Writing Handbook

Welcome to your Writing Handbook for the ELA 20 course. This guide will provide you with key information and expectations about the types of writing assignments you'll be working on throughout this course, and the guidelines you should follow.

Types of Writing Assignments

In this course, you'll be asked to write:

1. 1. Essays
  2. Short stories
  3. Poems
  4. Sentences for short answers on tests
  5. Paragraph Writing
  6. The 5 Paragraph Essay

Format and Structure

For essays and paragraph answers, you should follow the standard structure, which includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Essays should be around 500 words in length and follow the five-paragraph format, while short stories should also aim for a minimum of 500 words.

Citation and Referencing

Citation and referencing are essential parts of academic writing. They allow you to acknowledge the work of others that you've used in your paper, avoid plagiarism, and give readers the opportunity to follow up on your sources if they wish.

In this course, we use APA (American Psychological Association) style for citations and references. Here is a basic overview:

In-Text Citations

In APA style, in-text citations typically include the author's last name and the year of publication.

For instance:

Paraphrase: According to Smith (2019), reading skills are critical for academic success.

Direct quote: "Reading skills are critical for academic success" (Smith, 2019, p. 45).

Reference List

At the end of your paper, you will provide a list of references, which gives the full details of all the sources you've cited in your text. Here is how to format some common source types:

Book:

AuthorLastName, AuthorFirstInitial. (Year). Title of book. Publisher.

Example: Smith, J. (2019). The importance of reading. Educational Press.

Article:

AuthorLastName, AuthorFirstInitial. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page numbers.

Example: Smith, J. (2019). The importance of reading. Journal of Education, 20(5), 45-56.

Web Page:

AuthorLastName, AuthorFirstInitial. (Year, Month Day). Title of web page. Site Name. URL

Example: Smith, J. (2019, June 20). The importance of reading. Educational Website. https://www.educationalwebsite.com/reading

Please note that the above examples are in a simplified format. The rules of APA style can be more complex, especially for sources like books with multiple authors, edited books, and special types of articles. For detailed instructions, refer to an APA style guide or use an online citation generator that supports APA style.

Remember, it's critical to provide accurate citations and references. Misrepresenting someone else's work as your own (plagiarism) is a serious offense that can result in a failing grade.

Level of Formality

The level of formality in your writing will depend on the specific assignment. Please pay close attention to the guidelines provided for each task.

The level of formality in your writing refers to how official or casual your language is. The level of formality you choose should be appropriate for the situation and audience.

In this course, the level of formality expected in your writing will vary depending on the assignment. Here are some general guidelines:

Formal Writing

Formal writing is used for academic and professional communications. This style avoids the use of colloquial language, contractions (such as "don't" or "can't"), slang, and first-person pronouns like "I" or "we" (unless specifically directed).

An example of formal writing for this course might be an analytical essay. The language is typically more complex and uses industry-specific terms. For instance:

"In Sinclair Ross's 'The Lamp at Noon,' the author skillfully uses imagery and setting to highlight the characters' internal conflicts and their struggle against the harsh environment."

Informal Writing

Informal writing, while still needing to be clear and coherent, can be more conversational and personal. It can include first-person pronouns ("I," "we"), contractions, and occasionally, colloquial language or slang if appropriate and effective for your message.

An example of informal writing might be a reflection on a poem or a personal response to a short story. For instance:

"I was really moved by 'The Lamp at Noon.' It's so sad how the characters are battling not just the dust storm, but also their own personal issues."

Note: Regardless of the level of formality, always ensure your writing is clear, organized, and free of grammar and spelling errors. If you're ever unsure about the level of formality required for an assignment, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

Revision Process

Revision is an important stage in the writing process. Whether you're crafting an essay, short story, or poem, it's essential to revise your work. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to revise:

1. Content Review:

Firstly, make sure you've answered the brief and all the key points are covered. Your main ideas should be clear, and supporting details should be robust. If a paragraph or section veers off-topic, it needs revision.

For instance, if you're writing a short story about a boy who finds a magic coin, but one section becomes a long description of the town he lives in without relating back to the main plot, you may need to revise this section for focus.

If your poem is supposed to express the beauty of nature, but one stanza diverts to a personal anecdote without a clear connection to the overall theme, that stanza may need revising.

2. Structural Check:

The structure of your work should flow logically. In an essay, your introduction should set up your argument, each paragraph should have a clear main idea, and your conclusion should wrap things up.

