CompFAQ/ENGL 1101

From Gerald R. Lucas

From Reading to Writing: An ENGL 1101 Coursebook

I. Introduction to College-Level Reading and Writing

  1. A Primer for First-Year Composition
    • Ask the Right Questions
    • Plan Before You Write: Prewriting, Drafting
    • Revising, and Editing
  2. Read and discuss "College Pressures" by William Zinsser; “The Joy of Reading and Writing” by Sherman Alexie
  3. Writing Exercise:

II. Close Reading and Analysis

  1. 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
  2. Read and analyze “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell
  3. Writing exercise: Students practice close reading and analysis by writing a paragraph about a specific aspect of the essay.

III. Focus Your Topic: Thesis Statement

  1. Discuss topics and thesis statements
    • The importance of a strong thesis statement
    • How to develop a thesis statement
    • Strategies for refining your thesis statement
  2. Read and analyze: “On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs” by David Graeber
  3. Writing exercise:

IV. Argumentation and Persuasion

  1. Introduce the principles of argumentation and persuasion
    • Rhetoric and Rhetorical Devices
    • Establishing Credibility
    • Using Logical Arguments
  2. Read and analyze "Letter from Birmingham Jail" by Martin Luther King Jr.
  3. Writing exercise: Students write a persuasive letter on a current social justice issue.

V. Writing for a Specific Audience

  1. 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
  2. Read and analyze "Shitty First Drafts" by Anne Lamott
  3. Writing exercise: Students write a satirical essay.

VI. Organizing Your Writing

  1. Discuss the importance of logical organization
    • How to organize your writing effectively
    • Importance of outlining before writing
    • Tips for organizing paragraphs
  2. Read and analyze: "Mother Tongue" by Amy Tan
  3. Writing Exercise:

VII. Effective Use of Evidence

  1. Discuss the importance of using evidence in your writing
    • Using primary evidence
    • Integrating evidence into your writing effectively
    • Quoting and paraphrasing
  2. Read and analyze: “A Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates
  3. Writing exercise:

VIII. Research and Synthesis

  1. Introduce the basics of research and synthesis
    • Expanding evidence to secondary sources
    • Finding and evaluating sources
    • Incorporating research into your essay
  2. Read and analyze "The Ways We Lie" by Stephanie Ericsson
  3. Writing exercise: Students conduct research on a topic and write a synthesis essay.

IX. Reflection and Revision

  1. Discuss the importance of reflection and revision in the writing process
    • The importance of revising and editing your writing
    • Tips and strategies for effective revision, proofreading, and editing
    • Reflect on and evaluate your writing
  2. Read and analyze "This is Water" by David Foster Wallace
  3. Writing exercise: Students revise a previous essay and reflect on the changes they made.

X. Narrative and Storytelling

  1. 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
  2. Read and analyze "The Fourth State of Matter" by Jo Ann Beard
  3. Writing exercise: Students write a personal narrative.
Written: 2002, 2022; Revised: 04-30-2023; Version: Beta 0.7 💬