Make the Write Moves Make the Write Moves u Assemble “game pieces” u Start strong u Dodge Writer’s Bloc - keep going u The homestretch: analyze your position u Finish line - your winning paper!

The Set-up The Set-up u Get out the pieces (not only paper, pen, PC - also handout, notes and TIME!) u Read “game” instructions! - easier to play (write) if you know the rules beforehand u what are instructor expectations? u check syllabus u assignment handout u peer network u ASK QUESTIONS!

First move First move u It’s all about strategy - pick best time/place u Plan of attack! u Find a subject/topic u Need focus? u Listing u Freewriting u Looping u Cluster/Mapping

One pre-writing technique Res Hall Diversity Not in Kansas anymore! Social aspects Landscape WMU - 1st impression Many cultures preconceptions

Tough opponent?-don’t give up! Tough opponent?-don’t give up! u Prevent getting “killed” or blocked early on u Outline u Use your “first moves” wisely u DON’T STOP! - write anything

Outline Outline

Start at the beginning.. u Thesis statement declares controlling idea of ENTIRE essay u what is subject? (pick only one!) u opinion on subject? u Purpose? (Argumentative? Narrative? Etc) u Essay Map: u Brief intro to major points u Indicates route to accomplish purpose u 3-4 points to cover subject thoroughly

Fantastic Body.. Fantastic Body.. u Composed of paragraphs that support thesis u Paragraphs deliver the payload - the specific evidence used to convince u Follow Essay Map, if used u Body paragraphs mostly begin with topic sentence u Topic sentence: supports thesis; announces coming detail; controls subject matter

Drafts & Revisions Drafts & Revisions u Writing well means revising u Revision is continuous process u Revision=deciding best way to organize, develop, focus and emphasis ideas u No part of draft is sacred or permanent u Always SAVE! drafts, outlines, anything! u Use computer labs- some have tutors; or use Writing Lab

Revision Process u Have I fulfilled assignment objectives? u Did I follow instructions? u Do I understand essay purpose? u Clear relationship between thesis and major points presented in body? u Included all major points necessary for reader to understand subject? u And many, many more ?’s to ask

Editing & Proofing.. Editing & Proofing.. u Print- don't just read from screen u Read essay aloud u Use "search" feature for words you commonly misspell (your vs. you're) u Know your enemies- what grammar and punctuation always "gets" you u Tools: dictionary, handbook, textbook u Format paper according to assignment

Summarize, Paraphrase, Quote? Summarize, Paraphrase, Quote? u Summary: short version of original, put into own words but reflects main idea u Paraphrase: restatement of original in your own words, but maintains similar length, organization and tone u Quote: copy of original author's own words - must match & have " marks u NOTE: All material from primary source must be documented

Mine the web; mind your words u Start your (search) engine! great tool - use it, but wisely u site web sources! u use to help generate your writing ideas, NOT your writing!

Plagiarism defined: u "Dishonesty - including but not limited to the following: a. Cheating, fabrication, falsification, forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity, or other forms of academic dishonesty.” u Result? warning up to expulsion

And the Winner is... And the Winner is... u YOU - if: u stayed in game u followed the rules u best performance (not perfection)