In a short story, ensure your narrative has a clear beginning, middle, and end. If your climax seems to come out of nowhere or your resolution is unsatisfying, you might need to revise the structure.

For a poem, consider how each line and stanza contributes to the overall theme. If one stanza seems disjointed or irrelevant, it may need revising.

3. Language and Tone Review:

The language and tone of your work should be appropriate for your audience. Ensure you're using clear, concise language. If your language doesn't match the tone (such as using slang in a formal essay or dense, complex language in a light-hearted short story), you need to revise.

For example, if your poem about childhood innocence uses complex, difficult language, you might want to revise it to match the simple, straightforward tone of the theme.

4. Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling Check:

Review your work for any grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. Inconsistencies in verb tenses, long run-on sentences, or spelling mistakes can detract from your work.

For instance, in a short story, if dialogue is punctuated incorrectly, or there are numerous typos, it can disrupt the reader's engagement with the story.

In a poem, proper line breaks, punctuation, and spelling are key to maintaining rhythm and flow.

5. Seek Feedback:

Another pair of eyes can offer valuable insights. A classmate, teacher, or family member might catch something you've overlooked.

For instance, in a short story, they may suggest more detail in character descriptions. In a poem, they might offer feedback on imagery or rhythm.

6. Final Review:

Lastly, after incorporating the changes, give your work a final review. This will ensure you've addressed all issues and your work is ready for submission.

Remember, the revision process is not just about hunting for typos or grammatical errors. It's about refining your work as a whole, ensuring its quality and clarity.

Grammar and Punctuation

Good grammar and proper punctuation are critical components of clear and effective writing. They ensure your writing is understood and taken seriously.

In this course, you're expected to demonstrate a solid understanding of grammar and punctuation rules in your writing. Here are some essential points to remember:

Subject-Verb Agreement: The verb in a sentence must agree with its subject in number. For instance, "The dog barks" (singular) versus "The dogs bark" (plural).
Correct Tense Usage: Ensure you use tenses consistently, unless there's a good reason to switch. If you're writing about events in a book or a short story, it's generally acceptable to use the present tense, e.g., "In 'The Lamp at Noon,' Ellen feels isolated on the farm."
Proper Sentence Structure: Avoid run-on sentences and fragments. Each sentence should have at least a subject and a verb and express a complete thought.

Example of a Run-on: "I love reading it's fun."

Correction: "I love reading. It's fun."

Punctuation: Use periods, commas, semicolons, and other punctuation marks correctly.

Example: "The book was great; it was full of surprising twists."

Capitalization: Always capitalize the first word of a sentence, proper nouns, and titles (when appropriate).
Pronoun Reference: Ensure that it's always clear what or whom your pronouns are referring to.
Paragraph Structure: Each paragraph should include a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence.
Spelling: Always proofread your work to eliminate spelling errors.

Remember, tools like Grammarly and Microsoft Word's spelling and grammar check can be helpful, but they're not always 100% accurate. Understanding these rules and knowing when to apply them is essential. Regularly reviewing grammar rules and practicing your writing will improve your grammar skills over time. If you're ever unsure about a grammar or punctuation rule, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.

Sentences for Short Answers on Tests

Short answer questions on tests can be challenging as they require a concise and clear response that directly addresses the question. Below is a guide on how to approach these questions effectively.

Step 1: Understand the Question

Before you write your answer, ensure that you fully understand what the question is asking. Look for keywords in the question that indicate what the focus of your answer should be.

Step 2: Plan Your Answer

Before you start writing, briefly plan what you're going to say. Identify the main points that you need to cover to fully answer the question.

Step 3: Write a Clear and Direct Answer

Beginning Sentence: Start by directly responding to the question or by restating the question in a way that sets up your answer.
Middle Sentences: Provide any necessary information or evidence to support your answer. This could include facts, details, or examples.
Concluding Sentence: Summarize your answer, reinforcing your main point.

Example:

Question: "What are the major themes in the short story "The Lamp at Noon" by Sinclair Ross?"

Answer:

Beginning Sentence: "The short story "The Lamp at Noon" by Sinclair Ross primarily explores themes of isolation, desperation, and the human struggle against nature."
Middle Sentences: "For example, the isolation is evident in the characters' physical environment—surrounded by the dust storm—and in their personal lives, as they struggle to communicate and connect with each other. The desperation is portrayed through the characters' circumstances, such as their failing farm and their declining mental health. The human struggle against nature is a constant backdrop to the story, symbolized by the relentless dust storm."
Concluding Sentence: "In essence, Ross uses these themes to depict the harsh realities of life during the Dust Bowl era."

