CS 113: Unit 6 ~ Writing

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It’s Unit 6! How do you think things are going? Do you feel like you are making great strides in your learning? Are there things that have been surprising to you?

What was a good thing that happened to you this week?

By the end of Unit 6, you will be able to:

Explain why good writing is important    Know the 3 things to consider before you

start writingDescribe the steps of the writing process Describe the resources and services provided

at the Kaplan University Writing CenterUnderstand more about plagiarism    Have a better understanding of the Unit 6

assignment

All writing is done for a purpose

Everything that is written is done with a purpose.   We write a grocery list so we don't forget to buy what we need when we go to the store.   Memos are written to tell us about something important at work.   A diary is written to help the writer keep a record of his or her thoughts and actions.

Taken from page 1 of the Unit 6 Reading

Discussion Questions

Why do you think good writing is important?

Why is good writing important?

According to this week’s reading:“Good writing skills will help you express your thoughts and ideas more clearly. People who have the ability to clearly express their thoughts, ideas, needs, and wants are happier and enjoy more control over their lives. They are also more successful students when it comes to school and learning. For example, you may fully understand the reading assignments and activities provided in the unit, but your online instructors will never know unless you are able to communicate what you know in written form (i.e. during seminars, responses to discussion questions, and project assignments).”

Discussion Question

Why do you think the writing process can be intimidating?

Why do you think the writing process can be intimidating?

Fear of others reading what you have written (also worrying about being graded for what you have done)

Fear of others reading your personal thoughts

Fear of using improper spelling or grammarFear of not knowing what to write about or

how to get started

Discussion Question

What are the three things to consider BEFORE you start writing?

3 things to consider BEFORE you start writing

1. Purpose Examples: to inform, to persuade, to explain, to share

an opinion Note: there can be more than one purpose when writing

2. Audience Examples: your instructor, your boss, a lay person, or

an expert Consider—based on your audience, do you alter your

writing style?

3. Form Examples: email, memo, formal research paper, letter

The Writing Process

Pre-Writing1. Drafting

2. Revising 3. Editing

Step 1: Pre-Writing This is the planning part

of the writing process. It is where you: brainstorm different topics research material ask questions talk to other people write freely on a topic take notes (like creating

an outline, map, or chart) and narrow down your

topic. Prewriting gives you a

chance to think about your topic (and assignment) in an unstructured, non-intimidating way.

Academic

Strategies

Discussion Question

Do you usually pre-write? If so, what is your strategy for pre-writing?

Step 2: Drafting

This is the first draft of the writing assignment. It is where you bring in your prewriting ideas and form them into sentences and paragraphs. Your first focus in this stage is on content. You want to think about your introduction, forming and organizing your ideas into the body of the paper, and starting on a conclusion. At this stage of writing, do not worry about grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

Discussion Question

When you draft your work, do you focus on the content and ignore spelling, grammar, and sentence structure? Or do you edit as you go along?

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 assignment.

Questions to ask: Is the voice of the paper correct? Are you sending a clear message to your audience? Does the word choice, sentence, and paragraph structure

flow? Did you follow the instructions? Does you paper meet the requirements as stated in the

rubric?

Step 6: Editing

After you are completely satisfied with your paper, it is time to begin the editing process. This is where you look at the technical aspects of the paper such as grammar, punctuation, and spelling. You look over the spacing of your project, look at capitalization elements, and make sure to limit contractions. This is a great time to print the latest version of your paper and slowly read every word (reading out loud helps as well).

(MIT Online Writing and Communication Center, 1999).

Discussion Question for Unit 6

Describe some of the main challenges you face as a writer and explain how you plan to help yourself overcome these challenges. If you need ideas for your initial answer, revisit "The Writing Process" in the Reading.

KU’s Writing Center!

Don’t forget that we have an excellent (and FREE) resource available to you --

Navigating the Writing Center

Click on the “My Studies” tab, then select Writing and Math Centers from the pull down menu

Navigating the Writing Center, cont.

Click on the Writing Center link to open all the Writing Center options OR select the specific topic listed under the heading

Plagiarism

Tell me everything you know!

NOTE: Don’t forget to take the anti-plagiarism quiz in Unit 6! It closes on the last day of Unit 6 and is worth 10 points!

Case of Carmen

Six years ago, Carmen graduated from high school and found a job as a receptionist at an accounting office. She has become a valuable asset to the small company, helping with accounting issues in addition to greeting customers, but her salary has remained too low to meet today's living costs. Most of her coworkers either have a college degree or are working on one, so she has decided that in order to advance, she should also go back to school.

But Carmen is concerned about her writing abilities for college work. In high school she did most of her writing last minute, and since then has only written short memos and sent e-mail. She knows there will be writing in her classes and is concerned.

You Can Help Carmen

1.How would following a writing process help Carmen? • Remember: the four steps writing steps are: Pre-Writing,

Drafting, Revising, & Editing   

2.How can time management help Carmen become a better writer?

3.Why do accountants and other business professionals need good writing skills?

4.What other tips could you give Carmen to help her succeed with writing?   

Unit 6 Assignment– Write two paragraphs

Paragraph #1Purpose: Descriptive writing

Write a complete paragraph about a person who has influenced you in positive ways. Focus on at least one way in which this person has made an important impact upon you. Use specific ideas and examples to illustrate your points and make sure to refer to the Paragraph Structure chart located at the end of the Unit 6 Reading. Include a topic sentence, supporting details and a conclusion (minimum 5 complete sentences).

Paragraph #2Purpose: Share an Opinion

Write a complete paragraph about the advantages and disadvantages of taking online classes. Use specific ideas and examples to illustrate your points and make sure to refer to the Paragraph Structure chart located at the end of the Unit 6 Reading. Include a topic sentence, supporting details and a conclusion (minimum 5 complete sentences).

Unit 6 Assignment – cont.

As you are writing…1)Make sure you are utilizing the writing steps

discussed in Unit 6, especially editing2)Consider utilizing the Writing Center for this

assignment3)Utilize the provided template (make sure to put

your name and section number on your paper—I do deduct points for this)

4)Submit your paper via the Dropbox no later than Tuesday at 11:59 PM EST

5)Contact me with any questions you have

As always, I’m available for any questions you may have!

Email: lapolinariss@kaplan.eduAIM: lapolinarissmsw

Wrapping up