CompFAQ/ENGL 1101: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:48, 1 February 2024

📖 Index	ENGL 1101	ENGL 1102	Lit Survey	Digital Writing

From Reading to Writing: An ENGL 1101 Coursebook

Writing and reading skills are essential for success in college and beyond. Whether you’re writing a research paper, a personal statement, a business proposal, a Wikipedia entry, or a personal blog, clear and effective writing makes all the difference in effectively communicating and achieving your goals. Likewise, strong reading skills are crucial for comprehending complex texts, synthesizing information, and developing critical thinking abilities.

This composition text is designed to help you develop and enhance these skills through a variety of activities, including writing exercises, grammar and mechanics reviews, and close reading and analysis of professional essays. All of the writing activities are based on a Composition FAQ that targets areas most relevant to first-year composition and core-level humanities classes.

Read the Introduction »

Directions: For each lesson below, follow all links and read them carefully. All assigned essays may be found on my server or by doing a Google search. See your individual syllabus for due dates and additional instructions. All writing exercises should be completed on Packback discussions.

I. Introduction to College-Level Reading and Writing

A Primer for First-Year Composition
Read the following essays about college and writing
- “College Pressures” by William Zinsser.
- “The Joy of Reading and Writing” by Sherman Alexie.
- “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott.
Writing Exercise: Consider your weaknesses when it comes to writing; what are your top ones? What suggestions and ideas do you take from the Zinsser, Alexie, and Lamont? Research further to find strategies for addressing these struggles. Post a question and two replies or responses incorporating anything you read for this lesson to PackBack.

II. Close Reading and Analysis

Review the elements of close reading and analysis
Read and analyze “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell.
Writing exercise: Practice close reading and analysis by writing about a specific aspect of the essay. On Packback, post a question about “Shooting an Elephant”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.

III. Focus Your Topic: Thesis Statement

Discuss topics and thesis statements
Read and analyze: “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber.
Writing exercise: Identify the thesis statement and support in an essay. On Packback, post a question about “Bullshit Jobs”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.

IV. Argumentation and Persuasion

Introduce the principles of critical thinking, argumentation, and persuasion
Read and analyze “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr.
Writing exercise: What are the main arguments of King’s letter? What are some rhetorical devices King employs. How does King craft an effective argument? On Packback, post a question about “Letter from Birmingham Jail”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay (see the sample questions); post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.

V. Writing for a Specific Audience

Discuss the importance of knowing your audience when writing
Read and analyze “The Myth of the Latin Woman” by Judith Ortiz Cofer.
Writing exercise: To whom is Cofer writing in “The Myth of the Latin Woman”? Why is understanding audience important in analyzing stereotypes and diversity? What are Cofer’s criticisms of Western society, especially media and commodification? On Packback, post a question about “The Myth of the Latin Woman”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
Alternative Reply/Response: Compose an audience analysis and post your audience analysis for your next essay. Reply critically to another student’s analysis.

Alternative Reply/Response: Rewrite a previous writing assignment for a specific audience and post your update identifying your target audience. Reply critically to another student’s post.

VI. Organizing Your Writing

Discuss the importance of logical organization
Read and analyze: "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan.
Writing Exercise: Analyze the structure of Tan’s “Mother Tongue.” What strategies does she use to organize her essay? How do they draw you into her narrative? On Packback, post a question about “Mother Tongue”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.

VII. Effective Use of Evidence

Discuss the importance of using evidence in your writing
Read and analyze: “A Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Writing exercise: Analyze any aspect of Coates’ “A Case for Reparations.” What is his topic? His central arguments? Is his essay convincing? Why or why not? Can you find a primary source on the same or related topic that helps illuminate Coates’ essay? On Packback, post a question about “A Case for Reparations”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.

VIII. Research and Synthesis

Introduce the basics of research and synthesis
Read and analyze “A Few Words about Breasts” by Nora Ephron.
Writing exercise: What is the underlying critique in Ephron’s essay? The consequence of this issue is her bodily insecurity. Where do our notions of beauty come from? Research this topic by finding at least one scholarly primary or secondary source and see what insights it gives you into Ephron’s essay. On Packback, post a question about “A Few Words about Breasts”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. Be sure to cite the source you found in at least one of your posts.

IX. Reflection and Revision

Discuss the importance of reflection and revision in the writing process
Read and analyze “How to Do What You Love” by Paul Graham.
Writing exercise: On Packback, post a question about “How to Do What You Love”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. Be sure to proofread and revise your writing before you post.

