XHSC 0911D Essay Writing 1

Credits: .5

Focuses on teaching the form for a five-paragraph essay. Emphasizes development of clear ideas and organizational strategies in an essay. Introduces key rhetorical strategies and concepts in editing. Introduces MLA formatting.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Identify the main idea and supportive detail in a paragraph.
Write a clear thesis statement, topic sentence, and conclusion.
Use appropriate supportive evidence relating to a thesis statement and topic sentence.
Identify transition statements linking one idea to the next.
Apply grammar rules and MLA formatting to unedited writing.
Recognize key rhetorical strategies for essay writing.

Content Outline

Main Idea and Supportive Detail
- Selecting the topic and identifying the main idea
- Awareness of pitfalls of a broad or general topic
- Selecting a topic with sufficient information
- Research relevant supporting information
Developing an Outline
- Creating a thesis statement
- Determining logical order of ideas
- Selecting appropriate supporting detail and evidence
- Topic sentence
- Conclusion
Creating a Rough Draft
- Checking for transitions between ideas
- Checking supporting evidence and reliability of sources
- Creating an effective conclusion
Proof Reading and Editing
- Correcting grammar, punctuation, and mechanics
- Quotation, summarize and paraphrase
- Incorporating sources according to MLA guidelines
Rhetorical Strategies
- Analysis of genre, purpose and audiences
- Knowledge of conventions
- Metacognition