1. Throwaway Writing What is it? How would you define it?

2. Here’s some examples: I’m going to tell you…. This concludes my introduction. Now I will focus on my third reason. In conclusion, I would like to add this. I believe these things are important. THE END

3. Conversation: Conversation: (between a teacher and one state high-stakes-testing essay-scoring official) Teacher: What about this sentence? Grader: Which sentence? Teacher: The beginning sentence on the essay which reads, “I am going to tell you the good parts and the bad parts about a rainy day.” Grader: At that point, we’re still waiting for the essay to kick in. We’re still waiting for it to say something. Teacher: That first sentence doesn’t show organization? As an introduction? Grader: Nope. It’s throwaway writing. We don’t count it negatively or positively. We just keep reading and looking for the essay to begin. Teacher: Throwaway? Grader: Yep. It’s space that the writer could’ve used for something else.

4. Answer this:  Do people do throwaway talking? Why?  Is throwaway writing a necessary first step in getting thoughts on paper?  What function does it serve?  What else might serve the same function?  Is there any such thing as throwaway teaching? What does it sound like?

5. Love Letter Dear John, I am writing to tell you three reasons about why I love you. In this letter, you will hear what I love about you, how much I love you, and what I hope you will say to me after you read this letter. I hope you enjoy the letter. Thank you for reading it. Sincerely, Margo

6. 9-1-1 Call Uh…hello, 9-1-1? In this phone call I will tell you about an emergency happening in my house right at this moment. I will tell you the good and the bad things about fires in the living room. First, I will cover the bad things. Smoke is bad. Next, the heat from the flames is also bad. Third, the house will be expensive to replace. This concludes my 9-1-1 phone call.

7. Throwaway Writing Define it. Do we want it in our writing? How can we avoid using it?

8. Now it’s your turn… With your partner, write your very own 9-1-1 call or love letter or thank you note using Throwaway Writing ! Use your sense of humor and have fun with this assignment. We will share in a few minutes!