Welcome

• Please sit down and get your manual & notepad out
• A pen wouldn’t hurt either
Welcome
• Please sit down and get your manual & notepad out
• A pen wouldn’t hurt either
Today’s Music
Today’s Music

• Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can

Tell” from 1964
Today’s Music

• Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can

Tell” from 1964
• A big hit for one of the founders
of Rock & Roll
Today’s Music

• Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can

Tell” from 1964
• A big hit for one of the founders
of Rock & Roll
• Made famous again while
resurrecting John Travolta’s
career in Pulp Fiction (1994)
Today’s Music

• Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can

Tell” from 1964
• A big hit for one of the founders
of Rock & Roll
• Made famous again while
resurrecting John Travolta’s
career in Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Why are we using it?
Today’s Music

• Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can

Tell” from 1964
• A big hit for one of the founders
of Rock & Roll
• Made famous again while
resurrecting John Travolta’s
career in Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Why are we using it?
• Because it does what good
writing does
Today’s Music

• Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can

Tell” from 1964
• A big hit for one of the founders
of Rock & Roll
• Made famous again while
resurrecting John Travolta’s
career in Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Why are we using it?
• Because it does what good
writing does
• It tells a story
Tell Me a Story
Tell Me a Story
• Get a pen and start writing
Tell Me a Story
• Get a pen and start writing
• “Laptops should/should not be
allowed in classrooms”
Tell Me a Story
• Get a pen and start writing
• “Laptops should/should not be
allowed in classrooms”
• See how far you get
Tell Me a Story
• Get a pen and start writing
• “Laptops should/should not be
allowed in classrooms”
• See how far you get
 Covering:
• Course Introduction
• Establishing purpose
• The Formal Essay
• Thesis Statements

Dave van Ginhoven

[email protected]

INTRO TO ENGLISH WRITING

WEEK 1: INTRODUCTIONS
Welcome & Introduction
 Welcome & Introduction

• I am Dave van Ginhoven

• Ov. 4.33, [email protected]
 Welcome & Introduction

• I am Dave van Ginhoven

• Ov. 4.33, [email protected]
• This is Introduction to English Writing
• Expository Writing
• Formal Style
• Thesis Statements & Structure
• As little grammar as humanly possible
 Welcome & Introduction

• I am Dave van Ginhoven

• Ov. 4.33, [email protected]
• This is Introduction to English Writing
• Expository Writing
• Formal Style
• Thesis Statements & Structure
• As little grammar as humanly possible
• This course has a structure
• 4 weeks of instruction & practice
• Including Reading & Homework assignments
• 2 weeks of exam prep, practice & feedback
 THE COURSE
• 1. Purpose, Style & Thesis

•Expository • 2. Paragraphs, Unity &

Coherence

Essay • 3. Introductions &

Conclusions

Writing • 4. Sources

• 5. Exam Practice

• 6. Feedback
Assessment
 Assessment
• One timed essay exam (100%)
 Assessment
• One timed essay exam (100%)
• 90 minutes
 Assessment
• One timed essay exam (100%)
• 90 minutes
• 500 words (10% margin)
 Assessment
• One timed essay exam (100%)
• 90 minutes
• 500 words (10% margin)
• Topics are disclosed in advance, prompt is not
 Assessment
• One timed essay exam (100%)
• 90 minutes
• 500 words (10% margin)
• Topics are disclosed in advance, prompt is not
• Prove that you can:
• Narrow down a topic
• Craft a thesis
• Coherently structure and explain
• Support through evidence but describe in your
own words, using appropriate language and
style
• A Copy of the Course Manual
• Available on Blackboard
• A Copy of the Course Manual
• Available on Blackboard
• A Copy of The Little, Brown Handbook
• Weekly Reading Assignments
• A reference guide for the rest of your
studies
Expository Writing
Expository Writing
• What is Expository Writing?
Expository Writing
• What is Expository Writing?
Expository Writing
• What is Expository Writing?
Expository Writing
• What is Expository Writing?
Expository Writing
• What is Expository Writing?
Expository Writing
• What is Expository Writing?
Expository Writing
• Show something
• What is Expository Writing?
Expository Writing
• Show something
• What is Expository Writing? • Tell people about it
Different Types of Expository Writing
Different Types of Expository Writing

• Definition
• Explaining an idea - what it is, what it isn’t
Different Types of Expository Writing

• Definition
• Explaining an idea - what it is, what it isn’t
• Process
• Explaining how to do something or how something works
• Detailed instructions or chronological events
Different Types of Expository Writing

