College Composition

College Composition Study Guide

Freewriting is another prewriting activity to explore a topic. It involves writing out any random thoughts about the subject for a set period of time. During freewriting time, the writer is not concerned about format, spelling, punctuation, or sentence structure. The only rule is writing must occur throughout the entire time period. If the writer runs out of new ideas, he or she continues writing about a previous idea until inspiration strikes. After the time is up, writing stops. Afterwards strains of thought may reveal a specific topic and thesis have emerged. Once a topic has been developed through prewriting activities, preliminary research must occur. During this time, it is important for the writer to fully understand the topic. Along with research a writer should also consider the purpose of the writing and the audience. When research has been completed, it is time for the writer to outline the format the writing will take. Argumentative writing seeks to assert one set of reasons and refute another set of reasons. There are three common methods writers use to do this: summary refutation, dialectical, and point by point refutation. Summary Refutation Dialectical Point by Point Refutation Introduction Introduction Introduction Assertion #1 Assertion #1 Assertion #1 Assertion #2 Refutation #1 Assertion #2 Assertion #3 Assertion #2 Assertion #3 Assertion #4 Refutation #2 Assertion #4 Summary refutation Assertion #3 Refutation #1 Conclusion Refutation #3 Refutation #2 Assertion #4 Refutation #3 Conclusion Conclusion The use of climactic order can make an argument stronger. The best reason for the argument should be in the climactic, or top, position. In some cases, the best argument may be an assertion, or it may be a refutation. The writer must be able to make this decision and purposely order the arguments in the way they will be most effective.

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