Writefully So

For many students, the most difficult part of a writing project is choosing a topic; especially when the instructor gives them absolute free choice.  This week our discussion is focused on choosing a topic for your writing project.  What are some of the things you need to consider as you prepare for your next writing project? 

A title is a simple, but often overlooked tool in your rhetorical toolbox.  Titles can engage, inform, and entertain.  They are also the first interaction between your reader and your essay, so why not get started off by putting your best foot forward.  This week your hosts discuss the value of using creative titles for your assignments, both from the perspective of instructors and of interested readers.  

One of the challenges students face in the first year classroom is recognizing or understanding why they are enrolled in a "Humanities" course on writing when it may not be directly related to their chosen major.  This week we address the question of why General Education Writing courses exist, their value to the student, and how to apply what we learn to other disciplines. 

This week Bill and Janette address the question, what is the difference between showing and telling.  Developing writers are often in the habit of "telling" their readers, meaning they will state their conclusions without effectively demonstrating to their reader how they arrived at that conclusion.  Sometimes this may be an issue with assuming the reader is already familiar with the subject and other times it may be because the writer is unsure of how to explain how they arrived at their conclusions. 

What is the deal with thesis statements?  This week we tackle why thesis statements are important, give advice on how to approach the challenge of drafting an effective thesis statement, and share stories where we struggled with thesis statements in our own academic careers. 

We are continuing our discussion on critical thought from last week by discussing the other side of that coin, expressing your ideas effectively.  After our critical analysis, after going deeper into a subject, how do we demonstrate depth of thought in our writing?  It isn't enough to think deeply, we need to be able to establish our assertions clearly and demonstrate our thinking for the reader.  You hosts discuss demonstrating depth of thought and offer some concrete advice on how to improve your own writing. 

In this week's episode of Writefully So, your hosts tackle what it means when your instructor asks you to "Go Deeper" or "Explore further" in your writing.  How does critical thinking apply to rhetoric and how can using critical thinking improve your writing overall? 

In the premier episode of Season 2, we are discussing the topic of passion vs. discipline. In our experience a majority of students will admit that they find it easier to write when they are interested in the topic and struggle when they are not as invested.  However, in academia, writers do not always have the luxury of choosing topics they are passionate about.  Our focus this week is on how do we engage with the writing process when we don't necessarily feel "passionate" about it. 

This episode marks the season finale for Season 1 of "Writefully So."  Your hosts embark on a an earnest discussion of Disney's Wreck-It Ralph to demonstrate the value of conversation in critical analysis and to show how rhetoric works in routine discussions.  The only difference between this discussion and a more formal, written assignment is the language, and the medium, well some organization couldn't hurt; the point is, a conversation like this one is often a great starting point for any writing project.  ENJOY! We'll see you in the Spring.  Start date for the new season coming soon. 

Often overlooked or given only a passing consideration, Introductions and conclusions are critical rhetorical elements in any paper.  This week your hosts discuss the value of introductions as well as useful tips for authoring your own introductions and conclusions.