CompFAQ

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 following questions.

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.

Start Here

1. How do I get started writing?
2. What questions do I need to ask as a writer?
3. What is “critical thinking"?

Foundational Questions

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.

1. What is an essay?
2. How does a “topic” differ from a “subject”?
3. What is a strong topic for an essay?
4. Where do I go for essay topic ideas?
5. What is meant by “purpose” in an essay?
6. What is “audience”?
7. What is “credibility”?
8. What is “support”?
9. What is “development”?

Structural Questions

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.

1. How should an essay be organized?
2. How do I write a strong title?
3. How do I craft a strong opening sentence?
4. What is an introduction of an essay?
5. What is a “thesis statement”?
6. What is the body of an essay?
7. What is the conclusion of an essay?
8. What is a “logical argument”?
9. What is a “topic sentence”?
10. What is “unity”?
11. What is “point of view”?
12. What are “transitions”?

Grammar Questions

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.

1. What is a “run-on” sentence?
2. What is a “sentence fragment”?
3. What is “subject/verb agreement”?
4. What is “pronoun/antecedent agreement”?
5. What are “coordinating conjunctions”?

Mechanics Questions

Mechanics refers to the technical aspects of writing, such as spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and formatting. These are the details that give writing clarity, readability, and professionalism. These questions do not cover all mechanical considerations, but those that seem to plague college writers.

1. What is a “comma splice”?
2. How do I know when I need to use a comma?
3. Is a comma really necessary after the last element in a list of three or more?
4. How do you use a semicolon?
5. How do possessives differ from plurals?

Stylistic Questions

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.

1. What is “interesting detail” and how do I use it?
2. What is “tone”?
3. What is wrong with “it”?
4. Why is the pronoun “this” ambiguous?
5. What is the “passive voice”?
6. What is “word choice”?
7. What is an “awkward sentence”?
8. What is “redundancy”?
9. What is “wordiness”?
10. What is “hyperbole”?
11. When is something “clichéd” or “trite”?
12. How can my writing be more persuasive?

Reading Questions

Analysis, evaluation, and interpretation are all related in that they involve critical thinking about a text. 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.

1. What is “critical thinking"?
2. What is “analysis”?
3. What is “interpretation”?
4. What does it mean to “evaluate” a text?

Writing About Literature

1. What is “narrative”?
2. What is “theme”?
3. What tense do I use when writing about literature?
4. How do I present titles of poems, novels, etc. in my essay?

Revision and Editing

1. How about some general writing tips?
2. Editing? Proofreading? Revision?
3. What are some basic editing strategies for new writers?

Miscellaneous

1. What is MLA documentation style?

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Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 04-1-2023; Version: Beta 0.7

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