writing as a reader habits of mind of the academic writer
Post on 24-Dec-2015
213 Views
Preview:
TRANSCRIPT
Writing as a ReaderHabits of Mind of the Academic Writer
What is academic writing? A conversation among scholars Informed argument Attempts to understand how the world works
Characteristics Impersonal and unemotional Identifies and questions assumptions Explores alternatives Anticipates opposing arguments Compares experiences Identifies the causes and consequences of
ideas and events
Four Habits of Mind Make inquiries Seek and value complexity See writing as a conversation Understand that writing is a process
(Greene and Lidinsky, 2008)
Applying the Four Habits of Mind Like comparison shopping:
Look at a product in advertisements Research it online Research it in stores Compare brands, features, prices Analyze data Make decision
Make Inquiries Ideas often start with an observation that challenge
personal beliefs or values: “People continually leave their homelands and families to live in the U.S.”
Academic writing begins with a question re: how the world works (Why does this exist? Why is this happening? Do things have to be this way?): “What does it mean to be an American?”
Examines alternatives (Maybe there is another way): “Other countries that offer a similar life.”
Seek and Value Complexity Avoid binary thinking
Black and white Either/Or
Explore issues from different perspectives Sociology: Family survival Economics: Drain on resources Political: Depends where politician resides, Tucson
vs. Miami Legal: Everyone must obey the law
Writing as a Conversation Ideas respond to and build on ideas > new
knowledge Can continue indefinitely as scholars draw on
each other’s research and ideas Use empathy to show respect and value for
others’ ideas
Myths about Writing Writing requires inspiration or natural talent Good writers write quickly A good writer in one context can write in any
context Revising and editing are synonymous
Writing is a Process Start with an idea or issue that matters to you Reserve ample time to
Gather material Consider writing strategy (outline) Draft Revise Edit
Characteristics of Academic Writing Impersonal, unemotional, objective Based on verifiable facts from credible sources Uses sound reasoning and logic Written with audience needs in mind
In face-to-face interactions, a confused audience can ask for clarification
In written situations, a confused audience has to muddle through and guess or just give up
Types of Academic Writing Analytical Critical Synthesis Argumentative (vs. persuasion)
Uses Formal Language Almost never uses the word “you” or any of
its forms Can use the word “I” (no opinions or feelings
allowed) Limits contractions Avoids rhetorical or unnecessary questions
that add wordiness.
Final Words What you learned about writing in high school is
still valid for expository and creative writing College writing expectations are higher: the 5-
paragraph essay no longer exists Opinions (I think; I believe; My experience
proves) are now “claims” supported with facts The act of writing starts with objective, verifiable
facts, not opinions/beliefs/what you have always known to be true
top related