Writing Methods

Week 1

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing

1. The Writing Process

2. 4 Styles of Writing

Descriptive, Expository, Persuasive and Narrative

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
1. The writing process involves a series of
structured steps.
Pre-writing

Composing

Post-writing

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
The pre-writing stage mostly deals with
planning, gathering and organizing.

The composing stage is mainly about

drafting.

The post-writing stage is the revising, editing

and proofreading.
ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS
 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
Pre-writing strategies to help you choose and develop
a topic:
List ideas for a topic

Study and take notes in regards to the specific topic

Create a cluster to map your thoughts

Create the questions you want to analyse further

Make an outline structuring your paper

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS
 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
The drafting process involves the writing of the first
paragraphs.
Some techniques that can help you begin are:
 Finding the thesis statement

 Create your topic sentences

 Conduct research to find your supporting sources and list them on your
paper

 Set up the key words to create coherence

The aim of the drafting process is to create unity and coherence

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS
 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
The post-writing stage gives you the opportunity to revise your
work, edit parts if necessary and at the end proofreading it for
any possible mistakes.
Some things to look out for in the post-writing stage are:
 If your thesis statement is clearly stated

 If your topic sentence in each paragraph applies to the subject

 If your paragraphs begin with the appropriate linking words

 If your text has a logical order

 If the introduction, main body and conclusion serve their purpose.

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
 If your grammar and syntax are correct

 If your sources are cited properly

 If the overall outline of your document is appealing to the

reader

 If you have inserted all the information

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
2. According to the purpose of each essay there
are 4 different styles of writing.
Descriptive description of an object or place

description of events

describing a process

describing and explaining

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
When asked to describe an object or a place you will
refer to the appearance of the topic at hand.
For example, if you are asked to describe your house, you will mention the
size, how many rooms it has and if it’s old or new.

Some ways
Describe…
your essay

topic
Narrate…
may begin…
Tell…

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
When asked to describe events. Tell a story. How,
when and what important actions at the event
occurred are the main points you need to focus.
For example, when you are telling your best friend about the party you
attended last Saturday.

Some ways
Give an account of…
your essay Tell a story of how/when…
State the events of…
topic

may begin…

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
When asked to describe a process. Tell a story but
the connections between the facts must be clearly
explained.
For example, when you want to write a recipe of how a certain food is made.

Some ways

your essay

topic

may begin…

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
When asked to describe and explain. You will have to
use facts, factors, functions, causes or results and to
group your facts.
For example you might be asked to explain what caused the fight at the
football match you attended.

Some ways
Explain the causes of…
your essay Suggest reasons for…
topic Why did?
Discuss the reasons for…
may begin…

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 (McDonald publishing, 2017)

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing

Expository Create the idea or hypotheses

Find evidence

Explain the idea

Present the argument

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 (McDonald publishing, 2017)

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing

Persuasive Present your point of view

Maintain the readers interest

Use solid evidence

Convince the reader of your argument

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 (McDonald publishing, 2017)

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing

Narrative Introduce and present an argument

Analyse the text by presenting your argument

State your personal opinion

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 (McDonald publishing, 2017)

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Introduction to the Styles of
Writing
Further Reading:
Loyola University, L.U.C. (no date). Stages of the Writing Process. Retrieved 31 January,
2017, from
http://www.luc.edu/media/lucedu/firstandsecondyearadvising/pgfs/writing_process.
pdf

McDonald publishing, M.P.M. (2017). MPM School Supplies. Retrieved 1 February,

2017, from http://www.mpmschoolsupplies.com/p-4463-4-types-of-writing-poster-
set.aspx

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 References:
Bailey, S. (2011). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students (Third ed.).
London and New York: Routledge.

Cottrell, S. (2003). The study skills handbook (Third ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave
Macmillan.

Finegan, E. (2008). Language: Its Structure and Use (Fifth ed.). Thomson Wadsworth

Gillett, A. (n.d.). Genres in academic writing: Essays. Retrieved February 01, 2017, from
http://www.uefap.com/writing/genre/essay.htm

Hennessy, B. (2010). How to write coursework and exam essays: an accessible guide to
developing the skills needed to excel in written work and exams (Sixth ed.). Oxford:
How To Books.

ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS

 Hyland, K. (2003). Second language writing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Langan, J. (2013). College Writing Skills with Readings (Sixth ed.). New York: Mcgraw
Hill Higher Education

Maimon, E. P., & Peritz, J. H. (2003). A Writer's Resource A Handbook for Writing and
Research (MLA Update). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Quinonez, N. (2014, April 14). 4 Types of Essays. Retrieved February 01, 2017, from
https://blog.udemy.com/types-of-essays/

Stein, S. (1998). Walch Toolbook: Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage. Finegan, E. (2008).
Language: Its Structure and Use (Fifth ed.). Thomson Wadsworth

Straus, J. (2008). The blue book of grammar and punctuation: the mysteries of
grammar and punctuation revealed.
ENG1000 - WRITING METHODS