CLD 121 Journal Entry 2: Reflection on Ch. 1 of “A Writer’s Resource”
I write all the time without even realizing it. On the calendar, in my day timer, grocery lists, scribbles on post-it notes, emails, to-do lists, lecture notes and papers for Ryerson, and signatures for credit card payments; just to name a few. While reading, I am training myself to understand what I am reading, as well as to consider the reliability and credibility of the material presented. Previously I would let my eyes lazily fly across the words in dismissal until I was finished the piece, and then move onto the next chapter or story without stopping to think about what I read. This was especially the case for textbooks and sometimes newspaper articles. It is important to take a look at the author of the material, and research their reputation to understand what you're reading and if it's worth your time. The purpose of the writing is equally important, whether it is for entertainment purposes in a magazine, or to educate as used in textbooks, or to persuade you into believing a certain point of view. For me it is important to engage myself with the reading and ask the question “why?” after certain points are made. Why do I feel this way after reading this story? Do I agree with the main points this author has written? Am I being manipulated by this piece of writing?
I am glad it's a requirement to read this book and be aware of how to write in the APA style. I have been out of school for two years and it seems I have forgotten how to write argumentatively. Also in college, we were expected to hand in papers written in the MLA style. The most difficult part of a paper is coming up with a great thesis. I re-read the thesis section in Chapter 1 multiple times. However, compare and contrast papers have always been simple for me. Revising your essay is a large part of Chapter 1 and notably so. When you put so much effort into planning and writing a paper, why not put the same amount of effort into revising.
Overall it's important to criticize what you read so that you can look at your writing with a critical eye. In doing this, I feel prepared for my audience to question what I have written. Hopefully in argumentative papers I will have provided enough evidence that is accurate, relevant, and sufficient so that there will be no “holes” or possible areas for readers to attack in my paper. Thinking and writing critically also helps me draw attention to the language I use. For example, words like “comment” and “discuss” may not be the right choice in an argumentative paper, and could be replaced by “defend” or “refute”. I'm sure I will be referring back to this book frequently this year.
I am glad it's a requirement to read this book and be aware of how to write in the APA style. I have been out of school for two years and it seems I have forgotten how to write argumentatively. Also in college, we were expected to hand in papers written in the MLA style. The most difficult part of a paper is coming up with a great thesis. I re-read the thesis section in Chapter 1 multiple times. However, compare and contrast papers have always been simple for me. Revising your essay is a large part of Chapter 1 and notably so. When you put so much effort into planning and writing a paper, why not put the same amount of effort into revising.
Overall it's important to criticize what you read so that you can look at your writing with a critical eye. In doing this, I feel prepared for my audience to question what I have written. Hopefully in argumentative papers I will have provided enough evidence that is accurate, relevant, and sufficient so that there will be no “holes” or possible areas for readers to attack in my paper. Thinking and writing critically also helps me draw attention to the language I use. For example, words like “comment” and “discuss” may not be the right choice in an argumentative paper, and could be replaced by “defend” or “refute”. I'm sure I will be referring back to this book frequently this year.