Assignment Question
What should good college writing do? Your answer to that question will be the thesis for your paper. You will lead into that thesis with an introduction, develop it fully in supporting paragraphs, and conclude with a conclusion that wraps up what you have written. You have read three expert sources on this topic: Graff and Birkenstein, Thonney, and Williams and McEnerney. These experts on the topic should be used to help you support the claims you make to support your thesis. Cite them where appropriate to defend your claims about what good writing should do. When you think their wording is important, quote these writers directly (but briefly). Otherwise, just paraphrase what they say. As Thonney does in her essay, you will use both in-text citations and full references at the end when you refer to any outside source. Audience: Imagine incoming college students as your primary audience. Imagine me, your writing teacher, as your secondary audience. Thus, you must both provide advice on academic writing (for fellow students) and model its best practices (for me). Format: 3-4 pages not counting references, 12-point Times New Roman font.Links to APA are in the Conventions of Academic Writing module (scroll down on the Modules page). Cite Williams and McEnerney as a website, Thonney as an article in a scholarly (academic) journal (remember the name of the journal is TETYC for Teaching English in the Two-Year College), and Graff and Birkenstein as a book. The pdf I provided in the course for Graff and Birkenstein is the first edition. The rest of the info you need for Graff and Birkenstein is on the title page in the pdf. Review the materials in the Conventions of Academic Writing folder on thesis statements, topic sentences, and anatomy of an essay in preparation for this assignment. I’ve recopied them into this week’s module. And consult the Peer Review Worksheet, as I will use it as my grading criteria. Remember you can always change your topic sentences and thesis to fit what you discover through the process of getting your thoughts into written form. Save at least an hour at the end of your writing process to proofread your essay for errors. When you are done, upload your paper here.
Answer
Introduction
Good college writing is a fundamental skill that every student must cultivate to succeed academically and beyond. This paper explores the qualities and principles that define good college writing, drawing upon the insights of expert authors such as Graff and Birkenstein, Thonney, and Williams and McEnerney. As we embark on our college journey, it is essential to understand what constitutes effective writing in academic and professional contexts. This paper will provide comprehensive guidance for incoming college students while adhering to the conventions of academic writing, specifically the APA documentation style.
The Purpose and Principles of Good College Writing
Clarity and Critical Thinking
One of the most crucial aspects of good college writing is clarity. According to Graff and Birkenstein (2014), clarity involves presenting ideas in a manner that is easily comprehensible to the reader. In the academic context, clarity demands a deep commitment to critical thinking. Students are often required to engage with complex concepts and communicate their understanding effectively. To achieve clarity in writing, one must be able to synthesize and analyze information, organize ideas logically, and convey their message in an engaging manner (Thonney, 2017).
Critical thinking goes hand in hand with clarity. Graff and Birkenstein (2014) argue that clear writing is a result of clear thinking. When students approach their writing tasks with a focus on critical thinking, they enhance their capacity to convey complex ideas clearly. Critical thinking is not limited to understanding the topic but also involves the ability to question, evaluate, and make connections between various ideas and sources. In this way, clarity is achieved through a rigorous process of mental engagement.
To expand on this point, it’s crucial to understand that critical thinking is a multifaceted skill. It involves not just the ability to analyze and evaluate existing information but also to generate original ideas and insights. When writing, you should aim to contribute to the ongoing discourse in your field. This could be achieved through creative problem-solving, proposing innovative solutions, or offering a fresh perspective on established theories. Critical thinking, therefore, is not only about presenting information clearly but also about contributing to knowledge.
Engagement with Sources
Good college writing also involves engaging with sources in a meaningful way. Williams and McEnerney (n.d.) stress the significance of integrating relevant sources into essays. This not only supports arguments but also demonstrates a depth of understanding and a willingness to engage with existing scholarly conversations. As students, you’re expected to contribute to these conversations by building on the knowledge already established in your field. Thonney (2017) complements this notion by highlighting that credible sources, when integrated effectively, can strengthen the writer’s authority on the subject matter. Effective integration of sources involves not only summarizing or quoting but also critically evaluating the sources and relating them to your own arguments. This kind of engagement with sources not only supports your arguments but also enriches the overall quality of your writing.
In order to expand on the importance of engagement with sources, it’s important to address the various ways sources can be incorporated. These include paraphrasing, summarizing, quoting, and synthesizing. Paraphrasing involves rephrasing the source’s content in your own words, while summarizing condenses the source’s main points. Quoting is used for directly citing the source’s words, and synthesizing involves combining multiple sources to support your point. A successful writer knows when and how to use each of these techniques effectively, depending on the context and purpose of their writing.
Adherence to Conventions
Adherence to conventions is another crucial aspect of good college writing. Proper citation and formatting are essential to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. Williams and McEnerney (n.d.) emphasize the importance of correctly citing sources and recommend the use of the APA documentation style for academic writing. Thonney (2017) also stresses the significance of citation as a way of giving credit to others’ work and acknowledging the intellectual contributions of others. By following these conventions, students not only meet the requirements of their assignments but also demonstrate respect for the academic community’s standards.
