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| {{Large|Welcome to the English Composition Writing FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).}} | | {{Large|Welcome to the English Composition Writing FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).}} |
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| {{dc|T}}his FAQ addresses difficulties that many new writers have with mechanics, style, content, and structure. While meant for writers new to college, even experienced writers may benefit from some of the answers to the following questions. | | {{dc|T}}his FAQ addresses difficulties that many new writers have with mechanics, style, content, and structure. While meant for writers new to college, even experienced writers may benefit from some of the answers to the questions here. |
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| The FAQ is hypertextual and is divided into several sections, each containing areas that many new writers find troublesome at first. You might begin by clicking on a question below and following the links you find in the answer, or you can always come back to this start page. | | The FAQ is hypertextual and is divided into classes via the tabs above. You might begin by clicking on the tab that corresponds with your class. Or, you can see all of the questions available on the FAQ in the [[CompFAQ/Index|index]]. |
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| ==Start Here==
| | Each tab highlights the questions most pertinent to that course. [[CompFAQ/ENGL 1101|ENGL 1101]] and [[CompFAQ/ENGL 1102|ENGL 1102]] are for the first and second courses, respectively, in first-year composition. The former highlights general writing skills needed for college while the latter focuses on textual analysis, interpretation, and writing about literature. Choose [[CompFAQ/Lit Survey|Literature Survey]] if you are in a sophomore literature survey course, like [[ENGL 2111]]. |
| # [[CompFAQ/Getting Started|How do I get started writing?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Questions|What questions do I need to ask as a writer?]]
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| # [[/Critical Thinking|What is “critical thinking"?]]
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| # [[/Persuasive Writing|How can my writing be more persuasive?]]
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| ==Foundational Questions==
| | {{A note|Note}} This FAQ is a work-in-progress, so links in red have yet to be written. I anticipate that it should be complete, or in version 1, by the fall of 2023. |
| College writers should have some basic knowledge of essay writing, such as the purpose of an essay, the different types of essays, and the components of an essay. They should also have a basic understanding of grammar and mechanics, including sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling. Additionally, they should have some experience with research and the proper citation of sources.
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| # [[CompFAQ/Essay|What is an essay?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Topic|How does a “topic” differ from a “subject”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Topic|What is a strong topic for an essay?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Ideas|Where do I go for essay topic ideas?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Purpose|What is meant by “purpose” in an essay?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Audience|What is “audience”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Credibility|What is “credibility”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Support|What is “support”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Development|What is “development”?]]
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| ==Structural Questions==
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| The basic structural elements of college essay writing are the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction should provide background information and a clear thesis statement. Body paragraphs should include supporting evidence and analysis of the thesis. The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis in a new way.
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| # [[CompFAQ/Organization|How should an essay be organized?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Organization/Essay Title|How do I write a strong title?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Organization/Introduction/Hook|How do I craft a strong opening sentence?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Organization/Introduction|What is an introduction of an essay?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Thesis|What is a “thesis statement”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Organization/Body|What is the body of an essay?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Organization/Conclusion|What is the conclusion of an essay?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Argument|What is a “logical argument”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Topic Sentence|What is a “topic sentence”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Unity|What is “unity”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Point of View|What is “point of view”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Transitions|What are “transitions”?]]
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| ==Grammar Questions==
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| Grammar refers to the set of rules and conventions that govern the way we use language, including rules about word order, sentence structure, parts of speech, verb tenses, and so on. It is concerned with the correct usage of language to communicate ideas effectively and accurately.
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| # What is a “run-on” sentence?
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| # What is a “sentence fragment”?
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| # What is “subject/verb agreement”?
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| # What is “pronoun/antecedent agreement”?
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| # What are “coordinating conjunctions”?
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| ==Mechanics Questions==
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| Mechanics refers to the technical aspects of writing, such as spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and formatting. These details give writing clarity, readability, and professionalism. These questions do not cover all mechanical considerations, but those that seem to plague college writers, like proper conventions.
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| # What is a “comma splice”?
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| # How do I know when I need to use a comma?
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| # [[CompFAQ/Oxford Comma|Is a comma really necessary after the last element in a list of three or more?]]
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| # How do you use a semicolon?
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| # How do possessives differ from plurals?
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| # What tense do I use when writing about texts?
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| # How do I present titles of poems, novels, etc. in my essay?
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| ==Stylistic Questions==
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| Style refers to the way a writer uses language to convey his or her ideas and express his or her personality. Style encompasses the writer’s choice of words, sentence structure, tone, and even punctuation. A writer’s style can be formal, informal, persuasive, narrative, descriptive, or any combination of these. It is what makes a writer’s work unique and identifiable. Good style is clear, concise, and appropriate for the audience and purpose of the writing.
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| # [[CompFAQ/Detail|What is “interesting detail” and how do I use it?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Tone|What is “tone”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/It|What is wrong with “it”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/This|Why is the pronoun “this” ambiguous?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Passive Voice|What is the “passive voice”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Word Choice|What is “word choice”?]]
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| # What is an “awkward sentence”?
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| # What is “redundancy”?
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| # [[CompFAQ/Wordiness|What is “wordiness”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Hyperbole|What is “hyperbole”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Cliché|When is something “clichéd” or “trite”?]]
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| ==Reading Questions==
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| When we read a text critically, we analyze, evaluate, and interpret. Analysis involves breaking down a text or subject matter into its component parts and examining how those parts work together to create meaning. Evaluation involves making a judgment or assessment about the value or quality of a text or subject matter. Interpretation involves examining a text or subject matter and offering an explanation or understanding of its meaning.
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| # [[/Critical Thinking|What is “critical thinking"?]]
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| # [[/Analysis|What is “analysis”?]]
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| # [[/Interpretation|What is “interpretation”?]]
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| # [[/Evaluation|What does it mean to “evaluate” a text?]]
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| ==Writing About Literature==
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| # [[CompFAQ/Writing about Literature|I’m not an English major: why should I write about literature?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Literary Analysis|What are the basics of literary analysis?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Literary Interpretation|What are the basics of interpreting a literary text?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Close Reading|What is “close reading”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Narrative|What is “narrative”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Theme|What is “theme”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Figurative Language|What is “simile” and “metaphor”?]]
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| # [[CompFAQ/Symbolism|What is “symbolism”?]]
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| ==Revision and Editing==
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| # How about some general writing tips?
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| # Editing? Proofreading? Revision?
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| # What are some basic editing strategies for new writers?
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| ==Miscellaneous==
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| # What is MLA documentation style?
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| {{Plink|https://grlu.us/compfaq}} | | {{Plink|https://grlu.us/compfaq}} |
| {{CompFAQ-foot}} | | {{CompFAQ-foot}} |
Welcome to the English Composition Writing FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).
This FAQ addresses difficulties that many new writers have with mechanics, style, content, and structure. While meant for writers new to college, even experienced writers may benefit from some of the answers to the questions here.
The FAQ is hypertextual and is divided into classes via the tabs above. You might begin by clicking on the tab that corresponds with your class. Or, you can see all of the questions available on the FAQ in the index.
Each tab highlights the questions most pertinent to that course. ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102 are for the first and second courses, respectively, in first-year composition. The former highlights general writing skills needed for college while the latter focuses on textual analysis, interpretation, and writing about literature. Choose Literature Survey if you are in a sophomore literature survey course, like ENGL 2111.
Note: This FAQ is a work-in-progress, so links in red have yet to be written. I anticipate that it should be complete, or in version 1, by the fall of 2023.
Permalink: https://grlu.us/compfaq
| Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 04-2-2023; Version: Beta 0.7
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