Discourse, Writing Process and Pre-Writing Flashcards
Discourse
Discourse is any written or spoken communication. Discourse can also
be described as the expression of thought through language. While
discourse can refer to the smallest act of communication, the analysis
can be quite complex.
Types of discourse
argument, narration, description, and exposition.
Many acts of communicate include more than one of these types in
quick succession.
Major stages in a strong writing process
- Thinking about your assignment
- Developing ideas (often called prewriting)
- Narrowing a topic
- Gathering information
- Ordering and drafting
- Revising and editing
Writing Genre
A literary genre refers to a category into which a literary work is grouped based on the form and technique of writing.
Narrative Writing
This essay is an account of certain events or
experiences that are imagined or real.
Used to tell a story or to entertain.
Short story, novel or historical event.
Descriptive Writing
This type of essay describes a person,
object or situation using the five senses.
It is done vividly and clearly so that the reader
is part of the experience.
FORMS OF NARRATIVE AND DESCRIPTIVE WRITING
● Short story
● Novella
● Poetry
● Fable/myth/legend/folkta
le
● play/skit
● Journal/diary/logs
● Biography/autobiography
Features of narrative writing
Features of narrative writing
Tells a story or an event
Conveys a point of view (first, second, third
person narrative)
Figurative language and imagery
Character development and dialogue
Chronological: beginning/middle -
climax/conclusion
Based on conflict, action and
problem/resolution
Features id descriptive writing
Features of descriptive writing
Objective- based on fact and scientific
writing
Subjective - based on creative writing
(personal opinion, intuition and emotions)
Figurative language and imagery
Uses five senses - sight, smell, taste, touch
and hearing
Logical: Introduction - to get readers’ attention
Body - to convey thoughts and feelings,
sensory details. Conclusion - to emphasize
impressions you are trying to create
Use of ‘action words’ - verbs. Use of
adjectives and transition words e.g below,
above, suddenly, shortly during etc.
Expository writing
This type of essay has several different uses.
It gives both information and explanation at the same time. It can take the form of an
account, comparison, cause/direct, problem
solving, a process ,factual report, summary of ideas.
Argumentative writing
A form of expository writing that convinces the audience/reader that the writer’s point of view is
valid. It embodies examples of evidence and emotional appeal.
Reflective writing`
This type of writing embodies elements of both narrative and descriptive. It’s used to share thoughts on an event or scenario that
is significant. This can take the form of a
letter or diary.
Pre-writing
These strategies “brainstorming” allow writers to generate
and clarify idea.
These five (5) useful strategies are as follows:
1. BRAINSTORMING
2. FREEWRITING
3. JOURNALING
4. LISTING
5. MAPPING
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is like freewriting around a specific topic. It helps you bring your subconscious thoughts into consciousness,
identifying as many ideas as possible that are related to a particular topic. Mapping or diagramming helps you immediately group and see relationships among ideas. Mapping and diagramming may help you create information on a topic, and/or organize information from a list or free writing entries, as a map provides a visual for the types of information you’ve generated about a topic.
Freewriting
Freewriting is just what it says—writing freely, whatever comes into your mind, without caring about spelling, punctuation, etc. It’s a way to free up your thoughts, help you know where your interests lie, and get your fingers moving on the keyboard (and this physical act can be a
way to get your thoughts flowing).
