This is one of the possible [[assignments for essays]] you can choose. (T1: Communication (and T2: Reading if you incorporate other sources)) The main goal for this assignment is to write an [[essay]] about a topic of genuine interest to you. As [Penny Kittle said](https://www.heinemann.com/products/e07817.aspx), we want to be able to “pursue a line of thought, to provide credible [evidence](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QN3lN30JfQNO-3Kaz3mmcEKdJcfQgK1tmZDG-qLPLC4/edit?usp=sharing) to support an idea, to be flexible with thinking as well as sentences, and to write with power, grace, and style.” ##### Topic The essay can be about whatever you want to think and learn more about. Keep your focus narrow enough to be coherent. Did you know you can narrow down a topic as you write? You don’t have to know exactly where you’re going before you start. You can even come up with a topic as you write. Throw away as many drafts as you need to, if it helps you get somewhere interesting. Need help? Send me a draft (Google doc with “Commenter” enabled is usually easiest). ##### Possible types of essay: - argumentative - expository - narrative - personal - descriptive ##### Structure/Organization How you organize your ideas will depend on what you are writing about and what kind of essay you are writing. **DO:** - Make effective use of [paragraphs](https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37134/37134-h/37134-h.htm#Rule_8) and [transitions](https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37134/37134-h/37134-h.htm#Rule_9) - Include an engaging [introduction](https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/introductions/) - Include an effective [conclusion](https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/) - Break free of the five-paragraph essay format. Instead, use each paragraph to expand on each thought you have that’s related to your overall topic. It doesn’t always have to be “First, Second, Finally....” Look at some of the examples of essays in the “Mentor Texts” folder of this week in class (other weeks too). Notice how most “real-world” writing isn’t like that. **DON’T:** - Submit one big lump of text with no paragraph divisions - Repeat your intro word for word for no good reason in the conclusion - Simply write a bunch of factual information without commentary or inquiry - Incorporate information from sources without using [in-text](https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_in_text_citations_the_basics.html) and [full citations](https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_works_cited_periodicals.html) - Limit yourself to the five-paragraph essay format. ##### Sources You don’t necessarily have to use any research sources, but you can if you want to. You are more likely to need them for an argumentative or persuasive essay, for example, than for a personal essay. If you do use any sources, be sure to cite them (see above), whenever you are directly quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing. ##### Revision Spend some time [[tinkering with language]]. I highly recommend spreading out the writing over more than one session. Draft with an open mind—write as much as you can on your topic, letting the words come without editing too much as you go. Then walk away from it for a while and come back later to read through with fresh eyes to see if it makes sense. Get someone else’s input. Or start with fragments—make a note of anything having to do with your topic that pops into your mind, and then go back later and start arranging the fragments into an order that starts to make sense. Add more fragments as you go, or take some out if they seem off topic. *Then* work on transitions, introductions, conclusions, etc. ##### How do I get an “ADV”? - Meet or exceed the suggested word count. - Keep grammatical or mechanical imperfections to a minimum. - Use well-cited sources as needed to support assertions or arguments. - Give your writing a recognizable, engaging voice. - Keep your essay focused—digressions and tangents can be effective, but bring your reader back to a coherent narrative. - Write with genuine inquiry in mind. Question your assumptions; consider multiple viewpoints and possibilities. - Write with honesty. Resist the urge to coerce your thoughts into an obvious, expected conclusion. Take some risks.