Write on target. We can even answer rhetorical questions.

1. Write on target. We can even answer rhetorical questions. 458-1455 writingcenter.tamu.edu

2. The Writing Process “You must not come lightly to the blank page.” – Stephen King

3. The First Draft

4. Writing the First Draft • Remember: The first draft is not for keeps • Write freely • Be yourself • Let your inner writer take over • Ease into it

5. Organization Decide on length and organization based on the assignment, audience, and thesis. Use your prewriting and thesis statement (belief or insight about life) to begin the rough draft.

6. Plagiarism • Using another person’s words or pictures without giving proper credit • Plagiarism can cost you your grade and may result in suspension from the program

7. Avoiding Plagiarism • Use quotation marks for direct quotes, and document the source • Paraphrase properly, and credit as you would for a direct quote

8. The Introduction Captures your audience’s interest Provides background on your subject States your thesis Move from general to specific Set the tone for the rest of essay

9. The Introduction cont. • Strategies for developing an Introduction include • Providing background information • Telling a personal anecdote • Beginning with a quotation • Using an opposite • Asking a question

10. Body Paragraphs • Unity—everything refers back to main point • Support—examples and details • Coherence—all points connect to form a whole; one point leads to another

11. The Conclusion • Restates your thesis statement • Writer’s insight or belief about life is clear and summed up

12. Three Common Types of Conclusion • Predicting the future outcomes: Sometimes, the writer would like to predict the outcomes that may happen in the future. • Summarizing the central argument: Usually the writer’s point of view is reemphasized. Don’t copy sentences from the introduction. • Suggesting possible solutions: The writer may suggest some possible solutions to the problem under discussion.

13. Conclusions • Go beyond summarizing • Don’t write a skinny two-sentence • Don’t open another can of worms • End with a call to action; somehow connect the reader to the insight or belief learned by encouraging them to do something

14. Don’t Forget I am here to help with any of your writing concerns. Adrian.km@easthartford.org