State a definite claim--a thesis or destination--where you are going with this essay
Include specific, concrete examples and
Commentary on the examples relating them back to the claim.
Use effect when you mean the noun, affect is the verb
Use vivid, precise verbs--no "to be" verbs.
Avoid utility words such as nice, awesome, wonderful, clever.... be more specific.
Use more precise and interesting words for "show"; list to follow.... expresses, manifests, displays, exudes, .....
Infuse the essay with your personal voice.
Compress your style--never use three or four words when one or two will do.
Remember White and Strunk's three rules of writing: simplicity, lucidity, euphony.
Stop and think for a few moments before you write--this may avoid filler, fluff, deadwood, and other signs of lack of critical thinking.
Note: Be sure to sign your first name and last initial and your period so I can give you credit!
Avoid circumlocutions such as "Hawthorne give the reader the idea that"--say Hawthorne expresses.
Never use passive voice--unless absolutely the best way to express an idea. An example of bad passive voice would be "it is believed"--who believes it? state that.
Get rid of dangling modifiers, i.e. "When reading this passage, the narrator expresses the complexity of Pyncheon's character." (the narrator did not read the passage, who did?)
Post a response to what you learned about writing in class on Wednesday.
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80 comments:
i learned how to better understand hawthorne's writing and not to write mechanical essays
Thanks for distinguishing between irony and sarcasm today - I wont be making that mistake agian. With regards to the writing process, I think that the most important part to writing any essay is understanding the author's purpose; from there one can branch out and explain the purpose through different explanations.
I am so happy that we finally be freed from boring thesis statements that limit our interpretation of the complexity of a work! Interesting knowledge about sarcasm and irony, i'll be sure to watch out for that now. I also learned that taking the time to examine the work line by line, and understanding the progression of the piece is vital.
The notes we received on Wednesday, and the writing tips on this blog have really helped me realize my problems with essays and critical analysis. I now know that wordy filling and the use of the "reader" and passive voice are big things to avoid. Before this week I had no idea that sarcasm and irony could be confused with each other, I have always pictured sarcasm as what you called irony. These facts along with the advice to locate tension and to have a clear path of what I am going to write without stating my exact points. I have always had trouble with stopping to think before writing as I tend to get nervous and write just to finish in time. I have a feeling this class will really help me with my writing and prepare for college and beyond. Thank you so much for your insight and dedication to the world of literature. I truly believe you have more to teach us then we could ever learn in one year.
Bruce Cartwright period 1
I am so happy that we finally be freed from boring thesis statements that limit our interpretation of the complexity of a work! I learned that instead it is always better, even in college to express your personality and writing style through your work to better convey your point. Interesting knowledge about sarcasm and irony, i'll be sure to watch out for that now. I also learned that taking the time to examine the work line by line, and understanding the progression of the piece is vital. I am also excited to get into more interesting words that can help cut down my use of generic adjectives. Thanks for all your help so far!
Beau Braddock-period 5
Today and yesterday in English I learned that when writing an essay to not limit myself. There are no restrictions or a certain structure to follow for the close writing essays. This has helped me learn to expand and write about what I think is important, not just what I think the teacher is grading for. In addition I learned that my thesis should state a definite claim not simply state the three main topics I am going to talk about. Lastly in regard to Hawthorne's writing I learned how to read the essay closely to determine when he is using irony. Being able to make the distinction between what an author is saying and really meaning is important in analyzing essays.
Christine T- Period 1
The notes I took on Wednesday and all the tips you gave us about how to better write a proper AP essay really helped already. One of my biggest mistakes was listing what I wanted to talk about in the introduction paragraph, and then elaborating on those topics in the body of the essay. It makes it mechanical and limits me to what I can talk about, like you said. I also learned the difference between irony, which Hawthorne used, and sarcasm which is more cutting. I also know not to use fillers to make your essay longer because that it simply not as important as writing a clear, concise, and well-composed essay.
Andrew Harris - Period 5
Our "Rules for Writing" notes we took in class Wednesday was definitely a wake up call for me. I need to take more time looking at the passage, and finding it's true meaning before I begin writing my essay. I'm so used to teachers insisting that I need a thesis statement at the start of my essay clearly listing everything I am going to talk about. It is an incredibly boring way to begin an essay, so I'm thrilled that you encourage us to break that mold. I also learned that irony and sarcasm are too distinctly different concepts. Irony is humerous when sarcasm is simply mean. My writing skills are going to improve tremendously over the course of the year, and I look forward to it.
