In Composition I, students will validate their generalizations and assertions based on personal knowledge. They will be saying, in essence, that they find their stand a valid one because of their life experiences and the meaning they have assigned to those experiences. For example, if a student asserts that his grandfather is a kind but stubborn man in the character sketch, he will prove such a generalization based on his experiences with his grandfather. In Composition II, students will support their assertions primarily from published material, but their writing will still reflect their own voice and their own convictions. The emphasis in this course from the beginning to the end will be on specific substantiation.
Assertions come easily.
It is the evidence that gives pause. Students can say that the President is effective or inadequate. But when they write such an assertion, they are committed to supporting that stand with specific evidence. Writers of exposition must substantiate and illustrate their point. Good writing takes time .