• Definition
• Explaining an idea - what it is, what it isn’t
• Process
• Explaining how to do something or how something works
• Detailed instructions or chronological events
• Cause-Effect
• Explaining the relationship between two events
• Identifying the effects of an event
Different Types of Expository Writing

• Definition
• Explaining an idea - what it is, what it isn’t
• Process
• Explaining how to do something or how something works
• Detailed instructions or chronological events
• Cause-Effect
• Explaining the relationship between two events
• Identifying the effects of an event
• Opposing Sides
• Looking at different sides on an argument or issue without taking
or fighting for one of those sides
Different Types of Expository Writing

• Definition
• Explaining an idea - what it is, what it isn’t
• Process
• Explaining how to do something or how something works
• Detailed instructions or chronological events
• Cause-Effect
• Explaining the relationship between two events
• Identifying the effects of an event
• Opposing Sides
• Looking at different sides on an argument or issue without taking
or fighting for one of those sides
• See Manual for details
Expository Writing Should Be…
Expository Writing Should Be…
• Explanatory, descriptive & informative
Expository Writing Should Be…
• Explanatory, descriptive & informative
• Full of observations
Expository Writing Should Be…
• Explanatory, descriptive & informative
• Full of observations
• Helpful to readers who want/need to understand a topic
Expository Writing Should Be…
• Explanatory, descriptive & informative
• Full of observations
• Helpful to readers who want/need to understand a topic
• Interesting - enough to grab a reader’s attention
Expository Writing Should Be…
• Explanatory, descriptive & informative
• Full of observations
your
essay
• Helpful to readers who want/need to understand a topic
• Interesting - enough to grab a reader’s attention
Practice
See if you can explain something to me

Practice
Practice
Practice
Explain the concept of gender equality
Practice
Explain the concept of gender equality
Take five minutes to research the concept (you
can use your phone). Then formulate your own
definition of gender equality, which is a popular
topic at the moment.
One Definition
“Gender equality is achieved when women and
men enjoy the same rights and opportunities
across all sectors of society, including economic
participation and decision-making, and when the
different behaviours, aspirations and needs of
women and men are equally valued and
favoured” (Genderequality.ie, 2017).

One Definition
 Practice
There’s been talk about what gender
equality means in advertising
 Practice
There’s been talk about what gender
equality means in advertising
What could you say about that?
 Practice
There’s been talk about what gender
equality means in advertising
What could you say about that?
“In advertising, gender equality often
refers to the representation of both men
and women”
 Practice
There’s been talk about what gender
equality means in advertising
What could you say about that?
“In advertising, gender equality often
A thesis refers to the representation of both men
statement and women”
Practice (2)
Practice (2)
Describe the development of gender
equality in advertising
Practice (2)
Describe the development of gender
equality in advertising
What comes to mind?
 Practice (2)
Describe the development of gender
equality in advertising
What comes to mind?
“Throughout the years, the representation of men and
women in advertising has transformed from gender
stereotyping to promoting gender equality”
 Practice (2)
Describe the development of gender
equality in advertising A thesis
What comes to mind? statement
“Throughout the years, the representation of men and
women in advertising has transformed from gender
stereotyping to promoting gender equality”
What’s a Thesis Statement?
What’s a Thesis Statement?
 What’s a Thesis Statement?
• All essays need a thesis statement
• A statement of your main point, usually at the end of your
introduction
 What’s a Thesis Statement?
• All essays need a thesis statement
• A statement of your main point, usually at the end of your
introduction
• It should:
• Be 1 single sentence
• Clearly state the main idea of your essay
 What’s a Thesis Statement?
• All essays need a thesis statement
• A statement of your main point, usually at the end of your
introduction
• It should:
• Be 1 single sentence
• Clearly state the main idea of your essay
• It might:
• Be the answer to a (research) question
• But your thesis is NEVER a question
 What’s a Thesis Statement?
• All essays need a thesis statement
• A statement of your main point, usually at the end of your
introduction
• It should:
• Be 1 single sentence
• Clearly state the main idea of your essay
• It might:
• Be the answer to a (research) question
• But your thesis is NEVER a question
• See LBH, Section 2B and examples on pg. 12 of your manual
 What’s a Thesis Statement?
• All essays need a thesis statement
• A statement of your main point, usually at the end of your
introduction
• It should:
• Be 1 single sentence
• Clearly state the main idea of your essay
• It might:
• Be the answer to a (research) question
• But your thesis is NEVER a question
• See LBH, Section 2B and examples on pg. 12 of your manual
• Exercise 1.1 if time allows
 A thesis
What’s a Thesis Statement?
statement
• All essays need a thesis statement
• A statement of your main point, usually at the end of your
introduction
• It should:
• Be 1 single sentence
• Clearly state the main idea of your essay
• It might:
• Be the answer to a (research) question
• But your thesis is NEVER a question
• See LBH, Section 2B and examples on pg. 12 of your manual
• Exercise 1.1 if time allows
Your Thesis
 Your Thesis

