Part I. General Introduction
I. An Introduction to Writing
1. Point and Support
1.1 An Important Difference Between Writing and Talking
In everyday conversation, you make all kinds of points or assertions. You say, for example, \\study habits keep getting me into trouble.\The points that you make concern personal matters as well as, at times, outside issues: \commercials are degrading to women\ college.\
The people you are talking with do not always challenge you to give reasons for your statements. They may know why you feel as you do, or they may already agree with you, or they simply may not want to put you on the spot; and so they do not always ask, \who read what you write may not know you, agree with you, or feel in any way obliged to you. If you want to communicate effectively with readers, you must provide solid evidence for any point you make. An important difference, then, between writing and talking is this: In writing, any idea that you advance must be supported with specific reasons or details.
Think of your readers as reasonable people. They will not take your views on faith, but they are willing to accept what you say as long as you support it. Therefore, remember to support with specific evidence any point that you make.
1.2 Point and Support in a Paragraph
In conversation, you might say to a friend who has suggested a movie, \the movies is just too much of a hassle. Parking, people, everything.\your friend may know what you are talking about so that you will not have to explain your statement. But in writing, your point would have to be backed up with specific reasons and details.
Below is a paragraph, written by a student named Diane Woods, on why moviegoing