Eng 0900 BRIDGE

ENG 1003 BRIDGE

Acknowledgments We would like to thank the following persons for their help with this project. We thank Cynthia Potteiger and the Mini-Technology Grant Committee for recognizing the value of this project and awarding the funds to help us realize it. We owe a debt of gratitude to the CLE at the Western Campus, especially Karen Gray and Sarah Goode for their efforts in helping us to create and maintain an attractive, reader-friendly, highly usable eBook. Finally, we would also like to thank the many faculty and students who have taught or taken the English Bridge over the years: the faculty for sharing their materials and experience with us and the students for inspiring us to be the best teachers we can be through their ambition and hard work. This eBook is for them.

Authors: Luke Schlueter is an Associate Professor of English at Cuyahoga Community College where he teaches a variety of classes in writing and literature. Luke was one of the pioneers of the English Bridge program at Tri-C and is the coordinator of the program at the Western Campus.

Rachel Kazmier is an Assistant Professor of English at Cuyahoga Community College. She holds an M.A. in English Literature from California State University, Fullerton. She has been teaching the English Bridge course since 2012.

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Contents I. Welcome to the English Bridge ............................................................ 3 What is it? ........................................................................................ 3 Why am I in it? .................................................................................. 4 How does it work? ............................................................................. 4 How much work can I expect to do? ..................................................... 4 What if I don't pass? .......................................................................... 4 II. Blackboard Instruction ...................................................................... 5 III. MLA Format .................................................................................... 6 FAQs: General MLA Format .................................................................... 7 IV. The Parts of the Essay...................................................................... 8 The Introduction .............................................................................. 10 The Body of the Essay ...................................................................... 11 Topic Sentences and Supporting Details ............................................. 11 The Conclusion ................................................................................ 12 V. The Writing Process ........................................................................ 13 Identifying a Topic and Brainstorming Ideas ........................................ 15 Videos on The Writing Process ........................................................... 17 Writing the Revision ......................................................................... 18 VI. Writing Genres .............................................................................. 19 What is a writing genre? ................................................................... 20 What is the value of learning how to write in different genres? .............. 20 Literacy Narrative ............................................................................ 21 Descriptive Summary ....................................................................... 23 Profile ............................................................................................ 25 Process Analysis .............................................................................. 27 Visual Analysis ................................................................................ 29 Evaluation....................................................................................... 31 Reflection Essay .............................................................................. 33 VII. Handbook of Grammar and Mechanics ............................................ 34

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I. Welcome to the English Bridge

What is it?

The English Bridge is a writing-intensive two-week program that prepares students to do ENG-1010 level work. Students who successfully complete the Bridge are able to enroll directly in a 14-week ENG 1010 course.

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Why am I in it?

Students must score a "5" or above on the WritePlacer placement test in order to enroll in English 1010.

The English Bridge gives students who score a "4" on the WritePlacer the opportunity to enroll in a 14-week ENG 1010 at the conclusion of the Bridge.

How does it work?

Students produce a portfolio of writing over the course of the two-week Bridge. At the end of the two weeks, this portfolio is assessed for ENG 1010level readiness. Students receive intensive support and instruction during class for completing this portfolio.

How much work can I expect to do?

Students typically write and/or revise a short essay every for each class.

Students typically begin working on an essay in class and complete it as homework for the following class. Students can expect to spend 2 – 3 hours per evening doing homework for the Bridge.

What if I don't pass?

Students who don't pass the Bridge have the opportunity to take a 14-week course that pairs a section of ENG 1010 with a section of ENG 1001.

Students who don’t pass the Bridge might also enroll in ENG 0990 if ENG 1010 readiness is not determined sufficient by the instructor.

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II. Blackboard Instruction

Students must be proficient in navigating the Blackboard site.

For instruction in how to use Tri-C's Blackboard site, click on the image below or select the link.

Or copy and paste the following link, https://www.tri-c.edu/online-learning/technology-resources/studenttutorials.html

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III. MLA Format

Students must write all essays in MLA (Modern Language Association) format. MLA includes formatting the body of your paper as well as citing sources.

Select this title to view: Purdue OWL's MLA resource page.

Or copy and paste the link: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_s tyle/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_general_forma t.html A sample page 1 in an MLA formatted essay:

Source: Diana Hacker (Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2006).

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FAQs: General MLA Format •

What are the basic elements of MLA format?

Your essay should have 12 inch margins, 12-point font, be doublespaced, and include a proper heading, header, and title.

•

What is the difference between a heading and a header?

A heading is positioned in the left hand corner of Page 1 only. It includes your name, your instructor’s name, the course title, and the date.

A header repeats on every page of your essay. It is positioned in the upper right hand corner and includes your last name and page number.

•

Do I manually type in the header on every page?

No. You can format your Word document to do this automatically.

Follow these directions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

• •

Click on INSERT. Select PAGE NUMBER Under POSITION, select TOP OF PAGE Press OK Double-click on your header and type your last name before the page number. Click anywhere outside of the header.

6. You are now finished. This should automatically repeat on every new page.

Should I indent every new paragraph?

Yes. Which edition of MLA format is most current?

Please adhere to MLA’s eighth edition handbook.

NOTE: These questions only pertain to general MLA format. Your instructor may ask you to cite outside sources in your paper. In this case, please refer to the following links for in-text citations and a Works Cited page: How to Write In-Text Citations Formatting a Works Cited Page

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IV. The Parts of the Essay

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Every effective essay has a clear pattern of organization, even if this pattern varies depending upon the genre of writing and the writer's purpose.

A clear pattern of organization not only helps the reader to easily follow the writer's argument, but ensures that the argument is persuasive.

The basic parts of the essay are: 1

• Introduction

2

• Body

3

• Conclusion

Each paragraph must in turn be organized in a way that makes sentences and will typically include the following parts: • •

A topic sentence Supporting details

Topic Sentence Detail

Detail

Detail

In the materials that follow, find resources that will help you to organize your writing in a clear and effective way.

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The Introduction Introductions are the main gateway to your paper. The opening lines are where you will interest your readers in what you have to say (this is traditionally called “the hook”). In the rest of the introduction, you will establish what your essay will be about and will present the thesis statement.

In the following resource, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a helpful overview of how to write effective introductions and how to engage your reader.

Select this title to view The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill - Introductions.

Or copy and paste the link: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/introductions/

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The Body of the Essay The body of your essay develops the central claim established in your introduction. This section of your paper consists of body paragraphs that address the various supporting points of your thesis.

In the links below, Purdue OWL and UniLearning offer helpful ways in which you can practice writing effective body paragraphs.

To understand the body of your essay: Select this title to view: UniLearning, The Body of the Essay.

Or copy and paste the link: http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/essay/4biii.html

Topic Sentences and Supporting Details A topic sentence is the first sentence of your body paragraph. It helps your reader understand the focus of that particular paragraph. The supporting details further elaborate on the topic sentence’s main claim. Effective topic sentences and supporting details ensure your paper is tightly focused and supports your thesis statement.

To explore the elements of a body paragraph, clink on the link below. It will also specifically explore topic sentences and supporting details: Select this title to view Purdue Online Writing Lab – Body Paragraphs.

Or copy and paste the link: https://owl.purdue.edu/engagement/ged_preparation/pa rt_1_lessons_1_4/index.html

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The Conclusion The conclusion is where you will wrap up your argument and provide any concluding remarks that will be of interest to your reader. Your conclusion is a way to help your reader understand the holistic meaning of your essay, often restating significant points made throughout the body of the paper. An effective conclusion should help readers understand how the essay applies to their own lives.

In the following resource, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a helpful overview of how to write effective conclusions.

To explore the conclusion of an essay, select this title: The Writing Center at UNC-Chapel Hill - Conclusions.

Or copy and paste the link: http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/

For further understanding of the conclusion, explore this interactive Prezi link: Select this title to view: CONCLUSIONS: A Bridge to Reality Or copy and paste the link: http://prezi.com/9jfzq2yrhxvz/?utm_campaign=share&ut m_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

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V. The Writing Process

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A successful essay is achieved through a careful process of brainstorming and composing that involves the following stages:

1 2 3 4 5 6

• Identifying a topic • Prewriting: brainstorming ideas • Refining the thesis statement • Writing the draft • Revising the draft • Editing for grammar and clarity

The following resources cover all aspects of the writing process. Your instructor may ask you to work through several of these. Once you have done so, periodically review as necessary.

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Identifying a Topic and Brainstorming Ideas

Many writers think the most difficult stage of writing a paper is simply getting started. Prewriting is an important stage of the writing process because it helps you clearly identify your topic and brainstorm potential ideas. Click on the following resource to learn about various prewriting techniques.

To explore prewriting strategies, click on the link below.

Select this title to view: Excelsior Online WorkshopPrewriting Strategies Or copy and paste the link: https://owl.excelsior.edu/writing-process/prewritingstrategies/

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Writing the Draft The following links provide thorough overviews of the writing process. They are borrowed from Purdue OWL and Capella University.

Select this title to view: Capella University's Overview of the Writing Process.

Or copy and paste the link: http://www.capella.edu/interactivemedia/onlineWritingCe nter/downloads/TheWritingProcess.pdf

Select this title to view: Purdue University's overview of the Writing Process.

Or copy and paste the link: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/1/

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Videos on The Writing Process

Click on either video to learn more about the Writing Process.

Or open the video in a new window by selecting: https://youtu.be/AXa22Csh7oE

Or open the video in a new window by selecting: https://youtu.be/W_objZtokYk

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Writing the Revision Revision is an important stage in the writing process. Your final draft should be your most well-developed, polished draft. These resources offer helpful strategies in revising your paper.

Select this title to view: a Basic Revision Checklist.

Or copy and paste the link: https://owl.excelsior.edu/research/revising-and-editinga-research-paper/revising-and-editing-revision-checklist/

For a more extensive resource on the revision process, select this title to view: Revising Your Paper.

Or copy and paste the link: https://depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/Revising% 20Your%20Paper.pdf

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VI. Writing Genres

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What is a writing genre?

A writing genre is a type of writing that is geared toward a specific audience and is meant to fulfill a specific purpose.

A writing genre has recognizable features that a reader would expect to find in an article or essay of this kind.

What is the value of learning how to write in different genres?

The genres that are typically taught in writing classes are ones that are commonly found in newspapers, magazines, and on the internet.

Not only will knowing how to write in specific genres help you to understand the basic principles of composition, but it will also help you to become a more thoughtful and engaged reader.

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Literacy Narrative A literacy narrative is an essay in which the writer shares a story about a memorable experience with reading or writing and comments upon that experience.

Features of Literacy Narrative Tells a story about a memorable experience, either positive or negative, with reading or writing. o The story will sometimes “set up some situation that needs to be resolved”; o Or will sometimes “simply explore the role that reading or writing played at some time in someone’s life.”

Has an introduction that establishes what the narrative will be about; Uses vivid details to describe the setting, the people involved, and what happened; Comments upon the experience; explains why it was significant or memorable; Has a conclusion that effectively rounds out the narrative.

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Literacy Narrative Assignment

FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT: Choose one of the following topics and write your own literacy narrative: Write about a memorable early experience that you had with reading or writing.

Write about a person who had an important role in teaching you how to read or write.

Write about some aspect of reading or writing that you continue to struggle with.

Write about your attitude toward reading and writing.

Your essay should have the following qualities: 1. An introduction that engages the reader’s interest and that clearly indicates what your narrative will be about.

2. A body made up of several short paragraphs. Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence and should clearly develop the story.

3. A conclusion that wraps up the story.

4. The essay should be 400 words in length (2 pages) and should be in the proper format (Times New Roman 12 pt. font, double-spaced, with 1” margins all the way around).

NOTE: Click on the links below to view sample essays of the Literacy Narrative essay.

Student Sample A Student Sample B

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Descriptive Summary

Summary writing is important in higher education for several reasons. First, coupled with annotating and outlining, summary writing offers readers an effective tool to capture the “gist” of a reading selection.

Second, it allows readers to convey their comprehension of a text to other readers.

Finally, summary writing has important uses in other essays: writers very often use a summary to give readers of an essay concise background at the essay’s opening; also, along with direct quotes and paraphrasing, writers use summary to integrate outside sources into their writing.

Features of a Descriptive Summary It is shorter than the original source.

Summarizes the text’s central point (thesis) along with the text’s supporting points.

Maintains a neutral tone (objective third person point-of-view).

Uses present tense, especially in signal phrases.

Write the summary in your own words, quoting sparingly when you need to capture the writer’s phrasing or word choice.

Be concise.

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Descriptive Summary Assignment

Begin by reading Anne Lamott's essay “Shitty First Drafts” by selecting the following link: "Shitty First Drafts" by Anne Lamott Then write a descriptive summary of the essay according to the following guidelines Use a “signal phrase” to begin your summary (e.g. “In her essay “Shitty First Drafts,” Anne Lamott argues that . . .”)

Maintain a neutral tone. Don’t comment on the text or offer your reactions to it. Don’t take sides on issues the text raises, even if the text clearly takes a side. Don’t state the author’s ideas as if they were your own.

Use third-person point of view and present tense: e.g. “Lamott shows that…” You’re aiming not only for objectivity, but also creating the illusion of immediacy—that you and your reader are clarifying your understanding of the text together in the present.

Put your entire summary in your own words. If you borrow a phrase or sentence directly from the text, put it in quotation marks and give the page number in parentheses. If you quote, quote sparingly. Only quote where you can’t or wouldn’t put a part of the text in your own words.

Be concise. Make every word in your summary count. This takes both discipline and discretion

The essay should be 500 words in length. If you are composing electronically, the summary should be double-spaced in 12 pt. Times New Roman font.

NOTE: Click on the links below to view sample essays of the Summary Essay.

Student Sample A Student Sample B

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Profile

A profile is a written portrait of a person, event, or place, usually as informed by first-hand experience.

Features of Profile Features a compelling subject with a clear angle.

Provides necessary background information and vivid descriptive details about the subject.

“Brings the subject to life” through first-hand experience.

A clear and logical organization.

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Profile Assignment

FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT: Write a profile based upon the following topic: Write about a person you know, focusing upon something compelling about that person (a business he/she started, a significant accomplishment of some kind, etc.)

Your essay should have the following qualities: 1. An introduction that introduces the subject and presents the angle.

2. A body made up of several short paragraphs. Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence and clear supporting details.

3. A conclusion that wraps up the story.

4. The essay should be 400 words in length (2 pages) and should be in the proper format (Times New Roman 12 pt. font, double-spaced, with 1” margins all the way around).

NOTE: Click on the links below to view sample essays of the Profile Essay.

Student Sample A Student Sample B

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Process Analysis

A process analysis explains how something is made, how something is done, or how something works.

Features of a Process Analysis Essay o An introduction that includes a clear thesis statement o This thesis statement will include a presentation of the topic (the process) plus the assertion (why understanding the process is important) o The introduction should also include a set-up that engages the reader’s interest. o Several body paragraphs that explain the steps in the process o Each step will be described using concrete details and clear instructions o May include some explanation of what might go wrong if the step is ignored or done incorrectly o May include a reflection on challenges that may arise and additional issues to be aware of o Will typically have a chronological pattern of organization o Will have strong transitions to signal that order

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Process Analysis Assignment FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT: FIRST, Read the essay “Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain” by Jessica Mitford as an example of a process analysis essay. THEN: Choose one of the following topics and write a process analysis: Pick something you do well and explain that process Explain how to perform some particular task Explain how to put a plan into action Explain how to apologize Your essay should be should be: 1. 400-500 words in length (about two pages) 2. Double-spaced in Times New Roman 12 pt. font with 1” margins

NOTE: Click on the links below to view sample essays of the Process Analysis Essay.

Student Sample A Student Sample B

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Visual Analysis

A visual analysis is an essay in which you analyze a visual text by looking closely at how the various visual elements work together to communicate a message.

Features of a Visual Analysis A thesis that analyzes how an ad (either effectively or ineffectively) conveys its message A description of the visual text Body paragraphs that analyze key parts of the text Well-supported commentary, which help to further support your thesis

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Visual Analysis Assignment FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT: Write a 400-500 word visual analysis of an advertisement.

You’re welcome to analyze a recommended ad by your instructor, or if you prefer, find an ad of your own.

If you choose to find an ad, be sure to make the ad available in print and attach it to your essay. Consider the following questions in analyzing your selected ad: Your essay should have the following qualities: 1. An introduction that engages the reader’s interest and that clearly presents your thesis.

2. A body made up of several short paragraphs. Each paragraph should have its own topic sentence and should address a key part of the ad.

3. A conclusion that wraps up the analysis.

4. The essay should be 400 words in length (2 pages) and should be in the proper format (Times New Roman 12 pt. font, double-spaced, with 1” margins all the way around).

NOTE: Click on the links below to view sample essays of the Visual Analysis Essay.

Student Sample A Student Sample B

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Evaluation An evaluation is a type of essay in which the writer evaluates, or passes judgment on, a given subject. Typical subjects are movies, cars, electronics, and restaurants. One need only glance at an issue of Consumer Reports for other examples.

Features of an Evaluation Has a clear sense of purpose, which is to give the reader enough information to make a thoughtful decision about whether or not to invest in the subject.

