Pressures” by William Zinsser. | |||
# Writing Exercise: Consider your weaknesses when it comes to writing; what are your top ones? What suggestions and ideas do you take from the Zinsser, Alexie, and Lamont? Research further to find strategies for addressing these struggles. Post a question and two replies or responses incorporating anything you read for this lesson to PackBack. | |||
==II. Close Reading and Analysis== | ==II. Close Reading and Analysis== | ||
# Review the elements of close reading and analysis | # Review the elements of close reading and analysis | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Analysis|What is “analysis”?]] | ||
#* How | #* [[CompFAQ/Interpretation|What is “interpretation”?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Evaluation|What does it mean to “evaluate” a text?]] | ||
# | #* [[CompFAQ/Difficult Reading|How do I read a difficult text without getting frustrated?]] | ||
# Writing exercise: | #* [[CompFAQ/Reading Notes|What are some strategies for reading?]] | ||
#* [[CompFAQ/Close Reading|What is “close reading”?]] | |||
# Read and analyze “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell. | |||
# Writing exercise: Practice close reading and analysis by writing about a specific aspect of the essay. {{crossreference|(You might see [[October 30, 2022|my notes on]] “Shooting an Elephant” for ideas.)}} On Packback, post a question about “Shooting an Elephant”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. | |||
==III. Focus Your Topic: Thesis Statement== | ==III. Focus Your Topic: Thesis Statement== | ||
# Discuss topics and thesis statements | # Discuss topics and thesis statements | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Thesis|What is a “thesis statement”?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Topic|How does a “topic” differ from a “subject”?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Topic|What is a strong topic for an essay?]] | ||
# Read and analyze: “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber | #* [[CompFAQ/Ideas|Where do I go for essay topic ideas?]] | ||
# Writing exercise: | #* [[CompFAQ/Purpose|What is meant by “purpose” in an essay?]] | ||
#* [[CompFAQ/Call to Action|What is a “call to action” and how do I use one?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Topic Sentence|What is a “topic sentence”?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Unity|What is “unity”?]] | |||
# Read and analyze: “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber. | |||
# Writing exercise: Identify the thesis statement and support in Graber's essay. On Packback, post a question about “Bullshit Jobs”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. | |||
==IV. Argumentation and Persuasion== | ==IV. Argumentation and Persuasion== | ||
# Introduce the principles of argumentation and persuasion | # Introduce the principles of [[CompFAQ/Critical Thinking|critical thinking]], argumentation, and persuasion | ||
#* Rhetoric | #* [[CompFAQ/Rhetoric|What is “rhetoric”?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Credibility|What is “credibility”?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Argument|What is a “logical argument”?]] | ||
# Read and analyze | #* [[CompFAQ/Development|How do I develop my argument?]] | ||
# Writing exercise: | #* [[CompFAQ/Counterarguments|How do I address counterarguments?]] | ||
#* [[CompFAQ/Generalizations|What are “generalizations” and “stereotypes”?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Inclusive Language|What is “inclusive language”?]] | |||
# Read and analyze “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr. | |||
# Writing exercise: What are the main arguments of King’s letter? What are some rhetorical devices King employs? How does King craft an effective argument? {{crossreference|(See my [[August 21, 2023|notes on King’s letter]].)}} On Packback, post a question about “Letter from Birmingham Jail”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay (see the [[August 21, 2023#Questions for Consideration|sample questions]]); post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. | |||
==V. Writing for a Specific Audience== | ==V. Writing for a Specific Audience== | ||
# Discuss the importance of knowing your audience when writing | # Discuss the importance of knowing your audience when writing | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Audience|What is “audience”?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Audience/Needs|How do I access my audience’s needs and expectations?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Audience/Tailor|How do I tailor my writing for my audience?]] | ||
# Read and analyze | #* [[CompFAQ/Credibility|What is “credibility”?]] | ||
# Writing exercise: | #* [[CompFAQ/Generalizations|What are “generalizations” and “stereotypes”?]] | ||
#* [[CompFAQ/Inclusive Language|What is “inclusive language”?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Hyperbole|What is “hyperbole”?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Call to Action|What is a “call to action” and how do I use one?]] | |||
