LECTURE #2

13/9/2023

History of writing
What is writing as a skill?
Forms/styles of writing
LET’S TRY PADLET!
HISTORY OF
WRITING
PREHISTORIC
PICTOGRAMS

-Earliest forms of communication

through drawings and symbols.

-Used by ancient civilization

CUNEIFORM
WRITING (C. 3200
BCE)

Developed by the Sumerians in

Mesopotamia.
HIEROGLYPHIC
SCRIPT
•used by ancient Egyptians.
•A mix of ideograms and
phonetic symbols.
Used in:
•Religious texts,
•monumental inscriptions,
•and administrative records.
ORACLE BONE
SCRIPT"
•Developed during the Shang
Dynasty in China.

•Characters inscribed on
turtle shells and animal bones.
PHOENICIAN
ALPHABET
(C. 1200 BCE):

•Basis for many modern writing

systems.

•Consisted of 22 consonantal
characters.

•Spread through trade and

influenced Greek and Latin
scripts.
GREEK
ALPHABET
(C. 8TH CENTURY BCE):

•Adapted from the

Phoenician alphabet.

•Introduced vowels,
making it more versatile.

•Foundation for Western

writing systems.
ROMAN
ALPHABET
(C. 6TH CENTURY BCE):

•Derived from the Greek

alphabet.

•Evolved into the Latin

script used in the Roman
Empire.
MIDDLE AGES AND
MANUSCRIPTS
(5TH-15TH CENTURY CE):

•Writing primarily preserved

in handwritten manuscripts.

•Monks and scribes

transcribed religious texts and
literature.
INVENTION OF THE
PRINTING PRESS
(C. 1440 CE):

Invention of the Printing Press

(c. 1440 CE):

•Johannes Gutenberg's
invention revolutionized book
production.

•Sparked the Renaissance and

the spread of knowledge.
MODERN WRITING

•19th-century typewriters and

20th-century computers
revolutionized writing technology.

•Development of standardized
scripts and writing systems
worldwide.

•Digital age: Text messaging, word

processing, and internet
communication.
CONTEMPORARY
WRITING

•Blogs, social media, and

digital publications redefine
writing in the 21st century.

•Emphasis on multimedia and

visual elements in
communication.

•Ongoing evolution of writing

with advances in technology.
WHAT IS WRITING
AS A SKILL?
 Writing as a skill refers to the ability to communicate thoughts, ideas, and information
effectively through written language.

 It is a process to convey messages clearly, persuasively, and coherently in various

contexts.

 It is a mean / process/ form of communication.

 It is the act of forming the symbols.

 It is the process of encoding of a message that translate our thoughts into language.

 It is a language skill.
 WHAT ARE THE KEY
COMPONENTS OF WRITING?

Create a word
cloud
 Grammar and Syntax:

 Vocabulary and Word Choice

 Organization and Structure

 Clarity and Conciseness:

 Tone and Style:

 Editing and Proofreading

 Creativity and Originality:

 Feedback
WRITING STYLES
NARRATIVE WRITING:
 This type of writing tells a story, either fictional or nonfictional.
 It can be used to entertain, inform, or persuade the reader.
The little girl ran down the street, her heart pounding in her chest. She had to get
away from the monster, the one that had been chasing her. She didn't know
where she was going, but she knew she had to keep running.
 DESCRIPTIVE WRITING
 This type of writing uses vivid language to create a picture in the
reader's mind.
 It can be used to describe people, places, things, or events.
 The old oak tree stood tall and proud, its branches reaching up to

the sky. Its leaves were a deep green, and they rustled in the wind.
The tree was home to many birds, and their songs could be heard all
day long.
EXPOSITORY WRITING
This type of writing explains or informs the reader about a topic.
It can be used to define, compare and contrast, analyse, or argue.
 The water cycle is the process by which water moves from the Earth's

surface to the atmosphere and back again. The sun evaporates water
from the oceans, lakes, and rivers. The water vapor rises into the
atmosphere and cools, forming clouds. The clouds release the water as
rain or snow, which falls back to the Earth's surface.
PERSUASIVE WRITING
 This type of writing tries to convince the reader to agree with the
writer's point of view.
 It uses evidence and logic to support the writer's argument.
 I believe that we should all recycle our waste. Recycling helps to reduc

pollution and conserve natural resources. It also creates jobs and help
to improve the environment. We should all do our part to recycle and
help make the world a better place.
 OTHER STYLES OF WRITING

Technical writing:
This type of writing is used to communicate complex information in a clear and concise way.

It is often used in the workplace, in scientific and technical fields, and in government
documents.
Business writing:

This type of writing is used to communicate with colleagues, clients, and customers.

It is important to be clear, concise, and professional in business writing.

Academic writing:

This type of writing is used to communicate research and ideas in an academic setting.

It is important to be accurate, objective, and well-organized in academic writing.

LET’S CHECK OUR
UNDERSTANDING
WHAT IS THE STYLE OF THIS
TEXT?
Q.1
As a college freshman, I initially approached literature with hesitation. Yet, a Shakespeare class
transformed my outlook, revealing the depths of human complexity. Analyzing symbolism in
"The Great Gatsby" was challenging but rewarding. Literature, I learned, transcends words,
mirroring human experiences. This course ignited my passion for writing and understanding,
shaping my academic journey.
Narrative writing
Q.2
 The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the

tranquil lake. Rippling water mirrored the fading sky, and the gentle rustling of
leaves created a soothing melody. Nature's serenity enveloped the landscape,
offering a moment of perfect tranquillity as day gave way to night.
Descriptive writing
Q.3
Photosynthesis is the vital process by which green plants convert sunlight,
water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This fundamental
biological mechanism not only sustains plant life but also serves as the
foundation of Earth's food chain. Understanding photosynthesis is crucial
for comprehending the dynamics of ecosystems and global carbon cycling.
Expository writing
 Q.4
 It's imperative that we take action to combat climate change now. The evidence

is overwhelming: rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting ice

caps. We owe it to future generations to reduce carbon emissions, transition to
renewable energy sources, and protect our planet. The time for decisive action
is now.
Persuasive writing
Q.5
 The user manual provides step-by-step instructions for assembling the

electronic device. Start by identifying components in the package. Use the

included tools for proper assembly. Connect the cables as illustrated in Figure
1. Refer to the troubleshooting section for common issues. Ensure safety
precautions are followed throughout the process.
Technical writing
YOUR TURN!
Open the course page on
Moodle.

Do the in-class assignment to

check your understanding.
HOMEWORK
Moodle assignment :
Write a persuasive paragraph about one of the following topics. Choose a topic
that appeals to you.