Category Archives: Writing tools (non-fiction)

Consider these notes toward writing a synthesis. Here are two examples of synthesis extracted from longer essays. As we read the first one, consider these questions. What phrases let readers know two sources are being synthesized? Quote three. What language would … Continue reading →

Consider these examples of early paragraphs in proposal essays.

With the reading for today in mind, do the following. State your tentative thesis. Notice, from 364, “Come up with a tentative thesis that identifies the problem and proposes a solution. Use this statement to guide you as you write.” … Continue reading →

Your text book includes an example of our first assignment. Here is a PDF.

From The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing, consider these strategies for responding to objections and counterarguments.

Consider exploring the Writing Commons website. It’s full of interesting ideas.

“Skeptics May Object” is a chapter from Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein’s They Say I Say. I recommend it for students writing arguments in my classes.

Logos Ethos Pathos Definition Appeal to reason and logic Projection of the speaker or writer’s character or personal authority Appeal to emotions and values Case study Reasons why you can’t go You can’t go because I say so Weeping so … Continue reading →

Begin with your thesis statement. To make thesis statements more obvious, consider the following: Thesis statements are always statements. While they often answer questions, they are not questions themselves A thesis is a one-sentence summary of the problem and solution … Continue reading →

“’Rhetoric’ has come down to us today simply as high-flown, windy and empty talk. It had a completely different meaning to the Greeks. Rhetoric was a crucially important technical discovery of the way language actually works and can be manipulated: … Continue reading →