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English
English Center
Writing
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The English Center is available to assist all Gallaudet students and students from other programs with its Writing Resources. The resources found here are meant to assist students in all stages of the writing process. Guidance on many different stages/types of writing, including editing and the development of research papers, is provided here. Our goal is to help make this process as painless as possible.
The critical essay should have the same structural characteristics as any other kind of essay. Please see our Structure of an Essay explanation and picture to refresh your memory. However, the kind of information that a critical essay should include can be very different from...
Purpose The purpose of a book review is to help other people decide whether or not they want to read a book. You do this by summarizing the book and by evaluating how well the writer wrote the book. The book review can explain the...
Search for a topic which interests you (perhaps in your major field). Try to come up with something fairly controversial, but avoid subjects that have been overdone (abortion, capital punishment). Try a heuristic strategy (free writing, brainstorming, clustering, journal writing, journalistic formula, etc.). After doing...
Remember that you are required to cite your sources for paraphrases and direct quotes. For more information on MLA Style, APA style, Chicago Style, ASA Style, CSE Style, and I-Search Format, refer to our Gallaudet TIP Citations and References link. Words that introduce Quotes or Paraphrases...
This handout is based on information from the Associated Press Style and Libel Guide. If someone writes for publication a defamatory statement (a statement in which a person's reputation is seriously damaged), and that statement is false, and that person is identified in print, even...
A dissertation is a lengthy review of one subject or important problem. It is written as evidence of the writer's ability to think of a topic, perform extensive research, and write a clear assessment of his/her findings. The work generally incorporates previous research with new...
Prewriting by questioning is a five-step process which allows you to: recognize the richness and diversity of your subject (exploration); gather as much information as possible about this aspect (discovery); make some sense out of the body of information you've assembled (classification); determine what you...
When you are faced with starting a research paper, the most important part of researching and beginning to write is organizing the information and your thoughts. If you are not organized, it will take considerably more time to write the paper. To make it easy...
The following is an explanation of the structure of a five-paragraph essay. It is important to remember that an essay can be any length. This is just an example of one kind of essay which can be adapted for your own writing purposes. If you...
This is an outline of what a five-paragraph essay looks like. To view a "written text" version of a five-paragraph essay/outline, click here: Five Paragraph Essay Sample and Outline. Introduction Introductory statements Thesis statement Introduce supporting ideas (optional) II. Body First supporting idea Transition, topic...
By John Langan From College Writing Skills with Readings Introduction/Thesis Although I love movies, going to see them drives me slightly crazy. Body First of all, getting to the movie can take a lot of time. I have a thirty five-minute drive down a congested...
Introduction/Thesis Working in an apple plant was the worst job I ever had. Body First of all, the work was physically hard. For ten hours a night, I took cartons that rolled down a metal track and stacked them onto wooden skids in a tractor-trailer....
Your paper will probably be more effective if you try to present your findings so that the different parts are about the same length. If you are researching two books, for example, you should give approximately the same space to each. Note: Always check with...
(Sample Definition Essay) I think it was my mother who taught me the meaning of honesty. Not because she actually was honest, but because she lied all the time. She felt that the easiest way out of any given situation was generally the best way...
William E. Hoy was born hearing in Houckstown, Ohio, on May 23, 1862. He became deaf before he was three years old. Later, he attended the Columbus "Ohio" School for the Deaf from the age of ten to the age of eighteen. As a student,...
Your name 1111 ABC Street Washington, DC 00000 July 1, 2009 Ms. Joan Doe Director of Personnel Imagemakers, Inc. 4000 100th Street Washington, DC 000000 Dear Ms. Doe: Your Personnel Job Vacancy Listing is announcing the position of Public Information Specialist in your Department of...
Your name 111 Aaaaa Dr Washington, D.C. 20002 June 3, 2010 Mr. John Doe Human Resources Manager ABC County Recreation Programs 123 ABC Way Washington, DC, 20002 Dear Mr. Doe: I was excited to see the Recreational Programs/Disabled Citizens Coordinator position recently advertised in...
Lab Report >Sample Updated: 2005 Demonstration of a close genetic relationship between human and chimpanzee through the Nutall precipitation reaction Abstract Some scientists theorize that humans and chimpanzees evolved from a common ancestor millions of years ago. Because of this theory, we hypothesized that the...
If you are writing for a publication like a magazine or a newspaper, you should be familiar with the rules and guidelines for journalism. Interviews and Writing Editorial Stylebook Rules of Interviewing Ethics and Law What is Libel? Links: Student Press Law Center General Journalism...
The goal of a research paper is to bring together different views, evidence, and facts about a topic from books, articles, and interviews, then interpret the information into your writing. It's about a relationship between you, other writers, and your teacher/audience. A research paper will...
Evaluation Check List for Resume Heading: Your name Your address (use current address for full time job; list home and school address for internship) Your telephone number (provide appropriate relay number in addition) Your internet or email address Objective: Some people omit this, if they...
