Writing for English 7,8 and College

1. Writing for English 7,8 and College “Writing is only boring to those who bore themselves.”--Twain

2. What is writing? Writing is formal expression of words with a purpose, using voice to convey a specific message to the audience. Huh? Let’s break this down…

3. Formal expression of words Writing uses Formal Standard English, which means that formal writing is not the place for jargon, vernacular, or casual language. The correct use of Formal Standard English means that we adhere to the following rules: No first or second person writing; in most cases, use third person Avoid the use of contractions in writing Do not use non-formal diction or colloquialisms Do not use abbreviations in writing Use complex syntax, as opposed to short, simple sentences Organize the paper using logic Write as if you are speaking to your principal

4. Purpose in writing • Writers must know what the purpose is for what they are writing. Purpose • is the reason why you are writing. The purpose must be clear to the writer • before they even start writing. • Below is a list of purposes for writing. Consider which purpose or what • combination of purposes applies for your writing assignment: • Express your feelings about something • Explain an idea • Entertain the audience • Persuade others to think a certain way • Evaluate an issue/work

5. Voice in writing • Voice is the personality of the writer, and it should be present in your • writing. Voice can sometimes be humorous, serious, friendly, chatty, distant, • warm, or aloof. Voice is how your words “sound” on the page. • Some hints for finding voice in your writing are as follows: • Figure out what people think of you when you speak: Are you funny? Informed? Serious? Casual? That is your “voice”. • Now, write how you speak. Use that same tone. • If you don’t feel anything for the topic, the voice will be flat and boring. Find a new topic, one that you do care about. • Read your writing out loud after you have finished. Are there parts that didn’t make sense or were boring? Re-write those. • Voice is most important in the introduction and the closing. Think first and last impressions. Now write the impressions you want to make.

6. Covey a message in your writing The worst thing a writer can do is leave the reader with this thought: So What?!? When you write, work to make sure your message is clear in every sentence, in every paragraph. Don’t give your audience mixed messages. You do this through focus and organization. • Focus: Stick to your point. Don’t wander and bring in meaningless details. • If you want to write about the legal driving age, don’t mention • the legal drinking age, the legal voting age, and being a soldier. • These are unrelated and muddy up the focus. • Organization: If you are going to bring in related information, organize • your paper so that this peripheral information comes in after • you have hammered your main point home.

7. Effective Writing • Formal Standard English • Has purpose • Expresses Voice • Conveys a clear, concise message