Observation-Implication-Complication-Conclusion Paragraph Structure

Unlike the TRIAC paragraph structure, which starts with a claim about a topic, considers evidence, and then explores significance, the Observation-Implication-Conclusion (OIC) pattern starts with evidence, moves to significance, and then draws conclusions.  Click here for a narrative version of OIC. Use TRIAC when you think your reader will tentatively accept your initial claim before Read More …

Sketchnoting for College

I’ve been experimenting with sketch noting in the last couple of days.  I like the way it enables me to emphasize the relationships between ideas and prioritize important ideas.  I have to actively listen and interpret as I go, which improves my engagement, retention, and ability to do critical stuff with the ideas I’ve noted. Read More …

Metaknowledge for Success in ENG 122 and Academic Discourse

In order to be successful in ENG 122 and 123, you have to demonstrate apprentice-level fluency in the essential saying/writing, doing, believing, valuing, and being combinations that make up Academic Discourse.  To acquire this fluency, Gee explains that you have to practice these combinations with the help of masters of the Discourse (7). In our class, Read More …

On Working with the Words of Others

In the “On Working with the Words of Others” essay in Habits of the Creative Mind, Miller and Jurecic encourage novice writers to notice how experienced writers use sources for specific purposes. In order to become more fluent in the foundation academic Discourses you’re apprenticing in during your first two years of undergrad, and therefore to be Read More …