~ Writing ~ An Expression of You The Process ~

~ English IV – Proper Heading ~ All assignments should include the following MLA heading. Name Jane Doe Teacher M. E. Alverson, M.Ed. Course & Period English 1301 Date 6 June 2013 The heading should be typed on the left side of the page.

~ A Time and A Place ~ Just like there are different types of movies (Horror, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Romance, etc.), there are different types of writing (Business, Technical, Journal, Essay, etc.). Good writers recognize the different types and adapt their writing. Be aware and avoid using the AOL message language in writing assignments. Remember there is a time and a place for everything.

~ The Writing Process ~ In order to write well, use “the writing process”. Prewrite Draft Edit/Revise Rewrite/Final Present Students will use this process (steps) for all writing assignments

~ The Writing Process ~ Step 1 – Pre-write – Collect ideas for your topic. Step 2 – Draft - Structure ideas into sentences, and paragraphs. Step 3 - Edit/revise - Check draft for grammar, punctuation, and 6+1 Traits. (more on this later) Step 4 - Rewrite/Final – Write a final copy with your revisions. Step 5 – Present – Proper MLA heading, header, spacing, attach process papers (pre-write, draft, and revisions).

~ 6+1 Traits of Writing ~ Each writing assignment will be graded according to the 6+1 Traits of Writing (VIPCOWS) V oice I deas P resentation C onventions O rganization W ord Choice S entence Fluency (Use the acronym to remember these traits.)

~ 6+1 Traits of Writing ~ ~ Voice ~ The heart and soul, the magic, the wit, along with the feeling and conviction of the individual writer coming out through the words. The writing matches the purpose and audience. The author cares about the writing. The tone and style are engaging.

~ 6+1 Traits of Writing ~ ~ Ideas ~ ♥The heart of the message, the content of the piece, the main theme, together with details that enrich and develop that theme. The topic is narrow and manageable. The ideas are clear and make sense. The details support the idea.

~ 6+1 Traits of Writing ~ ~ Organization ~ The internal structure, the thread of central meaning, the logical and sometimes intriguing pattern of ideas. The writing has an inviting beginning. The order of the details makes sense. The writing has a meaningful ending.

~ 6+1 Traits of Writing ~ ~ Conventions ~ The mechanical correctness of the piece. Spelling is correct. Punctuation is present and accurate. Capitals are used correctly. Grammar and usage are correct. Logical paragraphing is present.

~ 6+1 Traits of Writing ~ ~ Sentence Fluency ~ The rhythm and flow of the language, the sound of word patterns, the way in which the writing plays to the ear, not just to the eye. The sentences have different beginnings and patterns. The sentences are well-constructed. The piece is easy to read aloud.

~ 6+1 Traits of Writing ~ ~ Word Choice ~ The use of rich, colorful, precise language that moves and enlightens the reader. Specific and descriptive words are used. The writing uses fresh words and phrases. The writing paints a picture with words.

~ 6+1 Traits of Writing ~ ~ Presentation ~ Zeros in on the form and layout of the text and its readability; the piece should be pleasing to the eye. The writing is written or typed neatly. When desired, visual aids or illustrations add clarity. The overall look is pleasing.

~ Writing ~ ~ Challenges ~ Shifting tense inappropriately Writing in ALL CAPITAL letters Tons! Of exclamation!! Points!! Yikes!! Mixing it’s and its Run-ons Mixing are and our, or their, there, and they’re “The End” (like I could not tell that) The words and phrases cool, awesome, rad, dude, neat, great, nice, far out, very, really or pick your own personal least favorites The easy ending: “Then I woke up and it was all a dream” Cliché’ adjectives; fluffy clouds, crashing waves

~ Writing ~ ~ Challenges Continued~ Total absence of paragraphs Passionless writing Because rather than cuz Til rather than until “a lot” is two separate words “cannot” is ONE word not two Avoid contractions