The Confident Writer Chapter 1: Becoming a Confident Writer

How to Be a Confident Writer

The Reading & Writing Connection Reading & Writing ◦Operate on two levels  Literal level: words and what they say  Critical level: words and what they suggest Essay ◦A relatively short piece of writing that may serve one or more purposes:  Inform, entertain, persuade, or express an idea, feeling, or impression

The Reading & Writing Connection To Read an Essay ◦Build background before reading ◦Read actively ◦Review after reading Reading enables us to explore ideas and develop our writing topics. The more good writing we read, the better our own writing becomes!

Writing an Essay: The Basics

Direction of Development Intro Builds a reader’s interest, clarifies writer’s purpose, & provides background info of topic Thesis Statement A sentence that states the writer’s opinion of the topic Support Evidence (main ideas & specific details) is presented to support & explain thesis Conclusion Provokes a response from readers

Make Good Choices for Writing

Take Control of the Writing Process Readiness stage Use prewriting strategies Prewriting Exploratory Stage Write a first draft Drafting & Organizing Revision stage Improve your essay Rewriting

Find Your Voice Be a critical thinker! Critical thinking is unhurried, deep thinking. Critical thinking is logical, analytical, purposeful, active, and self-reflective thinking. Be a creative thinker! Creative thinking is nonlinear and inventive. “Think outside the box.”

Find Your Voice Be a critical thinker! Find a purpose for writing. Define your audience. Write an outline. Choose an organizational pattern. Analyze your topic. Be a creative thinker! Choose a topic that challenges you. Question your assumptions. Write an engaging intro. Imagine yourself as part of the audience. Select words to create vivid images. Take intellectual risks.