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 Writing Ready (GIS 140D) - Summer 2007 
Instructor: Shawna Shapiro  
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INFO AND  RESOURCES

  • Other links: 
General  Writing- info &  ideas
 Style, Word Choice, and Revision
 Grammar, Mechanics, and Editing

And my favorite link?  GOOGLE!!  Here are tips on how best to use it to find the info and resources you need.
REVISION TIPS:
Stake 'tips':
(questions to consider)
  • Why is my argument 'interesting' or 'unusual'?

  • Who (besides me) might care about what I'm saying, and Why?

  • Where is the 'twist' or irony (contradiction) here?
Revision Strategies for Portfolio:
  • Consider each point in the Course Outcomes and commentary as a point for revision (see link above)
  • Read your paper aloud (or ask someone else to do it)
  • Ask your reader to summarize your paper (and see if that matches your intention)
  • Make a detailed outline and 'code' what's in your paper to make it match your outline.  This increases coherence.
  • Summarize each paragraph; if you can't do this, it might mean that cohesion is lacking.
  • Visit writing centers (see links above)
  • Remember: Shawna will review drafts before the official submision 'deadline.' 
    Send questions/focal points for her review, and give 24 hours for response.

EDITING TIPS:
Words to WATCH OUT for: 
  • pronouns (I, you, it)
  • vague language (there is/are,  something/someone/anybody,  people, things)
Common Errors: 
  • verb tense (be consistent!)
  • incomplete sentences (read entire paper aloud to make sure it says what you intended!)
  • citation lacking (both ideas/facts/statistics AND actual quotes need to be referenced)