writing topic: rules for writers chapter 46

Chapter 46 explains and demonstrates how to write about texts. Texts can include books, essays, photographs, and visuals such as advertisements. When you are assigned to write about a text, a summary or analysis is normally required.  The difference between the two is that a summary is a neutral tone versus an analysis is a central argument or purpose.

There are two techniques that will help you with you comprehend your reading: (1) annotate the text with observations and questions and (2) outline the key points.  This means to read actively.  Write down your thoughts in pencil along the margins, circle or underline things that might be important to you.  This will help you understand exactly what you’ve read without the information slipping away.

After actively reading the text, you can then create an outline using all the main points you've jotted down, underlined or circled. Just remember if you're writing a summary to find the author's thesis and their key points. 

I believe that actively reading works.  I learned it in my last English class and it really helped me understand what I was reading.  Not only that it helped me to remember the important things that happened throughout the book.  Which worked out perfect when I had a quiz or an exam. I am also taking a Humanities class which requires me to read 2 books within 2 months. Actively reading will help me through it.

“freewriting exercises” dialogue

Free write is when you continuously write for a set amount of time without stopping to look back at spelling, sentence structure, topics, or crossing out words. Just write down whatever comes to mind. If you are stuck, just write down you are. Freewrite is one of the most effective ways to improve your skills of writing. It is an exercise that many writers use to help them collect ideas for a topic.

Free writing is meant to help for stronger writing because you’re simply writing. The more you write means the more you are practicing. When you practice at something eventually you become better at it each time. Just keep writing and you'll be surprised as to what you come up with.

I found that freewriting is a good exercise. It helps to keep your mind flowing with thoughts which gives more ideas. What is surprising is if you want to improve your writing, you will benefit from keeping a freewriting journal/diary.  I don’t understand why some people find freewriting to be offensive because its an invitation to write garbage. I agree with Peter Elbow, if anything, it makes you better afterward.

intro. dialogue

Hi (:
My name is Penny P. Ho.  I've been married for almost 4 months but been with my husband for almost 8 years.  We have a bull terrier named Kloee.  She is the love of our lives...for now. When writing about myself I tend to give all the credit to my husband.  He made me the person I am today.  Through the 8 years he's taught me more than I can ever be thankful for.  And if it wasnt for him, I probably wouldn't be continuing my education.

In August of 2009, I completed the Dental Assisting Program at the JC and was lucky to find a job through my last internship. I am currently an RDA and is grateful that I still have a job. Each day is a different challenge which I am willing to take. I love the people I work with and like every other workplace, we all have our differences.


My goal is to get my associates degree by completing the California State University (CSU) General Education course requirements.  At the same time take prerequisite classes for the hygiene program.  Not exactlty sure if that makes any sense.  But in the end, I will be able to have a choice of either going through with the hygiene program or transferring to CSU.


Learning new things takes time to process.  Repetition is key and pacing myself through everything helps with a better outcome.  I would love to get my work done early, but I'm a perfectionist.  At times I hate that about myself only because english is my worst subject.  I am horrible at it, but I look forward to learning new things and blogging with all of you.