The Basic Checklist for Writing - Chapter 2 Lesson 1

What are three techniques you can use as part of an explanation?

-Analysis -Comparison and contrast -Description

What are four types of evidence you can use to support your ideas?

-Definition -Example -Testimony -Statistics

What are three resources you can find at your library?

-Librarians who can help you find information and give basic research advice -Free access to books and periodicals—many of which aren't available on the Internet -Interlibrary loans that let you get at nearly any book in prints

What are four possible purposes of your writing?

-To inform -To direct -To persuade -To inspire

What are the six common organizational patterns for writing?

-Topical pattern -Chronological pattern -Spatial/geographical pattern -Problem/solution pattern -Cause/effect pattern -Reasoning/logic pattern

What are some questions you can ask to analyze your audience?

-Who will read this newsletter? Your peers? Teachers? Neighbors? -What are your readers' education levels, career fields, and areas of expertise? -Do you need to supply any background information, explain terms, or provide other information? Does your audience have experience with the ideas and concepts you are presenting? -What does the audience think of you? Do they know and trust you? -Is your audience motivated to read your communication? -Are you making promises your organization will have to keep?

Why is a second pair of eyes necessary to improve your writing?

A second pair of eyes are necessary to improve your writing since writers sometimes don't see their mistakes and fail to see a weakness in their writing because of their pride of authorship. With a second pair of eyes, your writing is going to get better since they can spot your mistakes.

Which of the six steps can you leave out if necessary?

Don't leave any of the six steps out since completing each will increase your chances of success.

List four search engines you can use to find information on the Internet.

Google Yahoo! Bing Ask.com

Ideally, who should your feedback sources be?

Ideally, your feedback sources should be people who represent your audience.

Why should you get into the habit of editing your own writing?

People should get into the habit of editing their own writing because it develops their editing skills. It makes people more prepared when they don't have access to someone's feedback. You can also catch the worst mistakes yourself.

What are the six steps of the basic checklist?

The six steps of the basic checklist is: -Analyze purpose and audience -Conduct research -Support your ideas -Get organized -Draft and edit -Fight for feedback

In which pass do you focus on unclear language, wordiness, and errors in grammar and spelling?

The third pass is where you focus on unclear language, wordiness, and errors in grammar and spelling.

Why is writing an outline a timesaver?

Writing an outline is a timesaver because it allows you to test the flow of your ideas on paper without having to write out complete sentences and paragraphs. If some ideas don't flow naturally, you can easily rearrange them. It also helps you remain focused on your purpose statement and to ensure your support is organized, relevant, and tailored to your purpose and audience.