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Writer's Toolbox
Summarizing
Essay Structure and Rhetoric
Review and Editing
100
Freewriting and clustering are examples of this sort of exercise.
What is exploring? When you're stuck with your ideas in the writing process, try using an exploring exercise.
100
True of False -- A good summary lets the reader know where you stand on a given topic.
What is False? In a good summary, the reader can't tell what your point of view is.
100
This typically appears at the end of an essay's introduction, detailing what the essay is about.
What is the thesis? Establish a thesis early. If you aren't sure what your thesis is, make it a priority.
100
Always do this before handing in the final draft of a paper.
What is read it aloud? Reading a paper aloud will make inconsistencies in grammar and ideas more apparent.
200
The longer and more complex the essay, the more likely it is you'll need one of these to be successful. (Hint: It's part of the planning process.)
What is an outline? Of course, I'd like to advocate always making an outline! (And we'll be sure to have one for the research paper)
200
Peter Elbow's term for "putting yourself in someone else's shoes." (Chapter 2 of They Say, I Say)
What is the "believing game?"
200
Found at the beginning and end of body paragraphs, these two kinds of sentences help the reader understand paragraph topics and how they're related.
What are topic sentences and transition sentences? Topic Sentences - The first sentence of a paragraph, introduce us to the paragraph's topic. Transition Sentences - The last sentence of a paragraph connects the current topic to the next.
200
This is an advantage of the drafting process.
What is... You have a chance to review/edit. You have time to think about ideas. Alternatively, you have time to not think about the paper. You can seek out feedback from others. ... etc?
300
This is the shape of a critical tool discussed in class, used to help narrow down rhetorical situations.
What is a triangle?
300
"He says... and then he also says.... later he says..." is an example of this sort of summary, which you should avoid.
What is a list summary? They're boring. Instead, use more signal verbs to boost the depth and accuracy of your summary.
300
These are the pieces of a rhetorical situation, you know, the context triangle tool.
What are text, context, communicator, and audience? Knowing as much as you can about each of these things will help prepare you to write/create effectively.
300
True or False -- You need to respond to all the feedback you receive from peer review?
False. Consider all the feedback you receive, but make conscious decisions about what you will respond to. Don't let feedback bulldoze you.
400
In writing, examples include: academic journals, slam poetry, sports writing. In movies, examples include: action, romantic-comedy, horror. (Chapter 2, St. Martins)
What are genres?
400
Summarizing with this method is form of critique, and the results are often comedic. (Chapter 2 They Say, I Say)
What is satirically?
400
When is the best time to introduce other voices/sources into your research essays?
The first few paragraphs. Inserting source material early on in a paper will help to establish relevance.
400
During peer review, it is helpful to first identify what stage your peer's paper is in. What is a sign that a paper is in the earliest/roughest stages?
The thesis isn't apparent. There are paragraphs that don't seem relevant. There are no transitions between the paragraphs. The conclusion is missing. ... etc, etc?
500
Illustration, definition, division and classification, comparison and contrast, cause and effect, problem and solution, analogy, and narration are this sort of organization method (Chapter 3 of St. Martins).
What is logically? Many of you used a narration/chronological style organization method in your Personal Journey Essays. As we become more analytical in our papers, logical organization schemes may become more and more helpful.
500
This is a term for summarizing an article's points into a single, oversimplified statement. (Chapter 2 of They Say, I Say) Example: Saying that the Declaration of Independence was America telling England to "get off our backs."
What is "the closest cliche syndrome?" Don't do it! It's disrespectful to your source. Readers will have a hard time taking you seriously.
500
From Chapter 2 of St. Martins, three ways that can help you appeal to your whole audience.
What are use appropriate pronouns, avoid unfounded assumptions, and offer appropriate evidence? See pages 32-33. These points help you to avoid alienating any of your readers.
500
Compliments tell your peer what they're doing right in their essay. Not to be confused with these sorts of comments, which will help your peer discover cracks in their writing. (Chapter 4 of St. Martins)
What is constructive criticism? Try not to rely entirely on compliments.