Writing On and Offline

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1		Activity 1: Directions: Beginning with a strong thesis is an important first step. Practice developing a thesis that is neither too broad nor too narrow for each of the following subjects. The first two have been completed for you. General Subject Limited Subject Thesis Marriage Honeymoon A honeymoon is perhaps the worst way to begin a marriage. Sports Player's salaries High player's salaries are bad for the game, for the fans, and for the values our children are developing. I. Family Parents   II. Television Sitcoms   III. School Math teachers   IV. The college experience Roommates   V. Authority My boss
2		Activity 2: Directions: Supporting your thesis with specific evidence is an important second step in the process of writing an essay. Part I. Practice this skill by finding an online review of one of your favorite movies. What is the author's thesis? How is the thesis backed up with specific evidence? Part II. Do you agree or disagree with the reviewer's opinion? Structure your answer so that your own thesis and supporting detail are clear.
3		Activity 3: Part I. Directions: The two methods of organization mentioned in chapters two and three are time order and emphatic order. Practice using time order by writing an essay entitled "How to Write an Essay" describing your personal method for getting the job done. Include at least three specific supporting ideas in your paragraph. Part II. Directions: Next, practice using emphatic order by writing a paragraph entitled "The Benefits of Being a Student" or "The Stresses of Living in [your city or town]." Include at least three specific supporting ideas in your paragraph.
4		Activity 4: Introductions and Conclusions There are six kinds of introductions and three methods of conclusion mentioned in chapters two and three. They are: Introductions Conclusions A. General to narrow G. Summary and final thought B. Starting with an opposite F. Question(s) C. Stating importance of topic I. Prediction or recommendation D. Incident or story   E. Question(s)   F. Quotation   Directions: This activity will help familiarize you with the various methods of introduction and conclusion used by professional writers. Visit any or all of the following sites and locate an example (from an essay or article) of each method of introduction and each method of conclusion. The New York Times Magazine The Atlantic Monthly Feed Magazine Salon Magazine New Scientist The Smithsonian