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Attempts Attempt 1 score is1.5Attempt 2 score is
Keep the Highest 3 out of 33 / 3
Attempt3 score is3
1.5
5. Prewriting - Freewriting
Have you ever picked a topic for an essay but couldn't think of what to write about? Many writers feel
at a loss at the beginning of the writing process. One method that can help you relax and release some
of your topic ideas is freewriting. Freewriting is quickly writing down anything that comes into your
head. Focused freewriting is when you write informally about one topic to generate ideas.
Steps for Focused Freewriting
Directions: Click on the following blank lines, and select the correct answers from the dropdown
menus to complete the paragraph about freewriting.
Unlike unfocused freewriting, in which you might jump quickly between loosely connected ideas, in
focused freewriting you should concentrate onError! Filename not specified.one subject . One goal of
focused freewriting is toError! Filename not specified.overcome blank-page jitters . A focused freewrite
can help youError! Filename not specified.narrow down your ideas about a topic .
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
In focused freewriting, you should concentrate on one subject. One goal of focused freewriting is
to overcome blank-page jitters. A focused freewrite can help you narrow down your ideas about
a topic.
If your freewriting includes many unconnected subjects, you are producing an unfocused freewrite in
which you put down anything that comes to mind. The goal of your focused freewrite is not to generate
a perfect paper or to criticize yourself; rather, the goal is to overcome the blank-page jitters that often
stifle the generation of ideas.
Step
One:
Step
Two:
Step
Three:
Choose your paper topic. Try to be as specific as possible.
Write for about 15 minutes on the topic. You want to let the ideas flow, but be
careful not to get off track from your topic.
Select the most interesting and relevant ideas from the freewrite to develop in
your essay.
Directions: Which of the following is an example of a focused freewrite, a writing to generate ideas, on
"A Talented Athlete"?
Freewrite A: LeBron James is one of the most talented athletes today. He began playing for the NBA
at the age of 18; I think that makes him the youngest person to play professional basketball in the
United States. Today, LeBron James continues to grow and to excel as an athlete. He proves that talent
and hard work can make you rise to the top, no matter what your age.
Freewrite B: Beginning his career in the NBA at the age of 18, LeBron James is one of the most
talented athletes in the world. When I was 18, I had to work at a fast-food joint, flipping burgers and
taking out the trash. In fact, my new job as a cashier at Walmart isn't much better. It must be amazing
to play for the NBA just as LeBron James does. That would be a dream come true for me.
Freewrite C: One of the most talented athletes today has to be LeBron James. He has achieved so
much on the basketball court at such a young age. He even has a shoe contract with Nike. He must get
a lot of money from Nike. I have heard that Nike pays athletes as much as $90 million to endorse its
products. That's $90 million just to wear shoes and a shirt with the Nike logo on it! No wonder LeBron
James drives a Hummer.
Points:
1 / 1
Close Explanation
Explanation:
"Freewrite A" is correct; it is a focused freewrite on a talented athlete—in this case, LeBron James.
Freewrite A focuses on LeBron James's achievements. Freewrites B and C begin with a discussion of
James's achievements, but then they go off topic. In Freewrite B, the author discusses his or her own
job more than James's outstanding athletic career. In Freewrite C, the author writes more about Nike
than James's achievements in basketball.
Source: "James, LeBron." LeBron News. NikeLeBron.net, 2010. Web. 20 October 2010.
