Please do not get frustrated in this class. You will have the opportunity to correct all of your papers and submit them several times. Writing is an acquired skill, very few people are born with the natural ability to write. PRACTICE!!

It is very common for students to write like they speak. Unfortunately that does not work well. We tend to speak in cliches, and using language that is not acceptable in writing. When you get done writing a paper, you really need to take the time to re-read it carefully. Better yet have a friend read it to see if it makes sense.

Even when you are writing informally, there is a tendency to write and not make sense in a sentence. Again, make sure that you carefully read sentences to see if they make sense before you submit a paper.

Use of cliches and commonly used but inappropriate terms are very common mistakes:

---growing up, looking back, sink my money, keep kids out of trouble, a lot of fun, hang out, almost 20,000 people, only about, somewhat, state-of-the-art, Starting off, I hit school, life is hard, for the most part,

--Abbreviations-In writing if you use an abbreviation, it has to be cited first. For example, if we are going to use NRPA, we write it out the first time and then enclose NRPA in Paranthesis. It is never appropriate to use some words as abbreviations. For example, you cannot use rec programs. That is not appropriate.

--Use of numbers. There are style rules for use of numbers. Generally it is acceptable to use the actual number in the text, but you do not start a sentence with a number. If you do, you need to write it out.

--There is a tendency to modify words with other word were it is not appropriate. A paper is not very interesting, it is only interesting.

--There is a tendency to end sentences with a prepositional phrase which in writing is inappropriate. Where is Harvard at? What is the difference between Where is Harvard? and Where is Harvard at?

--Use different words. Use spelling and grammar, spell check, and the thesaurus on Word. It will really help. For example, many different, what about various?

--Make sure that you submit clean, stapled papers.

( ) Paranthesis around words and phrases indicates inappropriate words or phrases or you could have said it a different way.

[ ] brackets around sentences indicates a poor sentence.

Circled words indicate a misspelling or poor choice of words.

Page updated:
Wednesday December 26, 2007 9:26 PM