Is laser really so dangerous?

Because the laser is such a powerful device, some people used to fear it. However, recently, scientists have found that the laser has a variety of applications (lead-in). Discuss four important areas where lasers have been used to the benefit of society. Use specific and convincing examples and details to support your discussion (assignment task) (200-250 words every other line).

Vocabulary

activity	analyze	to define		to outline
common term	to edit	to enumerate		precisely
revising	minor error	to evaluate		credit
proofreading	to argue	to trace		partial credit
to improve	to be off topic	specific detail	to classify

The process of writing

ObjectivesIn this unit you will:	learn the process of writing (planning, writing, revising, proofreading, editing);
	know what brainstorming is;
	know what listing and outlining is;
	determine the time management of the writing process.

Starting up

Ex. 1. Read the following extract and develop your version of the process of writing.

Once you understand the assignment, you are ready to start the writing process. This process includes the planning, writing, revising, and proofreading and editing of your papers. These activities are not nec­essarily sequential, and everyone has preferences on how to complete the process. Some people prefer brainstorming before outlining, and some may prefer listing and outlining simultaneously. Some write and revise at the same time. Critical thinking is a major part of this process.

Introduction The process of writing

Brainstorming (Generating/Collecting/Planning ideas)

1. List possible ideas that follow the assignment focus, and make lists and clusters to "get the juices flowing".

1. Determine your focus at this point (limit your topic) if the assignment does not do so for you.

2. Consider whom you are targeting as your audience at all times.

3. Examine the ideas and choose the most convincing ones.

4. Gather and evaluate information to support the ideas. Make final selections.

Organizing (Refining/Formalizing plan)

1. Determine how you will present your ideas (rhetorical method).

1. Make an outline or chart in which you clearly determine your thesis or topic statement, your subtopics (main points), and specific support.

2. Make changes; add or delete ideas.

3. Put the plan aside and take a break. New ideas will occur to you while you are resting.

4. Revise the plan some more.

5. Get feedback from your professor or peers (peer review).

6. Revise the plan.

Writing (Composing in longhand or on computer)

1. Compose the first draft of the paper. Follow the plan while composing.

1. Try to write without stopping frequently to look up words or revise for fluency.

2. New ideas may occur to you. Make changes as needed to include any improvements.

3. Put the paper aside for a while and take a break so that you can look at it again with a fresh eye.

4. Get feedback from your professor or peers (peer review).

Revising (Making major changes)

1. Return to the paper with an objective eye.

1. Be a critical thinker. Evaluate the paper. Is it effective?

2. Make major changes in the content, organization, and order of support.

3. Make the sentences more complex and smooth.

You may end up writing more than one draft to attain the final product.

Proofreading and editing (Making minor changes to mechanics)

1. Correct grammar errors.

1. Check for errors in spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

2. Check format (margins, use of lines, labeling and paper type).

Ex. 2. Enumerate and describe each stage of the process of writing.