Step 4: Review Your Answer

Before you move on, quickly read over your answer to ensure it directly addresses the question, provides sufficient supporting evidence, and is clear and concise.

Remember, in short answer questions, clarity and relevance are key. Avoid unnecessary fluff or filler content and make sure every sentence contributes to answering the question.

Step-by-step Guide to Writing a Good Paragraph

1. Identify the Paragraph's Purpose: Before you start writing, understand the purpose of the paragraph. Is it meant to provide an argument, describe a scene or object, explain a process, or something else?

2. Develop a Topic Sentence: The topic sentence is the first sentence in your paragraph and it introduces the main idea. It sets the tone for the rest of your paragraph. Make sure this sentence is clear and direct.

Example: "The quick adaptation of dogs to different environments illustrates their evolutionary success."

3. Support with Evidence: Now, expand on your topic sentence by providing supporting evidence. This can be factual information, an argument, examples, or personal experiences.

Example: "For instance, Arctic breeds like the Siberian Husky have thick fur and padded feet for surviving harsh, cold conditions, while desert dogs such as the Saluki have long legs and thin bodies perfect for endurance and heat dissipation."

4. Explain the Evidence: After you provide evidence, explain how it supports your topic sentence. This is where you interpret your evidence and show why it matters.

Example: "These breed-specific traits have evolved over many generations, allowing dogs to thrive in different climates and geographical locations."

5. Conclude & Transition: End your paragraph by reinforcing your topic sentence and leading into the next idea. This helps your reader see the coherence in your argument and guides them smoothly from one point to the next.

Example: "Therefore, the physical diversity among dog breeds, fine-tuned by their environments, showcases their incredible evolutionary achievement. Continuing this exploration, let's consider the cognitive abilities that also contribute to dogs' survival..."

6. Review and Edit: Review your paragraph for clarity and coherence. Check that your sentences flow smoothly from one to the next and that each sentence contributes to your main idea. Edit for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Remember, writing is a process, and it's okay to revise and refine your paragraph as needed. Practice will help you become more proficient and comfortable with this process.

Submission of Assignments

All assignments should be submitted via Google Docs in Google Classroom.

Academic Honesty

Plagiarism or any form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in a failing grade for the assignment.

Writing Improvement Tools

You're encouraged to use tools like Grammarly and Quillbot for checking grammar and improving your writing.

Grading

Your work will be evaluated on the following criteria: content, organization, grammar and punctuation, and creativity. Make sure all these elements are present in your work.

Example Grading Rubric for Essay Writing

Example Rubric

Incorporation of Evidence

When incorporating evidence or sources into your writing, please use a reference page formatted in APA style.

Pre-writing

Before you start writing, it's beneficial to create an outline or notes. This helps organize your thoughts and provides a clear roadmap for your work.

Proofreading and Editing

Using tools like Grammarly and Quillbot can be very beneficial during the proofreading and editing stages. They help catch errors that you might overlook and can offer suggestions for improving your writing.

Remember, good writing takes time and practice. Use this guide as a reference throughout the course, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Different Types of Paragraphs:

Narrative: These paragraphs tell a story or narrate an event. They are chronological and usually use a lot of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture. E.g., recounting a personal experience or narrating a sequence of events in a novel.
Descriptive: These paragraphs provide detailed descriptions of a person, place, thing, or idea. They use sensory details and creative language. E.g., describing the setting in a short story or the appearance of a character.
Expository: These paragraphs aim to inform and enlighten the reader. They provide facts, statistics, and logical reasoning without expressing personal opinions. E.g., explaining a process or concept.
Persuasive: These paragraphs aim to persuade the reader towards the writer's point of view. They make use of evidence and logical reasoning, as well as persuasive language. E.g., arguing a point in an essay.

Remember, the key to writing effective paragraphs is to ensure each one has a clear purpose and contributes to your overall argument or narrative.

