Chapter 8: Reading, Writing and Presenting

Read Right!, Part 1 1. Understand what being a good reader is all about. Focus is the key. Understanding is the goal; not speed. 2. Take stock of your own reading challenges. Physical and psychological factors affect reading. Assessing your own challenges is important. 3. Adjust your reading style. Judge how to read by what you need. Know when to” taste,” and when to “digest.” 4. Have a “conversation” with the author. Question the author as you read. Keep your own commentary on the text.

Read Right!, Part 2 5. Dissect the text. Cut up the text; try putting it into your own words. 6. Make detailed, clear notes. Find the main points. Write it down to help remember it later.

Write Right! Prewriting Before you begin writing, ask yourself these questions: 1.What is this assignment asking me to do? 2.Who is my audience, and what do I want them to know or do? 3.Can I compose a strong thesis statement? 4.Have I done enough research? ** TIP -- set in-between target dates for the three stages of writing, even if your instructor doesn’t.

Write Right! Writing Use these techniques for starting the writing process: 1.Begin by writing what’s on your mind (the brain dump). 2.To begin, think about the words, “The purpose of this paper is…” 3.Work with a tutor or at least have a third party edit your paper.

Write Right! Rewriting Try these suggestions when rewriting: 1.Leave it alone. 2.Ask for feedback. 3.Edit ruthlessly! 4.Decide on an organizational format. 5.Proofread, proofread, proofread.

Building a Better Paper: The 7 C’s 1.Be Clear 2.Be Complete 3.Be Correct 4.Be Concise 5.Be Compelling 6.Be Courteous 7.Be Convincing