In this week’s lessons (Ch. 11 and Ch. 12), you will be looking
at two more types of essays, process essays and cause-and-effect
essays. Again, the key to being successful with this type of writing
is organization. That is the focus of these
chapters. Notice how both chapters take you through prewriting
(some people call this brainstorming on paper), then
organizing ideas (actually, both chapters show you how
random ideas are categorized and grouped to make outlining easier –
see pp. 248-259), and then directing your attention to the
importance of unity, coherence, and support.
Both chapters also call your attention to the importance of
prewriting and revising. There is a check list of suggested things
to look for which you should pay attention to. The book also
encourages you to solicit help from someone else when you are
proofreading. A fresh set of eyes and a different point of view
always help. Make sure you tell whoever is reading your work what it
is you want him or her to look for. Use the books ideas on p. 261 if
you need to know what to tell your reader to look for. This is a
good time for me to remind you that you should use ME as a
proofreader anytime you want. I have mentioned in a number of
locations that if you send me a draft by Thursday (earlier is
better) of the week that it is due, I will try to send it back to
you with comments within 24 hours. Remember to write "draft" at the
beginning of your essay, and then I’ll know that it needs immediate
attention.
There are some really REALLY good essay models in these two
chapters. Since this week’s writing assignment involves a process
you will be or are going through, take a good long look at the model
essay on p. 251 called "How To Do Well On A Job Interview."
Actually, this essay borders on being a good example of technical
writing because it uses things like headings, bullets, and bolding.
You are NOT required to use those techniques in your essay, though.
I would prefer just a 5-paragraph essay with strong supporting
statements and details.
Remember, revision and editing are a huge part of successful
writing, and you should leave plenty of time for this part of the
process. I do urge you to make use of my interest in your progress,
and send me even just a section of your essay if you want my
comments. The earlier in the week you can do this the better. I urge
you also to look at the exercises the book offers, and see how these
examples relate to your own work.
NOTE: These last 4 weeks are very important in this course. From now on,
your weekly grade will be penalized for careless proofreading errors you
make in your weekly submissions. I want to refer you to the Syllabus Form
you filled out at the beginning of the course where it says you’ll be
allowed some leeway in proofreading up through the Midterm Week. I want you
to concentrate on revising and editing your work, AND I myself want to focus
on your ideas, organization, and use of supporting detail. I DON’T want to
have to bother with careless mistakes.
From now on, you should be spending as much time revising your work as
you spend on composing your work. OKAY??
Thanks for your attention to this matter, and good luck the rest of the
way!! Fitz
Write a 5-paragraph essay detailing the process by which you hope
to arrive at a new location, at a different job, or in a new
situation of some kind after you earn your degree. Use the models in
Chapter 11 as guides. Start early enough in the week that you can
1) revise your work comfortably
2) send me a draft by Wednesday evening
3) explore some newer and more challenging ways of organizing and
expressing your thoughts.
Discuss the thoughts you have about writing, about the course, about
the instruction, about a possible career in writing of some kind
(journalism, teaching, technical writing, creative writing, etc.).
mention whether or not you know anyone who uses writing frequently in
his or her career
