As a student in my undergraduate writing classes I have never stopped to question my professor’s writing prompts or a particular organizational requirement. I have attributed my slow development as a writer to this passive approach to academic writing. It was not until my third year of studies that I understood how my professors’ instructions were affecting my understanding of writing. Graff and Birkenstein’s (2006) book, They Say I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, does not capture my understanding of why my professors had me write my five paragraph essay in a particular way. Better yet, Graff and Birkenstein show me what the required moves look like. Ah, to know then what I know now.
Just as I overcame my own frustrations with writing, I believe others to do the same. Graff and Birkenstein (2006) have managed to show readers such as myself, templates for carrying out effective writing. Their rationale for these rhetorical moves and templates support my own thought, which is writers learn to compose through imitation. As native speakers of English we begin utilizing writing templates from as early as elementary school.
These templates become more complex and serve different purposes at the college level especially when it involves nonnative speakers of English. When learning to speak or write a new language, we need some form of guidance. As our comfort grows with this new language, we can manipulate the original templates. I think this is when creativity begins. Moreover, I think this is when language users feel confident enough to enter conversations and risk sounding obscure to those already in the conversation. It is at this point where templates can play a less important role, and the function of the words becomes the focus, making room for new creative moves.
I can’t help but to agree with Graff and Birkenstein’s suggestion that good organization does not take the place of content; therefore, one does not take the place of the other. Good writing begins by imitating those who do it well, such as our professors.
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2 comments:
I think your point about good writing consisting of imitation of those that do it well is accurate. As English majors, it's safe to say we read more than most, but even so, not all of us are advanced in crafting an essay. The same can be said for any profession: it takes observation and imitation to master a trade. Few are born with it. Even if you were born a good writer, how would you know to call it good without an example?
Imitation and the use of it -- I've been reading extensively on the subject of imitation (Aristotle/Plato/Dryden) -- the importance of the real vs. the imitated, and although originality is favored, there is great measure in imitation. What is the quote? "Imitation is the best form of flattery." Templates offer cradling in the amniotic sac of academia. Your point is well taken.
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