Michelle Wainwright Period 1
I feel like I’ve already learned as much about writing this week as I did all last year. I realize how carefully I have to read the passage in order to understand exactly what the writer is trying to say, and also I now understand the difference between irony and sarcasm. I am glad to know that this year we are not limited to structured essays as we have been before. Now we can focus on analyzing the passages without worrying so much about our format. With this helpful advice that you have given us, I feel prepared for the many writings that we will do in class this year. Thanks so much.
Preston Burkett Period 1
I learned that fluff and big words do not make an essay more impressive. Eliminating pointless words and phrases such as "the reader" makes a much better essay. Also, I learned that it is very easy to misread something so even if I don't have much time to write, reading and understanding the point of the essay is much more important. Next time, I will take the time to read and make sure I understand before I write. Another thing I learned is to analyze as I go instead of limiting each paragraph to talk about a different topic. Structured essays are boring!
Camryn P- Period 5
Throughout the past few days in English class I have learned many things to improve my writing. The first tip that stood out to me was to avoid listing. Listing limits the ability to explore other variables that change writing and allows me to expand on topics without straying from "the list." I have also learned the distinction between the often confused irony and sarcasm. I used to believe that being sarcastic was saying the opposite of what was meant, but I stand corrected. Another one of the many tips I have learned in the past few days is to find the attitude of the passage and find details that develope the attitude. Looking for tension and contrast helps to find the attitude. I have always used "the reader" or "the audiance," but now I know that those are wasteful words and can simply be replaced with "the author expresses..." Another great tip that I forget is to avoid passive voice. Most importantly, I have learned to take a minute and process everything to have a clear plan of what I am going to write. I can't wait to see what else I will learn to improve my writing!
The most important lesson I learned in our writing lesson was the difference between irony and sarcasm. I now think Woody Allen as ironic and Juno as sarcastic. I thought that the Woody Allen article was a great example. Another lesson is that listing literary devices is never the way to go especially if they don't have anything to do with the overall meaning of the passage. Reading is also just as important as writing in critical essays as well. One word can change the entire meaning of a passage.
Robbie Perry Period 1
"Rules of Writing" definitely zoomed in on the problems of my essays. I have always used passive tense and boring verbs. These "rules" are going to solve issues with the examples presented in the blog and in class. I have learned how much more exquiste a essay can be just by changing out verbs and adjectives.
I feel that I have learned more in the past two days than in all of my years at school. I am excited that I am free from the boring five paragraph essay, and that I do not have to list all of the items that I will talk about in the introduction. The lesson on irony versus sarcasm was eye opening because I have always been trained to view it entirely differently. I also learned that writing longer is not better, especially when the point can be made clearly with less words. Because I have become such a better and more aware writer in only a couple of days, I believe that I will reach a new level this year in terms of reading, writing, and comprehending literature. I am really excited to get to work and use all that I have learned.
Ryan C -- Period 1
Even though it has only been a week, I have learned multiple techniques to improve my writing. I understand that I am not limited to anything, but that I should go beyond the ordinary. No one can set the boundries on your essay but yourself, so have fun with it. Before I begin future writing tasks, it is necessary to look at all of the aspects within the topic, and to understand the deeper meaning. It is important to look for tension in the passage and interpret the mood. I definitely had problems with pointless words, "fluff", and I feel confident that I will avoid that from now on. I am looking forward to how much my writing will improve!
Taylor Goodwine period 1
I learned that it is very important to take one or two minutes to gather your thoughts before writing your essay. Also, I learned not to use as much filler and fluff, and to not use lists in the essay. The most important thing I learned is not to use the five paragraph model when writing critical essays. I feel that not being restrained to a certain style will help me branch out more and make me more comfortable when writing critical essays.
Brandon C Period 1
In short, what I learned in one period on Wednesday not only contradicted years of writing that I have been taught but also revolutionized how I should be thinking and writing. Since 4th grade, writing for me was fitting details into the same boring format of 5 paragraphs: an introduction where a quick summary of the arguement was made followed with paragraphs detailing the arguements. I learned that writing had to be an expression of thought without any excess words.
As far what I have learned from Hawthorne's writing. I learned a great deal about his subtle development and his undercutting (not sarcastic!!) remarks about Judeg Pyncheon. I'm estatic to see how much I can apply these methods next time I'm reading a complex work of writing!