X. Narrative and Storytelling

Discuss the importance of narrative in writing
Have a look at the other questions under Stylistic Questions; read those you may be unfamiliar with.
Read and analyze “The Fourth State of Matter” by Jo Ann Beard.
Writing exercise: Analyze Beard’s narrative techniques. What strategies make her essay effective? On Packback, post a question about “The Fourth State of Matter”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.

Permalink: https://grlu.us/1101book

Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 02-1-2024; Version: Beta 0.7		💬

@@ Line 7: / Line 7: @@
 <div style="margin:0.5em 0.2em 0.2em 0.3em; padding:0.5em 0.2em 0.2em 0.3em; text-align:right;">[[/Introduction|Read the Introduction »]]</div>
+{{Line}}
+''Directions: For each lesson below, follow all links and read them carefully. All assigned essays may be found on my server or by doing a Google search. See your [[ENGL 1101|individual syllabus]] for due dates and additional instructions. All writing exercises should be completed on Packback discussions.''
 ==I. Introduction to College-Level Reading and Writing==
 # A Primer for First-Year Composition
-#* Ask the Right Questions
+#* [[CompFAQ/First-Year Composition|What writing knowledge should I already have coming into college?]]
-#* Plan Before You Write: Prewriting, Drafting
+#* [[CompFAQ/Essay|What is an essay?]]
-#* Revising, and Editing
+#* [[CompFAQ/Getting Started|How do I get started writing?]]
-# Read and discuss "College Pressures" by William Zinsser; “The Joy of Reading and Writing” by Sherman Alexie
+#* [[CompFAQ/Questions|What questions do I need to ask as a writer?]]
-# Writing Exercise:
+#* [[CompFAQ/Critical Thinking|What is “critical thinking”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Persuasive Writing|How can my writing be more persuasive?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/AI|Is it cheating or unethical to use an AI to help with writing?]]
+# Read the following essays about college and writing
+#* “College Pressures” by William Zinsser.
+#* “The Joy of Reading and Writing” by Sherman Alexie.
+#* “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott.
+# Writing Exercise: Consider your weaknesses when it comes to writing; what are your top ones? What suggestions and ideas do you take from the Zinsser, Alexie, and Lamont? Research further to find strategies for addressing these struggles. Post a question and two replies or responses incorporating anything you read for this lesson to PackBack.
 ==II. Close Reading and Analysis==
 # Review the elements of close reading and analysis
-#* How to read effectively for understanding
+#* [[CompFAQ/Analysis|What is “analysis”?]]
-#* How to take effective notes while reading
+#* [[CompFAQ/Interpretation|What is “interpretation”?]]
-#* Importance of annotating while reading
+#* [[CompFAQ/Evaluation|What does it mean to “evaluate” a text?]]
-# Read and analyze “[[October 30, 2023|Shooting an Elephant]]” by George Orwell
+#* [[CompFAQ/Difficult Reading|How do I read a difficult text without getting frustrated?]]
-# Writing exercise: Students practice close reading and analysis by writing a paragraph about a specific aspect of the essay.
+#* [[CompFAQ/Reading Notes|What are some strategies for reading?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Close Reading|What is “close reading”?]]
+# Read and analyze “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell.
+# Writing exercise: Practice close reading and analysis by writing about a specific aspect of the essay. {{crossreference|(You might see [[October 30, 2022|my notes on]] “Shooting an Elephant” for ideas.)}} On Packback, post a question about “Shooting an Elephant”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
 ==III. Focus Your Topic: Thesis Statement==
 # Discuss topics and thesis statements
-#* The importance of a strong thesis statement
+#* [[CompFAQ/Thesis|What is a “thesis statement”?]]
-#* How to develop a thesis statement
+#* [[CompFAQ/Topic|How does a “topic” differ from a “subject”?]]
-#* Strategies for refining your thesis statement
+#* [[CompFAQ/Topic|What is a strong topic for an essay?]]
-# Read and analyze: “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber
+#* [[CompFAQ/Ideas|Where do I go for essay topic ideas?]]
-# Writing exercise:
+#* [[CompFAQ/Purpose|What is meant by “purpose” in an essay?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Call to Action|What is a “call to action” and how do I use one?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Topic Sentence|What is a “topic sentence”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Unity|What is “unity”?]]
+# Read and analyze: “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber.
+# Writing exercise: Identify the thesis statement and support in an essay. On Packback, post a question about “Bullshit Jobs”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
 ==IV. Argumentation and Persuasion==
-# Introduce the principles of argumentation and persuasion
+# Introduce the principles of [[CompFAQ/Critical Thinking|critical thinking]], argumentation, and persuasion
-#* Rhetoric and Rhetorical Devices
