From Reading to Writing: An ENGL 1101 Coursebook
I. Introduction to College-Level Reading and Writing
- A Primer for First-Year Composition
- Ask the Right Questions
- Plan Before You Write: Prewriting, Drafting
- Revising, and Editing
- Read and discuss "College Pressures" by William Zinsser; “The Joy of Reading and Writing” by Sherman Alexie
- Writing Exercise:
II. Close Reading and Analysis
- Review the elements of close reading and analysis
- How to read effectively for understanding
- How to take effective notes while reading
- Importance of annotating while reading
- Read and analyze "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell
- Writing exercise: Students practice close reading and analysis by writing a paragraph about a specific aspect of the essay.
III. From Topic to Focus
- Discuss topics and thesis statements
- The importance of a strong thesis statement
- How to develop a thesis statement
- Strategies for refining your thesis statement
- Read and analyze: “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber
- Writing exercise:
IV. Argumentation and Persuasion
- Introduce the principles of argumentation and persuasion
- Rhetoric and Rhetorical Devices
- Establishing Credibility
- Using Logical Arguments
- Read and analyze "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Writing exercise: Students write a persuasive letter on a current social justice issue.
V. Writing for a Specific Audience
- Discuss the importance of knowing your audience when writing
- Understanding the importance of identifying your audience
- Analyzing your audience’s needs and expectations
- Tailoring your writing to your audience
- Read and analyze "Shitty First Drafts" by Anne Lamott
- Writing exercise: Students write a satirical essay.
VI. Organizing Your Writing
- Discuss the importance of logical organization
- How to organize your writing effectively
- Importance of outlining before writing
- Tips for organizing paragraphs
- Read and analyze: "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan
- Writing Exercise:
VII. Effective Use of Evidence
- Discuss the importance of using evidence in your writing
- Using primary evidence
- Integrating evidence into your writing effectively
- Quoting and paraphrasing
- Read and analyze: “A Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- Writing exercise:
VIII. Research and Synthesis
- Introduce the basics of research and synthesis
- Expanding evidence to secondary sources
- Finding and evaluating sources
- Incorporating research into your essay
- Read and analyze "The Ways We Lie" by Stephanie Ericsson
- Writing exercise: Students conduct research on a topic and write a synthesis essay.
IX. Reflection and Revision
- Discuss the importance of reflection and revision in the writing process
- The importance of revising and editing your writing
- Strategies for effective revision
- Tips for proofreading and editing
- Read and analyze "This is Water" by David Foster Wallace
- Writing exercise: Students revise a previous essay and reflect on the changes they made.
X. Narrative and Storytelling
- Discuss the importance of narrative in writing
- Considering elements of advanced style and avoiding common pitfalls
- Choosing an effective tone and point-of-view
- Using figurative language
- Read and analyze "The Fourth State of Matter" by Jo Ann Beard
- Writing exercise: Students write a personal narrative.
Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 04-29-2023; Version: Beta 0.7 | 💬 |