Transcript Document

Welcome to KU121
Unit 2 Seminar
Intro to Writing Skills and Strategies
Instructor – Carrie Jantz
You are in the right place :).
Seminar Agenda
1. Welcome!
2. Friends and Enemies
3. Sentence Structure
a) Complete Sentences
b) Clauses
c) Fragments
d) Run-On Sentences
e) Comma Splices
4. Writing Rascals
5. Writing Center
6. Unit 2 Assignments
7. Questions
Welcome!
“All writing is ultimately a question of solving a problem. It may be a
problem of where to obtain the facts or how to organize the material. It
may be a problem of approach or attitude, tone or style. Whatever it
is, it has to be confronted and solved.
“Sometimes you will despair of finding the right solution – or any
solution. You’ll think, “If I live to be ninety I’ll never get out of this
mess.” I’ve often thought it myself.
“But when I finally do solve the problem it’s because I’m like a
surgeon removing his 500th appendix; I’ve been there before.”
Zinsser, W. (1998). On writing well. NY: HarperCollins.
Friends and Enemies
“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. “
~ Sun-tzu, Chinese general & military strategist (~400 BC)
Friends
Enemies
Course Map
Unit 1
Unit 2
Units 3-8
Unit 9
Unit 10
Get to
know WSS,
the syllabus, each
other, and
the writing
process
Review
sentence
development and
learn about
the Writing
Center
Explore
writing
process steps
and create
bio essay.
Review basic
grammar.
Discuss
how to
evaluate
and apply
feedback
to polish
work
Reflect on
course
concepts.
Plan for
future
writing
success.
What is a Sentence?
• Contains a subject (what the sentence is about)
• Contains a predicate (what the subject is doing)
Subject (what the sentence is about)
Predicate (what the subject is doing)
He
was caught.
The door
slammed in his face
It
landed in the fountain after dark.
A debutante and a troll
are squatting under the bridge.
• Usually a noun (door)
• Can also be a pronoun (he, it)
• Can also be a group of words
(debutante, troll)
• Has something to say about the subject
• States the subjects “predicament”
• Contains a verb
• Does not always come after the subject
(There were seven men in the room.)
Sentence examples from: Gordon, K. (1993). The deluxe transitive vampire: The ultimate handbook of grammar for the innocent, the eager,
and the doomed. NY: Pantheon.
What is a Clause?
A sentence must not only contain a subject and a verb; it must also
express a complete thought.
A clause is a group of related words that contains a subject and its
verb. Clauses either stand alone and accept the responsibility for their
own meaning, or they depend on another clause to complete their
meaning.
Independent clauses can stand alone as sentences.
Dependent clauses can never stand alone because they are not
complete sentences. When a dependent clause stands alone, it is a
fragment.
Chrzanowski, J. (2010). PowerPoint presentations, pathways for writing scenarios: From sentence to paragraph, second edition
Chapter 4. NY: Pearson.
Chrzanowski, J. (2010). PowerPoint presentations, pathways for writing scenarios: From sentence to paragraph, second edition
Chapter 6. NY: Pearson.
Why Structure Matters
Reading work that
contains language errors
is like driving with a
cracked windshield -- We
have a general sense of
where we are going but
we sometimes have to
guess about the details.
Reading work that
contains language errors
is like driving with a
cracked windshield -- We
have a general sense of
where we are going but
we sometimes have to
guess about the details.
Common Cracks
(Sentence Structure
Problems)
• Fragments
• Run-On Sentences
• Comma Splices
What is a Fragment?
• Lacks a subject (what the sentence is about), AND/OR
• Lacks a complete predicate (what the subject is doing)
No Subject
Incomplete Predicate
All over the floor.
Four ushers from the cinema.
Hurled his bottle at his nanny.
This delusion of his.
Tried to find their shoes.
The tremors disturbing the room.
How could you correct one of these sentences?
Sentence examples from: Gordon, K. (1993). The deluxe transitive vampire: The ultimate handbook of grammar for the innocent, the eager,
and the doomed. NY: Pantheon.
What is a Run-On Sentence?
• A “fused” sentence
• “Sentences” that need punctuation are left without it
• “Sentences” are not punctuated correctly
“That nutty picture of me on the cover of On the Road results
from the fact that I had just gotten down from a high mountain
were I’d been for two months completely alone and usually I
was in the habit of combing my hair of course because you
have to get rides on the highway and all that and you usually
don’t girls to look at you as though you were a man and not a
wild beast…”
~ Jack Kerouac, From Origins of a Beat Generation
Miller. J. (Ed.). (1991). Heritage of American literature: Civil war to the present. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Run-On Sentences
Further Examples:
Her poise and panache are disconcerting they bring out
the beast in me.
What a darling hat it makes your eyes bug out.
Please create a run-on sentence of your own.
Sentence examples from: Gordon, K. (1993). The deluxe transitive vampire: The ultimate handbook of grammar for the innocent, the eager,
and the doomed. NY: Pantheon.
How to I.D. Run-On Sentences
1. Read each sentence aloud and place a slash mark
when you hear a pause. The pause indicates the
need for punctuation.
