Analysis/Synthesis/Argumentative WritingTips

DO NOT Use...

  • the word "show" or forms of show: showing, as shown, showed
  • the word "feel" or forms of feel: to make the reader feel, a story-like feel
  • the syntacticalconstruction of "this...that..."
  • passive language involving "is", "are" and other forms of "to be"
  • vague sentences orgeneral observations
  • formulaic writing; BUTIf you need to rely on a strategy or outline to "get the job done" DO IT! However, try adding your own voice, style, rhetorical schemes, and syntax to make it "your own."
  • long, flowery sentences when you can be concise
  • long introductions. Write ONE or TWO sentences, then get to your thesis.
  • writing with small lettering. Write with large, legible letters
  • using little hearts or circles or stars for "i's"
  • colored ink (besides blue or black)
  • apologies for a lack of understanding. Demonstrate what you and know and CAN do, not that which you CANNOT do
  • restate the prompt in your thesis. You may use some of the words, but these words should be a part of your interpretation
  • list devices or rhetorical tools. Select two and prove why they are essential to the text
  • fluff in your writing.
  • confuse meaning for literary devices. Meaning Means More! Answer the question, “How does a rhetorical device enhance the overall meaning?”
  • a paragraph for each tool or device. Instead, thinking about the message and integrate the tools or devices into central meanings for each paragraph
  • write about ideas that cannot be related directly to the prompt.
  • Clichés! They bore me to death
  • the phrase, "writers use diction or tone", for their tone is proven with specific rhetoric, phrasing, diction and examples.
  • Phrasing about the effect a piece has on the reader's feelings. This is speculation.
  • phrasing about using devices for "flow"
  • use empty words like: unique,similar, negative, thing, anything, good, bad, great,etc.
  • the following phrases: “it talks about,” “draws them/you/reader in…,” “gets point across,” “pound a point home,” “paints a picture,” “in the reader’s mind,” “open people’s eyes,” “shine through,” or “get across”
  • "which" incorrectly. Consider the meanings of in which, with which, during which, about which and..."which"
  • excuses to avoid PROOFREADING! For instance, capitalize names of people, places, languages (i.e. English), works of art, music & literature.Any Comma splices? Fragments? Run-ons? Spelling? Unparallel syntax?