To expand on the concept of adherence to conventions, it’s important to delve into the specifics of citation styles. Different academic disciplines may require different citation styles, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or others. Each of these styles has specific rules for citing various types of sources, and students should familiarize themselves with the style relevant to their field of study. Failure to adhere to these conventions can result in accusations of plagiarism or a lack of professionalism in academic writing. Additionally, consistency in formatting, such as font size, margins, and spacing, is crucial for presenting a polished and well-organized paper.
Organization and Structure
An often overlooked but critical aspect of good college writing is the organization and structure of your essays. Effective writing is not just about the quality of individual sentences but also about how those sentences come together to form a cohesive and compelling whole. Graff and Birkenstein (2014) stress the importance of well-structured essays with clear introductions, body paragraphs that support a central thesis, and conclusions that summarize the key points. Thonney (2017) adds that organization and structure should reflect the logical flow of your ideas. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence, supporting evidence, and transitions that connect it to the previous and following paragraphs. This organization not only makes your writing easier to follow but also demonstrates your ability to think and write coherently.
To expand on the importance of organization and structure, it’s essential to consider the specific elements of an essay’s structure. A well-structured essay typically consists of an introduction, a thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences, supporting evidence, and analysis, and a conclusion that ties everything together. The introduction should grab the reader’s attention, introduce the topic, and present the thesis statement – the main argument of the essay. Body paragraphs should follow a logical sequence, with each paragraph addressing a single point or aspect of the thesis statement. Transitions between paragraphs and sentences help guide the reader through the essay’s flow. A well-structured essay is like a well-constructed building – it stands firm and supports the weight of your arguments.
Revision and Proofreading
Another vital component of good college writing is the process of revision and proofreading. Williams and McEnerney (n.d.) advise students to dedicate sufficient time to revise and polish their work. Revision is where you refine your ideas, improve clarity, and enhance the overall quality of your writing. Thonney (2017) also highlights the importance of peer review, where fellow students can provide valuable feedback to help you identify areas for improvement.
Proofreading is the final step before submission. It involves meticulously checking for grammatical errors, typos, and formatting issues. As Thonney (2017) notes, submitting a well-proofread paper not only reflects professionalism but also ensures that your arguments are not overshadowed by avoidable mistakes. To expand on the idea of revision and proofreading, it’s important to understand that these processes are not just about checking for errors. Revision involves rethinking and reworking your content, structure, and arguments. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your thesis, clarify your points, and ensure that your ideas are well-developed. Peer review can be an invaluable part of the revision process, as it provides you with fresh perspectives and insights that you may have missed during your initial drafting.
Proofreading, on the other hand, focuses on the nitty-gritty details of your writing. It checks for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors. It’s the final polish that ensures your writing is not only clear and well-organized but also free of distracting mistakes. The importance of proofreading cannot be overstated; even the most compelling arguments can be undermined by avoidable errors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, good college writing encompasses clarity, critical thinking, engagement with sources, adherence to conventions, organization, and revision. Graff and Birkenstein (2014), Thonney (2017), and Williams and McEnerney (n.d.) collectively emphasize these principles as essential for achieving success in academic writing. As incoming college students, it is vital to internalize these principles and practice them consistently to excel in your academic pursuits. Good college writing is a skill that extends beyond the classroom, preparing students for future professional and academic endeavors. By adhering to the principles outlined in this paper, you can not only succeed academically but also become proficient and effective communicators in various contexts. College is a journey of academic and personal growth, and mastering the art of good writing is a significant milestone along the way.
References
Thonney, J. (2017). Reading Apprenticeship and the Research Paper. Teaching English in the Two-Year College (TETYC), 44(4), 349-361.
Williams, J., & McEnerney, L. (n.d.). Writing in College: A Short Guide to College Writing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of good college writing?
Good college writing serves the purpose of conveying information, presenting arguments, and engaging in academic and intellectual discourse. It’s a skill that helps students express their thoughts clearly and persuasively, both in academic and professional contexts.
How can I improve the clarity of my writing?
To improve the clarity of your writing, you should focus on critical thinking, organize your ideas logically, and ensure that your arguments are easy to follow. Effective revision and proofreading are also essential for enhancing clarity.
What is critical thinking in the context of college writing?
Critical thinking in college writing involves the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information. It means questioning assumptions, making connections, and proposing original ideas or insights.
How should I engage with sources in my writing?
Engaging with sources requires integrating them effectively into your essays. This can be done through paraphrasing, summarizing, quoting, or synthesizing information from credible sources to support your arguments.
Why is adherence to conventions important in college writing?
Adherence to conventions, such as citation styles and formatting, is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. Properly citing sources also gives credit to other authors and acknowledges their contributions to your work.