+#* [[CompFAQ/Rhetoric|What is “rhetoric”?]]
-#* Establishing Credibility
+#* [[CompFAQ/Credibility|What is “credibility”?]]
-#* Using Logical Arguments
+#* [[CompFAQ/Argument|What is a “logical argument”?]]
-# Read and analyze "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr.
+#* [[CompFAQ/Development|How do I develop my argument?]]
-# Writing exercise: Students write a persuasive letter on a current social justice issue.
+#* [[CompFAQ/Counterarguments|How do I address counterarguments?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Generalizations|What are “generalizations” and “stereotypes”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Inclusive Language|What is “inclusive language”?]]
+# Read and analyze “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr.
+# Writing exercise: What are the main arguments of King’s letter? What are some rhetorical devices King employs. How does King craft an effective argument? {{crossreference|(See my [[August 21, 2023|notes on King’s letter]].)}} On Packback, post a question about “Letter from Birmingham Jail”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay (see the [[August 21, 2023#Questions for Consideration|sample questions]]); post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
 ==V. Writing for a Specific Audience==
 # Discuss the importance of knowing your audience when writing
-#* Understanding the importance of identifying your audience
+#* [[CompFAQ/Audience|What is “audience”?]]
-#* Analyzing your audience’s needs and expectations
+#* [[CompFAQ/Audience/Needs|How do I access my audience’s needs and expectations?]]
-#* Tailoring your writing to your audience
+#* [[CompFAQ/Audience/Tailor|How do I tailor my writing for my audience?]]
-# Read and analyze "Shitty First Drafts" by Anne Lamott
+#* [[CompFAQ/Credibility|What is “credibility”?]]
-# Writing exercise: Students write a satirical essay.
+#* [[CompFAQ/Generalizations|What are “generalizations” and “stereotypes”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Inclusive Language|What is “inclusive language”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Hyperbole|What is “hyperbole”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Call to Action|What is a “call to action” and how do I use one?]]
+# Read and analyze “The Myth of the Latin Woman” by Judith Ortiz Cofer.
+# Writing exercise: To whom is Cofer writing in “The Myth of the Latin Woman”? Why is understanding audience important in analyzing stereotypes and diversity? What are Cofer’s criticisms of Western society, especially media and commodification? On Packback, post a question about “The Myth of the Latin Woman”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
+#* Alternative Reply/Response: Compose an audience analysis {{crossreference|(see the [[CompFAQ/Audience/Needs|Audience Analysis Reflection Worksheet]])}} and post your audience analysis for your next essay. Reply critically to another student’s analysis.
+#* Alternative Reply/Response: Rewrite a previous writing assignment for a specific audience {{crossreference|(see the [[CompFAQ/Audience/Tailor|Audience-Centric Writing Transformation]])}} and post your update identifying your target audience. Reply critically to another student’s post.
 ==VI. Organizing Your Writing==
 # Discuss the importance of logical organization
-#* How to organize your writing effectively
+#* [[CompFAQ/Organization|How should an essay be organized?]]
-#* Importance of outlining before writing
+#* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Essay Title|How do I write a strong title?]]
-#* Tips for organizing paragraphs
+#* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Introduction/Hook|How do I craft a strong opening sentence?]]
-# Read and analyze: "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan
+#* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Introduction|What is an introduction of an essay?]]
-# Writing Exercise:
+#* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Body|What is the body of an essay?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Organization/Conclusion|What is the conclusion of an essay?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Point of View|What is “point of view”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Transitions|What are “transitions”?]]
+# Read and analyze: "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan.
+# Writing Exercise: Analyze the structure of Tan’s “Mother Tongue.” What strategies does she use to organize her essay? How do they draw you into her narrative? On Packback, post a question about “Mother Tongue”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
 ==VII. Effective Use of Evidence==
 # Discuss the importance of using evidence in your writing
-#* Using primary evidence
+#* [[CompFAQ/Support|How do I support my argument?]]
-#* Integrating evidence into your writing effectively
+#* [[CompFAQ/Evidence|How do I use strong evidence and examples?]]
-#* Quoting and paraphrasing
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Primary Sources|What are “primary sources” and how do I use them?]]
-# Read and analyze: “A Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Strong Sources|How do I find strong, credible sources?]]
