Writing Topic Summary for Chapter 4

Rules for Writers Chapter 4-Building Paragraphs

A paragraph is defined as, “a group of sentences or a single sentence that forms a unit” (Lunsford and Connors 116).  General paragraph structure consists of three sections.  A topic sentence which tells the reader what the paragraph is about, the supporting information that develops the topic, and the final sentence which sums up the paragraph and sets the scene for the next paragraph.

 Each paragraph should only have one topic or main point.  Usually the topic sentence is written early in the paragraph, but it does not have too. There should be phrases, words, examples or illustrations that link and support the main point from beginning to end of each paragraph.  The supporting information in the body of the paragraph creates a pathway to the point.  The conclusion of the paragraph should tie together the information and details.

Different styles of paragraph structure are examples and illustrations, narration, description, process, comparison and contrast, analogy, cause and effect, classification and division, and definition.

 Paragraphs should flow naturally from the end of the previous paragraph which serves as a transition, to the next paragraph. The organization of paragraphs is important in the development of the writing. Well structured paragraphs make our writing interesting to read.

The way I plan to use this information is actively paying close attention to my flow of paragraphs and make sure I have a topic sentence in each paragraph throughout my writing.  I know these are areas I need to work on. 

"Shooting Dad" Dialogue

What is the significance of the title, “Shooting Dad”?

I think the title of this short story goes much deeper than respecting dad’s last wishes, shooting his ashes out of his homemade cannon. This story signifies a father and daughter being worlds apart in their younger years, but in the end, coming together as family and respecting each other for who they are.

Even though Sarah Vowell and her father antagonized each other through the years, as they got older they came to respect each other for their differences and their unique gifts they brought to the family, Sarah the love of her music, and dad the love of his guns.  Initially these two people failed to see the artistry in each other’s lives and hobbies within their respective work spaces.  As time went on Sarah wanted to become a better daughter and learn about her dad’s love of guns which she did through the cannon he built.  She explained to her dad that she wanted to be there when he shot the cannon.  Her father was very surprised by this.  She looked at the cannon as a tribute to her father, “a ceremonial object”. (p22)  Father and daughter were together when the cannon was shot for the first time.  They both thought, it was just really, really cool”. (p22)

At the end of the story Sarah, out of love for her father, does respect his last wishes. She realizes that her father’s love of fire arms is part of American history and his family heritage.  On the first day of hunting season she takes her father’s ashes to a special mountain and shoots them out of the cannon that he was so proud of.  Family might have different interests, hobbies or beliefs, but bottom line, family is family no matter what.

Rules for Writers Chapter 3-Revisions

Rules for Writers Chapter 3-Revisions

 It is time to review the draft from the audiences view.  How can the draft read better? This could be global revisions which might involve cutting up your essay.  Sentences or paragraphs could be added, deleted or moved around. 

Here are questions to ask when revising.

·         Is the writing appropriate for my audience?

·         Is the main topic clear?

·         Do topic sentences of each paragraph reach the goal?  Do sentences flow?

·         Do paragraphs logically develop and look into the main thesis?

·         Does the essay meet the thesis goal?

·         Is the writing to wordy?

After these questions are answered then it is time to look closely at sentences, correct grammar and punctuation.  Proofreading should be done slow and several times for overall completeness and accuracy of the final draft.  Ask someone else to read and get their input.

I plan to use this information in my own writing by asking other people to read and critique. Do my sentences and paragraphs flow nicely?  Does the information I have written support my thesis?  I know from personal experience that if I set aside my writing and come back to it a few times my outcome is much better.

"Coming Home Again" Dialogue

Question C-What’s the importance of food in this essay?

This story goes much deeper than food.  It is about family coming together. Food reflects on the meaning of Chang-rae Lee’s family.  When he was young he would watch his mother cook, and fix meals for the family, one of his daily treasures.  Food brought them all together. 

Chang-rae felt obsolete when he came back from boarding school, food brought the family close again.  They would sit around the table and enjoy each other. As he was traveling home from school he could picture the arrangement of his mother’s dinner table, it was always the same. His mother would always prepare the same special meal to welcome him home. Food is a way for Chang-rae Lee’s family to share the same kind of experiences at the dinner table.  This was a way for them to be together after being away from each other. People are able to find out about each other by how they interact with food.  An example would be if a family member had something that needed to be discussed it could be brought up during the evening meal. I also believe this is a time for positive discussion not negative.   This is a time to pay attention to family sitting at the table and understand their needs.  Food is a fascinating lens into someone’s life.  Food is comforting and soothing to the soul.

After his mother became too sick, Chang-rae would cook.  He wasn’t cooking for his mother because she was eating very little, but for the family.  The point was to sit together at the table and be family.

Writing Topic Summary for Chapter 2

Topic Summary for Chapter 2, Drafting

What is the drafting process of an essay?  The drafting process will include the main point, body, and conclusion. The first draft is a continuous action of discovery.  Start with a freewrite, outline, notes, and gathered information to further identify evidence supporting your thesis. There will be more than one attempt at a draft to refine the structure, argument and use of evidence.  Keep focused on the main point and start to develop the writing.  While writing the first draft, don’t worry too much about spelling or sentence structure.  The paragraphs should flow smoothly and provide transitions.

