“As A Result” Connecting the Parts: They mention that when writing a sentence to think of each sentence as having arms that could reach back and forward as this would establish a connection that would improve writing to become more smoother. They explain the use of transitions and what they are and how important they play a role in a sentence. A transition not only will help you connect your sentences and paragraphs, but it’ll mark the exact kind of connection that you’d like to make. Also, while keeping in mind that a transition is always placed near the beginning of a sentence. They go on to explain other ways to connect parts of an argument and they did by using pointing words. For example, they mention that to either point or refer back to a concept from a previous sentence by using the common usual pointing words. Finally, but not least, they explain a technique that involves repeating yourself, but with a different approach. Repeating yourself with a different approach would avoid making your text sound monotonous and would allow you to keep connecting parts of your argument to keep it moving forward establishing connections throughout your sentences.
What I learned: I learned that how to successfully repeat myself. I didn’t really know how successfully repeat myself as I would normally just explain the same idea over and over again. I now know that in order to repeat yourself, you have to approach it in a different way while maintaing the same idea to avoid sounding monotonous.
“You MEAN I CAN JUST SAY IT THAT WAY?” Academic Writing Doesn’t Mean Setting Aside Your Own Voice: They begin by explaining that the goal of this chapter is to counteract a common misconception and that being the straightforward, everday language that we use everyday that make us sound stupid. They explain that in order to impress our teachers, we need write in a way that is harder to understand while setting aside that everyday language/voice. They mention that translating academicspeak into everydayspeak would allow our mind to function as a thinking tool and to allow us to go beyond and discover new things. They also went to say that when using everyday language to talk even on a draft, those who critique your work would shine a bright light on your writing to expose it’s strength and weaknesses. FInally, they explain when it’s acceptable to use everydayspeak and academicspeak. For example, the slang and questionable grammar that many people use can still be used, but perferably not applying for a job or submitting a proposal. They explained it best to simply just go with the “standard” English.
What I learned: When choosing what to write, that I shouldn’t feel limited to what I’m saying, but rather having a combination of both everydayspeak and academicspeak or simply one over the other would be just fine.
“BUT DON’T GET ME WRONG” The Art of Metacommentary: They explain that when thinking of metacommentary to think more of it as a chorus in a Greek play that stands to the side when there is drama unfolding to explain to its audience the true meaning of what’s going on or more or so a voice-over. They mention that when using metacommentary, it’s best to use it to elborate and clarify. For example, they explain that no matter how clear your writing can be, there will still be readers that fail to understand what’s going on. So, by using metacommentary it’ll clarify your work, making your work much understandable. They also mentioned that it’d help you develop ideas which could generate more text. Finally, they also explain another way to use metacommentary and that would be by thinking of a title. They go on to say that when thinking of a title using metacommentary, it allows you to develop sharper and better titles that will give readers a hint of what your argument will be.
What I learned: I learned what metacommentary is and how to successfully use it. I had no idea what is was or what it meant, but now that I know how it’s used. It allow me to clarify and elaborate on my texts.
“HE SAYS CONTENDS” Using the Templates to Revise: They explain that one of the most important stages in writing is the revision stage. They mention that in order to make your argument be convincing, it’d help to add more concessions to an opposing view by using certain templates. They introduce many templates that range from starting with representing what others say to showing why your argument matters. Throughout these templates they explain how to effectively use them and when to use them. For example, whether you agree or disagree with something, they have many reponses and questions on how to answer those questionaires correctly and effectively.
What I learned: I learned from the many templates that were shown, that when it comes to the revision stage these would effectively help with my writing process and there’s so much information being shown and explained.
The Cycle of Life 