Writing Resources
As you probably know, a lot is at stake when a professional composes formal documents, such as grant applications, project proposals, formal reports, and cover letters. Hiring managers will discard an application from an applicant if they notice a single punctuation error. Potential clients may perceive you as unprofessional if you repeatedly make the same grammatical errors. Therefore, you must acquire a few skills that will enable you to identify recurring writing errors in your work. Even experts in the field make mistakes, but Writing Studies scholars have demonstrated that self-awareness can be developed to improve technical writing.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of correct grammar, consistent spelling, and proper citation of sources in your written assignments. Your ability to write well not only demonstrates your professionalism but also establishes your writerly ethos, which demonstrates your credibility on the page.
The following chapters will differ slightly from the rest of our textbook. In the following few chapters, you will explore and reflect on common writing problems as they apply to you. Citation is an essential part of this process, but we will discuss that later in a future chapter.
We will begin by providing an overview of sentence structure, and then you will have the opportunity to review a writing issue that is relevant to you.
a rhetorical appeal that addresses the values of an audience as well as establishes authorial credibility/character