Dong-Hyun K., Period 5
From now on I know not to list what I am going to talk about, but instead to jump right into what I am going to say. Also, I won't group the the strategies the author uses, but instead bring them up as they come, line by line.
I thought that I learned a whole lot about writing in English class last year, but these past 2 days I have learned more! I now view writing in a way I never have before. I was used to listing out what I am planning on talking about, but that is a NO NO! I also learned that it isn't all about how long the paper is, but what matters is only the content. I cannot limit myself, and I need to be confident in my writing. I have never known the difference between sarcasm and irony either. Now I won't get those confused! I also learned a lot about reading and understanding how to interpret the text. I always second guess myself when im reading the kind of text like Hawthore uses, but you taught us how to break those passages down in order to receive the ture meaning. I am so excited to see how my writing improves and to learn more than I can imagine! I already know that you are an incredible teacher (from Brynne and lots of other previous students) so I can't wait for this year!
Molly Walker Period 1
Wow! I have thought of even more great things that I learned about writing yesterday! There is normally tension in a work, and I should make a claim on that and explore it. This is much better than listing the devices the author used, as you would in an introductory sentence or paragraph. In addition, I should use powerful verbs such as "expresses" and "states" instead of talking about "the reader" or using passive voice.
Thank you for all of these helpful tips!
I've learned a lot in your class just in these few days. I think that writing the essay before you began to teach us and give us tips was very helpful. This gave me a chance to see exactly where my writing is, and your notes from Wednesday showed me the mistakes I was making and what to look for. A big shock for me was when you said not to make five paragraphs in an essay. At first I was puzzled but you explained it, and now I see that it's more beneficial not to structure it, "mechanical teacher."
I look forward to learning more and developing my writing skills in your class.
Gina Brown Period 5
The notes we took on wednesday helped me with my writing. Lately when I write an essay I feel as though I dont completely understand what I'm trying to analyze. The notes and the descussion helped me take apart the passage and analyze what Hawthorne was tring to convey. The lesson also helped me with different things with how I right like no listing and using fluff. I hope to improve this year in my writing and I belive this is a good start.
Lexie Brown period 3
I speak for myself, when I say it has been made apparent that the desperately needed summer has tarnished much of our writing skills. But thanks to the last few days I have been refreshed on the "Rules of Writing." Now, I am able to differentiate irony and sarcasm, when before I never even thought sarcasm to be irony. You have also brought to my attention eliminating all the deadwood and fluff. In a paper, you just need to be like Michael Phelps! You have inspired me to think outside of the box. I am looking foward to taking risks with my writing! Can't wait for the improvements!!
Thanks a bunch!
Merritt Shivitz, Period 1
I learned what to look for when starting an essay. I also learned the difference between irony and sarcasm; which I had never fully understood. Essays are not just about listing things you are going to talk about and then restate what has already been said. You should only put points in that you can put commontary on. Space fillers and empty un-needed sentences need to be removed from AP papers. I feel I will be learning a lot this year, because three days into the class I have already learned more about writting essays then before.
The notes we took in class Wednesday taught me how I can improve my writing. I learned that I should never list what I am going to talk about in the first paragraph because then I end up limiting my writing to only those things. Also that in order to write a good essay I have to read the passage very carefully so that I understand completely what I need to write about. I need to break the passage down sentence by sentence and look for key words. I now know that there is a difference between sarcasm, which is mean, and irony, which is teasing, and that it is important not to get them mixed up. Last but not least I learned never to use filler words like "the reader," which add nothing to the essay. I look forward to learning more writing tips this year!
Kristin H. - Period 1
The notes we took in class helped me to realize my main problem with writing about passages and just my writing in general. I learned there is usually tension in the passage which requires attention and exploration into the deeper meaning. I also realized I need to read the passage more clearly and no longer rush through it, that was my big mistake in the first essay. Yet another addition to my list of writing techniques to work on is the use of to-be verbs. For some reason I don't seem to notice when I use them so I will be working on that next time. Thank you for all the tips. I have learned so much already and I will try extremely hard to improve my writing!
Mary M. Period 3
From going over our essays in class today, I have learned to identify the difference between sarcasm and irony in literature. Also, I am beginning to learn how to compress my future writings to only information and words that add substance to the paper. I plan to no longer use the five paragraph format, but to instead plan my writing in a clearer organization with out the forced introduction.
