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From Writing Resources Center

Welcome to the Beaufort Community College Writing Guide

Writing Center Fellows: John Miller and Alton Tisdale

Writing Center Director: Jon Elmore

Faculty: Mike Davis

This wiki was created to provide students with writing resources to enhance their writing experiences in all content areas of the college. It provides information to answer questions that may range from: "What does my instructor expect in this assignment?" to "Where do I start?" to "What's a thesis?" to "Do I need a comma?" to "How do I cite my sources?" This wiki is organized by the elements and terminology of the writing process. You may also gain access to specific elements from the "Contents Index" below.

To begin, think of a writing assignment not only as a final product but also as a writing process. If you can manage the process effectively, you will produce a better product and, most importantly, earn a better grade. This process is not always sequential but it does require you to address common and consistent elements to write efficiently and effectively.

This wiki is organized from the beginning of the writing process, analyzing your assignment and developing your ideas about the subject, to the end of the process, the final editing of your assignment. You will also encounter the terminology of writing that the Beaufort Community College faculty will use in their writing assignments.Knowledge and use of these terms will improve your ability to evaluate your writing and to discuss it with your instructor and with The Writing Center tutors.This link provides an introduction to writing in college. Note the section written by other college students and the advice they offer you. [1]

Beginning the Writing Assignment

Developing and organizing the subject : Rhetorical Strategies

Developing and organizing your knowledge and opinions of a subject is the beginning of a process for you to address the specific requirements of the writing assignment. You may begin by defining the verb(s) your instructor used in the writing assignment. These verbs (explain, analyze, evaluate, etc.) are crucial to determine the pattern of thought you must use to write the assignment. For a list of these verbs and the patterns of thought associated with them view these links.[2] [3]

You may also begin to form your thinking and writing by considering the type of writing assigned,or the rhetorical strategy that the assignment requires. Is it an argument, an art review, a resume, a narrative,etc.? Typical rhetorical strategies or rhetorical modes are explained here. [4] [5]

Principles of organization may also help to organize your writing. [6].Another strategy is the synthesis.[7][8]If your writing assignment is an abstract,see this.[9]Another common writing assignment is a summary. [10][11][12][13]

English 111:Expository Writing requires students to write essays that use the following rhetorical strategies and definitions.

Narration: Narration, a story, is a strategy to relate a series of events that are linked in an orderly progression of time.However, narrative time is not always chronological time. The writer determines the progression and organization of time that most effectively conveys the purpose of the narrative.These links also explain narration.[14][15][16][17]

Classification/Division: Classification and division are similar strategies of writing. They both organize complex subjects to analyze and explain these complex subjects. Division separates a complex subject into sub-units. The subject is usually singular.The complex subject is clarified when the audience understands its sub-units and the relationship between the sub-units. Classification groups multiple subjects into groups.The complex subjects are clarified when the audience understand the similarities and differences between the groups and the principles of classification that determined the groups.These links also explain classification and division.[18][19][20][21]

Comparison/Contrast: Comparison/contrast is a strategy to explain the similarities between two or more subjects. Contrast is a strategy to explain differences between two or more subjects. The purpose of comparison and/or contrast is to reveal information about the subjects more clearly or evaluates the subjects to establish advantages or disadvantages. Effective comparison/contrast explains similarities and/or differences in a parallel form. These links also explain comparison/contrast.[22][23][24][25]

Causal analysis: Causal analysis is a strategy to analyze and explain the relationship between causes and effects.Causes and effects often occur in a logical sequence,called a causal chain. As a result, causal analysis frequently explains why one link of the causal chain is connected to a following link to analyze and explain these relationships. These links also explain causal analysis.[26]/[27][28]

Argument: Argument is a strategy to convince or persuade the audience to accept the validity of the writer's thesis. The development of an argument may involve one specific rhetorical strategy or multiple rhetorical strategies. Argument may appeal both to the audience's reason and emotion. These links also explain argument.[29][30][31][32]

If you are assigned a research paper this link provides an introduction to all of the components of research. [33]There is also a section in this guide,"Research Essays and Citing Sources", that explains all aspects of the research paper.

