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Hello everyone! Welcome to Unit 4 seminar.

I hope you all had a great week!

Welcome to seminar!

Let’s get started discussing the writing process.

What is the main purpose of writing?

The Writing Process

Why is it important to be an effective writer?

The Writing Process

As you saw or will see in the classroom and see from your fellow classmates, writing is one way we can get our meaning across to other people.

There are many different avenues of writing. We write emails, letters, send cards, write bills, write proposals at work, papers for school, etc.

When writing, we are constantly making decisions about what we are going to say and how we will say it.

Effective Writing Skills

Our writing is a reflection of us. People view us on what we put down on paper (or text via the computer).

Good, clear writing not only helps us express our thoughts, it puts us in control of our lives and helps to create successful students and workers.

Effective Writing Skills

What are some common errors people make when writing?

Common Writing Errors

Good examples. Those are all very common errors that happen daily when people are writing.

Common Writing Errors

You brought up spelling and grammar; please list some examples of common mistakes.

Common Writing Errors

You mentioned punctuation as another common mistake. Take a look at the following phrase:

A woman without her man is nothing

Where would you put the punctuation in this phrase? Think about it…

Punctuation example

There are a couple different options but as you look at them the meaning of the entire sentence changes.

I will share a couple of the examples on the next slide.

Punctuation 1:  "A woman without her man is nothing." This implies that any woman who does not have

a man is incomplete.

Punctuation 2:  "A woman: without her, man is nothing." By adding a colon and a comma, we've changed

the meaning.  The clause reads like a definition.  Now the sentence implies that men are incomplete without women.

Examples

You just have to be careful when writing because one little thing can change the meaning completely.

Be aware of your writing

What resources are available for you as you write papers?

Resources available

Why it is a good idea to have others proofread your papers?

Proofreading

How can proofreading your written work for spelling errors, clarity, and the elements of writing affect your communication?

Proofreading

How can critical thinking help you become a more effective writer?

Critical thinking and writing

Writing Process Strategies What   

∙        •What are the three choices made by writers, and how can making these choices contribute to the success of a an assignment?

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Three choices by authors Choice of topicChoice of languageChoice of organization

Keep in mind what you want to say (topic), how you want to say it (language), and the flow from one thought to another (organization).

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Writing Process Strategies

What steps are involved in the writing process?

Which of these steps do you feel is most important and why?

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4 Steps to the writing processStep 1-Prewriting

This is the planning part of the writing process. Step 2-Drafting

This is the first draft of the writing assignment. Step 3-Revising

This is a vital part of the writing process. This is where you use your critical thinking skills to make sure you covered all of the important elements in the directions of the

Step 4-EditingAfter you are completely satisfied with your

paper, it is time to begin the editing process.21

Writing Process Strategies

What are the connections between reading and writing?

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How will writing well be an asset to you in your chosen profession? Provide specific examples.

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Writing Process Strategies

Have any of you been to the KU Writing Center?

KU Writing Center

Kaplan Writing Center Field TripWe are going to take a field tripIn order to arrive safely and quickly, access

the KU Writing Center from your student portal home page. It is at the top of the page under My Studies. Click on Writing Center. Keep this seminar window open, and report back in 5 minutes from now.     

...but before we leave...

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Field Trip Continued...your mission is to find the document from

which I found the tip below OR to find enough information to answer the question:

Tip: Write the body of your paper THEN write your introduction and conclusion.

Question: What is a Thesis Statement?

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Field Trip Report Please share what you found. Did you find the

document from which I read the tip I shared with you? Or did you find a source (an article or workshop) from which you found the answer to the question, “What is a thesis statement?”

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Field Trip Report ContinuedAlso, what did you find most interesting when

you visited Kaplan’s Writing Center?

How will you utilize this information?

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Resources

What are some of your favorite resources you use when writing?

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Great job today!

“If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write.”

--STEPHEN KING, On Writing

Have a great week!30