Casey P. Period 6
As I left room O202 yesterday I had a great epiphany that my writing skills had been lost somewhere throughout my summer journey. A feeling of relief fell upon me when I heard my teacher tell me that we are not restricted to the dreaded three statement thesis, five paragraph paper, and the worthless usage of padding or filling of an idea. Now I know that what my pen transfers onto paper will be a deeper interpretation and a much stronger analysis that avoids passive voices and terms such as "the reader". It was very depressing to read the grade 72 written on my paper, but I must say, with your help Dr. Williams, I now see a silver lining amongst the horizon, thankyou.
Matt H. 6th Period
Thanks for pointing out the negative mechanical essay style. I am guilty of doing that sometims and now I will watch out and try to make my essays more flowing and less robotic. Discussing the Judge Pyncheon passage helped me to understand Hawthorne's language better. Also, I learned to read the passage more carefully and look for every writing technique used in it.
Travis Thompson period 5
So far I have learned that writing an essay isn't necessarily about the "show words". I never thought that the shorter the better, but now I know that fluff and deadwood aren't that impressive. I learned that if you can get across a point in two sentences instead of four or five, your essays will be better. Last year everytime we did an in class essay my hand would be throbbing by the end of the period because I would try to write so much to make it longer. This year my hands will be pain free because I have learned that the longer doesn't mean the better.
Kat Schindler
3rd period
The class discussion we had on Wednesday along with our note taking, helped me truly realize how in the dark I have been about writing critical essays my entire high school career. There is so much more to learn, and we have only begun. I realized how taking apart the essay or given passage and disecting line by line is crutial when analyzing it; skimming the passage and picking out literary elements will not do the trick! I also gained knowledge of the difference between irony and sarcasm; my whole life I mixed them up. Now, I truly realize that sarcasm is a negative and irony is something found in almost all passages and a postive aspect! Lastly I learned to let yourself write and extend your knowledge - not to limit yourself to a specific format or writing style. Thanks so much for the advice and tips, I can't wait to expand my writing and hopeful of an improving grade!! :)
Kelly Taylor, Period 6
The notes that we took on Wednesday were extremely beneficial in helping me learn how to write a better paper. It is so refreshing to be able to break out the five paragraph paper format! There is much more room for creativity and individuality. We have always been taught that the right way to start an essay is by listing your topics and now I know that is incorrect, and that you should instead make a claim and give all examples. Also, thank you for clarifying the difference between sarcasm and irony; I won't confuse the two anymore! Your tips on analyzing the attitude of the narrator towards the character were also very helpful in learning how to recognize things like sarcasm, tension, and irony. I also realized that fluff and fillers contribute nothing to your essay, and that a strong, clear essay is much more effective. I feel like i have learned so much about writing in your class already and i can't wait to see what the rest of the year will bring!
Allie N. Period 1
The tips on the blog were a real help to me. I now know that in no circumstances are you to start out with a list and that all that does is limit your writing. I also learned that going line by line through the passage helps you to detect the different styles used in a passage. Another big thing for me was to not use passive voice and not saying "the reader" because those were some of my mistakes on the essay.
Adding on to my earlier comment I would say that the best advice I recieved so far would be eliminating fluff in my essays. I am happy to finally be in a class where I don't have to write a "cookie cutter" five paragraph essay; instead, I have the freedom to write what I believe.
Robert Sauermann-6th period
thanks for helping us with our writing skills. I am so glad we don't have to do the 5 paragraph format anymore. I learned so much in class this week especially about how to tell the difference between sarcasm and irony. Also i learned which words to leave out of my essays like say the "reader", that helped a bunch.
Johnny Schwarz
Period 1
I learned not to write a formulaic essay, and to eliminate the filler sentences and words. Also, I learned that sarcasm and irony are not the same, and will not confuse them again. Most importantly, I learned how to read more carefully to notice the less obvious meanings in a passage, and to read the passage more than once to more fully understand what the author is trying to tell us.
Angie B. 1st period.
Yesterday I began to realize how important it is to read every sentence of the passage carefully, come up with a plan about what to write, and then execute that plan. When you don't plan an essay you end up filling in a lot of space with unimportant information. I also thought it was helpful knowing not to start off an introduction by just
Yesterday in English I learned to not restrict myself to designate paragraphs to just one topic. I will now just go along with the flow of the passage and write about it as it comes along. I also learned not to list because thats just boring. I also learn that understanding the passage(s) is the key to any good paper. Im looking forward to this year!
