Writing and Reading in a Digital Age: An Introduction to College Writing for the 21st Century

Feel free to post any responses to or questions about Carr’s article here.

 Members: Zam, Michael P, Osiris, & Tae.

Revised Version of Outline:

Thesis –

We believe that there should be a clear thesis statement indicating what one’s paper will be about, who is being addressed (the audience) which would affect the tone of the paper and last but not least the purpose of the paper. This is the core of the paper which is stated in order to give the audience the general idea and concept of what they will be reading. This is where the effort and thought process would occur. (30%)

Strength of Argument –

One’s argument is connected to the thesis. More importantly what is needed for the argument is facts and evidence in order to prove or back up the thesis provided. This also shows the audience the author’s knowledge of the topic and shows the proper usage of the argument. This is also where one can raise the counterargument to notify their readers of the other possibility, yet having it come back in their favor which evidently will happen to prove their thesis. (30%)

Logic & Continuity-

The order of paragraphs is of high importance. It creates a flow throughout the reading. It provides organized thoughts as the audience continues to read. The order of one’s thoughts and ideas help transition onto the next paragraph. For example if one was to provide evidence, as each paragraph goes on, the evidence becomes more convincing. This hopefully would trigger the reader’s mind and understand the point that was trying to be made across. (10%)

Connecting Evidence back to Thesis –

Once everything is said and done, a good personal essay should have a noticeable connection of all the evidence and facts proving their thesis to be true. It reassures the strengths of the arguments that were made. In order to connect back to the thesis, you would need to restate the thesis in a way where you are not repeating yourself. You can possibly end it off with a wise quote proving your thesis to correct. (Option) (20%)

Editing & Proofreading-

After everything is all said and done it is always wise to go back and fix up any errors one may not have picked up while writing. It also helps one to reword certain thoughts and ideas and whether or not to take away from or to add on to something in order to help make it better. Once the foundation is there, proofreading allows you to build from there and perfect anything. (10%)

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From Week 7:

Similarities from Various Groups:

From analyzing what most groups have to say, some similarities that I see that I also think are key components to a guideline for personal essays are the:

–        Thesis
–        The strength of an argument or Claims and Evidence
–        And finally the structure and order of the events

Differences from various groups:

–        The conclusion I think various members from different groups have different aspects on. Some believe it’s meant to conclude back to the thesis to validate it. Others believe solutions should be given in order to make the point come across.

1. Thesis – the thesis should provide your reader with a guide to your argument.
2. development – the development should first have a sentence to get the attention to of readers, then a sentence that makes the transition to the thesis statement and finally paragraphs that explain your thesis and a conclusion.
3. order of events – the order of the paragraphs is very important because the way you put your paragraphs will be the way readers will understand what you are trying to reveal in your essay. the way the paragraphs are written will either interest or just bored your readers.
4. strength or argument – the thesis statement will state all the arguments you are going to be mentioning within your essay. the strength of your argument should contain the appropriate facts and evidence to show your readers what you wrote in your essay is a subject that you know about very well but most of all that you can back it up with your own statements.
5. technique of argument – the technique of your argument have to either get the attention of your readers or just push them away, therefore you have to try to connect to the audience that you pick for your essay and just make your writing relatable to them.

A personal essay should assessed by the following content:

• Order of events

–         When telling a story it is good to stay on topic, or you might end up confusing your readers leaving them with a lot of unanswered questions.

Technique or Clarity of writing

The technique you use, it may be telling a story or using an example make sure it goes with whatever you are trying to get across and help make it easier to understand.

Writing Structure

Everybody knows that essays consist of:

Introduction:  the paragraph that attracts the reader and tempts them to read on. This should have a thesis statement and at least three points that will be discussed in the body paragraph.

Body: the paragraph(s) that clarify the point(s) and your thesis statement in your introduction. There are a lot of techniques but our group prefers using an anecdote to get the point across. In this section you’d want to make your sentences short and precise. You don’t want to keep writing making your essay less appealing.  Make sure each BP has a topic; you can explain each point in a different paragraph.

Conclusion: the grand finale, this paragraph sums up everything you’ve said and rephrase your thesis statement.

Make a bold statement:

– We all agree on a thesis statement/main point about the essay. Without this the essay would be wondering around into different topics. This statement should be easy to find and understand. It should also be able to have your reader want to know what you mean and why did you even bought the subject up.

connecting with the audience:

the author should be able to keep the text interesting by, writing a little bit about his or her self or a little story about the past (it has to go with your thesis). this will keep the readers wanting to know more. be sure to focus on the type of audience you are trying to capture.

A personal essay should   assessed by the following content:

• Order of events

–       Does the author have some sort of sequence in which he/she explains what happened. Does the author keep on jumping back and forth and do you get confused? For me it is easier to follow if I read in order whether it be from past to recent or recent to past.

• How well is the account recalled

–       A personal essay should be about a certain event. Than it should be explained or made felt as if you understand why they are writing about it. Is there a lesson learned?

–       Do they tell about something significant? Or is it pointless.

Technique or Clarity of writing

The ability to write so readers can easily comprehend your intended meaning of words that is written on a page. And weather if they find it relateable.

Writing Structure

Knowing how to present your information accordingly to the convention of a given genre and discipline.

Does your story  have a timeline or is all over the place.

The End

I think the end is just as important as the beginning.  Does your story conclude? or are you left wondering. you have to make sure your reader is aware of the point  trying to give and maybe ring up an possible solution.

When writing e-mails–as opposed to text messages–you generally want to include a salutation.  For example, in writing an e-mail to me, you would want to start with:  “Dear Professor Rodgers.”  Also, please include some context for the correspondence we are having.  For instance, “I was unable to locate the Google Docs file that you e-mailed me.”  Finally, please sign your e-mails.