# Read and analyze “The Myth of the Latin Woman” by Judith Ortiz Cofer. ([[September 29, 2024|See my notes]].) | |||
# Writing exercise: To whom is Cofer writing in “The Myth of the Latin Woman”? Why is understanding audience important in analyzing stereotypes and diversity? What are Cofer’s criticisms of Western society, especially media and commodification? On Packback, post a question about “The Myth of the Latin Woman”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. | |||
#* Alternative Reply/Response: Compose an audience analysis {{crossreference|(see the [[CompFAQ/Audience/Needs|Audience Analysis Reflection Worksheet]])}} and post your audience analysis for your next essay. Reply critically to another student’s analysis. | |||
#* Alternative Reply/Response: Rewrite a previous writing assignment for a specific audience {{crossreference|(see the [[CompFAQ/Audience/Tailor|Audience-Centric Writing Transformation]])}} and post your update identifying your target audience. Reply critically to another student’s post. | |||
==VI. Organizing Your Writing== | ==VI. Organizing Your Writing== | ||
# Discuss the importance of logical organization | # Discuss the importance of logical organization | ||
#* How | #* [[CompFAQ/Organization|How should an essay be organized?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Essay Title|How do I write a strong title?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Introduction/Hook|How do I craft a strong opening sentence?]] | ||
# Read and analyze: | #* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Introduction|What is an introduction of an essay?]] | ||
# Writing Exercise: | #* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Body|What is the body of an essay?]] | ||
#* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Conclusion|What is the conclusion of an essay?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Point of View|What is “point of view”?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Transitions|What are “transitions”?]] | |||
# Read and analyze: “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan. | |||
# Writing Exercise: Analyze the structure of Tan’s “Mother Tongue.” What strategies does she use to organize her essay? How do they draw you into her narrative? On Packback, post a question about “Mother Tongue”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. | |||
==VII. Effective Use of Evidence== | ==VII. Effective Use of Evidence== | ||
# Discuss the importance of using evidence in your writing | # Discuss the importance of using evidence in your writing | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Support|How do I support my argument?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Evidence|How do I use strong evidence and examples?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Research/Primary Sources|What are “primary sources” and how do I use them?]] | ||
# Read and analyze: “A Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates | #* [[CompFAQ/Research/Strong Sources|How do I find strong, credible sources?]] | ||
# Writing exercise: | #* [[CompFAQ/Research/Quotations and Paraphrases|How do I integrate quotations and paraphrases?]] | ||
#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Citations|How do I correctly cite my sources?]] | |||
# Read and analyze: “A Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. (See [[October 23, 2024|my notes]].) | |||
# Writing exercise: Analyze any aspect of Coates’ “A Case for Reparations.” What is his topic? His central arguments? Is his essay convincing? Why or why not? Can you find a primary source on the same or related topic that helps illuminate Coates’ essay? On Packback, post a question about “A Case for Reparations”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. | |||
==VIII. Research and Synthesis== | ==VIII. Research and Synthesis== | ||
# Introduce the basics of research and synthesis | # Introduce the basics of [[CompFAQ/Research|research]] and [[CompFAQ/Research/Synthesis|synthesis]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Research|What is research and why is it important?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Research/Secondary Sources|What are “secondary sources” and how do I use them?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Research/Synthesis|What is “synthesis” and why is it important?]] | ||
# Read and analyze | #* [[CompFAQ/Research/Strong Sources#Consulting or Citing Sources|Can I cite Wikipedia or Twitter in my essay?]] | ||
# Writing exercise: | #* [[CompFAQ/Research/Citations|How do I correctly cite my sources?]] | ||
#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Notetaking|What’s the best way to take research notes?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Research/MLA|How do I cite a source using MLA citation style?]] | |||