• If asked to write an essay on gender

equality in advertising, what would it be?
 Your Thesis

• If asked to write an essay on gender

equality in advertising, what would it be?
• Could you define it?
 Your Thesis

• If asked to write an essay on gender

equality in advertising, what would it be?
• Could you define it?
• Could you explain how it works? Or how
it should?
 Your Thesis

• If asked to write an essay on gender

equality in advertising, what would it be?
• Could you define it?
• Could you explain how it works? Or how
it should?
• Could you explain the causes & effects?
 Your Thesis

• If asked to write an essay on gender

equality in advertising, what would it be?
• Could you define it?
• Could you explain how it works? Or how
it should?
• Could you explain the causes & effects?
• Could you explain the opposing sides of
a discussion on the issue?
 Your Thesis

• If asked to write an essay on gender

equality in advertising, what would it be?
• Could you define it?
• Could you explain how it works? Or how
it should?
• Could you explain the causes & effects?
• Could you explain the opposing sides of
a discussion on the issue?
• What point would you make?
 Your Thesis

• If asked to write an essay on gender

equality in advertising, what would it be?
• Could you define it?
• Could you explain how it works? Or how
it should?
• Could you explain the causes & effects?
• Could you explain the opposing sides of
a discussion on the issue?
• What point would you make?
• Examples on pg 12 of your manual
What About the Rest of Your Essay?
What About the Rest of Your Essay?
• Once you have a point for your story, figure out how to
tell it BEFORE you start writing
What About the Rest of Your Essay?
• Once you have a point for your story, figure out how to
tell it BEFORE you start writing
• Like research, writing is a PROCESS, not a PRODUCT
• Follow the steps to make it easy
 What About the Rest of Your Essay?
• Once you have a point for your story, figure out how to
tell it BEFORE you start writing
• Like research, writing is a PROCESS, not a PRODUCT
• Follow the steps to make it easy

• Step 1:Thesis Statement

• Step 2: ?????????????????

• Step 3: ?????????????????
• Step 2: Make an Outline
 • Step 2: Make an Outline

• Before you write ANYTHING you need to make an

outline
 • Step 2: Make an Outline

• Before you write ANYTHING you need to make an

outline
• A rough plan for
• What you’re going to write about
• What examples/evidence you’re going to use
 • Step 2: Make an Outline

• Before you write ANYTHING you need to make an

outline
• A rough plan for
• What you’re going to write about
• What examples/evidence you’re going to use
• See LBH, Section 2C and our writing database
 • Step 2: Make an Outline

• Before you write ANYTHING you need to make an

outline
• A rough plan for
• What you’re going to write about
• What examples/evidence you’re going to use
• See LBH, Section 2C and our writing database
 • Step 2: Make an Outline

• Before you write ANYTHING you need to make an

outline
• A rough plan for
• What you’re going to write about
• What examples/evidence you’re going to use
• See LBH, Section 2C and our writing database
 • Step 2: Make an Outline

• Before you write ANYTHING you need to make an

outline
• A rough plan for
• What you’re going to write about
• What examples/evidence you’re going to use
• See LBH, Section 2C and our writing database
 • Step 2: Make an Outline

• Before you write ANYTHING you need to make an

outline
• A rough plan for
• What you’re going to write about
• What examples/evidence you’re going to use
• See LBH, Section 2C and our writing database
• Thesis: “Throughout the years, the representation of
men and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

