What are the Qualities of Good Writing Punctuation

What are the Qualities of Good Writing? ? ? • • Punctuation Clear Organized Transitions Avoid run ons Topic sentences FREDS

What are the Qualities of Good Writing? ? ? • Stays on topic / task • Follows rules for punctuation and capitalization • Clear organization (beginning, middle, and end • Relevant and reliable evidence (credible) • Flows well – transitions • Varies sentence structure • Not biased • Interesting • No fluff (concise) • Your own • Expressive language • Well thought out – clear plan • Avoids clichés • Strong arguable claim (thesis) • Descriptive details • Awareness of purpose and audience (avoids slang, contractions)

MLA Format - Heading • Your Name • My Name (Mrs. Hayes) • English 11 • 23 August 2016

Introduction Paragraph • Start with a hook (do not spend too much time dwelling on this – you can always go back and add one later) • Include the title of the book (in italics & capitalized) and author’s name • Include a brief summary of your book – do not assume that your audience has read it • Includes your claim (thesis statement) – what are you going to prove in your essay? Claim needs to be arguable.

Body Paragraphs • Start with a topic sentence that relates to your claim/thesis. • Show examples from the text to prove this point • At least one of these examples should be a quote from the text. • Make sure you explain each of your examples (how does this example help prove your claim/thesis) • End with a transition sentence that connects this paragraph to the next one.

Say, Show, Mean Say what you want to say: The story of Chris Gardner shows that as Americans we have the opportunity to pursue our dream, but it is not easy. Show an example: Gardner was a single parent trying to take care of his son. He worked many hours at an unpaid internship. Because of this, he could not afford his rent, and they become homeless. Explain what it means: Being without a home and caring for his son was not easy, but Gardner never gave up. As a result he was able to finish his internship, get a full time position, and become a successful businessman.

Conclusion • Restates claim • Gives your reader something to think about

Keep Standards in Mind • Cite textual evidence • Determine a text’s central idea • Determine author’s purpose and how they achieve it • Evaluate argument including validity of evidence and reasoning. • Present arguments cohesively • Provide concluding statement