(Writing Unleashed Chapter 4)

Chapter four of Writing Unleashed provides many valuable tips about writing a research paper. For my issue report, I described the conflicting sides of standardized testing, and I will be writing my argument paper on the many negative effects of these tests. I have and will continue to use secondary sources, “information that has previously been analyzed, assessed or otherwise documented” (120), for these papers.
One of the toughest parts of writing an issue report or argument paper is finding the best sources. “A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is used to specify addresses on the World Wide Web; it is considered a fundamental network identification for any type of resource connected to the web” (120-121). One can look at the URL of a source to know whether or not it is plausible. In this chapter, the author gives examples of different search engines that are popular for research. The author also reveals that “either more accurate terms or punctuation changes should be used to signal a more specific search or topic and lead to better results” (122). The way one searches something can truly affect what comes up.
The author once again references the hamburger diagram when talking about the implementation of sources. While diagram is very helpful, the reader is introduced to a new formula for paragraphs called PIE. The P stands for point; this is where the writer puts their topic sentence. The I stands for illustration; this is where the writer puts their evidence. The E stands for explanation; this is where the writer tells why the evidence proves their point. Every paragraph should be structured in this way. I will definitely be making sure all my paragraphs follow this form in my future writing.
After reading this chapter, I have learned that I must be specific in my searches for sources and that I must pay close attention to the URLs. As I continue to find sources for my research paper, I will remember these tips.

Source: Priebe, Sybil, et al. “Writing Unleashed.” OER Commons, North Dakota State College of Science, 25 Oct. 2017, http://www.oercommons.org/courseware/module/18115.

(Writing UnleashedChapter 2)

The third chapter of Writing Unleashed describes and explains a variety of strategies that can be used in writing an essay. It is amazing how many strategies there really are for writing. I have used many of these strategies in previous writing and plan to use other types in the future.

My favorite strategies are Illustration and Compare and Contrast. I use both of these strategies all the time, and I will most likely use them again in my issue report. When talking about the Illustration strategy, the author stated, “We use examples to help us understand by giving us a piece of information that is representative of the whole.” (Writing Unleashed 52). This is very accurate, as we often use examples to explain something when someone does not understand. The author also stated claimed that “it’s key to consider the audience.” (Writing Unleashed 54). I agree with this as the audience must be able to understand the example. This strategy will assist me in explaining why my issue is a problem. I will also use the Compare and Contrast strategy to reveal the different sides of the issue.

Another strategy I really like is Narration. While I will probably not use this strategy in my issue report, I have used it in the past. This strategy as well as the Description strategy make a story really come to life and draws the reader in. I used these strategies when writing a Common Application Essay. I told the story of when I first started going to public school in this essay, and instead of saying I was nervous, I said that the butterflies in my stomach would not settle down. This gives the reader the ability to truly understand how I was feeling. When speaking on description, the author states that “To show, not to tell means to allow the reader to experience or feel the moment rather than be fed information.” (Writing Unleashed 48). I really want to practice using this strategy more, so I can truly make the scene come to life for the reader.

Source: Priebe, Sybil, et al. “Writing Unleashed.” OER Commons, North Dakota State College of Science, 25 Oct. 2017, http://www.oercommons.org/courseware/module/18115.

(Writing Unleashed chapter 3)

After reading chapter three of Writing Unleashed, I am very impressed. Right away, the author reveals that there are a variety of different genres. They then continue to explain certain types of genres, such as memoirs, profiles, essays, and more. For each type of genre, the author describes when and how they should be written and provides examples. This is very helpful, as it can be a bit overwhelming at times to differentiate between the different types of writing.

I found the author’s explanation of a memoir to be very interesting. They explained that “though a memoir is the retelling of a true account, it is not usually regarded as being completely true. After all, no one can faithfully recall every detail or bit of dialogue from an event that took place many years ago” (88). I had never really thought about it in this way. People often do not trust memoirs because of this fact, but it is simply one persons perspective, not necessarily the correct one.

After revealing astonishing information about memoirs, the author goes on to explain key factors in being able to write a profile. They suggest that you be careful to avoid stereotypes and to confirm details. The author states that “details are very important in writing a profile piece; they could make or break your story!” (98). Everyone knows one should avoid stereotypes; however, I never really thought about how much little details really can affect a story.

Before talking about letters and emails, the author briefly mentions essays. They show the hamburger model, which is very helpful, and quickly move on. The author mentions how people in today’s world do not normally use letters anymore; we use email instead. They point out that “some of the same principles that we learn about writing letters can be used when learning about how to write an email message” (110). I agree with this statement as the “email is the new letter” (110); therefore, they should be written in the same format.

What I am thinking now is that I have definitely learned new things through this chapter, and I can not wait to be able to put this new knowledge to use on my next assignment.  

Source: Priebe, Sybil, et al. “Writing Unleashed.” OER Commons, North Dakota State College of Science, 25 Oct. 2017, http://www.oercommons.org/courseware/module/18115.

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton