Random Writing Prompt Generators

English 50 Exercises for Story Writers English 50 – Intro to Creative Writing: Exercises for Story Writers Basic Theory: What is a short story? As soon as someone delivers a definition, some good writer will write a story that proves the theory wrong. Short stories have a narrator; that is, someone tells the story; have at least one character in them; have some action occur (or perhaps fails to occur); take place somewhere; that is, there is a setting for the action; and someone either learns something or fails to learn something (theme).With these five characteristics in mind, we can create an almost endless supply of exercises to help sharpen our techniques of story telling. Narrative Voice Twenty or so years ago, voice was the "rite of passage" into a successful writing career. Nevertheless, a narrative voice that sounds like it could be anyone's voice or is bland and boring, or riddled with pointless clichés will fail to capture and hold the reader's attention. If you've written a story in third person, try it in first.

Refutation Paragraphs 2 Sample Refutation Paragraphs (Each these samples have 2-paragraph refutation; some essays may only have a 1 paragraph refutation while other essays, like research papers, may require a much longer refutation) Charter Schools Vs. Public Schools (School Choice) By Mark Liles Thesis: School choice turns out to not only be a bad idea; it’s also a violation of our constitution. Refutation: ... [Counter Arguments] One of the biggest dangers of school choice is the power behind large corporations specializing in opening and operating charter schools. What I liked about this refutation: The writer calmly and clearly outlines the true concerns and reasons why people oppose the opinion. Also, towards the end of the first paragraph, and throughout the second paragraph, the writer spends time clearly attacking these opposing views. Finally, at the end of the refutation, there is a clear conclusion. Safe Traveler Cards Taken from College Writers pg. 733-734 ........

Picking Your Topic IS Research! When you pick your topic, it's not set in stone. Picking and adjusting your topic is an integral part of the research process! Anne Burke: Project Lead, Scripting, StoryboardsKim Duckett: Team LeadDaria Dorafshar: Graphics and AnimationMara Mathews: NarrationJason Evans Groth: Audio ProductionAndreas Orphanides: Writing, Editing, Technical InfrastructureSarah Craig, Jennifer Garrett, Adrienne Lai: Additional Writing and Editing This video is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States license.

How to Narrow or Broaden Your Topic Be prepared to be flexible with your topic idea! If it is too broad or vague you will find too much information and will need to narrow the focus.If it is too specific or specialized or new, it will be difficult finding enough information to write your paper this quarter. In that case, you will need to broaden your idea. How to Narrow Your Topic Example:I'm thinking of doing a paper on fashion. Hint: Ask Yourself Questions About Your Topic: What do you know about it? Sample Topic Narrowing Chart: How to Broaden Your Topic Example: I'm thinking of doing a paper on whether genetically altered soybeans are safe for consumers. This topic as stated is seeking to answer a question for which there may be no answer yet -- more scientific and long-term research may need to be done. Hint 1: Look for parallels and opportunities for broader associations: Could you examine other bioengineered foods, in addition to soybeans? Hint 2: Brainstorm! Sample Topic Broadening Chart:

Creative Writing Prompts Many creative writers use prompts to generate new material. Prompts can be challenges -- for example, write a story using only one syllable words or craft an alphabet story where the first sentence begins with the letter A, the next sentence B, and so on -- or themes provided by journals, or a poem to which an writer can respond. For example, the Sun lists prompts and deadlines every issue. To see responses, check out "Readers Write." For a list of up-to-date journal prompts, deadlines, and contest information, see the Writing Program's bulletin board in Jensen on the second floor. Creative Writing Exercises Compiled by Catherine Reid Creative writing exercises, like any kind of warm-up routine before playing a sport or a musical instrument, help loosen up your imagination while honing your writing muscles. Though the exercises are more fun done with two or more people, each can be done alone. The prompts: 3) Create a story using words of one-syllable only, beginning with a phrase such as:

6 Traits of Writing – Professional Development - Argumentative v. Persuasive Writing ShareThis The adoption of college and career-ready standards has included an addition of argumentative writing at all grade levels. Interpreting expectations among the types of argument (e.g., opinion, persuasive, argument, etc.) can be difficult. Begin first by outlining the subtle, but significant differences among them. Students are used to aggressively convincing a reader to take their side in persuasive writing. When introducing argumentative writing to students, describe it as a debate on paper--with both sides represented by facts, evidence, and relevant support. key facts of the case, the issue, for both sides. A second strategy to introduce argumentative writing is to reveal two essays on the same topic--one that's written persuasively and one that's written argumentatively. For additional interpretation of the argumentative standards at the secondary level, check out the dissection of the middle school and high school Common Core State Standards.

