Lukeswem Beba MIRD ACA-401 RP2DOCX

Lukeswem Beba MIRD ACA-401 RP2.DOCX Page 1
Euclid Response Paper
Student Name: Luke Swem Beba
Student Country: Nigeria
Program Code: ACA-401
Course Code or Name: International Academic and Professional Paper Writing
Period 2
Professor / Assigned Tutor: Professor Laurent Cleenewerck
This page uses ☐US English (for spelling, punctuation rules and formatting of
references).
The Rule of Style is: Turabian
Note: This document is in US letter (“8.5”x11”” format)
WRITE SOURCE 2000: A GUIDE TO WRITING, THINKING AND LEARNING BY
PATRICK SEBRANEK, DAVE KEMPER, AND VERNE MEYER.
1. Introduction
Writing is the ultimate learning tool for all students of all ages in all subjects.
Consequently, writing makes me a better thinker because it helps me explore and analyze
new experiences. Again, writing makes me a better learner by reading to improve my
understanding of what I am taught. And finally, the writing I do could make me a better
writer forever.
2. Chapter One: The Process of Writing
2.1. Learning about the Writing Process
Under this heading various sub-headings are discussed. A brief summary of it can
suffice for knowledge of the classroom.
2.1.1. Understanding Writing
Inspite of the improved technology, when it comes to writing, speed alone doesn’t
count for a whole lot. What really counts is the ability to develop a piece of writing into
an effective finished product, whether on a computer or with pen and paper.
According to Faulkner:“Read everything. Read! You’ll absorb it. Then write”
(Faulkner, 2000: 4). Becoming a good writer, I should think and act like one. The
following tips could satiate my writing habits.
1. Become a regular reader – read anything and everything

2. Write every day, preferably at a set time – get into a regular writing routine, and
stick to it.
3. Write about subjects that truly interest you – develop strong feelings about your
subject.
4. Write as well as you can … by your own standards – According to William
Zinsser, “Quality is its own reward” (Zinsser, 2000: 4), you will feel good about
your writing if it reflects your best efforts.
5. Try different forms of writing – Stories, letters, essays, reports and poems
enhances your ability and habit for writing.
6. Become a student of writing – Learn to recognize the traits of good writing, such
as clear organization and effective word choice and approach writing as a
process in which you develop your own thoughts about a subject.
2.1.2. One Writer’s Process
The following procedure form up the writing process:
1. Prewriting – the writer here explore possible subjects before selecting one to
develop by further collecting data of information and plan how to use these data
or details in his/her writing.
2. Writing – the writer makes the first draft - using his/her plan as a general guide.
3. Revising – here the writer takes a second look at the first draft either by
him/herself or implore the help of a peer to review the draft as well.
4. Editing – the writer endeavors to cross-check his style and accuracy before
ascending for the final publication.
5. Publishing – this is an opportunity to share his or her work with others.
Writing is all about efforts. If you put in the time and do the necessary prewriting,
drafting, and revising, you will almost always be pleased with the final results of your
writing. According to Dan Jenkins: “I know that it takes a lot of time and many drafts to
get a piece of writing to satisfy yourself and your readers”, (Jenkins, 2000: 9). And for
Olivia Nold, that personal satisfaction comes from hard work: “I keep working on a piece
of writing until it makes me feel fulfilled” (Nold, 2000: 9).
In summary, hard work in writing brings fulfillment because according to a student
writer Brian Krygsman “it endears one into brainstorming for ideas, clustering ideas,
focusing on a limited subject, collecting personal thoughts, carrying out additional
research, planning one’s first draft,” etc (Krygsman, 2000: 10).
2.1.3. Traits of Effective Writing
It takes a while to develop effective pieces of writing, good ideas, clear organization,
effective word choice. Effective writing is the ability to learn something new. Major traits
to good and effective writing could be associated with: (1) Lack of stimulating ideas, (2)
Lack of new ideas or logical organization.
2.1.4. Writing with a Computer
Computer system is a new way of an improved art of effective writing, once you
know how to use it; the computer can save you a lot of time. It makes it easy to work
with your writing, allowing you to rearrange information and add new ideas. And it helps
you produce clear, readable copy to share with your readers.

2.1.5. Developing a Portfolio
As a writer it is important to create a portfolio of yourself which means, a collection
of several different samples and writings created at different times that gives a better
picture of you. Such a collection is often called a writing portfolio.
Two kinds of classroom portfolios are prevalent: (1) a showcase portfolio shows the
range of things you can do as a writer. It is usually presented for evaluation at the end of
a grading period. (2) A growth portfolio notes the ways in which you are changing and
growing as a writer.
2.1.6. Publishing your Writing
There are two important points concerning publishing your writing. (1) You are your
most important audience. (2) You should also be your most demanding audience.
Your writing is ready for publication once it says exactly what you want it to say
from start to finish. Sharing a personal narrative with your classroom is a form of
publishing.
2.2. Using the Writing Process
This chapter relates the usage of the writing procedure and enumerated the stages of
an effective and efficient writing. From pages 45 to 79 it covers the art of prewriting i.e.
choosing a subject upon which the writer desires to write on. Secondly, the writer
proceeds to gathering of materials or details for what he intends to write and
communicates to his audience or readers. After gathering details he proceeds in making
the first draft which is followed by revising his write up. He then takes his revised edition
for group discussion, advice or criticism, and then finally produces an edited copy for
proofreading – this is done through checking for sentence smoothness, checking for word
choice, editing and proofreading checklist (sentence structure, word choice and usage,
punctuation, capitalization, grammar, spelling), etc.
2.3. Basic Elements of Writing
Basic elements of writing constitutes: composing sentences, combining sentences,
building paragraphs writing expository essays and writing persuasive essays, etc. In
composing sentences, the writer must take note of the following principles; write
complete sentences, write agreeable sentences, write clear sentences, concise sentences
and checklist for sentence clarity.
Sentence combining is the act of making one smoother, more detailed sentence out
of two or more short, choppy sentences. This is guided by the following: combining
sentences with key words, combining with phrases and combining with longer sentences.
This chapter also shows the level at which building paragraphs could improve
proficiency in writing. A paragraph focuses on one specific topic than can be developed
in the form of a description, a narrative (story), an explanation, or an opinion. The form
will depend upon your subject and the kinds of details you are able to gather and use in
your paragraph. Whatever form it takes, your paragraph must contain enough information
– enough supporting details – to give readers a clear and interesting picture of the topic.

Moreso, this chapter described the various parts of a paragraph as well as types of
paragraph alike. It described most paragraphs as beginning with a topic sentence,
identifying the subject of the writing, while the closing sentence brings the paragraph to
a logical stopping point.
Finally, the chapter described four types of paragraphs namely: (1) Descriptive
paragraph – this gives a clear, detailed picture of one person, place, thing, or event. (2)
Narrative paragraph – tells the story of a memorable event or an important experience.
(3) Expository paragraph – gives information. It explains a subject, gives directions, or
shows how to do something. Finally, (4) Persuasive paragraph – here the writer gives his
opinion (or strong feeling) about a subject.
2.4. The Art of Writing
In this chapter, the art of writing includes (1) writing with style (2) writing
techniques and terms. The chapter established the fact that one’s writing style says
something about him. Hence, writing style could present one’s inward thoughts, feelings,
and beliefs.
Again, as you gain more experience as a writer, you should begin to build your
writer’s vocabulary. For example, you should, in time, know what it means to write with
sensory details. You should also know the difference between puns and personification,
and so on.
3. Chapter Two: The Forms of Writing
3.1. Personal Writing
Personal writing here includes; journal writing, writing friendly letters and
autobiographical writing.
3.1.1. Journal Writing
Journal Writing includes the following attributes; writing to understand, writing to
practice, writing to learn and writing to create, etc. In getting to start a journal writing the
writer must take the following into consideration: collect the proper tools, and choose a
regular time to write, write often, write about things that are important to you, keep track
of your writings.
3.1.2. Writing Friendly Letters
There are five (5) basic parts in a friendly letter: the heading, the salutation, the
body, the closing, and the signature. It may also include a postscript (an afterthought that
you write at the end of a letter) if need be.
3.1.3. Autobiographical Writing
The major emphasis here concerning autobiographical writings is that the writer
must make sure that his Narrative works, e.g. knowing where to begin, being selective of
the things that can be boring and unimportant to your narrative or story and finally ending
your narrative right before the most important moment in your story.
3.2. Subject Writing
This unit covers three (3) substantial areas and these are:

3.2.1. Biographical Writing
In this section, you write about a person you find interesting (besides yourself). This
person could be someone you admire, someone who has done something you find
fascinating, or someone you are simply curious about.
3.2.2. Writing News Stories
Writing an effective news story requires good reporting skills. First, you need to find
a subject (like a very successful fund-raiser) that readers should know about. Then you
need to gather your facts by making visits, asking questions, carrying out background
research, and so on.
3.2.3. Writing about Literature
Writing a review is one way that you can express your thoughts and feelings about a
piece of literature. In a review, you first form an opinion about a novel, play, or short
story, and then support it with examples and details from the reading.
3.3. Creative Writing
3.3.1. Writing Stories
This section contains all of the information a writer needs to write effective stories.
This source has clearly outlined elements or guidelines toward effective story writing.
Firstly, create a character, form a conflict, establish a setting, think about the action and
consider an ending. Secondly, grab your reader’s attention by starting your story right in
the middle of the action (exposition). Then thirdly, let your character’s conversations and
actions move the story along (rising action and climax). Finally, you may decide to fall
action and resolution which means the action quickly comes to a close after the climax.
3.3.2. Writing Poetry
According to Marianne Moore poetry is “imaginary gardens with real toads in them.”
So poetry speaks to the senses; it speaks to the heart. Poetry asks you to feel something
not just think about it.
To be able to write poetry, one ought to know about the rules and conventions. This
means that one has to do a wide range of reading and talking about poems and by this
one’s appreciation increases.
There are traditional guidelines to follow in other to produce an excellent poetry.
This starts with the prewriting – choosing a subject among a wide range of event and life
around the world or something you like or dislike or even of a favorite person and
secondly gathering details. After this initial stage one starts to write – writing the first
draft which would not necessarily have to be the perfect poem. Just write freely until you
have said all you need to say about your subject. After this second level, you carefully
review your work. Also make sure to have at least one other person read and react to it.
Finally, check your revised poem for capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and
grammar errors. Ask someone else to check your work for errors as well. Then write a
correct final copy of your poem.

3.4. Report Writing
3.4.1. Writing Observation Reports
In any meaningful endeavor, paying attention to matters of detail is extremely
important. According to Sherlock Holmes, I pay a good deal of attention to matters of
detail (Sherlock, 2000: 209). For example, people in the real world often rely on the same
keen sense of observation to be able to understand and carry out a successful task or
responsibility. Doctors thoroughly examine their patients before they make a diagnosis.
Artists carefully study their subjects before they attempt any type of artistic expression.
Investigative reporters diligently study the facts and details before they write their stories,
etc.
3.4.2. Writing Summaries
Writing summaries is another good way to learn from your reading. A summary is a
short piece of writing that restates the main idea of a reading selection. Writing
summaries will help you find and understand the main ideas in what you read, and
reviewing your summaries will help you prepare for any form of tests.
3.4.3. Writing Research Papers
In research paper writing, two things are involve, first, learning facts and details
about a specific subject through reading, observing, and asking questions. Secondly,
share information in a clear and organized manner.
One important area to be very conscious of in writing research papers is avoiding an
act of plagiarism which is the crime of using another writer’s idea or words as if they
were your own, without giving credit.
3.5. Workplace Writing
3.5.1. Writing in the Workplace
It is unavoidably clear that people in workplace do one form of writing or the other.
They either write to analyze budget reports, to propose new projects, and to explain how
their latest products work, etc. Consequently, writing is a near the top of essential job
skills that you will need to master.
There are different types of workplace writing, letters, e-mail messages and memos,
reports, and special forms, etc.
3.5.2. Writing Business Letters
Even with the advent of electronic writing, people still write for different reasons.
Writings are done in workplace to share ideas, promote products, ask for help, etc.
Letters can help you get things done. It can also help connect you with fellow
experts, organizations, and companies that can give you information, help you solve
problems, and much more.
3.6. Special Forms of Workplace Writing
Maintaining open lines of communication is important because when people in the
workplace regularly share their ideas, the business has a much better chance of operating
efficiently.