-# Writing exercise:
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Quotations and Paraphrases|How do I integrate quotations and paraphrases?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Citations|How do I correctly cite my sources?]]
+# Read and analyze: “A Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
+# Writing exercise: Analyze any aspect of Coates’ “A Case for Reparations.” What is his topic? His central arguments? Is his essay convincing? Why or why not? Can you find a primary source on the same or related topic that helps illuminate Coates’ essay? On Packback, post a question about “A Case for Reparations”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
 ==VIII. Research and Synthesis==
-# Introduce the basics of research and synthesis
+# Introduce the basics of [[CompFAQ/Research|research]] and [[CompFAQ/Research/Synthesis|synthesis]]
-#* Expanding evidence to secondary sources
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research|What is research and why is it important?]]
-#* Finding and evaluating sources
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Secondary Sources|What are “secondary sources” and how do I use them?]]
-#* Incorporating research into your essay
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Synthesis|What is “synthesis” and why is it important?]]
-# Read and analyze "The Ways We Lie" by Stephanie Ericsson
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Strong Sources#Consulting or Citing Sources|Can I cite Wikipedia or Twitter in my essay?]]
-# Writing exercise: Students conduct research on a topic and write a synthesis essay.
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Citations|How do I correctly cite my sources?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/Notetaking|What’s the best way to take research notes?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Research/MLA|How do I cite a source using MLA citation style?]]
+# Read and analyze “A Few Words about Breasts” by Nora Ephron.
+# Writing exercise: What is the underlying critique in Ephron’s essay? The consequence of this issue is her bodily insecurity. Where do our notions of beauty come from? Research this topic by finding at least one scholarly primary or secondary source and see what insights it gives you into Ephron’s essay. On Packback, post a question about “A Few Words about Breasts”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. Be sure to cite the source you found in at least one of your posts.
 ==IX. Reflection and Revision==
 # Discuss the importance of reflection and revision in the writing process
-#* The importance of revising and editing your writing
+#* [[CompFAQ/Proofreading|What is “proofreading”?]]
-#* Tips and strategies for effective revision, proofreading, and editing
+#* [[CompFAQ/Editing and Revision|What is “editing” and “revision”?]]
-#* Reflect on and evaluate your writing
+#* [[CompFAQ/Editing and Revision|What are some basic editing and revision strategies for new writers?]]
-# Read and analyze "This is Water" by David Foster Wallace
+#* [[CompFAQ/Reflection|What does it mean to “reflect” on my writing?]]
-# Writing exercise: Students revise a previous essay and reflect on the changes they made.
+# Read and analyze “How to Do What You Love” by Paul Graham.
+# Writing exercise: On Packback, post a question about “How to Do What You Love”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates. Be sure to proofread and revise your writing before you post.
 ==X. Narrative and Storytelling==
-# Discuss the importance of narrative in writing
+# Discuss the importance of [[CompFAQ/Narrative|narrative]] in writing
-#* Considering elements of advanced style and avoiding common pitfalls
+#* [[CompFAQ/Stylistic Strategies|What is “style” and how can I make it more effective?]]
-#* Choosing an effective tone and point-of-view
+#* [[CompFAQ/Detail|What is “interesting detail” and how do I use it?]]
-#* Using figurative language
+#* [[CompFAQ/Vague Language|What is “vague/weak” language and how do I avoid it?]]
-# Read and analyze "The Fourth State of Matter" by Jo Ann Beard
+#* [[CompFAQ/Point of View|What is “point of view”?]]
-# Writing exercise: Students write a personal narrative.
+#* [[CompFAQ/Tone|What is “tone”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Word Choice|What is “word choice”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Awkward Constructions|What is an “awkward sentence”?]]
+#* [[CompFAQ/Wordiness|What is “wordiness”?]]
+# Have a look at the other questions under [[CompFAQ/Index#Stylistic Questions|Stylistic Questions]]; read those you may be unfamiliar with.
+# Read and analyze “The Fourth State of Matter” by Jo Ann Beard.
+# Writing exercise: Analyze Beard’s narrative techniques. What strategies make her essay effective? On Packback, post a question about “The Fourth State of Matter”; post an analysis about a specific aspect of the essay; post a reply to one of the questions by your classmates.
+{{Plink|https://grlu.us/1101book}}
 {{CompFAQ-foot}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:ENGL 1101}}
 [[Category: Index (FAQ)]]