langan2e ppt ch01

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EXPLORING WRITING: PARAGRAPHS AND ESSAYS

JOHN LANGAN

Chapter 1An Introduction to Writing

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The Process: 4 Steps in a Nutshell

1. Discover a clearly stated point or thesis.

2. Provide logical, detailed support for your thesis.

3. Organize and connect your supporting material.

4. Revise and edit so that your sentences are effective and error-free.

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Point and Support

Any idea that you advance MUST be supported with specific reasons or details.

Readers are reasonable people who want to hear the reasons and arguments for your point.

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Discussion Questions

What are some points or assertions you have made in the last week?

What reasons would you give for these points?

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Point and Support in a Paragraph

A paragraph usually consists of a topic sentence: Working at the Crescent Falls Diner and Truck Stop was the

worst job I ever had.

Followed by supporting details: The work was physically very hard. During my ten-hour days, I

had to carry heavy trays of food to customers, and I had to clean the tables.

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Knowing Your Purpose and Audience

Three common purposes of writing: To inform To persuade To entertain

Audience can be: Your instructor Other students A general audience of educated adults

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Benefits of Paragraph Writing

Mastering a paragraph’s structure will make you a better writer.

You will strengthen your skills as a reader and listener.Paragraph writing will make you a stronger thinker.

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Discussion Questions

What are your beliefs about writing and the writing process?

Take a moment to write or talk about your beliefs.

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Writing is a Skill

Writing is not a talent. It can be mastered through practice and hard work. Writing comes from plain hard work.

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Writing as Discovery

Writing is seldom an easy straight-line journey.Usually, the truth is discovered in a series of zigzag

steps.Writers often discover the direction of a paper during

the act of writing.

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Writing a Journal

The more you practice writing, the better you will write.

Keep a writing journal. For 15 minutes a day, sit and write whatever comes to

your mind.

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Review Questions

What did you learn today about writing?Take a minute to write the one most important thing

you learned today.