1. College Writing: Some Basics
Presentation by Patricia Benjumea
College Writing: Some Basics

2. Active Reading and Good Writing
WHEN YOU READ
Read your own personal narrative/interpretation into the text
Question everything (WH-Questions)
Read with a Pen/Highlighter in Hand
WHEN YOU WRITE
Show that your story and the text relate to one another
Show how the mirrors in the text taught you something about yourself

3. How English 101 relates to all Humanities Courses:
College Papers for English, history, sociology, psychology etc. all require clear supporting evidence for your claims.
Why?
“He Who Writes Reads Twice”

4. Choosing a Topic and Telling your Story
Pick one topic, one argument, that you understand: “Clear thinking = Clear Writing”
Do not try to explain everything
Support all your claims with evidence:
(ex. research, personal experiences, interviews, observations)

5. How to Avoid Writer’s Block
The Voices of the Writer
1. Creator Reviser Editor
Reading Critically
Responding to the world
Life experiences that taught you something
Free writing/
Journaling
Rethinking your ideas
Elaborating
Eliminating
Cutting and pasting
Getting feedback from peers
Checking for unclear sentences
Correct grammatical errors
Final polishing of paper
Check for spelling errors

6. Essays are About Voicing your Opinion
Back up your opinions with support
Avoid regurgitating your teacher’s opinions
Know your audience
Always sound professional (avoid Clichés)
Make connections to your life experiences
Make connections to your other classes and interests

7. What is a Thesis Statement?
The answer to the prompt/question
It depends on your purpose!
Topic + Opinion = Thesis Statement
Topic: In the poem I am Joaquin, the speaker reveals Chicano Identity as __________(opinion)

8. Introductions are Hooks!
Some ideas to start
Open with an arresting statement
Provide background information
Tell a story
Explain your purpose
Define something
Provide an summary of a work (poem)
Use an interesting quotation

9. Remember: The Basic Structure of the Essay
Always End with a Bang!
Remember: The Basic Structure of the Essay
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraphs
Conclusion
“Since the paper should open with a specific picture or argument or phrase, some echo of that original opening at the end gives the reader a sense that the paper has all been tied up in a nice neat package. Only then can we sleep in peace.” Dr. Dave