There are four main special forms of workplace writing, memos, e-mail, minutes,
and proposals. A memo is a brief written message that you can share with a teacher, a
coach, a principal, or a supervisor. An E-mail is a written message that a writer sends
through a computer network to a reader. While minutes summarize a meeting – what was
discussed, what was decided upon, and what action will be taken. And finally, a proposal
is a detailed plan for doing a project, solving a problem, or meeting a need.
4. Chapter Four: The Tools for Learning
4.1. Searching for Information
This chapter deals with various aspects of learning tools. Beginning with searching
for information of which if all available sources are tapped a world of possibilities awaits
you. Because one source of information often leads you to another and information
abounds in all aspect of life.
The chapter also treated two major types of information sources – primary and
secondary sources of information. The chapter finally gave a clue into evaluating sources
of information, etc.
Primary sources of information are original sources. They give you firsthand
knowledge – knowledge that you get personally by observing or participating in an
activity. Primary sources of information can also be gained through interview or written
pieces, etc.
Secondary sources of information share information that has been collected from
primary sources. Facts and data have been gathered from other sources and then
compiled, summarized, and maybe even changed. Most newspapers, magazines,
encyclopedias, and some other nonfiction books are considered secondary sources of
information.
4.2. Using the Internet
The use of internet is another efficient source of information. There are three reasons
for using the Internet: conducting research, discussing your ideas, and publishing your
finished writing.
4.3. Using the Library
The use of the library as a major source of information cannot be over emphasized.
Inspite of the huge use of electronic media the library still remains a perfect tool of
gathering information in research writing.
The use of the library can be categorized under the following headings: the card
catalog, the computer catalog, finding books, reference books, the reader’s guide, and the
understanding of the parts of books, etc.
Under the use of the card catalog, we have the title card, author card, and subject
card. While finding information on the computer catalog, three entries are applicable: the
title, author’s name and the subject or keyword, which is a word related to the subject.

4.4. Thinking to Learn
The nature of effective writing and information gathering today require a lot of
thinking, it requires me to think in a lot of different ways. These different ways of
thinking are often divided into different levels such as: recalling, understanding,
applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating.
Recalling information is needed when I am asked to remember and repeat
information I have learnt in class.
Understanding information is when I am asked to explain something, tell what
something means, or tell how something works, I need to display an understanding of a
subject.
Applying information is being able to use what I have learnt to demonstrate, show,
or complete something.
Analyzing information is when I am asked to compare and contrast, to rank things in
order of importance, or to give reasons, etc.
Synthesizing information is when I am asked to combine information with new
ideas, or to use information to create something.
Finally, evaluating information is when I am asked to express my opinion about an
important issue, or to discuss the good and bad points about something.
4.5. Thinking Logically
Evidence and proof are basic ingredients of logical thinking. For thinking to be
logical, it has to be reasonable supported with enough good reasons; reliable supported
with solid evidence, and believable.
According to Albert Einstein, the whole of science is nothing more than a refinement
of everyday thinking (Einstein, 2000: 294). Therefore, in using logic to persuade one
must avoid fuzzy thinking that is, statements that jump to a conclusion, statements that
are supported with nothing more than the simple fact that most people agree with them,
statements that contain a weak or misleading comparison, statements that exaggerate the
facts or mislead the reader, statements that appeal only to the reader’s feelings and
contain no factual information, statements that contain part of the truth, but not the whole
truth – half-truths, and statements that reduce a solution to two possible extremes, etc.
4.6. Reading to Learn
Reading is an art that is cultivated through selfless and relentless effort. To be able to
learn I have to read and read more often. A good a reader aiming to learn I pick up any
form of material and read. Reading books, charts, tables, diagrams, etc can impart great
learning into me.
This chapter deals specifically with reading based on reading charts, study-reading
skills, improving your vocabulary, and understanding literature.
4.6.1. Reading Charts
The attention given here is based on understanding graphs, understanding tables, and
understanding diagrams, etc.

