COMM105 Introduction to Effective Written Communication

The Writing Process

• Identify the steps involved in the writing process (pre-writing, organizing, drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and formatting).
• Demonstrate the ability to perform each of the steps involved in the writing process.

Resources for Writing

• Explore resources for writing and for research.
• Utilize the WritePoint^SM Tool in the Center for Writing Excellence to receive feedback on a paper.

Essay Organization

• Utilize basic essay organization.
• Practice correct use of thesis statements.
• Develop effective paragraphs with correct use of topic sentences and supporting ideas.
• Apply the strategies for writing special use paragraphs: introductions, conclusions, and transitions.
• Recognize structural components of an effective essay.

Writing Strategies

• Explore the various writing strategies (narration, description, illustration, classification, process analysis, comparison/contrast, cause and effect, and persuasion/argument).
• Practice various writing strategies for essays (narration, comparison/contrast, cause and effect, and persuasion/argument).
• Analyze an effective published essay for rhetorical elements and strategy.

Formats for Papers

• Examine elements of APA documentation and format.
• Demonstrate proper citing and referencing techniques in papers.

Grammar/Punctuation/Mechanics/Style

• Demonstrate the use of proper sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics.
• Demonstrate effective word choice and style to match the rhetorical situation (purpose, audience, topic, and writing strategy).
• Demonstrate the qualities of clarity, concreteness, completeness, conciseness, coherence, and cohesion in an essay.