Course Assignments

Different content areas may influence the instructor's assignment and the formation your ideas. Is your assignment in science, history, art, business, etc? Find your content area or type of writing in these links. [34].[35] If you have a writing assignment in mathematics, see these.[36][37]If you are assigned a writing assignment in Introduction to Film,see this link.[38]

Developing Ideas : Freewriting and Brainstorming

You have choices as you begin to develop and organize your ideas about the subject of your writing. Regardless of the choice(s), it is important to begin to "put words to paper." Many students choose to freewrite or focus free write. For an explanation of free writing and its importance, see [39] [40]

You may also consider graphic organizers. Graphic organizers are important visuals to generate ideas and to organize ideas into common forms of writing and thinking.These sites explain graphic organizers and list examples you may use.[41][42]

Mind mapping is another process to brainstorm.[43]

Unifying Ideas

After you have discovered your ideas and knowledge about the subject of your writing, you will have to unify your ideas and knowledge.Unity relates all elements. Words relate the ideas in a sentence; sentences relate to the topic sentence of the paragraph; paragraphs relate to the controlling statement of your writing. For many writing assignments this unifying idea is expressed in a thesis statement or purpose statement.In some instances, arguments are unified by a claim.All of these statements have three essential qualities. The statement must restrict the general subject to the specific elements of the subject in your writing. The statement must unify these elements into the rhetorical strategy that you will use in your writing. The statement must use precise vocabulary to clarify the terms of your writing.Most important, the controlling statement is a "contract" between you and your reader.You must "deliver" what you promise.

To see the difference between a thesis and a purpose statement.[44]

For more information about thesis statements see [45][46][47][48]

For examples of different thesis statements. [49]

For more information about claims in arguments, see.[50] [51]

Organizing Ideas

At this point, many students determine a rhetorical strategy to develop their unifying idea (thesis, claim, etc.) To some extent, the rhetorical strategy or the instructor's specific instructions for the writing assignment will determine your organization. You may also consider this to organize your ideas.[52]Creating an outline may be helpful.To understand the importance of an outline and to create an outline,see these links.[53] [54][55] Again, graphic organizers may be useful to organize your ideas.

Writing the Assignment

Writing and Drafting

As you begin to write drafts of your assignment,there are usually three elements to consider:an effective beginning,a unified and developed middle and an effective conclusion.

Effective Introductions :

Introducing your subject(s) is essential to effective writing.The Introduction is not necessarily restricted to one paragraph. However, whether it is one paragraph or more, the introduction has essential functions. It clarifies the thesis/purpose statement/claim or controlling idea of the writing. It provides a "map" for the organization of the writing.It establishes the audience for your writing.Your instructor is not always your audience. Audience is the intended group of readers for your writing. To write effectively you should estimate your audience's knowledge of your subject, their interest in it, and their biases toward it.If you're confused about audience, see these links.[56][57] They answer fundamental questions about writing for different audiences.

These links provide some essential information for your introduction.[58] [59][60]

Always remember that you will probably revise the introduction after you have written the other elements of your draft.This revision is almost always necessary.

Effective Paragraphs

Following the introduction are the paragraphs that organize and develop the subject of the assignment.The paragraph is a sub unit of the development and organization of the thesis or its equivalent. Typically, a paragraph is a group of sentences that are intended to develop a single idea. A topic sentence unifies and organizes the paragraph. However, depending on your purpose, paragraph organization and development may vary. The topic sentence unifies the paragraph with the thesis. It also organizes the information in the paragraph. There are also transitions between paragraphs. Paragraph transitions clarify the relationship of one paragraph to another.

See the following links to write effective paragraphs.[61][62][63] [64][65]

These links explains topic sentences.[66][67] For information about paragraph transitions,see.[68] [69]

Effective Conclusions

Many writing assignments need a conclusion to indicate that your writing is complete, that you did not simply decide to stop writing.The conclusion conveys a sense of completeness to your writing. As with the introduction, you have several choices to complete your writing.See these links to avoid the "in conclusion" paragraph. [70] [71] [72]

Effective Sentences : Sentence Fluency

Effective sentences are fluent sentences.Sentence fluency establishes the "flow" or continuity of the ideas in sentences that develop the purpose of your writing. Sentence fluency consists of syntax and coherence. Sentence syntax is the order in which words are arranged in a sentence to convey the meaning of the sentence.Sentence coherence is the continuity between sentences created by transitions. There are four basic methods to create sentence coherence: transitional words,repetition of key words and phrases from sentence to sentence, pronoun reference, and parallelism. If your sentences lack fluency as the result of awkward syntax or faulty coherence, the development of your ideas and your writing will lack clarity and sequence.

For help with sentence structure,see this.[73]

See these links for syntax.[74][75]

For information on coherence see.[76] [77][78]

See the following links to improve your sentence fluency.[79][80][81] [82]

This link provides simple rules for fluent sentences.[83] You may also find these links helpful.[84] [85]

Many problems with sentence structure result from confusion about active and passive voice.The misuse of passive voice frequently creates awkward syntax.These links clarify active and passive voice and when and how to avoid passive voice.[86][87][88][89]

Effective Word Choice : Diction

Diction is the precise choice and use of words appropriate to to your purpose and audience.As a result, it is a significant aspect of sentence fluency. Clarity is crucial to effective writing. Do not use words that seem "impressive" or "learned." Use words that are precise to your meaning. Use this dictionary onelook.com to discover precise and multiple definitions, or to find synonyms for words.