The draft will start with the introductory paragraph that presents the thesis. A draft introduction will provide an initial anchor for the rest of the piece, even if later it is modified.  Put your ideas into sentences for the body of the essay. There should be data to support your thesis.   Summarize your essay in a concluding paragraph at the end. The conclusion repeats the thesis and closes the essay.

I have used a drafting process in my own writings.  I always draft, draft and redraft my writing.   I always think my writings can be better.  What I did learn in this chapter is a writer should collect data and information before sitting down to write.  I have always started writing without the information I needed and this is a very difficult process. 

Essay 1 workshop

Mrs. Elma Burns, My First Grade Teacher

I would like to write about a person in my life who left an ever lasting impression on a young soul. Mrs. Elma Burns is one of the most inspiring women I ever encountered. She was my first grade teacher, and to this day, some 47 years later, I remember the kindness, understanding and patience she showed me.

I have attached two pictures to my essay. The young girl is me in the first grade, six years old, a young impressionable child starting life.  The second picture is from a newspaper article recognizing Mrs. Elma Burns, now age 99, for her years of teaching services in Humboldt County. I recently came across this article in our local paper. I also saw her in our corner grocery store and talked with her; she still remembers me, and we enjoyed reminiscing about past school days. What a wonderful conversation we had. When I look at these two pictures side by side, I remember what it was like to be a little girl sitting in the front row watching Mrs. Burns, living her destiny, teaching with a beautiful smile. These pictures brought back very fond childhood memories.

I was having a difficult time learning to read. My parents were not really involved in my education. Learning was up to me, and if I needed help, I had to find it. My teacher took an interest and helped me overcome this stumbling block. One example is the extra time she spent with me during the week going over our books; in those days it was,” SEE SPOT RUN.”  She would ask me if I would like to stay in from recess for extra help. I loved this because it was just Mrs. Burns and myself spending time together. I remember when it was time for parent-teacher conference; she would tell my parents how proud she was of me and my improvements. She had infinite patience and believed in me. She shaped my destiny, gave me confidence and helped me realize that I could learn if I worked hard, applied myself, and told me I should believe in myself.

She was passionate about her profession as a teacher. She cared about her students. She emphasized behavior more than grades. I truly believe her emphasis on good behavior stuck with me and guided my life. She had no tolerance for anything but kindness from her students, and was very warm and loving.

The article about her in the paper inspired me to write her a thank you note and acknowledge her for the impression she made on my entire life. The impression she made drove home the importance of reading and reading comprehension as a necessity of life; she believed and guided me in the right direction. I want her to know what an inspiration she was to me. I thanked her for her time and energy she put into my education. I told her she is truly a teacher who can change a young person’s life. She was a gift from heaven. When I finalize this essay, I will send her a copy, so she knows, once again, what a difference she made in my life.

I believe I was able to move forward with higher character and self esteem because of this amazing woman. To this day I have never forgotten her and what she did for me. Mrs. Elma Burns will live in my memory and heart forever as one of the most influential and inspiring people to shape my destiny.

My advice to a young student would be, preserve the memories and the people who inspire you, and acknowledge them for the difference they made in your life.

Writing Topic Summary Chapter 1

Rules for Writers Chapter 1


The writing process consists of 5 stages. Freewriting or brainstorming, writing, revising, editing and final draft. This summary will discuss the first stage; freewriting or brainstorming, choosing the subject, taking notes and outline.

The writing process starts by understanding the assignment. What is the reason for the writing? Gather, list, group words that highlight a main subject, freewrite, or brainstorm writing ideas. Decide and look closely into your subject. Who is your audience and how long should the writing be?

Decide on a subject or thesis. The thesis or main point may change in the final writing so don’t worry too much about the wording early in the process. Draft a rough outline from notes of gathered information. A more formal outline may be better later in the process especially if the writing is about a complicated subject. Write, write, and write, revising and editing will come later.



The way that I plan to use the above information is to gather writing ideas. In the past I did not take the time to freewrite, or brainstorm writing ideas. I would pick one subject and would write, often times, with much difficulty because I did not have enough information. I did an outline for this active reading and it was very helpful. It is much easier to write with writing rules.

"The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me" Dialogue week 3

I have picked question D.

How is education a means to save one’s life?


Education guarantees that we are ready to face and overcome life difficulties. John Dewey said, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” Education offers us the best hope of mitigating suffering and leaving a life of indigence. Life can be gross and we can be in a daily struggle to remain unaffected in spite of life occurrences. With education we have a chance at a “normal “life. It is the most important and best tool a person can have in their lifetime.

How is Alexie attempting to save the life of the students he works with?

Alexie went through many hardships growing up, and he would like to inspire Indian kids to get an education so they might not have such a hard time.  He goes into schools and teaches creative writing. Alexie was not taught creative writing skills because this was not something that Indian children needed. He feels that because he learned these skills they saved his life. He wants to see better lives for Indian children’s.

How did Alexie save his own life?

Alexie did not give into life challenges. He taught himself to read at a very young age. He read books continuously, any kind of books or reading material that he could find. He was expected to be stupid because he was an Indian boy, but he would not allow this. Alexie refused to give up and went on to accomplish his dream which was writing. This story is very inspiring to me.  Don't ever give up your dreams.  If someone challenges your dream, tell them to get out of the way and continue on.