A good chart can help you understand complex information at a glance. The basic
aim of all charts is to show how facts are related to one another. Different kinds of charts
show different kinds of relationships.
4.6.2. Study-Reading Skills
Reading to understand is referred to as study-reading. It’s about reading keenly,
efficiently and memorizing what you read. It is important to note that, to be able to
achieve this skills one would need to understand patterns of nonfiction (description, main
idea/supporting details, comparison/contrast, chronological order, course and effect, and
process), study-reading strategies (think, pause and reflect), and adjusting your reading
rate such as skimming (when you skim, you look at the headings, boldfaced words and
phrases, first and last sentences – just the key points), and scanning (when you scan, you
look for key words).
4.6.3. Improving your Vocabulary
The best way to improve one’s vocabulary is to read. Increasing your vocabulary
will improve your ability to learn, to better understand what you read and hear and to
communicate more effectively. Books, magazines, newspapers, and the Internet are all
kinds of ways you can enrich yourself with new words and ideas.
Finally, as you read and write there are a number of vocabulary-building strategies
available and these are: using context clues, referring to a Thesaurus, checking a
Dictionary, keeping a personal dictionary, using prefixes, suffixes, and roots, and finally
understanding the levels of diction.
4.6.4. Understanding Literature
Literature is a series of events, emotions, and ideas put together that are common to
all people. Pieces of literature can sometimes bring you laughter, and sometimes bring
you cry. To get the most out of reading literature, you must become familiar with the
different types of literature – each shares its message in a slightly different way. The
reader must also be acquainted with the elements that are characteristic of every literature
– plot, characterization, theme, etc.
4.7. Learning to Learn
This unit of learning to learn involves; preparing a speech, viewing skills, classroom
skills, group skills, taking tests, and planning skills. It is a form of interrelated formula of
in-depth learning and scholarship.
4.7.1. Preparing a Speech
A good and effective speech is characterized by three main principles: Firstly,
choose a subject that genuinely interests you and will appeal to your listeners. Secondly,
collect and organize plenty of interesting details to share. Thirdly, practice your speech
until giving it is almost as easy as talking to a friend.
4.7.2. Viewing Skills
Being a thoughtful viewer, watching with a critical eye and questioning what you see
make a big impact on what we know and what we think about life. For example, you tune
in to the news to find out what is happening in your city and around the world. There are
ways for you to judge whether a news story is complete and correct, but you need to

watch and listen carefully. A good news story is complete when it answers the basic
questions who, what, when, where, why, and sometimes how.
4.7.3. Classroom Skills
The classroom is a situation where the learner develops tremendous skills by taking
good lesson notes and writing in a learning log. Taking notes helps the learn pay
attention, understand, and remember what the teacher taught.
4.7.4. Group Skills
Team work brings success in the learning process. However, it is not very easy to
work successfully in groups or teams unless the following are applied. Listening,
observing, cooperating, responding, and clarifying.
4.7.5. Taking Tests
One obvious form of rating learning ability and excellence is through assessments
and tests. Taking a test is like giving a speech, so no matter how well prepared you seem
to be you will always feel a little tension. However, to remain calm, cool, and focused
while taking test is to keep up with all your class work and study smart.
4.7.6. Planning Skills
Planning is essentially a very important skill developing tactics in learning
procedure. For me to be successful in planning skills, I must learn about setting realistic
goals, budgeting my time, completing my assignments on time, and managing stress
which becomes inevitable.
5. Conclusion
This summary gives me general overview on Write Source 2000: A Guide to
Writing, Thinking and Learning by Patrick Sebranek, Dave Kemper, and Verne Meyer.
The summary would aid me in facilitating a quick understanding of factors in writing and
thinking processes in learning. It is therefore an attempt by me to expose the writer’s
source materials to all interested learners.
6. Works Cited – Bibliography
1 Faulkner, EUCLID University, ACA-401: Write Source 2000: A Guide to Writing,
Thinking, and Learning, p.4
2 Zinsser, Ibid. p.4
3 Dan Jenkins, Ibid. p.9
4 Olivia Nold, Ibid. p.9
5 Brian Krygsman, Ibid. p.10
6 Sherlock Holmes, Ibid. p.209
7 Albert Einstein, Ibid. p.294

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