2. Look for sentences that contain two complete
thoughts (independent clauses) without punctuation
to separate them.
3. Look for long sentences.
Chrzanowski, J. (2010). PowerPoint presentations, pathways for writing scenarios: From sentence to paragraph, second edition,
chapter 5. NY: Pearson.
How to Fix Run-On Sentences
1. Create two separate sentences (add a period to
separate two complete thoughts)
2. Use a semicolon (connects two complete thoughts)
3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (join
two complete thoughts with “,and”; “,but”; “,for” or
another conjunction)
4. Make one thought dependent, using subordinating
conjunctions (such as because, when after, if)
Chrzanowski, J. (2010). PowerPoint presentations, pathways for writing scenarios: From sentence to paragraph, second edition, chapter 5 .
NY: Pearson.
Fixing Run-On Sentences
Further Examples:
Her poise and panache are disconcerting they bring out
the beast in me.
What a darling hat it makes your eyes bug out.
Please correct one of these sentences using one if
the methods we discussed.
Sentence examples from: Gordon, K. (1993). The deluxe transitive vampire: The ultimate handbook of grammar for the innocent, the eager,
and the doomed. NY: Pantheon.
What is a Comma Splice?
• A type of run-on sentence
• Occur when a comma is used to divide two complete
thoughts
• Problem: A comma is not strong enough to divide two
complete thoughts
Examples:
It was the Queen’s birthday on Saturday, she had no
mail.
John woke up in his own bed, he felt great.
Sentence examples from: Truss, L. (2003). Eats, shoots, and leaves. NY: Penguin Group.
How to I.D. a Comma Splice
To test a sentence to see if you have written a
comma splice, take the sentence apart at the comma.
If the part before the comma is a complete thought and
the part after the comma is also a complete thought, then
you need to check whether the second clause starts with
a coordinating conjunction (and, or, but, so, for, yet, nor).
If you do not have a coordinating conjunction to
separate the two complete thoughts, then you have a
comma splice.
Chrzanowski, J. (2010). PowerPoint presentations, pathways for writing scenarios: From sentence to paragraph, second edition, chapter 5 .
NY: Pearson.
How to Fix a Comma Splice
To correct comma splice use any one of the methods
you used to correct run-ons:
1. Create two separate sentences (add a period to separate two
complete thoughts).
2. Use a semicolon (connects two complete thoughts).
3. Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction (join two complete
thoughts with “,and”; “,but”; “,for” or another conjunction).
4. Make one thought dependent, using subordinating conjunctions
(such as because, when after, if).
Chrzanowski, J. (2010). PowerPoint presentations, pathways for writing scenarios: From sentence to paragraph, second edition, chapter 5 .
NY: Pearson.
Quick Review
Parts of a Sentence
A sentence, sentence, sentence
Is complete, complete, complete
When 5 simple rules it meets, meets, meets.
It has a subject, subject,
And a verb, verb, verb.
It makes sense, sense, sense
With every word, word, word.
Add a capital letter and end mark, mark,
Now our sentence has all its parts.
Reginers, B. (n.d.). Parts of a sentence. Retrieved March 25, 2010 from, http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/songspoems31.html
Writing Rascals
What is a Writing Rascal?
•
An issue with language
that prevents clear
communication
•
Can include grammar,
spelling, punctuation, or
sentence structure
•
Can be found and fixed
with review and editing
(like Whack-a-Mole!)
Writing Rascal #1
I want more. Because I’m
one of those insatiable
robots, you know.
Sentence example from: Gordon, K. (1993). The deluxe transitive vampire: The ultimate handbook of grammar for
the innocent, the eager, and the doomed. NY: Pantheon.
Writing Rascal #2
A shade of green
which caught her eye.
Sentence example from: Gordon, K. (1993). The deluxe transitive vampire: The ultimate
handbook of grammar for the innocent, the eager, and the doomed. NY: Pantheon.
Writing Rascal #3
One way to find a
sweetheart is to put
an ad in the paper,
another is to wait
and see what the
cat drags in.
Sentence example from: Gordon, K. (1993). The deluxe transitive vampire: The ultimate
handbook of grammar for the innocent, the eager, and the doomed. NY: Pantheon.
Writing Rascal #4
The career planning
center on campus is
helpful one of the
counselors suggested I
take a career-planning
course.
Sentence example from: Chrzanowski, J. (2010). PowerPoint presentations, pathways for
writing scenarios: From sentence to paragraph, second edition chapter 5. NY: Pearson.
Writing Center Offerings
1. Live Tutoring – This is a live chat feature. Live tutors
are available on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 6-11:00 pm
ET
2. Q & A Center – Provides a way to ask questions outside of live
office hours
3. Writing Reference Library – Contains writing related tutorials
4. Paper Review Service – Provides suggestions for how to
improve your assignment
Which of these do you think could be most helpful to you?