# Read and analyze “A Few Words about Breasts” by Nora Ephron. | |||
# Writing exercise: What is the underlying critique in Ephron’s essay? The consequence of this issue is her bodily insecurity. Where do our notions of beauty come from? Research this topic by finding at least one scholarly primary or secondary source and see what insights it gives you into Ephron’s essay. On Packback, post a question about “A Few Words about Breasts”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. Be sure to cite the source you found in at least one of your posts. | |||
==IX. Reflection and Revision== | ==IX. Reflection and Revision== | ||
# Discuss the importance of reflection and revision in the writing process | # Discuss the importance of reflection and revision in the writing process | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Proofreading|What is “proofreading”?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Editing and Revision|What is “editing” and “revision”?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Editing and Revision|What are some basic editing and revision strategies for new writers?]] | ||
# Read and analyze | #* [[CompFAQ/Reflection|What does it mean to “reflect” on my writing?]] | ||
# Writing exercise: | # Read and analyze “How to Do What You Love” by Paul Graham. | ||
# Writing exercise: On Packback, post a question about “How to Do What You Love”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. Be sure to proofread and revise your writing before you post. | |||
==X. Narrative and Storytelling== | ==X. Narrative and Storytelling== | ||
# Discuss the importance of narrative in writing | # Discuss the importance of [[CompFAQ/Narrative|narrative]] in writing | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Stylistic Strategies|What is “style” and how can I make it more effective?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Detail|What is “interesting detail” and how do I use it?]] | ||
#* | #* [[CompFAQ/Vague Language|What is “vague/weak” language and how do I avoid it?]] | ||
# Read and analyze | #* [[CompFAQ/Point of View|What is “point of view”?]] | ||
# Writing exercise: | #* [[CompFAQ/Tone|What is “tone”?]] | ||
#* [[CompFAQ/Word Choice|What is “word choice”?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Awkward Constructions|What is an “awkward sentence”?]] | |||
#* [[CompFAQ/Wordiness|What is “wordiness”?]] | |||
# Have a look at the other questions under [[CompFAQ/Index#Stylistic Questions|Stylistic Questions]]; read those you may be unfamiliar with. | |||
# Read and analyze “The Fourth State of Matter” by Jo Ann Beard. (See [[November 17, 2024|my study guide]].) | |||
# Writing exercise: Analyze Beard’s narrative techniques. What strategies make her essay effective? On Packback, post a question about “The Fourth State of Matter”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. | |||
{{Plink|https://grlu.us/1101book}} | |||
{{CompFAQ-foot}} | {{CompFAQ-foot}} | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT:ENGL 1101}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:ENGL 1101}} | ||
[[Category: Index (FAQ)]] | [[Category: Index (FAQ)]] |
Latest revision as of 10:45, 20 November 2024
From Reading to Writing: An ENGL 1101 Coursebook
Writing and reading skills are essential for success in college and beyond. Whether you’re writing a research paper, a personal statement, a business proposal, a Wikipedia entry, or a personal blog, clear and effective writing makes all the difference in effectively communicating and achieving your goals. Likewise, strong reading skills are crucial for comprehending complex texts, synthesizing information, and developing critical thinking abilities.
This composition text is designed to help you develop and enhance these skills through a variety of activities, including writing exercises, grammar and mechanics reviews, and close reading and analysis of professional essays. All of the writing activities are based on a Composition FAQ that targets areas most relevant to first-year composition and core-level humanities classes.
Directions: For each lesson below, follow all links and read them carefully. All assigned essays may be found on my server or by doing a Google search. See your individual syllabus for due dates and additional instructions. All writing exercises should be completed on Packback discussions for online sections of the course only.
I. Introduction to College-Level Reading and Writing
- A Primer for First-Year Composition
- Read the following essays (and perhaps my notes) about college and writing
- “The Joy of Reading and Writing” by Sherman Alexie.
- “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott.
- “College Pressures” by William Zinsser.
- Writing Exercise: Consider your weaknesses when it comes to writing; what are your top ones? What suggestions and ideas do you take from the Zinsser, Alexie, and Lamont? Research further to find strategies for addressing these struggles. Post a question and two replies or responses incorporating anything you read for this lesson to PackBack.
