Writing a good essay

Hello again!
     I know that writing an essay is not a piece of cake for most people.   However, I hope as the quarter progresses, you feel more comfortable when writing any type of essay. Here are some useful videos:

Part 1: How to write an A+ Paper from 60 Second Recap:

Part #2: Writing a good thesis statement:

Part 3: Organizing your essay:  The third part of the 60 second expert video:

Part 4: 60 second Expret:  Writing an A+ paper Part #4:  Sound like a genius 

Part 5:  So what... that's the tricky question:  Remember your teacher is not a mind reader :)

Part 6: Writing an A+ paper Part #6:  Wrap it up:

Part 7:  A great summary:

Hope you find the videos useful to help you write your descriptive essay.

Have a good one!

Prof. Ramos

Journal #2

Hello Dear Students,
     I hope you hava had a productive week, so far.   This week I only have one question for you to reflect upon:   What was the hardest part for you when writing the first draft of your descriptive essay?

I am looking forward to reading your comments.

See you in class!!

Prof. Ramos

Writing an Outline

One of the most important steps in writing an essay is to write an outline. 
Here are some links that can help you understand how to write more effective outlines:
Writing an outline
Developing an outline
How to make an outline with sample outline

Complete tutorial on how to create outline on word.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-001/word-help/create-an-outline-from-scratch-RZ006105145.aspx?section=2

Writing Journal #1

Hello Dear Students!
   Every week, I will be posting some prompts for you to reflect and write.  You will need to write in the comment section below at least a paragraph answering the question.
   This week question is:
   How do you feel about yourself as a writer?  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?

  We will be answering these questions before our class.


Regards,
Prof. Ramos

Parts of an Essay

When I think of an essay, a hamburger model always comes to my mind.  I think there is no better metaphor than using a delicious hamburger to understand and master the structure of an essay.

Here is a very useful link:
http://daphne.palomar.edu/handbook/handbook.htm#toc

Hope you find it useful.

Regards,
Prof. Ramos

The Writing Process

Hello Again,
     It is important, regardless of how many writing courses you have taken, to understand how the writing process works and how it contributes to develop a better writing piece.
Here is a great chart that summarizes the writing process:

The 5 steps explained (information found here):

THE FIVE STEPS OF THE WRITING PROCESS

 

STEP 1:  PREWRITING

                   THINK

·         Decide on a topic to write about.

·         Consider who will read or listen to your written work.

·         Brainstorm ideas about the subject.

·         List places where you can research information.

·         Do your research.

 

STEP 2:  DRAFTING

                   WRITE

·         Put the information you researched into your own words.

·         Write sentences and paragraphs even if they are not perfect.

·         Read what you have written and judge if it says what you mean.

·         Show it to others and ask for suggestions.

 

STEP 3:  REVISING

                   MAKE IT BETTER

·         Read what you have written again.

·         Think about what others said about it.

·         Rearrange words or sentences.

·         Take out or add parts.

·         Replace overused or unclear words.

·         Read your writing aloud to be sure it flows smoothly.

 

STEP 4:  PROOFREADING

                   MAKE IT CORRECT

·         Be sure all sentences are complete.

·         Correct spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

·         Change words that are not used correctly.

·         Have someone check your work.

·         Recopy it correctly and neatly.

 

STEP 5:  PUBLISHING

                   SHARE THE FINISHED PRODUCT

·         Read your writing aloud to a group.

·         Create a book of your work.

·         Send a copy to a friend or relative.

·         Put your writing on display.

·         Illustrate, perform, or set your creation to music.

·         Congratulate yourself on a job well done!

 

 

And this is the writing process, more info will be posted soon.

Welcome!

Dear Students,
    It is the start of the quarter and a new journey.    I would like to formally welcome you and wish you a successful quarter. I know that for many students writing is not an easy task but I am positive that if you make your best effort your writing will definitely improve.

 

 

Regards,

Prof. Ramos