WELCOME to Seminar 9: Revising the Informative Essay We will begin on schedule. I’ll see you shortly. Hang on! The end is in sight!

Welcome to Seminar #9: Revising the Informative Essay How is everyone today? How was your week? The course is almost over. This is our last seminar together. The time has flown!

1. If you haven't already done so, get your previous weeks work to me asap. 2. Remember your message board postings are part of your grade. 3. All late work must be turned in IMMEDIATELY. The quarter is almost over! Let's talk about your final project. Final essays are due no later than midnight Tuesday, May 24. Do not be late!!!!!

Be sure that you have followed the directions for the final project concerning number of pages and number and types of sources. Do NOT use any font larger than 12, not even for the title page! Do not use bold on your title page.

Also, make this a formal essay. Do not use first person (I, me, my, we, us, our) unless your have conducted an experiment or are using a personal example. Do not use second person (you, your). If you have a specific question, me. Are there any questions so far?

Introductions, Conclusions, and Background Information Now that you are done with your draft, it's time to revise. First, if you haven't already done so, add an introduction, a conclusion, and any background information your reader will need.

Remember: The introduction (hook) draws your audience into the topic. A narrative, an example, a description, a startling statement can be used. An introduction to your subject should be more than just the first paragraph of your paper. It should invite the reader to give attention to what you have to say. We talked about introductions in seminar 6.

In Conclusion… For your conclusion, do NOT just summarize what you have already written. Make your conclusion dynamic. Don't disappoint your readers by merely repeating what you've already said. Put in a twist. Make it unexpected or challenging. Remember: Don’t do this to your readers!

Add background information if needed to provide the audience with the history of the situation and / or the current state of the situation. For example, I had a comp class for criminal justice majors and one of their topics was Megan's Law. In order to discuss the topic, they had to inform the reader what the law was. In fact, many of them also gave a brief history of the law so their readers would know its importance.

Reference Page MUST be done in APA format. Must be double-spaced (only!). Must be in alphabetical (ABC) order. Must have hanging indents. That means that the first line of each reference must begin at the left margin. Additional lines must be indented 5-7 spaces.

Sample Reference Page Dooley, T. (2006). Totally Unique Thoughts. Retrieved on September 20, 2006 from Frankl, V. (1984). Man’s search for meaning. New York: Simon & Schuster. They did it with positive thinking. (2002, September 27). Times Educational Supplement (4500). Retrieved on September 5, 2006 from Professional Development.

In order for the reader to follow your argument, your ideas should be connected by transitional words and phrases. What are transitions?

Transitions Transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that connect the parts of your paper. Most people do not add transitions naturally, so go back and add them if necessary. What are some examples of transitions?

Transitions Therefore, consequently, moreover, first, next, finally, in conclusion, another point to consider, in addition, for example, etc. An essay is nothing more than a series of related paragraphs, and a paragraph is a series of related sentences. To help this relationship along, good writers use transitional words and phrases in their writings.

Transitional words and phrases include three devices for joining sentences: (1) coordinating conjunctions (and, but, yet. or, for, etc.), The dog barked, so the cat ran. (2) subordinating conjunctions (because, although, whenever, etc.), and Because the dog barked, the cat ran. (3) transitional adverbs (however, moreover, thus, therefore, etc.). The dog barked; therefore, the cat ran.

Transitional words and phrases tie the essay's ideas together and make for a more easily understandable written work. Without the transitional elements, each sentence almost sounds as though it is an island unto itself, as though it is unrelated to the other sentences in the paragraph. Good writers use transitions!

Remember! There’s one important thing to do before doing any revising and editing! Does anyone remember what that is???

COOL DOWN! When you are finished with your first draft, put your writing aside for minutes (over night is even better!). Walk away, and then come back and reread your work. You will see your work differently after a cooling down period.

One More Look At…. Editing!! A VERY IMPORTANT part of the writing process and something everyone needs to work on before hitting “send!” Let’s Go!!

Edit for spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. Is your paper free of fragments and run-ons? Do subjects and verbs agree? Do nouns and pronouns match in number? Are modifiers clearly placed? Are there awkward shifts from first to third person or from past to present tense? Are the rules of spelling, capitalization, and punctuation followed? Use your spell and grammar check, but remember that you MUST read your work before making changes that the computer suggests. Microsoft Word is often incorrect with regards to grammar. Also, the computer will not pick up the fact that you used "send" instead of "sent" since both are spelled correctly.

Have you chosen the correct word? Do you want accept or "except? Their, there, or they're? Than or then? Is your word choice suitable for your subject and audience? Do some of your words have connotations that may weaken your paper or offend readers? For example, "cheap" has a different connotation than "inexpensive." Are your words repetitious? Do you use the same words over and over? Do you use trite, over-used expressions or slang? Are your expressions too informal? Edit Words

Have you followed the prescribed format, using 12 point font? Do you have a title page with your name on it? Is your title page in 12 point font? Are pages properly numbered with a running header? Do you have a reference page? Is it double- spaced? Do the references have hanging indents? Are the references in alphabetical order? Are they in APA format? Edit Format

Edit Details Are names, dates, and quotes accurate? Are facts and statistics clearly stated? Do the in-text citations match the reference page?

Write in Plain Standard American English Have you used Standard American English? Your paper won't work if your writer can't understand what you mean. Delete all words that create a conversational or informal tone in your papers.

Make sure that most of the paper is written in your own words. If you find that you have too many quotes, eliminate, paraphrase, or summarize. Make sure you've used quotation marks when you used someone else's exact words. Make sure you have in-text citations for quotes, paraphrases, and summaries.

Remember…. 1. Eliminate unrelated details, sentences, research or words. 2. Add in missing details 3. Make sentence clear and understandable Variety is the spice of life! 4. Avoid vagueness 5. Avoid Bias 6. Verify Accuracy 7. Polish Introductions and Conclusions 8. Check your words. Make sure you've used the best words for the meaning you're trying to convey.

When revising your paper, ask yourself the following questions: 1. Does the introduction grab attention? 2. Is the thesis statement clearly identifiable? Can you point to it? If you can't, the reader won't be able to either. Does the thesis statement make a point? 3. Have you stuck to the topic? Have you stuck to the point you are trying to make? 4. Do the rest of the paragraphs support or prove your thesis?

5. Do the sentences and paragraphs flow? Do you need to move a sentence or paragraph to provide greater organization or clarity? 6. Does the paper make sense? Can the reader follow your ideas? 7. Do you need to add or remove anything? Do you need to change a word or phrase or add examples? 8. Does the paper conclude on a strong point? Questions (continued)

PS… Don’t forget about Unit 10!

Last Seminar! This is our last seminar together. You’ve been a great group to work with!

Any Questions, Comments or Concerns??? Again, THANK YOU for being such a GREAT group to work with! I have enjoyed each and every one of you!! I wish you much success in all of your academic pursuits! Please me if you need any help before the final essay is due. Keep in Touch!!

Have a Great Summer Term!