Writing Notes

Writing Notes

Active vs Passive Voice

Active voice means that the subject of the sentence is doing the action. 
Ex: Tucker loves coffee. 
Passive voice means that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action. 
Ex: Coffee is loved by Tucker. 
*Coffee is the subject but it isn't doing anything
It's better to use active voice than passive voice, as it sounds more direct and clear.
How to Switch:
-Check for sentences with the word by
-Flip the sentence around

            Tucketo Panel - Informal Discussion on Introductions 

It can be hard just to start a writing introduction, so Mrs. Neto and Mrs. Tucker will review the basics of intros, and the differences between formal, informal, scientific, argumentative, and persuasive. The Hook is like the topic sentence in a scientific paper, but a research paper would use a powerful fact vs. in a literary piece. A literary piece might still use it though. Then you transition to the larger implications of that fact. That transition is hard for students, they just jump to the thesis statement. Make the connection clear (scientific and literary) The hypothesis is the thesis statement of a scientific paper. Especially state the real life implication, why, the research, etc. You could start with a fact from another paper that influenced your research. For literature, an interesting quote about the central topic that is substantial can link to the theme or focus of that piece of writing. Explanation of a quote is difficult, but the same is for facts. Transitions are the hardest part. Mrs. Neto -No questions for a hook, Mrs.Tucker disagrees. Mrs. Neto removed her students from questions because weak writers will use it as a crutch. When its done well it can be super effective. Its better for a title, or just not there at all. Especially in science. It should be a thought provoking question. Knowing when its good to use a question is important. Don't use 'you' in a formal piece of writing. Always imagine that you are writing to your English teacher and not some random person.

Strategies: Eng/Sci

1) Unusual fact + transition + thesis

2) Thought provoking

So when writing an introduction, come up with a strong hook, either a fact or a quote, something along the likes, then an explanation of that quote and the hypothesis/thesis would be the claim of the essay.

Argumentative Paragraph Notes

Claim: Your position on the topic + 1 reason

          Get rid of filler

Data: Quote experts, data, numbers, citation

         More reliable, needs to be right after the hook, need to know where the information comes from and if its credible

Warrant: Explain and analyze how your data supports your claim. Unpack the data 2-3 sentences long

Need to add more warrant in between quotes. UNPACK THE DATA

Counterclaim: present an opinion opposite from your own

                    Use a cue 

                    Be specific 

                    

Rebuttal: Present more data (a quote or a # or %) to prove the counterclaim isn't as strong. Explain and analyze how that data refutes or weakens the counterclaim

Need MORE evidence. 

Concluding Statement: Restate your main point in words.

Things Tucker Hates: The word things and all other boring words

Contractions 

Tried over used verbs like show

Sentences that begin with so

"I'm going to write about"