- Ximena Kuri Period 3
Reading this post and getting the notes on Wednesday really helped me understand what was wrong with my essay. In the essay, I relied too much on a rigid form for writing; this made it sound mechanical and weak. I also now know not to use phrases such as "this allows the reader to..."
You also gave us this tip on Wednesday: read each sentence individually to truly understand the idea that the writer is trying to convey. Hopefully, by applying this hints and skills to my writing, the quality of my essays will improve in the future!
Ben Kirchhofer - Per. 6
Using your blog, the class notes, and the discussions I feel my writings in essays and critical analysis will soon start to improve. Previously, I thought the more words you used to express you idea the better, but now I have realized that is just "fluff". I also understand the difference between irony and contrast; which will further help me in understanding what the writer is trying to express. I have also learned passive voice never should be used unless absolutely necessary. The notes and discussions have taught me to think more critically and to find the deeper meaning line by line. Thanks for everything!
Patrick Hickey 1
Yesterday, during the class discussion, I learned many thing about how I could write better. First, I learned not to list the literary devices that the author uses in my introductory paragraph. This would only confine my writing to explaining those certain details. I also learned how to get rid of unnecessary fluff and passive voice when I write. Lastly, I learned how to differentiate what seems to be sarcasm from what actually is irony. I feel like I have already learned so much, thank you.
Michael C. - Period 3
I appreciate all of the terrific tips posted in your blog! They helped confirm what I was required to do with the intention of receiving a better grade. I will dispose of sarcasm, and renew it with irony, I also plan on making my writings more consise instead of dragging them out. With all of this being said I believe I can bring my writing up, and can't wait to do so with you being my wonderful teacher! Blake P. 6
Before you told us that when writing an essay, you shouldn't just pick three topics and tell about them throughout the whole paper, that is exactly what I thought an essay was. After your period of writing tips, I have learned that I need to look beyond the surface and write about something more complex. Basically, I need to search deeper for the subjects of my essays. I feel like I have already improved my writing abilities, and I know I am going to get better with every tip I get from you. Thanks a lot.
Jake Westmoreland Period 5
I learned not to surface my writing and write at a much deeper level. In my past english classes I have been writing mechanical essays and not even realizing it. Now I know to take a different approach when making assertions about readings and disect each and every sentence in the reading. I learned that every thought should be expressed in a strong and well developed sentence. Thank you!
-Linnie R. 5th Period
I have never considered writing one of my strong skills, but the past couple of days have given me hope to improve. Thanks to the discussion in class and your blog I have learned to read more carefully and thoroughly analyze the sentences in a passage. The fact that sarcasm is negative came as a shock to me too! I always thought sarcasm and irony were the same, but I was wrong. For my next paper I also know not to use fillers and to not list what I am going to talk about. Thanks for all the great tips on writing!
Maddie Roeder Period 5
I learned that every time that you would usually use the term sarcasm it is acually irony. I know I will never forget this after the twenty minute class discusion we had on the topic.
Jimmy Britven
P.6
I learned how to look for complexity and tension in a passage, and to read carefully. I thought it was really good to know that we shouldn't list what we are going to write and end up limiting ourselves. Last year, that was what we we're taught to do when analyzing a passage. It is good to know that we can be more creative with our writing.
Thanks for all of your tips. I'm excited to write another essay using your rules, and watch the improvement grow.
Catherine H. period 5
After taking notes on Wednesday on how to properly write an essay, I have learned that I should give more care into fully reading and understanding the passage before I start writing. I have found that if you are not reading closely, you could easily miss very important details that can change the whole meaning of the passage. I also learned that I should not use the phrase "the reader." Thanks for all the help, and I hope to improve as the year goes on.
Taylor P - Period 3
Contrary to what I was previously told, listing your points and following them with descriptions and detail is not the best way to write an essay, and I am so glad! I learned to look deeper and find the tension in the passage and elaborate on that. Also, thank you for the tips on reducing unnecessary words and phrases! The essay on Judge Pyncheon added to my knowledge of Hawthorne's style as well as giving me a good idea on what I need to work on as a writer. The most important rule I learned was to read and analyze the passage carefully! Thanks for your tips!
Kylee Piatczyc- Period 3
After writing the first essay and receiving a grade that I least expected, it helped me to evaluate my writing. Now I know various techniques to improve on. One is to leave out excess words which do not help my writing but rather hinder it by causing it to sound less precise and amateur. I also relized that I need to improve my vocabulary because there are so many situations I wish to convey but can not without the perfect word choice.