II. Close Reading and Analysis
- Review the elements of close reading and analysis
- Read and analyze “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell.
- Writing exercise: Practice close reading and analysis by writing about a specific aspect of the essay. On Packback, post a question about “Shooting an Elephant”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
III. Focus Your Topic: Thesis Statement
- Discuss topics and thesis statements
- Read and analyze: “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber.
- Writing exercise: Identify the thesis statement and support in Graber's essay. On Packback, post a question about “Bullshit Jobs”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
IV. Argumentation and Persuasion
- Introduce the principles of critical thinking, argumentation, and persuasion
- Read and analyze “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Writing exercise: What are the main arguments of King’s letter? What are some rhetorical devices King employs? How does King craft an effective argument? sample questions); post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. On Packback, post a question about “Letter from Birmingham Jail”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay (see the
V. Writing for a Specific Audience
- Discuss the importance of knowing your audience when writing
- Read and analyze “The Myth of the Latin Woman” by Judith Ortiz Cofer. (See my notes.)
- Writing exercise: To whom is Cofer writing in “The Myth of the Latin Woman”? Why is understanding audience important in analyzing stereotypes and diversity? What are Cofer’s criticisms of Western society, especially media and commodification? On Packback, post a question about “The Myth of the Latin Woman”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
- Alternative Reply/Response: Compose an audience analysis and post your audience analysis for your next essay. Reply critically to another student’s analysis.
- Alternative Reply/Response: Rewrite a previous writing assignment for a specific audience and post your update identifying your target audience. Reply critically to another student’s post.
VI. Organizing Your Writing
- Discuss the importance of logical organization
- Read and analyze: “Mother Tongue” by Amy Tan.
- Writing Exercise: Analyze the structure of Tan’s “Mother Tongue.” What strategies does she use to organize her essay? How do they draw you into her narrative? On Packback, post a question about “Mother Tongue”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
VII. Effective Use of Evidence
- Discuss the importance of using evidence in your writing
- Read and analyze: “A Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates. (See my notes.)
- Writing exercise: Analyze any aspect of Coates’ “A Case for Reparations.” What is his topic? His central arguments? Is his essay convincing? Why or why not? Can you find a primary source on the same or related topic that helps illuminate Coates’ essay? On Packback, post a question about “A Case for Reparations”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
VIII. Research and Synthesis
- Introduce the basics of research and synthesis
- What is research and why is it important?
- What are “secondary sources” and how do I use them?
- What is “synthesis” and why is it important?
- Can I cite Wikipedia or Twitter in my essay?
- How do I correctly cite my sources?
- What’s the best way to take research notes?
- How do I cite a source using MLA citation style?
- Read and analyze “A Few Words about Breasts” by Nora Ephron.
- Writing exercise: What is the underlying critique in Ephron’s essay? The consequence of this issue is her bodily insecurity. Where do our notions of beauty come from? Research this topic by finding at least one scholarly primary or secondary source and see what insights it gives you into Ephron’s essay. On Packback, post a question about “A Few Words about Breasts”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. Be sure to cite the source you found in at least one of your posts.
IX. Reflection and Revision
- Discuss the importance of reflection and revision in the writing process
- Read and analyze “How to Do What You Love” by Paul Graham.
- Writing exercise: On Packback, post a question about “How to Do What You Love”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. Be sure to proofread and revise your writing before you post.
X. Narrative and Storytelling
- Discuss the importance of narrative in writing
- Have a look at the other questions under Stylistic Questions; read those you may be unfamiliar with.
- Read and analyze “The Fourth State of Matter” by Jo Ann Beard. (See my study guide.)
- Writing exercise: Analyze Beard’s narrative techniques. What strategies make her essay effective? On Packback, post a question about “The Fourth State of Matter”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
Permalink: https://grlu.us/1101book
Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 11-20-2024; Version: Beta 0.7 | 💬 |