Name ____________________________________ Hr. ___ Due date: __________________

(rev. 8.20.2012)

 

EFFECTIVE WRITING PAPER

 

 

WHAT IS THE TASK?

As part of the Effective Writing unit, you will pre-write and revise to produce a polished narrative of 2-4 typed pages in MLA format. The paper must demonstrate command of the effective writing techniques studied as well as conventions of standard English grammar and usage. See accompanying grading rubric which fully outlines all requirements.

 

A good narrative develops real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

 

 

Your narrative should include the following:

 

1. a well-developed story

2. one or more points of view

3. well-developed narrator and/or characters

4. meaningful dialogue when appropriate

5. logical organization which sequences events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole

6. a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative

 

 

You are to produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to your chosen type of narrative. You will choose one of the following types of narratives:

 

1. a memoir (recalls a memorable incident from your life revealing your personality; uses facts, anecdotes, and reflection)

 

1. a biographical sketch (recalls a memorable incident from another person’s life told from a particular perspective; uses facts, anecdotes, and reflection)

 

1. a short story (tells a well-developed imaginative story with dynamic characters and incorporates an engaging plot, setting, conflict)

 

 

 

 

WHAT 6 EFFECTIVE WRITING TECHNIQUES ARE REQUIRED?

1. SHOW; DON’T TELL!

1. Use sensory details. This means use vivid visual images, vivid sounds, vivid smells, tastes, emotions, and the sense of touch.

2. Use precise word choice. Choose specific nouns, adjectives, adverbs.

3. Use creative figures of speech which make your writing come alive.

 

 

2. Use STRONG VERBS.

1. Use interesting, exciting, unusual action verbs rather than weak, boring verbs.

2. Avoidoveruse of linking verbs(both TO BE and SENSORY linking verbs)

TO BE LINKINGSENSORY LINKING

am was be appear become seem

are were being look sound stay

is been grow feel smell

taste remain turn

1. Use ACTIVE rather than PASSIVE voice. The use of active voice in this sentence, “He jumped the fence” is preferred over the passive voice, “The fence was jumped by him.”

 

 

3. Use an effective TITLE and LEAD.

1. Use an attention-grabbing title.

2. Your introductory sentences (or “lead”) must be memorable and engage your audience’s attention immediately. You want your reader to be excited to continue reading.

 

4. Use SENTENCE VARIETY.

1. Vary the length of sentences.

2. Vary the beginnings of sentences.

3. Do not overuse the same sentence patterns.

4. Use various types of phrases and clauses to convey specific meanings and add variety and interest.

5. Use parallel structure to promote fluency.

 

 

5. Choose a specific, effective AUDIENCE and VOICE.

1. Choose a specific, appropriate audience.

2. Adjust your tone appropriately to your chosen audience.

3. Demonstrate command of voice.

4. If you wish, experiment with a creative voice other than your own.

 

 

6. Use appropriate WORD CHOICE/DICTION.

1. Word choice (or diction) must suit the topic, purpose, and audience.

2. Avoid clutter.

3. Avoid redundancy.

4. Avoid use of cliches, idioms, and hyperboles.

5. Make sure any jargon used is appropriate for your audience.