Body paragraph Body paragraph Body paragraph

Evidence & Examples

• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the

advertising
industry has been
guilty of gender
stereotyping
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the

advertising
industry has been
guilty of gender
stereotyping
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the

advertising
industry has been
guilty of gender
stereotyping
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the

advertising
industry has been
guilty of gender
stereotyping
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the This also affects the

advertising representation of
industry has been men - though it’s
guilty of gender noticed more often
stereotyping with women.
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the This also affects the

advertising representation of
industry has been men - though it’s
guilty of gender noticed more often
stereotyping with women.
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the This also affects the

advertising representation of
industry has been men - though it’s
guilty of gender noticed more often
stereotyping with women.
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the This also affects the

advertising representation of
industry has been men - though it’s
guilty of gender noticed more often
stereotyping with women.
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the This also affects the Today, some

advertising representation of advertising helps
industry has been men - though it’s promote equality
guilty of gender noticed more often with inclusive
stereotyping with women. representation
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the This also affects the Today, some

advertising representation of advertising helps
industry has been men - though it’s promote equality
guilty of gender noticed more often with inclusive
stereotyping with women. representation
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the This also affects the Today, some

advertising representation of advertising helps
industry has been men - though it’s promote equality
guilty of gender noticed more often with inclusive
stereotyping with women. representation
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the This also affects the Today, some

advertising representation of advertising helps
industry has been men - though it’s promote equality
guilty of gender noticed more often with inclusive
stereotyping with women. representation
• “Throughout the years, the representation of men
and women in advertising has transformed from
gender stereotyping to promoting gender equality”

In the past, the This also affects the Today, some

advertising representation of advertising helps
industry has been men - though it’s promote equality
guilty of gender noticed more often with inclusive
stereotyping with women. representation
The Next Step
 The Next Step

• Step 1:Thesis Statement

• Step 2: Make an Outline

• Step 3: ?????????????????
 The Next Step
• Once you have a THESIS & OUTLINE, you’re ready for the
next step in the process
• Write the darn thing

• Step 1:Thesis Statement

• Step 2: Make an Outline

• Step 3: ?????????????????
The Writing Process
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
• Create body paragraphs using a simple formula:
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
• Create body paragraphs using a simple formula:
• State your case
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
• Create body paragraphs using a simple formula:
• State your case
• Explain what you mean
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
• Create body paragraphs using a simple formula:
• State your case
• Explain what you mean
• Provide examples
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
• Create body paragraphs using a simple formula:
• State your case
• Explain what you mean
• Provide examples
• In your first draft, focus on structure & ideas
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
• Create body paragraphs using a simple formula:
• State your case
• Explain what you mean
• Provide examples
• In your first draft, focus on structure & ideas
• Worry about your grammar later
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
• Create body paragraphs using a simple formula:
• State your case
• Explain what you mean
• Provide examples
• In your first draft, focus on structure & ideas
• Worry about your grammar later
• You can fix grammar but you can’t edit empty
space
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
• Create body paragraphs using a simple formula:
• State your case
• Explain what you mean
• Provide examples
• In your first draft, focus on structure & ideas
• Worry about your grammar later
• You can fix grammar but you can’t edit empty
space
• But maybe think a little bit about STYLE
 The Writing Process
• Use your outline to write up a draft
• Create body paragraphs using a simple formula:
• State your case
• Explain what you mean
• Provide examples
• In your first draft, focus on structure & ideas
• Worry about your grammar later
• You can fix grammar but you can’t edit empty
space
• But maybe think a little bit about STYLE
Style
 Style
• You’re expected to write in a formal academic/
professional style
 Style
• You’re expected to write in a formal academic/
professional style
• But what does that actually mean?
 Style
• You’re expected to write in a formal academic/
professional style
• But what does that actually mean?
• What are the rules?
 Style
• You’re expected to write in a formal academic/
professional style
• But what does that actually mean?
• What are the rules?
Formal Style
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
• Say “would not” instead of wouldn’t
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
• Say “would not” instead of wouldn’t
• Personal language
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
• Say “would not” instead of wouldn’t
• Personal language
• Don’t use I or “My thesis is”
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
• Say “would not” instead of wouldn’t
• Personal language
• Don’t use I or “My thesis is”
• Get straight to the point & use
impersonal language
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
• Say “would not” instead of wouldn’t
• Personal language
• Don’t use I or “My thesis is”
• Get straight to the point & use
impersonal language
• 2-word verbs
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
• Say “would not” instead of wouldn’t
• Personal language
• Don’t use I or “My thesis is”
• Get straight to the point & use
impersonal language
• 2-word verbs
• Say “return” instead of “give back”
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
• Language that’s too simple or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
• Say “would not” instead of wouldn’t
• Personal language
• Don’t use I or “My thesis is”
• Get straight to the point & use
impersonal language
• 2-word verbs
• Say “return” instead of “give back”
• See your manual for more
 Formal Style
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
Point
• Language that’s too out the
simple problems
or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
• Say “would not” instead of wouldn’t
• Personal language
• Don’t use I or “My thesis is”
• Get straight to the point & use
impersonal language
• 2-word verbs
• Say “return” instead of “give back”
• See your manual for more
 Formal Style If time allows…
• It’s not about using fancy words. It’s more
about avoiding…
Point
• Language that’s too out the
simple problems
or colloquial
• Say “many” instead of “a lot”
• Contractions
• Say “would not” instead of wouldn’t
• Personal language
• Don’t use I or “My thesis is”
• Get straight to the point & use
impersonal language
• 2-word verbs
• Say “return” instead of “give back”
• See your manual for more
• Style can be different depending on your purpose, your publication and your audience.
Which of these is formal & which is informal?
 Informal

