Writing Guide with Internet Links

• Academic Writing Standards: F.O.C.U.S.

  http://www.masd.k12.pa.us/programs/Classroom_Connections_Math_LA/HTML/writing/wri34.htm

  A typical score sheet for measuring writing skills is found at this link. There are so many ways that a teacher can look at a written essay, so a standard way has been developed that makes grading both clear and fair. Look at this score sheet, also called a rubric, to learn what those standards are and what you might work on to improve your own writing. This rubric is from the PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment), but is typical of other states' rubrics. Visit the national standards page and search for your state at http://www.aft.org/topics/sbr/states.htm.  

• FOCUS: Focus

  http://www.rpi.edu/dept/llc/writecenter/web/thesis.html

  A good essay must stay on track so it can finish telling the story it started. Teachers think the idea of focusing your eyes on something so you can see it clearly is a good way to think about writing. This site talks about ways to keep your paper focused and on topic.

• FOCUS: Organization

  http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Atrium/1437/index.html

  There are lots of ways to order things: start to end, end to start, maybe even right in the middle. A good essay needs to be in some sort of logical order so the reader can follow it easily. This site has a lot of good discussion about writing a five-paragraph essay, which is an organizational style that most schools expect you master.

• FOCUS: Content

  http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/fwalters/para.html#details

  The "stuff" in your writing is called the content, like the contents of a cereal box. If your "box" is half empty, the reader will be disappointed. The "stuff" includes facts, details, quotes, statistics, graphics, or whatever solid bits make it more tasty. This website talks about how to add quality content.

• FOCUS: Usage

  http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

  This is a fabulous and easy to use website with everything that you ever wanted to know about grammar: words, parts of speech, sentences and how to use them. What is a verb? a clause? an active voice? Just click to get simple but accurate definitions and examples. Formerly owned by Webster, but now free in the public domain. Bookmark this site!

• FOCUS: Style

  http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/style.html

  The way you express yourself is your style. It can be funny, serious or mysterious...whatever you are! This article helps writers understand how to develop a style that is not awkward or wordy, but fits the assignment.

Conclusion

Because writing is such a complex area, you will find tens of thousands of handouts and tips on the Internet. One way to get the best ones is to visit a college site. Most colleges and universities have online writing centers (OWLS) for their students. These OWLS are usually free on the internet, and have hundreds of tips, samples, and slideshows, carefully put together by English teachers and writing departments. Feel free to visit them and learn your way around. Some of the best include:

• Purdue University (the original): http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
• Harvard University: http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/resources.html
• Colorado State University: http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/

We hope this has been helpful; Miss Spelling and Dr. Goodword would like to wish you good luck in all your writing.