How to Start Your Writing
Can you start your writing with a quote? True or false?
Yes! Starting with a quote is a great attention getter that starts your writing with what other people are saying about your topic.
Does this template introduce "what they say" or "standard views"?
In their recent work, Y and Z have offered harsh critiques of ______ for ______.
What they say! This method is very convenient to introduce what others are saying.
Can you start your writing with a fact or statistic? True or False?
Yes! Beginning with a fact or statistic is another great way to start your writing with context to what others have said about your topic.
The standard way of thinking about Topic X is that ______.
Standard views! This template is a quick and efficient way to challenge widely accepted beliefs, placing them on the examining table, and analyzing their strengths and weaknesses.
When should you state your position in an argument in your writing?
As soon as possible! It is generally best to summarize the ideas you're responding to briefly, at the start of your text, and to delay detailed elaboration until later. The point is to give your readers a quick preview of what is motivating your argument, not to drown them in details right away.
Is this template "making what they say something you say" or "introducing something implied or assumed"?
At the same time that I believe _____, I also believe ____.
Making what they say something you say! This is another great way to introduce the views you're responding to is to present them as your own.
Should you start your writing with the summarization of another person's views?
Yes! Although it may seem contradictory, this is a great way to present the argument as a larger conversation. This also allows your readers to do some of the work framing and clarifying the issue you are writing about.
Is this template "introducing an ongoing debate" or "introducing something implied or assumed"?
Although none of them have ever said so directly, my teachers have often given me the impression that ______.
Introducing something implied or assumed! This type of template helps you think analytically - to look beyond what others say explicitly and to consider their unstated assumptions, as well as the implications of their views.
What is the best way to start your writing with "what others are saying"?
Start with an interesting fact, statistic, quote, a relative anecdote, or summarizing previous authors work on the topic. But remember, to state your own position as soon as possible and the one you are responding TOGETHER like a unit.
Is this template "introducing something implied or assumed" or introducing an ongoing debate"?
In discussions of X, one controversial issue has been _____. On the one hand ______ argues ______. On the other hand, ______ contends _______. Others even maintain ________. My own view is ________.
Introducing an ongoing debate! This method of starting your writing is a great way to summarize two sides of a debate that demonstrates your awareness that there are conflicting ways to look at your subject.