Matakuliah : G1222, Writing IV Tahun : 2006 Versi : v 1.0 rev 1 Module 1 Introduction

"A writer keeps surprising himself "A writer keeps surprising himself... he doesn't know what his is saying until he sees it on the page." -- Thomas Williams

What’s Inside G1222? Composing simple essay (final outcome) Proofreading Rules and regulations Planning and inventing an essay

Writing Map http://www.csuohio.edu/writingcenter/writproc.html

Length Essay length is expressed either in the number of pages, or the number of words. Once you're out of grade school, length will almost always be spoken of in number of words, so it's a good idea to get used to thinking about essays that way. Generally, a page of double-spaced text equals around 250 words, but it depends on the font used. Some students get the idea that assigned essay length is a minimum (and in the early years of essay-writing, it sometimes is). Longer is better, they may assume. Maybe, but a teacher who has assigned a 500-word essay probably doesn't want half the students handing in 1000-word works. In post-secondary schools (that is, universities and colleges), teachers will either give you a range (for example 2000-2500 words) or they'll expect you to stick very close to the assigned length. It's a good idea to keep close to the assigned length. Not only will it make your teachers happy, but it's good practice for editing your writing down to only what is essential.

Cause and effect essay Cause and effect essays are concerned with why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result (effects). Cause and effect is a common method of organizing and discussing ideas. To determine causes, ask, "Why did this happen?" To identify effects, ask, "What happened because of this?" The following is an example of one cause producing one effect: Cause You are out of gas. Effect Your car won't start.

Cause and Effect Essay State clearly whether you are discussing causes, effects, or both. Introduce your main idea, using the terms "cause" and/or "effect." Find and organize supporting details. Back up your thesis with relevant and sufficient details that are organized. You can organize details in the following ways: 1. Chronological. Details are arranged in the order in which the events occurred. 2. Order of importance. Details are arranged from least to most important or vice versa. 3. Categorical. Details are arranged by dividing the topic into parts or categories.

Cause and Effect Essay Use appropriate transitions. To blend details smoothly in cause and effect essays, use the transitional words and phrases listed below. For causes: because, due to, on cause is, another is, since, for, first, second For Effects: consequently, as a result, thus, resulted in, one result is, another is, therefore Qualify or limit your statements about cause and effect. Unless there is clear evidence that one event is related to another, qualify your statements with phrases such as "It appears that the cause was" or "It seems likely" or "The evidence may indicate" or "Available evidence suggests."

Classification Essays A classification essay is organizing or sorting things into different categories. Three steps are used in creating a classification essay: First, sort things into useful categories. Next, make sure all the categories are following an organizing principle. Provide examples for each of the categories. The thesis statement should state the topic and the categories. Basically, the classification essay organizes supporting details into three or more groups with each having their own identifying characteristics.

Analogy Essay An analogy is a kind of comparison that attempts to illuminate a subject by comparing it to something else that is in many ways unlike the subject. For example, an analogy might explain the workings of the human brain and nervous system by comparing it to the electrical wiring of a car. Although a person and a car are very different, there are specific similarities that can help someone picture the way a human nervous system works by reference to the more familiar car electrical system. The best way to use analogy is to explain something abstract or complicated by comparing it to something familiar, concrete, or simple to understand.

Analogy A ---------- B ------------ E. Make an analogy playing cards changing a tire selling walking sailing skiing plowing launching rockets running for office hunting Russian roulette brushing teeth B ------------ writing essays growing up growing old rising in the world studying meditating swindling teaching learning failing quarreling making peace E. Make an analogy Choose an activity from column A to explain it by describing it in terms of an activity from column B (or vice-versa).

Compare-contrast essay In a comparison essay, the object is to compare the similarities of otherwise different things, and/or to contrast the differences of otherwise similar things. Sometimes, you may be expected to look at the similarities and differences, though usually the similarities of similar things and the differences of different things are already obvious. In writing this kind of essay, you'll likely need to use methods from many of the other kinds of essays. You might need to explain similarities by analogy or highlight differences by process analysis

Definition Essay Definitions can, of course, be useful in nearly any kind of writing. Definitions can also make an essay all on their own, depending on the topic and the purpose of defining it. For many terms that need defining, especially simple physical things, a sentence or a paragraph is often enough. For more abstract concepts, though, a whole essay may just be the beginning. Consider the abstract notion love. You could, if need be, come up with a fairly short definition that would serve well enough in some contexts, but an abstract like love can also provide the topic for an essay. Suppose your topic was "What is Joy"--could you write an essay simply attempting to define this word? That is a definition essay.

Description Essay Some essays do nothing but describe. To describe something in an essay, it's a good idea to use some of the same techniques as you would use in creative writing. Make use of all five senses: how does a thing look, feel, taste, smell, and sound? Note those small, unique details that really enable a reader to see what it is about the thing you are describing that makes it different from other things like it. Descriptive essays can easily slip over the dividing line between something you have to write for school and a true piece of creative non-fiction. In this essay, clarity and accuracy are important, so stay away from abstraction as much as possible. And remember that the techniques of the descriptive essay are useful in other essay types, as well. How can you analyze something without a quick description of it, at least?

Argumentative Essay An argumentative, or persuasive essay is meant to convince the reader of something. You might, for example, write about why smoking is bad for your health, or why you should always look both ways before crossing the street. You don't necessarily have to agree with the position you are arguing for, as long as you write your essay as if you agree.