Research Paper and Brainstorming Activities
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WelcometoEssentialsofEnglishComposition101PowerPoint.pptxWelcome to Essentials of English Composition 101. My name is Stacie Vesolich, and I will be your instructor for this course. I commend you for enrolling in this course as a path to furthering your academic goals, and I will make every effort to help you to achieve success in your writing endeavors. Let me begin by highlighting several key points of this course:
Essentials of English Composition 101
8 Modules and a Final Research Paper
There are 8 modules, culminating with a final research paper as the exam.
Each module is different, and it is very important that you read the instructions for every module.
The beginning module requires you to do several writing, practice exercises. This is mandatory, even though the practice exercises are not graded.
The modules start out relatively easy (a descriptive essay and a narrative essay that are written on your firsthand experiences and do not require any writing citations.)
Be advised that the modules build on each other, progressively becoming more difficult.
As your instructor, I have 3 days ( per module) to grade your work. My response to your essay submissions usually does not take three days, although I am granted that amount of time.
Read, Write, Submit, Wait
English courses require that the writer addresses the writing prompt. This can only be done if the writer carefully reads the specific directions.
After you submit your essay, wait for the remarks and critique before submitting another module.
In some instances, you may be required to submit a revision of your essay.
The option to do a revision on the submitted essay is your choice, but is to your advantage.
Progression of Difficulty
Each writing module develops a specific skill and the level of difficulty of these writing skills increases as the course progresses.
Be sure to carefully read all of the instructions and view any videos that apply to the module.
Always address the writing prompt: This is the specific instructional requirement for the essay.
Research and Sources
For this course, when you present information that is based on research that you have reviewed and studied, you must provide two types of sources:
1) Parenthetical or in-text citations For example: (Smith 22)
2) A works cited page that is in alphabetical order.
3) I will use an electronic scan to verify that the work submitted is your original work, or work that has been properly cited.
Remember that you have signed an honesty agreement about the work that you will submit.
Research Essays, Expository Essays, and Persuasive Essays Demand Citations
If you are having difficulty formatting the works cited page or the in-text (parenthetical citations), please refer to these links:
The Purdue Owl Online Writing Lab (OWL). Click on MLA Formatting and Style Guide.
Note: English classes tend to use MLA formatting; science and humanities’ classes tend to use APA formatting. We recommend using MLA formatting for our English classes at Portage. However, I am fine with either type of formatting, as long as the work is consistent throughout the essay. You cannot blend styles.
Another helpful resource: The MLA Style Center (online)
Module 1: The Writing Process
For this module, you will be required to do the following:
1) Sign an honesty agreement
2) Pick a topic (This topic may be based on any of the writing prompts for the modules.)
3) Brainstorm and cluster the topic
4) Write an outline of your topic
5) Write 4 research questions on your topic
6) Write a thesis statement
7) Write the intro, body, and conclusion of your topic
8) Define college-level vocabulary words
Note: This is a practice module, and the work is not graded. However, it is mandatory!!!
You will not be able to proceed to the next modules without completing the practice exercises.
Module 1 Continued: Descriptive Writing
This essay appears at the end of the practice exercises. Unlike the practice exercises, this essay submission will be graded.
In this genre, the writer’s goal is to make the reader “experience” the information.
The essay should be 2-3 pages. (approx. 800-1000 words, double spaced in Times New Roman, 12 point font.)
Use vivid language and great imagery that appeals to the senses.
This is not a narrative, but a pictorial in words of an experience.
No sources or citations are required for this module.
Please review the precise directions at the end of the practice module.
Module 2: Narrative Writing
Narrative writing tells the story of an event. You will write a non-fiction narrative in which you express an event that has impacted your life.
3 pages ( 1000 words, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font)
Please refer to the precise directions in the review section of this module.
No sources or citations are required for this module.
Important comment about the word count: I am concerned with content in an essay. However, a well-developed essay usually has a word count of approx. 800-1200 words. A page is usually about 500-750 words. Use that guideline as a “rule of thumb.”
