Welcome to Effective Writing 1- CM 107 Sunday, March 4, 2012  You should be hearing music. If you don’t, please check your audio.  Feel free to chat and get acquainted until the music stops near the top of the hour. This session is held 8:00-9:00 PM (EST). Once the seminar starts, please keep all comments relevant to the class topic.

 Expository refers to writing that explains and clarifies an idea.  You come across examples of expository writing every day:  Magazine articles  Newspaper articles  s and memos  Instruction manuals  How do we use exposition in our daily lives?

 Academic assignments and essays often fall under the category of expository writing.  Hallmarks of expository writing:  Precisely-worded  Focused around a central idea  Logically sound (uses adequate support) What are some modes or methods a writer/speaker could use to explain something?

 What is a thesis statement?  The thesis statement is a statement of  your topic and a comment about it.

 It is your “ what’s the point ?”  What do you want your readers to know.  The main idea you are trying to get across.  Your message.  The point you want to make.

 Generally stated in a single sentence.  Expresses a point of view, not a topic.  Limits the topic.  Indicates the kind of support to follow.  Helps to organize the supporting material  Is precisely worded.  It does NOT announce by saying: I am going to tell you about….or My essay will explain ….

Stem--General idea Prongs--Specific General Specific Pt. A Specific Pt. B Specific Pt. C

General/Abstract DOG----ANIMAL Concrete/Specific COLLIE---DOG These concepts are relative.

Because of global warming, many habitats are being reduced or eliminated, such as those supporting tigers, lions, and polar bears. Global warming and the reduction of habitats are the general ideas; they are specifically applied to each of the animals mentioned.

 What’s with our public schools? Identify the thesis of this article.  inion/2010/0929/Waiting-for-Superman-to- reform-education-He-s-already-here inion/2010/0929/Waiting-for-Superman-to- reform-education-He-s-already-here

Thank you for a great seminar! Have a wonderful week! Judi