Click to activate sound. First, get a timer and some paper and a pen or pencil. Set the time for 10 or 15 minutes. Begin writing and DO NOT STOP until the timer goes off. If you can't think of anything to write, write that you cannot think of anthing to write. Write past your jugdements. Don't worry about spelling or whether the sentence makes sense. You just keep writing. When the time goes off, set your paper aside. Go back to it later in the day or the next day. Read the paper and identify topics that you can use in your outline. You can also use topics from the Sample Outline if you choose. Another way to identify topics for your paper is mind mapping, which will be discussed in another writing tip.

Writing Tip #5

In-Text Citations and the Reference List

In-Text Citations

1. According to Yang (2003), there are three essential elements of wisdom: “integration, embodiment, and positive influences both to self and others” (p. 67). WHEN QUOTING AND YOU HAVE ALREADY CITED THE AUTHOR’S NAME

2. Using the Kaufman et al.’s (2003) strategic planning techniques, the action can be analyzed as achieving positive or negative results, further developing the plan, and working to implement the plan, can also teach how WHEN REFERRING TO

3. to achieve “positive influences to both self and others” (Yang, 2003, p. 76). WHEN QUOTING AND YOU HAVE NOT CITED THE AUTHOR PREVIOUSLY

NOTE: Refer to the APA Publication Manual, sixth edition for help with in-text citations.

Creating Your Reference List

Kaufman R., Oakley-Brown, H., Watkins, R., and Leigh, D. (2003). Strategic Planning for Success: Aligning People, Performance, and Payoffs. San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Yang, S. (2008). A process view of wisdom. Journal of Adult Development, 15(2), 62–75.

Other places to find information about in-text citations and reference lists:

Purdue Online Writing Lab—In-Text Citations (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/)

Purdue Online Writing Lab —Reference List http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/05/

Tip #4 Paragraph Structure

Writing paragraphs

Need help writing paragraphs? What is a topic sentence? What organization should I use?

Check out Paragraph Structure at http://prezi.com/u93ie3wccvgq/copy-of-paragraph-structure/
(cut and paste the url in the address field)

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions about paragraphs.

Writing Tip #2-- Academic Writing

Academic writing is a very formal type of writing used in academia. Since you are joining the academic world, you want to be able to write and to communicate in a way that is accepted by those who are involved in academia. It is the same principle as wearing the right clothes when you go out somewhere. You want to fit in. As you progress in your classes, you will become more comfortable with this type of writing.

Some things that may be different to you about academic writing are that it does not use abbreviaitons, symbols, bold or italicized text for emphasis, exclamation marks, slang, cliches, or informal wording. Also, contractions are not used (don't, didn't, wasn't, and so forth).

It doesn't mean you have to use five syllable words, but it does mean using an objective viewpoint instead of "I" and "you," for example.

I hope this tip helps as you begin your writing journey.

Welcome to Week 2!

Alm_ Writing Guidance

Welcome to the Writing Guidance Blog!

I will be posting additional tips and helpful hints to help you succeed in your writing and your academic experience. I am totally committed to learning across the lifespan, and while some of you may think you are too old to be in school, please know that you are never to old to learn. I applaud you on your decision to return to school.

TIP 1: ALWAYS CHECK THE RUBRIC
One thing I want all my students to know is to check the rubric before you turn in your writing assignment. I use this rubric for grading, and you can use it to make sure you have met the requirements of the assignment. The link to the rubric is on the assignment page. If you do this for every class you take, you increase your chances of a successful experience.