Day 3: Communication and the Writing Process

Day 3: Communication and the Writing Process

Welcome to the first real week of actual class in ESL501!

This week we will begin with some introductory discussions of what it means to write, to communicate, and to send a message through writing. As you proceed through this class this semester, you will develop your own writing process. You will be asked to complete 3 reflective essays throughout the semester to help you reflect on what process works best for you. As you work through the lessons and activities of this class, you should be mindful of the practices and methods that work best for you, and take care to do those things when it comes time to write your essays. It will not only help you improve what you are writing but also the way that you write, helping you to become a more efficient, smart writer as you go.

1) To begin, we will discuss communication and the culture of writing communication.

-----Part I: What do two people need to do in order to communicate? List them and discuss why they are necessary

Oral communication

Part II: Now, discuss if these aspects are applicable to communication via writing? Explain your reasoning within your groups.

Part III: What do two people need to do in order to communicate effectively via writing?

Written Communication

Part VI: What do you see as being the biggest difference between the two mediums of communication? 

2) Next, we are going to discuss some major components in essay writing. In groups, you will work to match the definition with the term. We will then discuss the terms as a class.

 - Voice

 - Mechanics

 - Style

 - Introduction

 -  Conclusion

 - Focus

 - Purpose

 - Grammar

 - Coherence

-  Unity

 - Organization

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3) Now, we will briefly discuss the writing process and the steps one takes before, during and after composing. click on the link titled, The five basic steps to the writing process   and read to yourself.  

4) Finally, we will discuss the Analysis of Diagnostic Errors under course documents. Here each group is given a list of common "errors" that I saw in your diagnostic papers. Explain how this error affects one or more essay components from the pyramid. There is more than one correct answer. Think critically and be prepared to share your answers.