Friends and Enemies
“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. “
~ Sun-tzu, Chinese general & military strategist (~400 BC)
Friends
• Complete Sentences
• Understanding of the different types of
clauses
• Writing Center ‘ s Live Tutors
• Writing Center ‘s Q & A Center
• Writing Center ‘s Writing Reference Library
• Writing Center’s Paper Review Service
Enemies
• Fragments
• Run-On Sentences
• Comma Splices
Which enemy do you need to most watch out for?
Which friend do you need to spend more time on?
In upcoming weeks we will explore
ways to overcome the enemies and
use the friends to our advantage
in the writing process.
Sit Down and Write (1)
Verse I
Are you the type of writer who uses words as a lighter
To ignite flames on fire as a means to inspire?
Or are you the type of writer who writes for herself
For peace of mind, creativity, and mental health?
Are you the type of person who’s quite sure and certain
That you can’t stand writing, reciting, and rehearsing?
Or are you that hidden talent in the back of the class
Who loves to tell stories, but no one cared to ask
Are you a future journalist, playwright, or poet
Developing your skills and you might not even know it
Are you an emcee who’s listened to the greats
And writes rhymes with his ipod, records, and tapes?
Are you an essay writer? Or do you prefer fiction
Concrete, abstract, vivid descriptions
Let’s use these words to document real life
Collect your thoughts, grab a pen, sit down and write
Sit down and write. (2006). Track 1, Language arts. Cambridge, MA: Rhythm, Rhyme, Results.
Sit Down and Write (2)
Chorus
Sit down and write
Sit down and write
Sit down and write
Collect your thoughts, grab a pen, sit down and write
(×2)
Sit down and write. (2006). Track 1, Language arts. Cambridge, MA: Rhythm, Rhyme, Results.
Sit Down and Write (3)
Verse II
First you need some focus and a plan
Figure out what you’re writing in the best way you can
Ask yourself questions that you think might be relevant
Access prior knowledge that will help you with development
Free-write, brainstorm, and outline the elements
Refine your craft and write a first draft
Organize your thoughts, connect the future with the past
Now you’re on your way to success real fast
Be open-minded, we all need feedback
Some writers think they’re too good and don’t need that
Embrace other input, be willing to revise
Try to understand your work through someone else’s eyes
Re-evaluate, re-assess, re-organize
Edit and re-edit, that’s a word to the wise
Share your work with others, try reading it aloud
Your finished product will be something that’ll make you proud
Sit down and write. (2006). Track 1, Language arts. Cambridge, MA: Rhythm, Rhyme, Results.
Sit Down and Write (4)
Verse III
Writing is a form of self-expression
A way to liberate yourself from all oppression
It could be a teacher’s plans for next day’s lesson
Or a novelist who loves to keep you guessing
Writing helps you use imagination
Whether you’re in school or on vacation
I make music in planes and train stations
These lyrics are a form of relaxation
Writing is an absolute necessity
If I couldn’t write people would think less of me
I know it’s not fair but that’s reality
So practice using words ‘cause that’s the recipe
Writing is key communication
You’ll need it for a job application (after graduation)
It’s a form of conversation
All it takes is a little motivation
Sit down and write. (2006). Track 1, Language arts. Cambridge, MA: Rhythm, Rhyme, Results.
Sit Down and Write (5)
Verse IV
Now that you’ve learned all about the stages
Pick up your pen and write words on pages
Like ancient language engraved and chiseled in stone
Feathers dipped in ink, burnt coal, papyrus scrolls
Tell stories untold, let lyrics unfold
Sometimes you just gotta let it go
Try the many different styles of writing you know
Step out your comfort zone, that’s how you grow
You could be a critic of music, theatre, or sports
Or a stenographer who documents the words in court
You could write long novels or stories that are short
Create tales in Braille and type e-mail
Any way you slice it, writing is essential
Grab a pad or a journal, a pen or a pencil
Your imagination has infinite potential
Sit down and write. (2006). Track 1, Language arts. Cambridge, MA: Rhythm, Rhyme, Results.
Unit 2 To Do





Reading
Discussion (20)
Seminar (5)
MWL Exercises (30)
Quiz (5)
What other questions
do you have?
Thanks for coming!
Works Cited
Chrzanowski, J. (2010). PowerPoint presentations, pathways for writing
scenarios: From sentence to paragraph, second edition,
chapter 4. NY: Pearson.
Chrzanowski, J. (2010). PowerPoint presentations, pathways for writing
scenarios: From sentence to paragraph, second edition,
chapter 6. NY: Pearson.
Gordon, K. (1993). The deluxe transitive vampire: The ultimate
handbook of grammar for the innocent, the eager, and the doomed. NY:
Pantheon.
Miller. J. (Ed.). (1991). Heritage of American literature: Civil war to the
present. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Reginers, B. (n.d.). Parts of a sentence. Retrieved March 25, 2010 from,
http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/songspoems31.html
Sit down and write. (2006). Track 1, Language arts. Cambridge, MA:
Rhythm, Rhyme, Results.
Truss, L. (2003). Eats, shoots, and leaves. NY: Penguin Group.
Zinsser, W. (1998). On writing well. NY: HarperCollins.