Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have...
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Transcript of Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have...
![Page 1: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Writing Basics
![Page 2: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Getting Started
Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft jitters:
• Let your prewriting guide you.• Focus on your ideas and how to organize them.• Write rapidly and use your natural writing voice.
![Page 3: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Understanding The Parts
Your first draft will have three parts. Here are your goals for each part:
• Beginning: Capture your reader's attention and state your focus.• Middle: Provide your main points and details.• Ending: Bring the writing to a thoughtful close. Beginning
Middle
Ending
![Page 4: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
The Beginning
![Page 5: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Writing Your Beginning Paragraph
When you write your beginning, do the following things:
• Capture your reader's attention.• State your focus.
![Page 6: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Capturing the Reader's Attention
Here are several strategies for capturing the reader's attention:
• Start with a question.• Start with a surprising fact.• Start with a quotation.• Start with an anecdote (perhaps how you became
interested in the subject).
![Page 7: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Stating Your Focus
Most writing has a focus statement, a sentence that tells what the writing is about.
• A narrative essay, an expository essay, or a research report has a thesis statement.
• A persuasive essay has an opinion statement.
(Fictional narratives create a focus by establishing a setting, main characters, and a conflict.)
![Page 8: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
The Middle
![Page 9: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Writing Your Middle Paragraphs
Each middle paragraph presents one main point (or reason). Here’s how to write each middle paragraph:
• Start with a topic sentence.• Add supporting details.• Use transitions to connect ideas.• Provide an ending sentence.
Let your outline guide you as you write your middle paragraphs.
![Page 10: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Understanding Transitions
Transitions are words or phrases that connect ideas. They can do the following:
• Show location• Show time• Compare ideas• Contrast ideas• Emphasize a point• Conclude or summarize• Add information• Clarify
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Using Transitions
You can use transitions both within and between paragraphs.
• Within paragraphs, transitions connect supporting details.
• Between paragraphs, transitions connect main ideas.
![Page 12: Writing Basics. Getting Started Relax. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. You will have time to revise later. Here are tips for overcoming first-draft.](https://reader036.fdocuments.net/reader036/viewer/2022082818/56649ed25503460f94be1b24/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
The End
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Writing Your Ending Paragraph
When you write your ending paragraph, do the following three things:
• Restate your focus.
• Summarize main points or reasons.
• Leave the reader with something to think about.
If you are writing a persuasive essay, include a call to action.
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Getting Unstuck
If you're having trouble getting started, try some of these techniques.
• Start by writing about your topic nonstop for five minutes. This is called freewriting.
• Write as if you were talking about your topic to friends.• Talk about your topic into a tape recorder and play it
back, writing down what you like.
After you finish your first draft, set it aside for a little while before beginning the next step in the process—revising.