Writing is a way
of understanding-- of clarifying our own ideas and making sense of
what we think and feel. Yet in an effective argument, writers must
translate these ideas into a format that is persuasive for a reader.
Good argument demands a shift from writer-centered to reader-centered
writing. These handouts help you understand what readers look for
— and where they expect to find it. Understanding these expectations
is the foundation of good academic writing.
Wherever you are
in your development as a writer, there is always a next step. As always,
these exercises are not magic; improving on your writing takes intensive,
hard work. There are no shortcuts here. You will get out of these
exercises what you put into them, and you may have to do a lot of
practice to really see the full benefit.
Please give me
feedback on which exercises you find most useful... and suggestions
for new topics you would like to see developed.