Presents an overall judgment about the subject. This is typically stated at the beginning but may come at the end after the writer has assessed various criteria.

Includes a brief description or summary of the subject. o The description should be minimal; the emphasis should be on the evaluation itself.

Includes an assessment of relevant criteria. o For example, an evaluation of a movie might include an assessment of character, plot, and cinematography.

Takes into consideration strengths and weaknesses.

Uses reasons and evidence to support conclusions.

Is fair and balanced, i.e. primary appeals to reason, not emotion.

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Evaluation Assignment FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT: Write a 400-500 word essay in which you review your favorite or least favorite book, television show, song, or film. You’re also welcome to review your favorite or least favorite restaurant or product if you’d rather not write an entertainment review. If you choose a restaurant review, pattern yours off of newspaper food critics’ reviews of local restaurants; if you choose a product review, you might consult an issue of Consumer Reports.

Your essay should have the following qualities: 1. A well-presented subject. Don’t assume your reader has extensive knowledge on your subject. Give helpful context or information so that your reader understands your subject well.

2. A well-supported judgment. Establish a clear criterion that you expect your subject to meet. Cite specific examples from the subject that validate your claims (i.e. specific scenes from a movie, particular characters in a novel, etc.)

3. An effective response to objections and alternative judgments. Cite similar or contrasting reviews to further support your evaluation 4. A clear, logical organization.

NOTE: Click on the links below to view sample essays of the Evaluation Essay.

Student Sample A Student Sample B

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Reflection Essay FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT: For this assignment, you are to reflect upon the writing you have done for this course. Your reflection should include the following elements: 1. Reflect upon your growth as a writer over the past two weeks. What are some specific ways in which you have grown?

NOTE: Cite SPECIFIC evidence from your writing assignments to back up your claims.

2. Describe what you have learned about the writing process. What does the process of writing the draft involve? What does the process of writing the revision process? What does a polished final essay looks like?

NOTE: Again, cite SPECIFIC evidence from your writing assignments to back up your claims.

3. As a writer, what are some of challenges you face that you will want to continue working on moving forward?

NOTE: Click on the links below to view sample essays of the Reflection Essay.

Student Sample A Student Sample B

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VII. Handbook of Grammar and Mechanics

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There are many aspects of grammar and mechanics that students need to learn, practice, and master in order to improve their writing. In the following pages, we will review the elements of effective writing and the most common errors found in first-year composition students.

For an overview of what good writing consists of: Select this title to view: 9 Building Blocks of Good Writing by: Elan Morgan

Or copy and paste the link: http://www.schmutzie.com/weblog/2012/10/3/9building-blocks-of-good-writing-updated.html

For instruction on the parts of the sentence and sentence structure: Select this title to view: Grammar Basics: Sentence Parts and Sentence Structures.

Or copy and paste the link: http://grammar.about.com/od/basicsentencegrammar/a/ basicstructures.htm

For instruction on clauses: Select this title to view: Clauses: the Essential BuildingBlocks.

Or copy and paste the link: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/clauses.htm

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For instruction on composing sentences: Select this title to view: About Education, Composing Sentences Or copy and paste the link: http://grammar.about.com/od/sentencecombining/

For instruction on grammar, punctuation, and mechanics: Select this title to view: Grammar, Punctuation & Mechanics.

Or copy and paste the link: http://writingcenter.baruch.cuny.edu/onlineresources/writing-guides/grammar-punctuationmechanics/

For instruction on grammar, punctuation, and mechanics: Select this title to view: SRJC English Department Online Writing Lab. Or copy and paste the link: http://www.srjcwritingcenter.com/lab.html

For instruction on how to avoid comma splices: Select this title to view: Comma Splice Overview Or copy and paste the link: https://tric.softchalkcloud.com/lesson/serve/nBxaV502bpINqE/html

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For instruction on how to fix sentence fragments: Select this title to view: Fragments Or copy and paste the link: https://tric.softchalkcloud.com/lesson/serve/sr7Vzn2um09Kvg/htm l

For instruction on how to fix run-on sentences: Select this title to view: Run-On Sentences Or copy and paste the link: https://tric.softchalkcloud.com/lesson/serve/8ZXLaoiMONAx19/htm l

For practice with academic writing: Select this title to view: An Academic Writing Module: Paragraphs Or copy and paste the link: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/llc/llc_resources/academicwriting/

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