See the following links for other considerations for word choice/diction:[90] [91] [92]

Effective Voice

Another important element of effective writing is voice. Voice is the element of writing that conveys your unique understanding of the subject of your writing. Your voice "speaks" to your audience. It is the "personality" of your writing. It is your unique style of sentence fluency and word choice. It creates an interaction between you and your audience. Your voice should be natural and honest, not forced and awkward. Your voice reflects your ability to use language to write about the subject that is not written in a "monotone." It is the quality that separates your writing from other "anonymous" students. To determine whether or not your writing has a voice, consider these questions as you, or someone else, reads your writing:

Does my writing reflect an awareness of my audience? Does my sentence fluency and word choice sound "honest" and reflect my unique perspective?

Consider the following links to further help you establish voice in your writing.[93] [94]

Conventions of Writing : Grammar, Punctuation, and Mechanics

The essence of effective writing is clarity. If your paper isn't clear, it doesn't work. The conventions of English are the standard rules of grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Conventions are the foundation of this clarity. Conventions are the writing "rules of the road." If your writing doesn't conform to these rules, you will not be able to communicate your ideas clearly. You may choose the HyperGrammar site to begin to evaluate your mastery of conventions, if you're unsure. You may also want to look at this comprehensive Guide to Grammar and Writing, which can easily be used as a "field guide."[95]These are clear explanations of common errors.[96][97]

This is an excellent site to help with grammar,punctuation and mechanics.[98]

For help with commas and semicolons.[99] [100][101]

For help with correct verb tense and verb agreement,see these.[102] [103] [104][105]

For help with pronouns and pronoun agreement,see these.[106] [107][108] [109]

This is a quick guide to punctuate dialogue between speakers.[110]

Finishing the Writing Assignment

Revision, Editing, and Proofreading

Revision is "re-seeing" your draft. It occurs during the entire writing process. Reading to revise improves the meaning and organization of the drafts of your writing. These revisions to your original draft add the "polish" to a final draft that will earn a higher grade. When you revise, you read your writing with a critical eye to evaluate the coherence and organization of the writing for your audience. These sites will help with revision.[111][112]

You may also use a "reverse outline" to evaluate and revise unity,organization and development.[113] [114][115]

After revising your original draft, the final task is proofreading or editing.Editing is reading your draft to correct errors in grammar,punctuation or mechanics. These errors are sometimes defined as "surface" errors. Do not rely on your computer's spell check and grammar check. These checks may be helpful for some obvious errors,but these checks are not complete.For example, spell checks cannot distinguish between spelling or usage errors,e.g."there,"their","your","you're","to", "two","too." See these links.[116][117] [118][119]

You may very well be tired of the writing assignment at this point, but careful proofreading and editing eliminates those errors that result in a lower grade, errors that cause you to kick yourself when your assignment is returned.Take a break before you edit and proofread,but don't wait until the last moment.

When your writing assignment is returned your instructor may use editing symbols to evaluate your writing.Common symbols are here.[120][121]

Research Essays and Citing Sources

Research is frequently a critical element in academic writing. These are sites to help you conduct your research and to write the essay. [122] [123]

You may use this site for electronic research: [124]

You may use this site for library research: [125]

You may use this site for field research: [126]

To cite your sources of research into the text of your essay and to create a "Works Cited" page see these complete links.[127] [128] [129]

To understand a paraphrase and a direct quote,see. [130][131] [132] Here are tips to paraphrase.[133][134]

To understand and avoid plagiarism in note-taking and in writing the research paper see. [135]

This is a complete guide to the MLA format and style and it provides additional information to paraphrase and to quote.[136]

This is a complete guide to the APA format and style and it provides additional information to paraphrase and to quote.[137]

Research writing assignments require paragraphs that integrate quotes and paraphrases to develop and support your ideas.The following sites explain this integration.[138][139][140]

Research/Library Resources

The BCCC Library/LRC provides access to essential resources in a variety of formats to support educational, research and public services. Through the LRC website, library users have 24/7 access to many resources including the online catalog,Community College Libraries in North Carolina, CCLNC, NCLIVE an extensive collection of full text databases and CREDO, a collection of full text reference books. These online resources are available to help students locate research materials that are credible and reliable. Students should utilize these vetted resources to begin the research process. The library staff is available for assistance.