B&S Week 4: Illustration and Classification

Last week we focused on prewriting as a tool for narrowing topics, generating possible paper content, and finding a good research question. We connected this to analysis, a method of thinking that asks what something means, how it works, or why it does what it does.

This week in class, we discussed illustration and classification, two modes of thinking that can help us write our ideas in an organized, coherent manner. We suggested that illustration uses examples in order to show an idea or prove a point and that classification groups items together in meaningful ways. It should be clear that analysis can help us develop either an illustration paper, helping us identify and organize specific examples that support ideas, or a classification paper by identifying specific items that should be grouped together based on specific, concrete traits.

That said, you were assigned to write either an illustration or a classification paper. Using the topics found in the assignment sheet for the paper, complete the following:

1. Provide some prewriting for the topic you believe you will write your paper on for this assignment. You may choose any method you wish--freewriting, listing, mapping, etc.
2. Develop a research question that your paper will answer.
3. Inside-out draft one possible paragraph based on your research question and your prewriting.  
   

B&S Week 3: The Importance of Prewriting

One of the most common mistakes I see students make is skipping prewriting. Students will often claim that prewriting "takes too long" or "wastes time" because they don't truly understand its purpose or its value.

Yet, when done properly, prewriting can provide a substantial amount of ideas for a paper, including the structure and content needed for an effective draft. Many times this great information can be generated in as little as 10-15 minutes.

Furthermore, because there are so many techniques for prewriting and because there are no right or wrong answers at this stage of the process, prewriting can be tailored to an individual's learning style and preferences.

Based on these points and our class discussions, please respond to the following questions by posting a comment:

1. Have you used prewriting before? If so, in what ways? If not, why haven't you?
2. How did this week's classes add to your understanding of how prewriting can benefit a writing project? Be specific.
3. What prewriting technique or techniques do you prefer? Why?
   

B&S (Bryant and Stratton) Week 2: Sentences and Paragraphs

When you think about it, you probably write in some fashion just about every day. You use it to communicate with others (and sometimes yourself) in variety of ways. To ensure clear communication, writing takes practice.

One of the most important aspects of mastering any skill is consistently practicing the fundamentals. If you want to learn how to play guitar, you have to practice the scales, chords, and fingering techniques that make up this endeavor. The same is true in basketball; if you want to be a great player, practicing dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense are all vital.

Writing is no different than these other skills. If you want to be successful, you have to practice the fundamentals, namely writing effective sentences and paragraphs. This makes perfect sense if you think about it; you can't write a good paragraph if you can't write solid, clear sentences. Likewise, you can't write an effective paper if you can't write paragraphs that convey a clear, unified message.

With this in mind, please answer the following questions as specifically and completely as possible (200 or so words) in a comment to this blog:

1. How do you or have you used writing in your academic, professional, or personal life? What types of daily tasks require writing?
2. What do you want to improve in your writing when it comes to sentences or paragraphs? Some examples of answers might be comma usage, correcting run-ons or fragments, writing effective topic sentences, supporting ideas in a paragraph better, etc. 
3. How can you practice proper writing techniques everyday? 

You can add any other thoughts you have as well. :)