An essay is a short piece of writing that discusses, describes or analyzes one topic. It can range in length from one paragraph to more than twenty. It can be about anything, and be written in almost any style. It can be serious or funny,...
Prewriting is preparation process that you can complete before you actually write your paper, essay or summary. Prewriting helps you organize your thoughts, plan your research or writing, and clarify your thesis.
Pre-writing is a way of organizing your thoughts and beginning to put the information you have on paper. It is best to do a pre-writing activity before you actually begin writing your paper or essay. Basic Pre-writing Strategies You should use pre-writing to think more...
Poetry is the most compressed form of writing. Poems tend to use fewer words to convey a thought, action or emotion than works of fiction does. In poetry, every single word has a significant impact on the meaning of the poem. Poems may follow specific...
Developed by Gallaudet University Department of Biology Citations and the Bibliography for Biology Lab Reports If you use material from lectures, lab manuals, textbooks or outside sources including internet references, make sure to acknowledge the source with an in-text citation. You do not necessarily need...
Do you want to congratulate someone on their anniversary, birthday, wedding, promotion, or graduation? Has your friend successfully handled a new change or reached a personal achievement? Below you will find information that will help you write a wonderful and memorable letter of congratulations. Guidelines...
Have you received an award or honor and want to write an appreciative letter? Have your employees, colleagues, teachers, family, or friends achieved an accomplishment? Has someone done a job well? Have you received financial contributions or scholarships and want to express your gratitude? Here...
Is there a job you are interested in and need to send in a resume? Want to create a resume and keep it on file? The following information will help you create a simple and efficient resume. Guidelines for writing resumes: Include your name, address,...
"I love being a writer," quipped novelist Peter Devries, "What I can't stand is the paperwork." When it comes to writing memos, most business people would agree. Mounting evidence shows that memos may be small, but they give big headaches to everyone from secretaries to...
There are specifics formats that letters should follow, whether they are personal correspondence or business-related. We have several sample letters and formats that will help you figure out how to structure your letters.
Do you want government officials or other people in positions of authority to take action on issues that matter to you? This will guide you as you write an advocacy letter. Guidelines for writing advocacy letters: State clearly what you would like your reader to...
By Ellen Beck Follow these best practices to get the most out your interviews. Always identify yourself and explain what you are doing. If you are interviewing a person for a news story, ask questions that gather the information that you need to explain an...
Have you ever been in a situation where you need to make a complaint? Did a company bill you incorrectly? Have your neighbor's children been misbehaving? Have you been experiencing work, school, or legal problems? Has there been a misunderstanding you want to be cleared...
If you are applying for a job that requires you to submit a resume, you should include a cover letter with your resume and application. The purpose of the cover letter is to: introduce yourself to the employer; indicate which position you are applying for;...
Do you have a party coming up? Has a meeting been scheduled and needs to be posted? Has enrollment been declining and you want to recruit new members? This section will help you write effective and attention-getting notices to your fellow students. Guidelines for writing...
Plagiarizing something means copying facts, ideas, and/or words without giving credit to the person from whom you got the information. An author's words, opinions, statistics, facts, and information require either a footnote, quotation marks, and/or an in-text parenthetical reference giving credit to the person who...
Have you recently scheduled a business appointment or a job interview and want to confirm the meeting date? Have you just had a job interview? Do you need to find out if you have been accepted for the job? This section will give you tips...
Choosing an essay topic is one of the most important parts of writing an essay or paper. It also is one of the most difficult parts of building the essay. However, here are some important tips in choosing the essay topic: Select something that interests...
Do you have an engagement, wedding, baby shower, or graduation coming up? Is there a performance, school event, or meeting to which you want to invite people? Any special religious ceremonies like Communion or a Bar Mitzvah? Do you want to invite someone to speak...
Resources and guides on writing lab reports.
Do you have an apology to make? Have you been late in saying thank you for a gift or invitation? Have you been involved in some kind of misunderstanding that you want to clear up? Has your child misbehaved? Have you damaged someone else's property?...
Check out the various resources below to learn more about literature.
First and last impressions are important in any part of life, especially in writing. This is why the introduction and conclusion of any paper - whether it be a simple essay or a long research paper - are essential. Introductions and conclusions are just as...
An abstract is a brief explanation that generally goes at the beginning of a paper, book or article, that explains the objective, research process, results, and conclusions of a project. Writing an effective abstract will improve the chances of your manuscript being accepted, encourage people...
An essay is a paper that discusses, describes or analyzes one topic. It can discuss a subject directly or indirectly, seriously or humorously. It can describe personal opinions, or just report information. An essay can be written from any perspective, but essays are most commonly...
Paraphrasing is the process of changing an author's words into your own words. Paraphrasing may be used as a study technique or as a writing technique. As a study technique Paraphrasing tests a person's understanding of a writer's ideas. It is a way of testing...
