Intro
Writing in different disciplines requires writing
in different genres, and with different goals in mind. How do
we determine what sort of writing we should do when we approach
a new assignment, and how can we use our knowledge of genre characteristics
to make informed choices about our own writing? What are the things
that we need to consider and make choices about when we approach
a new paper assignment?
Lesson Activities
Determine as a class what kinds of things we should
consider when approaching an assignment. Make a list. Audience,
purpose, context, style, tone, use of evidence, language, etc.
1. Group activity:
Every group is assigned an example to analyze. Work
together in groups to analyze a few real life examples of paper
assignments. The examples come from real-life college courses,
each from a different academic discipline. Each has a different
purpose, will address a different audience, and will be graded
on different criteria. Keeping the list we made of important things
to consider in mind, examine the example and discuss the goals,
style, characteristics, content, audience, and features of the
paper as we understand them based on the teacher's assignment
sheet. Answer a series of questions
about the requirements of the assignment.
2. Discussion:
Each group should be prepared present a short summary
of the assignment they've looked at and share the answers they've
written about the example. Compare the determinations we've made
about these examples. Have each group present the assignment they
analyzed, and share their answers. Draw a chart on the overhead
projector showing differences in context, purpose, audience, and
characteristics, etc. How do the assignments differ in purpose,
etc? What kinds of choices can you make in writing each of these
papers in order to make them effective?
3. Writing:
Take a few minutes to reflect on the things you should
consider when you approach a new writing assignment in one of
your classes. What should you take into consideration when in
the planning stages for an assignment? How can this relate to
planning your survey paper?
GROUP WORKSHEET
PAPERS FOR PRESENTATION:
TOPICS