1. WRITING SKILLS
DO’S and DON’T’S

2. KEEP IT FORMAL! State everything like it is a FACT
Omit “I”, “I feel”, “In my opinion”, etc…
Do not use contractions (they are not as strong as directly saying something)
Use “distinct diction”, not “different stuff”

3. CHECK SPELLING
Learn the difference between uses, i.e. there-their, where-were, etc…
If you end up with contractions—which you shouldn’t—spell them right, i.e. could’ve NOT could of, your-you’re, etc…
Re-read it!
DO NOT write how you talk

4. SENTENCES Finish your thoughts (NO FRAGMENTS)
Know when to stop (NO RUN-ONS)
Vary their length
Plan what you want to say
Re-read what you wrote
Re-write to clarify

5. PLAN Identify what you are assigned to do AND consider
Make sure you understand and plan what you are going to say
Have enough information; don’t make things up or leave something unfinished
FOLLOW YOUR PLAN!!!

6. CONVENTIONS OF WRITING
CLAIM-Make a statement—a good one worth our time!
DATA-Support your claim with details
WARRANT-Explain how your data supports your claim, and thereby proves your claim is right