Writing Topic Summary Chapter 1

Writing Topic Summary Rules for Writers: Chapter 1

Writing is a process that starts with picking a subject, researching, writing a draft and revising until you get a final product. There are many steps to the writing process. The most important part can be picking a subject, often this will be provided for you. You will then need to decide which questions you want to explore, look at the sources you have for information and what kind of documentation is needed. You will need to review the purpose for your writing, for example is it to inform the reader, to entertain them or to argue a point? Is this information for academic audiences or for business audiences? Consideration also must be given to length and document design and deadlines. When exploring a subject you can use different techniques. Listening and talking is one that can be enhanced by taking notes and clustering highlights. Writers also use freewriting and journaling to formulate ideas.
As you begin writing you will want to formulate a thesis. This is often where I get in the most trouble. A thesis will usually answer a question, solve a problem you are writing about or make a statement on a position you are taking. With the thesis formulated you can then use an outline to organize your thoughts. Breaking down your writing in outline form is helpful; it lets you generate topic sentences and main points for each paragraph. It also reminds you to have an introduction, the main body of the paper and a conclusion.
I find that in my writing I have a hard time tying my paragraphs together. I sometimes make the mistake of introducing new material in the wrong place. I know that when writing a paper you are suppose to state your point, give evidence that supports that point and then remind the reader of your point and perhaps give them something else to consider on the subject in the conclusion. The middle is where it gets mixed up for me. I think the outline approach may be the way for me to go in the future.

The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me Dialogue

The Joy of Reading and Writing: “Superman and Me” Dialogue

Reading “Superman and Me” reminded me of the value of an education, something we often take for granted. I mean an education of any type, for it will open the door to a world you can live in. For some it is book learning, a formal education, for others it is occupational training and for most it is a way of learning the rights and wrongs that life presents. We learn the ways of our society at school as well as how to read and write. For Sherman Alexie society had taught him that Indians, as well as other minorities, are expected to be stupid if not invisible. He decided to take a stand and fight this stereotype. He said “I refuse to fail. I was smart. I was arrogant. I was lucky.” He reached beyond the accepted and fought for an education. Today he is fighting for other Indian children especially the ones who are turning away from getting an education. Sherman stated that some children thrive under his guidance but for every child that accepts an education as a way to a better life there is a child that has already let society crush their hopes and dreams. It would seem that those children who are turning away are the ones who need the most help, the encouragement to read and learn the wonder that is our world. They need to open their minds and express the greatness that is inside each of them. Sherman Alexie saved his life by refusing to give up or give in to what society labeled him as. He would not accept that he was supposed to be a stupid Indian. He reached out and grabbed the world with both hands and is now trying to share his path with other Indian children.

Chapter 46 Writing Topics: Rules for Writers

Chapter 46 Writing Topic: Rules for Writers

Reading this chapter I found it included the basic guidelines for active reading. These included deciding on what kind of text you are reading, on looking for contradictions and inconsistencies, on rereading while making note of the central ideas. Questions to ask while reading include what is the authors' purpose, who the author is writing for, what questions the writer is answering and how these answers are supported.
In writing a summary you might want to start with making an outline of your reading. An outline is used to sum up central points. Included in your outline will be the main idea and key points. Analyzing looks at how the text makes the point it wants to get across. It is the writers’ judgment about the text, their point of view.
Examples are given for written texts and visual texts. Different types of texts for different subjects need to be looked at in different ways. Summaries and outlines are an effective way to look at written and visual texts in all disciplines.
This was a good review for me on the technique of outlining materials. I often forget to pay attention to the topic sentences but, instead look at the body of the paragraphs. In the future I will make sure I note the thesis of the written text and each topic sentence given, especially those leading to a shift into a new topic. This will help me understand the text as a whole.

Freewriting Exercise: Dialougue

Freewriting Exercise: Dialogue

A freewrite is a collection of the writers’ thoughts on a topic. It does not depend on grammar or spelling but, on connections and ideas. It is like being able to speak one’s mind without worrying about consequences. Freewrites can facilitate stronger writing because; they are an expression of thoughts without self editing. They allow the writer to look at all sides of a topic including silly thoughts, incomplete thoughts and disconnected thoughts. I use a type of freewriting I call webbing. It is a brainstorming exercise that I find lets me incorporate all my thoughts on a subject, link them together and trim out the ones not important to the subject matter I am trying to convey.
I know self editing is my worse enemy. Often I will change the words I am using because of spelling. Substituting common words leads to the loss of power in the messages I am trying to send. The text reminded me that I do a lot of crossing out and rethinking while I attempt to write. I need to remember to start with a main message, and then formulate the introduction and the conclusion. I think I will continue to try and use some type of freewrite when I am researching a main message. We are often taught to think before we speak, freewrites tell us write first then think about what we have said.

Introduction Dialogue

Hi everyone I am BetteJo. I was born and raised in Napa, moved to Humboldt County and spent 23 years there raising a family. I reentered the work force at the age of 46 with just a high school education. While working at a special needs school I was encouraged to go to college. I spent four years getting my AA degree while working with children of different ages and abilities. Five years ago I moved to Rohnert Park and began working in the 3rd grade at a private school. My second year there I was made supervisor of the pre school extended care program.
During the course of my job I correspond with teachers, parents and other childcare agencies. While doing so I feel my English skills need brushing up, grammar was never my strong suit. I want to send bold positive letters filled with confidence knowing that they are correct in content. This is what I am hoping to gain from this class. I would also like to return to the classroom, working with special needs children, instead of supervising adults while they work with the children.
I am striving to communicate more effectively with co-workers, parents and other agencies that help with early intervention. I like to organize my work week early, I am a list maker, so that there is time for reflection and rewriting if needed.