Ella S - Period 5
I've learned not to use utility words in my essays, but instead to use more specific words that represent my understanding of the character. Until yesterday I had no clue how to distinguish between irony and sarcasm. Your explanation of Hawthorne's passage helped me learn how to decipher other passages just like that one. I now know how to spot the apparent tension created by the narrator. No longer do I need to restrict myself by listing rhetorical devices in the thesis statement. I have learned more in the past 2 days than I would've ever expected.
Blake Seline, Period 1
After the past few class periods I have learned to differentiate between the structured format of past teachers and the free limitless style of your instruction. This allows me as a student to concentrate more on the context of which I am writing instead of how to structure my essay. The notes given that state the "do's and do not's" will help me to write with more confidence and knowledge. The most helpful part was seeing how to really depict the passage the essay is over. Sentence by sentence it was beneficial to see how to breakdown a complex characterization. These helpful tips were rewarding and I hope I can use them to my advantage in the future.
Sammy R.
Per. 6
These past fews days I have learned lots of differnt ways that will help me improve my writing. First I learned that we should not necessarily follow a format when writing our paper because it is mechanical. I also learned that there is a difference between sarcasm and irony. Another helpful technique that I learned was when analyzing a passage, you should analyze it one line at a time. I feel the most important writing skill that we have talked about is that you do not have to worry about the length of your paper, but should focus on the content.
Rachel B. -per. 5
I learned that when reading a passage, it is extremely important to find the purpose and analyze it thoroughly. I also enjoyed when you explained the difference between sarcasm and irony. I never thought to consider a difference between the two. One important piece of information I was never taught was to never use "filler" words when less are needed to make the point. Another writing and analyzing tip I have learned over the past few days is that when starting a critical essay, it is crucial to take a few minutes to gather your thoughts and discover the main idea of the passage. However one of the most beneficial writing tips I have received so far is the idea that your writing should not be limited to a strict format, such as the five paragraph form. I feel that not being held to this format will help improve my ideas and writing tremendously.
Shannon M-Period 1
I've always take analyzing a passage as a challange to beat the text and find the inference. I try to work out each passage in more than one perspective and i come up with different conclusions that could all make sense but never know the correct one because i am not the narrator. With all of these different view points in my mind i never can get down what i am thinking on paper as in my mind. However i can already tell how this class pulls in my stray thoughts into one more deffenint conclusion.
Michael W.-6th
Dr. Williams I am pumped for this year of English in your class. Although I didn't make the greatest grade on the first essay in your class, I am hopeful to learn from my mistakes. In the first day of class I learned never to start my paper with a boring thesis listing all the topics I am going to talk about and limiting myself only to those certain topics. Instead of stating a boring thesis, I learned to start the writing with the narrator's attitude toward the character. Another major point was to always look for tension either between the character and narrator or the character and his or her conscience. Hopefully I can put these hints into practice in the future and become a better writer all together.
William P. 1st Period
Thanks for the great advice. I was never a very good writer but your tips helped me understand more of how to write. I have to admit after reading the passage and attempting to analyze the AP essay was very difficult. I had no idea how to write an essay on commenting on Judge. After taking notes, I learned to not waste words and to really pay attention to every single detail of the story. Also, I learned that when writing in passive voice, it makes the essay a whole lot more boring for the reader than to read an essay written in active voice. Now I know that I need to always pay attention for the complexity of the writing and for any major shifts.
P.S. sorry for commenting so late! I did not get home until a few minutes ago.
Becky Lee, Period 5
Our lesson on Wednesday really helped me to understand how to write a good essay. One of the most important parts of writing is to begin your paper with a definite thesis and not a list of what you're going to talk about. You should always avoid saying "the reader". The analogy you made about extra words being like pillow fluff, worthless and in the way of getting to the point, truly helped me picture what using too many words can do.
Ali Toole Period 1
I learned that short and sweet is better than long and good. Also looking for tension and irony is important when looking at an article for a story or something. Also I didn't know about the "to be" verbs, and that's very helpful. I learned that it's also necessary to anaylize the story very carefully and go through each like.
Caleb A. per. 3
The writing tips on your blog have taught me more than ever about writing than what I learned in sophomore English class. One point that I am constantly reminded of is, don't use a word unless you are sure of its meaning and there is evidence to back it up. One clear example is sarcasm vs. irony. Also, analyzing passages piece by piece/line by line is the easiest way to decipher its meaning and get a better picture of what is being expressed.
