40 Questions
What is a key benefit of creating an outline before writing an essay?
It helps the writer organize their ideas and see the skeletal structure of the essay
What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an outline?
To summarize the main ideas of the essay
What are the three types of outlines mentioned in the lesson?
Full-sentence, alphanumeric, and decimal outlines
What is the main benefit of a full-sentence outline?
It is easier to write the first draft
What is the purpose of the 100 rule?
To provide criticism on bad ideas
What is the main benefit of the five-paragraph essay structure?
It is centered around a thesis statement, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion
What is the analysis in the context of writing an essay?
The writer's interpretation of the importance of a particular detail found through research
Why is it important to not delete bad ideas?
Because criticism is a good thing
What is the main purpose of the modified 100 rule in timed tests?
To break down the argument into columns
What should you do if you get stuck while writing a synthesis paper?
Relax, re-read the prompt and try again
What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
To present the main idea of the essay and guide the writer's outline
What is the main difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?
A thesis statement determines the purpose of the entire essay, while a topic sentence previews the content of a paragraph
What is the recommended approach to writing an essay?
Write the body paragraphs first, then add the introduction and conclusion
What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
To help the reader preview the content of the paragraph
What should be avoided in informal essays?
Including personal opinions or statements
What is the purpose of a conclusion paragraph in an essay?
To provide a sense of closure and restate the thesis statement
What is the recommended approach to writing a formal outline?
Following a six-step process
What is the importance of using reliable sources in an essay?
To provide credibility and support to the writer's argument
What is the purpose of the introduction paragraph in an essay?
To grab the reader's interest and lead to the thesis statement
What is the recommended length of a conclusion paragraph?
Around 6 sentences
What is the main purpose of an outline in the writing process?
To organize ideas, gather information, and visualize the essay structure
What is unique about a full-sentence outline?
It requires writers to write out each sentence in full
What is the main difference between alphanumeric and decimal outlines?
Alphanumeric outlines are more general, while decimal outlines are more detailed
What is the recommended approach to writing a synthesis paper?
Read the text first, then brainstorm
What is the purpose of criticism during group sessions?
To help improve ideas and eliminate bad ones
What is the main benefit of using the 5-minute rule in timed tests?
To allow writers to brainstorm and organize their ideas quickly
What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
To summarize the main idea of the essay
What is the main benefit of using outlines in essay writing?
To create a more cohesive and focused essay
What is the main difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence?
A thesis statement is more specific, while a topic sentence is more general
What is the recommended approach to getting stuck while writing a synthesis paper?
Relax, re-read the prompt, and try again
What is the primary function of a thesis statement in an essay?
To express the main idea of the essay
What is the main purpose of the six-step process for writing an outline?
To organize ideas and ensure they support the thesis statement
What is the main difference between a formal and informal essay?
The use of reliable sources
What is the purpose of the topic sentence in a paragraph?
To help the reader preview the content of the paragraph
What is the recommended approach to writing a five-paragraph essay?
Write the body paragraphs before the introduction and conclusion
What is the importance of using parallelism in an outline?
It ensures all items in a list start with the same part of speech
What is the purpose of a conclusion paragraph in an essay?
To provide a sense of closure and restate the thesis statement
What is the main benefit of writing the middle of an essay first?
It provides direction and continuity to the essay
What is the recommended approach to starting an essay?
Limit the topic, start with a story, write background information, and then write the thesis statement
What is the importance of using reliable sources in an essay?
It provides credibility to the essay
Study Notes
Writing Strategies
- Try to get a group session together to brainstorm and don't delete bad ideas.
- Break down the argument into columns and use a modified 100 rule for timed tests, called the 5-minute rule.
Outlines
- Outlines are useful because they allow writers to compile information and set a direction for the essay before creating the first draft.
- Outlines provide a more cohesive and focused method to write a paper.
- The three types of outlines are full-sentence outlines, alphanumeric outlines, and decimal outlines.
- Full-sentence outlines take more time to write but make writing the first draft easier.
- Alphanumeric outlines speak in generalities and are less time-consuming.
- Decimal outlines clearly relate subconcepts to the main concepts.
Essay Structure
- A five-paragraph essay is centered around a thesis statement, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- The thesis statement should be written before writing an outline to ensure all subtopics support it.
- A formal outline should include major points, subpoints, and details about those subpoints.
- Topic sentences express the main idea of the paragraph.
Outlining Techniques
- The six-step process can be used to write an outline.
- Other methods for writing outlines include the reverse outline and a verbal outline.
- Four key concepts to apply to outlines are parallelism, coordination, subordination, and division.
Sources and Credibility
- A source is a piece of information used to support an argument.
- Primary sources are original data, while secondary sources are analysis or interpretation of primary sources.
- Evaluate the evidence presented in a source and determine which source to use.
- Give proper credit for the sources used in writing.
Essay Writing
- A five-paragraph essay has an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
- The conclusion paragraph should have no new information, provide a sense of closure, and restate the thesis statement.
- Topic sentences help the reader preview the content of a paragraph, while a thesis statement determines the purpose of the entire essay.
- Only introduce reliable sources, such as databases, and avoid using Wikipedia.
Alternative Writing Strategy
- Write the body paragraphs before the introduction and conclusion.
- Organize information, determine three main ideas, and write the topic sentence and details for each body paragraph.
- Write the introduction and conclusion last, summarizing the main idea and reiterating the thesis statement.
Writing Strategies
- Try to get a group session together to brainstorm and don't delete bad ideas.
- Break down the argument into columns and use a modified 100 rule for timed tests, called the 5-minute rule.
Outlines
- Outlines are useful because they allow writers to compile information and set a direction for the essay before creating the first draft.
- Outlines provide a more cohesive and focused method to write a paper.
- The three types of outlines are full-sentence outlines, alphanumeric outlines, and decimal outlines.
- Full-sentence outlines take more time to write but make writing the first draft easier.
- Alphanumeric outlines speak in generalities and are less time-consuming.
- Decimal outlines clearly relate subconcepts to the main concepts.
Essay Structure
- A five-paragraph essay is centered around a thesis statement, three supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- The thesis statement should be written before writing an outline to ensure all subtopics support it.
- A formal outline should include major points, subpoints, and details about those subpoints.
- Topic sentences express the main idea of the paragraph.
Outlining Techniques
- The six-step process can be used to write an outline.
- Other methods for writing outlines include the reverse outline and a verbal outline.
- Four key concepts to apply to outlines are parallelism, coordination, subordination, and division.
Sources and Credibility
- A source is a piece of information used to support an argument.
- Primary sources are original data, while secondary sources are analysis or interpretation of primary sources.
- Evaluate the evidence presented in a source and determine which source to use.
- Give proper credit for the sources used in writing.
Essay Writing
- A five-paragraph essay has an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph.
- The conclusion paragraph should have no new information, provide a sense of closure, and restate the thesis statement.
- Topic sentences help the reader preview the content of a paragraph, while a thesis statement determines the purpose of the entire essay.
- Only introduce reliable sources, such as databases, and avoid using Wikipedia.
Alternative Writing Strategy
- Write the body paragraphs before the introduction and conclusion.
- Organize information, determine three main ideas, and write the topic sentence and details for each body paragraph.
- Write the introduction and conclusion last, summarizing the main idea and reiterating the thesis statement.
Learn effective writing strategies for synthesizing information and creating compelling papers. Discover the importance of outlines, brainstorming, and criticism in the writing process.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
