Writing Rules for Mr. Acciani

1. Writing Rules for Mr. Acciani

2. Why place an emphasis on writing in a history class? • It’s my job to prepare you for college • Oh, yeah – we also speak English in here • If I can’t understand what you’re saying, your point is meaningless

3. We ain’ttalkin’ ‘bout English – we talkin’ ‘bout History! • Writing is an essential part of the learning process • one of the most important ways that historians communicate their ideas and conclusions to one another. • The act of writing forces you to take your knowledge and organize it into a coherent and concise presentation. • when you argue something in print, you must convince your reader of the validity of your argument through clear language and the careful use of fact rather than the conviction in your voice. • After you graduate many of those with whom you will have contact in your professional life will judge you based upon your writing. • Whatever career path you select, you will have to write reports, speeches, proposals, job applications, and emails that others will read before they ever speak to you personally. • These individuals will develop their first and often most lasting impression of you based upon your writing skills.

4. Don’t #1 • Use contractions (of any form) • Eliminates confusion in writing • Helps prevent using informal voice

5. Don’t #2 • Use first or second person • When writing formal papers forms of I and You should be avoided • Saying I before opinions actually weakens them – you need to express opinions as fact and should be able to do so without saying I • First and second person implies informality

6. Don’t #3 • Use any form of the verb “to be” • Includes am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been • Tends to lead to passive voice • Using active verbs strengthens writing • Three ways to change: • Take out the “to be” verb • Substitute another verb for the “to be” verb • Rephrase the sentence

7. Don’t #4 • Overuse vague words • It, they, their, etc. should be avoided as much as possible • Contributes to confusion for readers • You want to be as clear as possible at all times

8. Don’t #5 • Use slang • A written paper should not sound like a conversation with your friends • Formal language must be used

9. Don’t #6 • Plagiarize!

10. Do’s • Do assume your reader has no knowledge on the subject you are talking about – always err on the side of being too clear in your explanations • Do write your paper going from general to specific – it should be like a funnel general specific

11. Do’s • Do write an outline • Do write your paper in an order that helps you • For example, sometimes it is easier to write a paper this way: • Write your thesis • Write your conclusion (not just a restatement!) • Write your body • Write your intro

12. Group Work • With a partner – work on editing the papers you are given. Please remove all violations of the 6 rules you have been given.