Specifically
academ ic

Formal
True or false?
True or false?

Formal means
no opinion
True or false
But formal means
stating your
opinion without
being opinionated
Taking Distance
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
• significantly, categorically, unquestionably, certainly
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
• significantly, categorically, unquestionably, certainly
• A little bit
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
• significantly, categorically, unquestionably, certainly
• A little bit
• somewhat, moderately, barely, scarcely, slightly
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
• significantly, categorically, unquestionably, certainly
• A little bit
• somewhat, moderately, barely, scarcely, slightly
• Big
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
• significantly, categorically, unquestionably, certainly
• A little bit
• somewhat, moderately, barely, scarcely, slightly
• Big
• large, great sizeable substantial, considerable
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
• significantly, categorically, unquestionably, certainly
• A little bit
• somewhat, moderately, barely, scarcely, slightly
• Big
• large, great sizeable substantial, considerable
• Little
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
• significantly, categorically, unquestionably, certainly
• A little bit
• somewhat, moderately, barely, scarcely, slightly
• Big
• large, great sizeable substantial, considerable
• Little
• small, insignificant, insufficient, minute
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
• significantly, categorically, unquestionably, certainly
• A little bit
• somewhat, moderately, barely, scarcely, slightly
• Big
• large, great sizeable substantial, considerable
• Little
• small, insignificant, insufficient, minute
• Get
 Taking Distance
• Academic writing takes distance from subjects & doesn’t rush to judgment
• Avoid labeling things as “good” or “bad”
• Find more formal equivalents. Let’s try
• Good
• pleasant, positive, valuable, fine
• Bad
• poor, unacceptable, substandard, inadequate,
incorrect
• Really
• significantly, categorically, unquestionably, certainly
• A little bit
• somewhat, moderately, barely, scarcely, slightly
• Big
• large, great sizeable substantial, considerable
• Little
• small, insignificant, insufficient, minute
• Get
• have, become, obtain, etc.
Rewriting
Rewriting
• You don’t have to get it right the first time with your
essay - you can re-write it to make it more formal after
the first draft. Let’s practice…
Rewriting
• You don’t have to get it right the first time with your
essay - you can re-write it to make it more formal after
the first draft. Let’s practice…
Recap
 Recap
• The only way to get good at writing is to do it
 Recap
• The only way to get good at writing is to do it
• Read, write, revise
 Recap
• The only way to get good at writing is to do it
• Read, write, revise
• In this class you’ll practice expository writing to explain things to an audience
 Recap
• The only way to get good at writing is to do it
• Read, write, revise
• In this class you’ll practice expository writing to explain things to an audience
• Writing is a PROCESS, not a PRODUCT - go step by step

• Step 1:Thesis Statement

• Step 2: Make an Outline

• Step 3: Write & Revise

 Recap
• The only way to get good at writing is to do it
• Read, write, revise
• In this class you’ll practice expository writing to explain things to an audience
• Writing is a PROCESS, not a PRODUCT - go step by step
• Use a formal, academic style

• Step 1:Thesis Statement

• Step 2: Make an Outline

• Step 3: Write & Revise

• Read LBH: Sections 1, 2, 6 (from a to c), Section 6F &
Section 37
• Read LBH: Sections 1, 2, 6 (from a to c), Section 6F &
Section 37
• Review Week 1 in the Course Manual
• Read LBH: Sections 1, 2, 6 (from a to c), Section 6F &
Section 37
• Review Week 1 in the Course Manual
• Do Exercise 1.1: Write several thesis statements & post
them on Blackboard for review in class
• Read LBH: Sections 1, 2, 6 (from a to c), Section 6F &
Section 37
• Review Week 1 in the Course Manual
• Do Exercise 1.1: Write several thesis statements & post
them on Blackboard for review in class
• Read something for fun & pay attention to the style they
use
Any Questions?