Read the job descriptions and think about where your education, skills, and abilities match what the employer wants. The strongest resumes match your skills with what the employer also wants. So... Where to begin? First, determine your focus. Know what the employer wants. Read job...
Two sentences become a sentence, using transitions words or phrases that link sentences and paragraphs together smoothly so that there are no abrupt jumps or breaks between ideas. Here is a list of some common transition word that can be helpful for writer to use...
Basic Definition Drama is a form of literature acted out by performers. Performers work with the playwright, director, set and lighting designers to stage a show. Live actors act as someone else called a character. A play consists of: dialogue - where characters talk with...
Fiction is a form of literature that is designed to be read. A work of fiction tells a story. Here are some files to help you understand how to read and think about fiction . FICTION Guide to Fiction Analysis: Prose (Pittsburgh University) MYTHS Folklore...
I. Introduction Yes No > Did you write a clear thesis? II. Body A. Topic One (the first reason/example why you believe what you stated in your thesis) Yes No Does the first topic sentence support the thesis? Do you explain each example and tell...
Descriptive Essays Comparison and Contrast Essays Process Analysis Essays Exemplification Essays Narrative Essays Analogy Essays Classification Essays Cause and Effect Essays Argument and Persuasion Essays Definition Essays 10 Topic Suggestions for Descriptive Essays 1 A Surprise Birthday Party 2 My Next-door Neighbor 3 Favorite Athlete...
developed by the Gallaudet University Department of Publications and Production This Editorial Stylebook was developed to help maintain consistency in Gallaudet University publications. In most cases, the stylebook follows The New York Public Library Writer's Guide to Style and Usage (Harper Collins, 1994) and Merriam...
Drama is a form of literature that is meant to be acted out on a stage. Here are some files to help you understand drama better. Drama Guide to Drama Analysis: Plays (University Writing Center)
A thesis statement's main purpose is to help a reader identify the main idea of an essay, summary, or research paper. Another purpose of a thesis statement is to help a writer develop a plan for writing a paper. Most writers will change their thesis...
Introduction, Body & Conclusion NOTE: Formal outlines require a special numbering system. If you have a I, you must have a II. If you have an A, you must have a B. If you have a 1, you must have a 2, and so on....
By Rory H. Osbrink Abortion is an example of a very controversial issue. The two opposing viewpoints surrounding abortion are like two sides of a coin. On one side, there is the pro-choice activist and on the other is the pro-life activist. The argument is...
Developed by Derek Braun and Raymond Merritt, Gallaudet University Department of Biology Title and Abstract Does your title appropriately summarize your conclusion, in one sentence? Does your abstract summarize the paper in one paragraph, beginning with a brief introduction to the paper and ending with...
Most business letters must include a return address (letterhead or your name and address), date, an inside address (receiver's name and address), a salutation, body paragraphs, and a closing. However, there are several ways to format this information. For example, return addresses can be centered...
In the business world, there are standards for written English just as there are in the classroom. If you are applying for a job, your resume and application should have certain qualities. If you are writing a memo to the staff, it should be formatted...
Has a friend, neighbor, or relative experienced the death of someone close to them? Has someone you know experienced a loss or misfortune? Has someone been recently divorced or had a miscarriage? Has there been an accident or the loss of a loved pet? Although...
Here are tips for several common grammar and punctuation mistakes. Therefore, the following tips focus on the common errors that writers have been encountered in their papers. It is not about reviewing all the necessary grammar and punctuation rules; rather, it is an overview to...
The Hazards of Moviegoing By John Langan From College Writing Skills with Readings Introductory paragraph (Thesis) I am a movie fanatic. When friends want to know what picture won the Oscar in 1980 or who played the police chief in Jaws, they ask me. My...
Introductory paragraph (Thesis) In the course of working my way through school, I have taken many jobs I would rather forget. I have spent nine hours a day lifting heavy automobile and truck batteries off the end of an assembly belt. I have risked the...
Heading: Your name Your address (use current address for full time job; list home and school address for internship) Your telephone number (provide appropriate relay number in addition) Your internet or email address Objective: Some people omit this, if they plan to include their objective...
Jane Doe (123) 456-7890 my@email.com Current 1234 USA Avenue Washington, DC 00000 Permanent 1234 USA Avenue Washington, DC 00000 Objective: A research or activist position in the field of human rights advocacy. Work Experience: Office Clerk Bison Shop Department, Gallaudet University September 2003 - February...
The English Pages Literature (Longman) Lots of Lists: Recommended Books (The Children's Literature Web Guide) AllReaders. com The Modern English Collection (the Electronic Text Center at the University of Virginia Books Online (Bartleby Library) Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet On-Line Children's Stories (The Children's...
To: U. Know Who From: Mem O. Writer Date: August 7, 2007 Subject: Memo writing I'd like for you to learn how to write memos correctly. You should get right to the point in any memo. Be personal by using "I," "you," and "we." Write...