Module 3: Expository Writing
The nature of an expository essay is that it explains, informs, or clarifies.
This expository essay, which will require in-text citations and a works cited page is to be an example of a “cause and effect” incident.
For example: a topic for an expository essay may be “The Increase of Child Obesity in Impoverished Communities in the USA.
The Cause: limited access to fresh fruit and vegetables
The Effect: Increase in weight gain due to high consumption of carbs.
Essay is 3-4 pages (1000-1500 words) double spaced, Times New Roman
In-text citations are mandatory
A works cited page is mandatory ( 10-15 sources required)
Module 4: Persuasive Writing
This genre of writing generates a response from the reader. In this module, you will view a video that presents two positions on the issue of fracking. You will supplement your viewing by researching other sources on the issue of fracking.
After you have taken a position on this topic, you will present your main points in a well-written essay.
It is mandatory that you validate these main points with in-text citations and a works cited page.
Formatting: 3-4 pages (750-1200 words), double spaced, Times New Roman.
Module 5: Literary Analysis Poetry
While students well-versed in the realm of language arts find this writing module very applicable to their field of study, this module may present itself as challenging for the student who is not accustomed to this type of writing. Here are some tips:
The key to analyzing a poetry selection is to analyze what literary structure the author utilizes to convey his or her point of view ( or rhetorical stance)
A well-written analysis presents a “thread” or a “core theme” surfacing throughout the selection or selections. How was the author able to convey this theme? Was it through vivid word choices or a driving refrain? Note: Essay is 3 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman, 12 point font.
State specific examples when analyzing the literary techniques.
Don’t merely say that the author uses a rhyme pattern to convey his or her message. Be specific.
Please refer to the next slide for a glossary of literary terms that will serve you well for this analysis.
Glossary of Key Literary Terms
Diction: The choice of words utilized by the author.
Dramatic Context: The setting and core structure of the poem.
Elliptical Construction: The omission of certain words or phrases by the author.
Euphemism: A mild or less blunt word, for example, sleep instead of death.
Metaphor: A figure of speech that compares unlike objects.
Simile: A figure of speech that compares unlike objects using like and as: “Life is like a dream”
Motif: a recurring theme throughout the selection
Syntax: The pattern of words or sentence structure utilized by the writer.
Module 6: Literary Analysis Prose
For this module, you will read an excerpt from Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. I will assign a writing prompt based on a particular aspect from this excerpt. You will not be asked to reiterate the plot line, but rather, your assignment will be to decode and analyze the author’s rhetorical stance which means the author’s attitude or opinion in regard to the subject.
The essay is 3-4 pages (1000-1500 words), double spaced, Times New Roman
Be sure to include parenthetical citations and a works cited page if you include information from other sources to validate your comments and analysis of the writing prompt.
Module 7: Reflective Writing
The essay for this module is a reflection on your developmental success as a writer in this course.
Focus on your initial fears and weaknesses when you began this course.
What areas of growth occurred in the development of your writing skills as your progressed through the course?
Note: Your ability to convey this reflection in a concise, well-developed writing style will be considered in the grading of this essay.
First Draft: Research Paper
For this course, even though this assignment is a first draft, you will be required to submit prewriting and a completed copy of your essay, which will include introduction, body, conclusion. The first draft must also include parenthetical citations and a works cited page.
Final Exam: Research Paper
This is your big essay for this course. Work diligently to submit the very best essay.
Writing tips:
To stay organized and focused, there are three essential plans for a good essay: 1) Create an outline 2) Formulate a strong thesis statement that will drive the purpose of your essay 3) Create four research questions that deal with your topic. If you can’t create four questions, then you probably don’t have a good topic.
Include 10-15 sources that will be incorporated in your text as well as your works cited page.
If you are using direct quotations, make sure that you treat them as such.
Refer to the precise instructions in the module.