Anu Pd. 6
From reviewing the essay as well as discussing writing tools in class this week, I have acquired many tips to improve my writing. I learned to eliminate all the "fluff" and to make a strong claim to support with essential details. I also understand that I should stop and put together all my thoughts before I begin writing instead of rushing through it to finish in time. I now better understand the importance of not using to-be verbs and the distinct difference between sarcasm and irony. These tips will be helpful throughout this year and i feel as though I have learned more this week than I have in one year. Thanks for all your help so far!
Morgan Z. Period 6
I learned a great deal about my writing and how to improve it. I am extremely happy that you discussed the difference between irony and sarcasm. The foremost important piece of writing an essay is understanding the authors purpose in writing the piece and what the author intends for the audience to interpret from his writing. This piece is needed to lead to a great essay.
Anoosh Saidi, Period 3
I learned that when writing an essay it is better to just get straight to the point instead of doing a thesis statement and a whole introductory paragraph where you explain what you will be writing about. This only adds fluff to your essay and the best essay is one that is straight to the point.
-Katie R.
-period. 6
Thank you for the clarification of the tone in class, as well as the tips on not listing the authors devices. hopefully this will enable me to enhance my writing and make it flow better.
Matt B. Period - 3
In class, I learned to make a strong claim with supportive details to use as a framework for my papers. You reminded us not to use passive voice and fillers. One thing that I struggle with is being too wordy, and you talked about a few ways to help with that.
We also talked about irony vs. sarcasm, and I feel that I understand them both much better now.
Sorry I commented on the wrong post!
Jenny Herzberg, pd. 6
I learned many things about writing that I had never been exposed to before in your class. The difference between sarcasm and irony is of course one of them. I also learned that when writing you need to state a definate claim, use "vivid" and "precise" verbs, and that writing needs to be simple and to the point. Also the five paragraph model should not be used to compose a paper. Thanks Dr. Williams and I'm looking forward to what your class has in store for the rest of the year!
after the discution in class going over things to do and not to do i realized how listing can be boring and that making points more succint can interest the reader and keep the writing level higher. Sable Doebbler Pd.3
Dr. Williams,
I'm really glad we wrote those essays this past week. I feel better in knowing how I need to improve my weak beginning statements and not make them vague. "The author uses diction and syntax" is just simply not enough, nor is it relevant, as every author uses syntax and diction. Thanks again and I'm so glad I was able to get my DC papers filed to be in your class!
Lierin Pena period 3
I learned how to search in the passage for the main purpose the author is presenting. Rather than listing out a few literary elements used in the writing, I now feel that it is important to incorporate the main idea by carefully reading and understanding the author's thoughts. I also learned about the differences between sarcasm and irony, which is very helpful.
Mary Katherine Jolly, Period 3
This first week I have learned a large amount of helpful writing tools that I plan to use this year. While reviewing our essays I spcifically learned the distinction between sarcasm and irony. I now known that sarcasm is a technique used only to insult another person or topic and that in genral i should not use sarcasm in any of the essays that i will be writing this year. Also I learned a majority of the techniques that Nathaniel Hawthorne uses in his writing. I really appreciate being able to go over the essay topic we wrote on because it helps me learn what mistakes i made so i do not make them later on in the school year.
Jeb B. per.-6
Dr. Williams, in class on Wednesday, I really learned a lot about how to improve my writing. Although it will be difficult for me to get used to the new style of essay writing you suggested, I know it will pay off in the end. In the past, I have always been encouraged to use the five-paragraph essay format with a thesis statement style that you called “limiting,” but I understand how weak and generic those can sound now. Your idea of what a really good essay is seems very interesting, and will surely help me to succeed in your class and other writing assignments to come in the future.
-Rachel W. 5th Period
After reading your tips i can already see my writing needs some work (if you haven't seem that yourself already). Specially on my thesis, that i really need to work on.
Thx
-Jerry T. Period 3
Thanks to you, i have learned several things about writing. For one thing, I have realized the difference between irony and sarcasm, a difference I had not noticed before. I have also learned more about Hawthorne's writing style.
-Ishan Talukdar, 1st period
I really enjoyed the lecture on the difference between sarcasm and irony when we got our papers back. I have an uncle who is a publisher and he always use to quiz my sister and I on irony. Now that I know the difference between the two hopefully I will never confuse the them again.
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