Logical Fallacies: The Fallacy Files Logical Fallacies and the Art of Debate Contents: Introduction This is a guide to using logical fallacies in debate. Debate is, fortunately or not, an exercise in persuasion, wit, and rhetoric, not just logic. Besides, let's be honest: debate is not just about finding truth, it's also about winning. So why learn logical fallacies at all? I can think of a couple of good reasons. Second, and maybe more importantly, pointing out a logical fallacy is a way of removing an argument from the debate rather than just weakening it. Logic as a form of rhetoric Unfortunately, the account I have just given is a bit idealized. It is therefore not enough simply to point out a logical fallacy and move on; there is an art to pointing out logical fallacies in your opposition's arguments. State the name of the logical fallacy, preferably in both Latin and English, and make sure you use the phrase "logical fallacy." Committing your very own logical fallacies The list of logical fallacies Argumentum ad hominem (argument directed at the person).

Cliche List — The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread Essays | Writing The standard types of written assignment required of a university student are usually: an academic essay a report a dissertation The third, the dissertation, is always a summatively assessed piece of work, and this is therefore dealt with in the The following pages offer advice on writing essays or reports whether they are assessed or whether they are purely a means of developing your intellectual, writing (and time-management) skills. Essays The essay is a particularly academic form of writing, and is a standard method of developing and demonstrating a student's intellectual abilities at almost all levels of a humanities degree programme. An essay needs: an introduction, telling the reader what the essay is about a main body, containing the ‘meat’ of the essay, where you outline your particular point of view, while demonstrating awareness of other perspectives or interpretation a conclusion, summarising the content of the essay clearly and concisely An essay requires you to: Reports

Eliminating Wordiness | Undergraduate Writing Center In concise writing words pull their own weight. Each carries meaning essential to the content of the sentence. Try to identify which words add meaning to the sentence and which just take up space. As you revise your work, keep these enemies of concision in mind. 1. Some words are the written equivalent of “um.” Generally speaking writers can kind of rely on certain online indexes of journals to basically start their research. The words in boldface have little to do with the point of the sentence; they can go. 2. We’re used to seeing some words paired: each and every, true and accurate, full and complete. The end result was brighter in color than we had hoped, but we plan to repaint the wall in the future . This sentence only needs the italicized words, not the bold ones: The result was brighter than we had hoped, but we plan to repaint the wall. 3. If you can think of one word to replace several, use the word. Pared down, the sentence reads like this: 4. 5. 6. The opposite is just as bad.

How to Make Sentences Clear and Concise How to Make Sentences Clear and Concise ( printable version here ) Richard Lanham, a professor of English at UCLA, invented an easy-to-use method for making your writing clearer and more concise. 1a. Original : In this passage is an example of the use of the rule of justice in argumentation. 1b. Original : The point I wish to make is that fish sleep with their eyes open. 2. Original : Burning books is considered censorship by some people. 3. Original : The theory of relativity isn't demonstrated by this experiment. 4. My opinion is that.... Want more information? Back to ' Focusing/Connecting Ideas ' Writer's Web | Writing Center | Make an Appointment | Library Copyright 2010

Drafting Legal Documents, Principles of Clear Writing Home | Previous | Next Principles of Clear Writing 1. Write in the active voice . The passive voice makes sentences longer and roundabout. plus Examples of passive verbs: was received, is being considered, has been selected. The passive voice reverses the natural, active order of English sentences. Passive: The regulation [receiver] was written [verb] by the drafter [actor]. Active: The drafter [actor] wrote [verb] the regulation [receiver]. Passive constructions are confusing when used in regulations. Putting the actor before the verb forces you to be clear about responsibility. The messenger will deliver the material. Avoid words like this: They are called "nominals" -- nouns with verbs inside. 3. To impose a legal obligation, use "must." To predict future action, use "will." DON'T SAY : The Governor shall approve it. SAY: The Governor must approve it. OR : The Governor will approve it. 4. Directness avoids the passive voice: SAY : Sign all copies. 5. 6. A negative statement can be clear. 7.