Lecture no .1
what is writing?
writing is a form of problem-solving which involves such process as generating ideas , discovering a `voice` with which to write , planning goal-setting , monitoring and evaluating what is going to be written.( White .R and V. Arndt )

Writing is a productive endeavor , an expression of ideas on a subject presented in logically structured sequences of written sentences which form paragraphs . writing is not a simple matter of transcribing language into symbols: it is a thinking process , demanding constant intellectual effort .

Proficiency in a language is not the only route to successful writing;people writing in their own native languages may come up against problems of those writing in a foreign language .

Writing is a message which comes into existence through a linguistic struggle with experiences . one must search out ideas and uniquely combine , develop and shape these experiences into new perceptions . writing is a creative , ongoing cyclical process through which beginning as well as experienced writers can and do find meaningful things to say and effective ways to say them , using processes different from those of spoken discourse .

THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS OF A PIECE WRITING ARE:
1) Content : ideas:what one wants to communicate .
2)Mechanics and Grammar : accurate use of language: tenses , punctuation etc
3) Logical Organization : expression; the way in which the writer guides the reader through his writing; effective organization of information .
4) Interference : what the writer draws out of the given information or the writers own assessment and contribution . students must be taught to come to a conclusion based on the information they have gathered . ( Skill Worker )

what is an essay?
an essay is a collection of paragraphs related to a common theme . an essay is a discourse on a single theme , and consists of a number of paragraphs which analyze topics relating to the common theme .
there are three important elements of essay writing: having ideas , organizing them logically and expressing them effectively . an essay writer presents arguments , ideas or opinions , a counter or contrasting argument or idea; he illustrates and exemplifies ideas and arguments by presenting facts , evidence and analogies;he offers factual or evaluative comments , opinions and arguments; and he draws conclusions about these ideas and arguments .

SOME HABITS WHICH SHOULD BE AVOIDED:

1) the use of very short sentences : ( which sounds aggressive and unsophisticated )
2) the use of very short paragraphs : ( which present the arguments by assertion rather than by progression of illustrated ideas )
3) the use of rhetorical questions to excess : ( which have an emotive rather than a rational effect on the reader )
4) the use of personal examples or illustrations : ( which are not sufficient to support the common theme )
5) the omission of examples and illustrations : ( which make the argument seem like mere assertion )

SOME HABITS WHICH SHOULD BE ADOPTED :

1) linking : ( providing cohesion from one paragraph to another )
2) sequencing : ( letting the reader know where you are , e.g the first is ..... secondly ...... etc. )
3) referencing : ( ensuring that there is no ambiguity in reference , or clearly identifying each pronoun and reference word , i.e `it` and `this`)
4) using examples and summaries : ( helping the reader understand both the general and specific ideas contained in the essay )