the basics of writing troy university student support services english/reading workshop student...
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The Basics of Writing
Troy University Student Support Services English/Reading Workshop
Student
Support
Services
Purpose: To equip students with practical tools for successful writing in
school, at work, and for leisure.
Objective: To help ease the writing tensions students experienced when
faced with writing tasks or challenges.
1. Start early when possible.
2. Know your deadline.
3. Know your assignment (requirements).
4. Devise a plan of action.
Who is the audience?
Will the audience be interested?
What does your audience already know about the topic?
What does the audience need to know?
What do you hope the audience will gain?
Summarizing
Arguing/persuading (appealing to audience to gain support)
Narrating (Tell a Story; Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)
Evaluating (Judging)
Analyzing (Explaining)
Responding
Examining/investigating (Finding Answer to Question)
Observing-- Reporting Objectively (facts) and Subjectively (interpretation)
Thinking
Loose notes
Free writing
Blind free - writing
Interneto University sites - .eduo Organizations - .orgo Government - .gov
Academic databases
Library o Webcat o Library staff
Narrow down your topic.
Make a point.
Include a verb in your thesis.
Say something interesting.
Revise.
Questions to Ask:1. Is this thesis defendable? What counter-
arguments might you encounter?
2.Can it be supported? Where’s the evidence?
3.Does the thesis clearly state my point of view? Is there a focus evident?
Sketch it out.
Create one – line sentences.
Use Bullets to highlight your points.
Arrange & Re – arrange.
I. Topic Sentence
I. Supporting sentence 1-- Supporting evidence 1
Supporting sentence 2-- Supporting evidence 2
Supporting sentence 3-- Supporting evidence 3
III. Concluding sentence
See the next slide for details about each type of sentence one should include in a paragraph.
Topic Sentence – General statement of paragraph’s main idea. It is not the thesis, but in an essay, it can relate to the thesis statement.
Supporting statement – Requires a transition word or phrase. It is a more specific statement that puts a burden of proof on the writer and that narrows the focus of the topic sentence.
Supporting details or examples – Evidence which satisfies the burden of proof. If you use a direct quote, make sure you cite your source of the quote.
Concluding Sentence – a restatement of the topic sentence
A Topic Sentence for a Body Paragraph
(Remember to Indent First Sentences of Paragraphs.)
Student Support Services (SSS), a Federal TRIO
program, helps participating college students achieve their
academic goals through SSS’s offering of academic tutoring.
Key Terms
(1) Supporting Sentence, (2) Detail, and (3) Example
With (4) Transitions; (5) Concluding Sentence
. . . SSS participants may request academic tutoring for general studies
English, mathematics and science. Moreover, SSS offers basic study skills
and basic computer applications tutorials. After learning in SSS to use the
Microsoft PowerPoint computer application, one Troy University participant
designed his first-ever PowerPoint presentation for one of his general
studies course. The participant later reported that he made an out-
standing presentation for his class and that he truly realized the benefit
of attending SSS tutoring sessions.
Three Main Parts of an Essay
Introduction – Starts broadly, usually with a topic sentence. Narrows to the thesis statement.
Body– Explores and details the thesis.Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence that is related to the thesis.
Conclusion – Restates the thesis. May summarize body paragraphs contents.
If you use outside source material, you will need a reference, works cited or
bibliography page.
SSS hopes this presentation has given you some useful information.
Feel free to suggest any other topics that you would like to see presented. Stop in the Office located in Shackelford Hall or Phone: 334-670-5985.
Please complete the evaluation form.
Have a great learning experience here at Troy University.
Presentation developed by: JoAnna McShan, SSS tutor, and
Rebecca C. Money, English/Reading Specialist
Phone: 334-670-5985
PPT dev: 11/2/09
Program Coordinator: Buffie M. Edwards
Student Support Services
Center for Student Success109 Shackelford Hall Annex
Troy University; Troy, AL 36082Phone: 334-670-5985
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