Writing Paragraphs Using the PEEL Structure

The PEEL paragraph structure is a writing strategy used to help organize paragraphs effectively. PEEL stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, and Link. This structure aids in clear and concise paragraph formation that aligns with your overall argument or theme. Here's how to construct a PEEL paragraph:

Point: Begin your paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point or idea of the paragraph.
Evidence: Use supporting evidence to back up the point you've made. This can be a quote, statistic, fact, or anecdote.
Explanation: Explain how your evidence supports your point. Analyze the evidence and demonstrate how it proves your point.
Link: End the paragraph with a sentence that links back to your overall argument or leads into the next paragraph.

Remember, one key to effective writing is variety. Different types of paragraphs – such as narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive – serve different purposes and thus may require different structures. However, the PEEL structure can still be a useful starting point.

Example of a PEEL Paragraph:

Let's say you're writing an essay about the importance of regular exercise.

Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy body weight. According to a 2020 study by the World Health Organization, individuals who engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week are 30% less likely to be overweight or obese. This statistic highlights the direct correlation between regular physical activity and lower body weight. Regular exercise helps increase the rate of calorie burn, which can prevent weight gain and promote weight loss, maintaining a healthy body weight. Therefore, regular physical activity can play a vital role in weight management. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy weight can also contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

Point: Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy body weight.
Evidence: According to a 2020 study by the World Health Organization, individuals who engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week are 30% less likely to be overweight or obese.
Explanation: This statistic highlights the direct correlation between regular physical activity and lower body weight. Regular exercise helps increase the rate of calorie burn, which can prevent weight gain and promote weight loss, maintaining a healthy body weight.
Link: Therefore, regular physical activity can play a vital role in weight management. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy weight can also contribute to overall health and wellbeing.

The 5-Paragraph Essay

The five-paragraph essay is a classic writing assignment. It provides a straightforward structure for your thoughts, making it an excellent starting point for beginners. Here's how to tackle it:

Step 1: Understand the Topic and Requirements

Before you start writing, understand the essay topic and any specific requirements or guidelines given.

Step 2: Plan Your Essay

Before you start writing, brainstorm ideas about the topic. Decide on three main points to support your thesis statement.

Step 3: Write the Introduction

Sentence 1 - The "Hook": Start with an interesting statement or question that will grab your reader's attention.
Sentences 2-3 - Introduce the Topic: Briefly introduce the topic, providing enough context for the reader to understand the subject of your essay.
Sentence 4 - The Thesis Statement: State your main argument or viewpoint on the topic. This should be a concise summary of the main point or claim of the essay.

Example:

"Have you ever wondered how stories can transport you to another world?"
"Reading is an essential skill that provides both entertainment and information."
"Through books, we can explore different cultures, eras, and ideas."
"Despite the rise of digital media, reading physical books remains an enriching and unparalleled experience."

Step 4: Write the Body Paragraphs

Each of the three body paragraphs should focus on one main idea that supports your thesis statement.

Sentence 1 - Topic Sentence: State the main idea of the paragraph.
Sentences 2-3 - Supporting Details: Provide examples, facts, statistics, or quotes that support your main idea.
Sentence 4 - Concluding Sentence: Summarize the main idea and transition to the next paragraph.

Body Paragraph Example:

"Firstly, physical books provide a sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate."
"The feel of the pages, the smell of the paper, and even the weight of the book add to the overall reading experience."
"According to a study from the University of Sussex, reading physical books can help reduce stress more than other methods like walking or listening to music."
"This tangible experience that physical books offer is just one reason they remain preferable over digital versions."

Repeat this process for the remaining two body paragraphs, each with a new main idea.

Step 5: Write the Conclusion

Sentence 1 - Restate the Thesis Statement: Restate your thesis statement in different words.
Sentences 2-3 - Summarize Main Points: Briefly summarize the main points you made in your body paragraphs.
Sentence 4 - Closing Statement: End with a closing statement that brings your essay to a smooth, coherent end, while reinforcing your overall argument.

Conclusion Example:

"The enduring appeal of physical books cannot be denied."
"From the sensory pleasure they provide to their role in reducing stress and their easy accessibility, physical books have several advantages."
"While digital media continues to grow, it cannot replace the unique experience of reading a physical book."
"In a world increasingly dominated by screens, the charm of holding a book in your hands is a simple yet profound joy."

Step 6: Review and Revise

Once your first draft is complete, take the time to revise and proofread. Check for clarity, consistency, grammar, and punctuation errors. Make sure your essay flows well, and your arguments are well-supported and coherent.

Remember, the five-paragraph essay is a guideline, not a rule. As you become more comfortable with essay writing, you can start to expand and experiment with your structure.

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