Category Archives: Writing tools (non-fiction)

Including alternative/opposing solutions

To include alternative/opposing solutions, consider this template. Write something like: In sharp contrast with [restate/paraphrase your proposal’s solution or most recent reason], [introduce a source that actually disagrees with your solution or that states an alternative solution using an attributive … Continue reading

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2010 Synthesis

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

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Proposals and urgency

Consider these examples of early paragraphs in proposal essays.

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Final proposal planning

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

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2010 Project Proposal

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

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Responding to objections and counterarguments

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

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Writing Commons

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

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Graff and Birkenstein’s “Skeptics May Object”

“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.

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Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

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

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Definitions of rhetoric

“’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

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