Theory of Writing
I have been writing quite a bit before this class, and even before I learned any bit of academic writing. Usually, it would be journaling or pieces that bordered on creative writing. My theory of writing back then was free-writing and brain dumping; I wrote writing whichever idea came to mind in any order. The first one or two drafts would typically be disorderly and incoherent. Then, I would re-read my writing and edit it until it made sense. However, the only audience for these writings is mostly myself. Therefore, the writing does not have to be readable or understandable to anybody but me. However, last semester I took an academic writing class where I learnt about rhetorical situations, namely topic, audience, and purpose.
Coming to this class, my entire theory of writing had hinged on rhetorical situations, and has remained largely the same throughout the course. I knew that I had to determine the topic, purpose, and audience so that I could apply the appropriate diction and tone. However, I knew that this course would be slightly different from the one I had done before since this one was going to be scientific, and therefore a bit more technical.
My process has evolved quite significantly since now I have to be mindful of technical terms and descriptions. I have to figure out how to define them for the audience to understand without being too wordy or being too simplistic. Additionally, I have found that in scientific writing, it is always safer to apply images where necessary. Images eliminate the need for over-explaining, while making it easy for both the writer and reader to visualize and understand the concept. The Technical Description assignment is the perfect example of how incorporating images is essential in technical communication. I was describing the Apple Watch, and even I found myself lost when describing some parts and functions, until I referred to an image. I also heavily relied on videos to get a live demonstration of an innovation’s form or function, which then made it easier for me to put it in writing.
The textbook was especially instrumental in helping me refine my writing process. For instance, in the Rhetorical Analysis of Two Lab Reports, the textbook provided a literal guide on how to compare and contrast two pieces of technical writing. In many ways, the book helped me refine on my writing theory in that I could see in practice which kind of language, explanations, and presentations of concepts worked and which did not, and the inclusions and omissions that made the most difference.
The most effective tool during this course was the peer review. Aside from it being fun and collaborative, having a person who has the same level of knowledge as you read and understand a piece of your writing is affirming that you can communicate a specific topic. Additionally, it has made me recognize that the writing process is better and easier when made collaborative and social, as demonstrated by the Technical Innovation assignment. The brainstorming and collective edits made the writing process less intense and tedious, and each person could concentrate on their part and give their best. Moreover, one way of improving one’s writing is to expose their pieces to other people and be open to feedback.
I have also learnt how to source information from different databases, be they academic or non-scholarly. For instance, all the major assignments I did required me to research across multiple platforms such as journals, websites, and videos, and synthesize the information to write my essays. I can comfortably assess a source’s origin, currency, and credibility to write informative and reliable content. However, I feel that I have not quite mastered the formats in which I am supposed to cite other people’s ideas. I feel as if I cannot determine when a quote or a paraphrase would enhance my writing versus when it would be unnecessary. The elements in my bibliography lists are also not as consistent as they supposed to be, but I hope to improve on that as I continue writing beyond this course.
I have gathered invaluable lessons and tips regarding writing, both for general and for scientific audiences. The most important information I have gained is that pictures are the ultimate tool of demonstration in writing. Perhaps images are not always applicable or suitable, but where necessary, they make a piece of writing more precise and coherent. Additionally, I will continue to recognize and factor in rhetorical strategies in my writing. Finally, it will be really interesting to see how my personal and academic writing borrow from each other in the future.
