Exam Study GuideHannah Frosch

The Writing Process1. Pre-Writing- brainstorm ideas– jot list, clustering/mapping, free writing, and

draw a picture

2. Drafting- Get it down on paper– pick your best idea(s) and start writing, do not unduly worry about correctness, this a draft- that means unfinished, this not the time to edit- that comes later

3. Revising- Read, reread, and reread again– read your finished draft- focus on content and organization, is the BEST way to say what you want to say? Does it accomplish your purpose? Will you audience have any questions?

4. Editing(proofreading)- pay attention to conventions, check non-negotiables, DO NOT RLY SOULY ON SELF-CHECK

5. Evaluating-Two types– Self evaluation and peer evaluation; Self evaluation: looking at your own writing and looking for improvement; peer evaluation: getting an editor or editors to look at your writing and check for improvements.

6. Publishing- write a final neat, copy or type a final neat copy on correct MLA format, illustrate and display the writing, share your writing with an audience.

6+1 Traits

Ideas- the heart and soul of the message, the content of the piece

of writing, the main theme, together with details that enrich

and develop that theme.

Organization- the internal structure of the piece, the thread

of central meaning, and the logical pattern of the ideas in the piece

Voice-The heart and soul, the magic, the wit, along with the

feelings and convincing the writer to come out through words.

Word choice- the use of rich, colorful, precise language that

moves and enlightens the reader

6+1 Traits (continued)

Sentence Fluency- the rhythm and flow of the language; how

the writing sounds

Conventions-the mechanical

correctness of the piece

Presentation-focus on the formal layout

of your writing

MLA FORMAT• Font size 12• Times New Roman• Must be double spaced including the heading• Do not triple space between paragraphs• Must have a title at the top center• Margins are 1 inch on all sides• Page number are in the upper right hand corner, ½

inch from the top. Type last name before number. For example: Frosch 1

• No cover page.

Essay Structure

Attention getter

Narrow your focus

thesisIntroduction

Topic sentence main point 1

Supporting sentences

transition

Body Paragraph 1

Topic Sentence main point 2

Supporting sentences

transition

Body Paragraph 2

Topic Sentence main point 3

Supporting sentences

Clincher Sentences

Body Paragraph 3

Restate thesis

State important things from each body paragraph

Clincher or projecting sentence

Conclusion

Types of Writing• Expository•Descriptive•Persuasive•Narrative

Expository• The purpose of expository writing is to inform or explain.• Examples of expository writing: Research papers, resume,

instructions or directions, news stories, etc.Elements:• Know your purpose and audience.• Present Valuable information on you topic.• Be clear and make sure your information is easy to

understand. • Teach the reader something he/she doesn’t know.• Incorporate hidden or unusual facts and details.• Use creative and interesting examples to support you topic.• Answer all the reader’s questions.• Explain unusual terms or phrases.

Descriptive• The purpose of descriptive writing is to paint a

picture with words, vivid images in the reader’s mind, make the reader use all of his or her senses.

• Examples: Journals, travel brochures, menus, stories, and letters.

Elements:• Form pictures with words, make the reader “see”

it• Include all the scenes– sounds, sights, smells,

tastes, feelings.• Show me don’t tell me.

Persuasive • The purpose of persuasive writing is to convince you audience

of your argument, position, or an interpretation of an issue.• Examples: debate, speech, research paper, literary analysis,

historical analysis, advertisement, and a magazine editorial.Elements:• Take a clear stand on the issue.• Know and appeal your audience.• Choose a subject you believe in strongly.• Defend your position with wit, humor, passion, and confidence.• Avoid sounding sarcastic or angry.• Use formal language.• Third person only.

Narrative Writing• The purpose of narrative writing is to recount personal

experience or original story.• Examples: novels, short stories, journalElements:• Setting, characters, plot, conflict, rising action, climax, and

resolution.• Create authentic characters with real feelings.• Identify where and how the story begins.• Center the story around an unusual conflict, problem, or question• Order the events of the plot to keep the reader wanting to know

what will happen next.• Leave boring details out.• Include a resolution to the conflict, problem, or question• Include a story ending that is satisfying to the reader