Writing as a Reader Habits of Mind of the Academic Writer

What is academic writing?  A conversation among scholars  Informed argument  Attempts to understand how the world works

Characteristics  Impersonal and unemotional  Identifies and questions assumptions  Explores alternatives  Anticipates opposing arguments  Compares experiences  Identifies the causes and consequences of ideas and events

Four Habits of Mind  Make inquiries  Seek and value complexity  See writing as a conversation  Understand that writing is a process (Greene and Lidinsky, 2008)

Applying the Four Habits of Mind  Like comparison shopping: Look at a product in advertisements Research it online Research it in stores Compare brands, features, prices Analyze data Make decision

Make Inquiries  Ideas often start with an observation that challenge personal beliefs or values: “People continually leave their homelands and families to live in the U.S.”  Academic writing begins with a question re: how the world works (Why does this exist? Why is this happening? Do things have to be this way?): “What does it mean to be an American?”  Examines alternatives (Maybe there is another way): “Other countries that offer a similar life.”

Seek and Value Complexity  Avoid binary thinking Black and white Either/Or  Explore issues from different perspectives Sociology: Family survival Economics: Drain on resources Political: Depends where politician resides, Tucson vs. Miami Legal: Everyone must obey the law

Writing as a Conversation  Ideas respond to and build on ideas > new knowledge  Can continue indefinitely as scholars draw on each other’s research and ideas  Use empathy to show respect and value for others’ ideas

Myths about Writing  Writing requires inspiration or natural talent  Good writers write quickly  A good writer in one context can write in any context  Revising and editing are synonymous

Writing is a Process  Start with an idea or issue that matters to you  Reserve ample time to Gather material Consider writing strategy (outline) Draft Revise Edit

Characteristics of Academic Writing  Impersonal, unemotional, objective  Based on verifiable facts from credible sources  Uses sound reasoning and logic  Written with audience needs in mind In face-to-face interactions, a confused audience can ask for clarification In written situations, a confused audience has to muddle through and guess or just give up

Types of Academic Writing  Analytical  Critical  Synthesis  Argumentative (vs. persuasion)

Uses Formal Language  Almost never uses the word “you” or any of its forms  Can use the word “I” (no opinions or feelings allowed)  Limits contractions  Avoids rhetorical or unnecessary questions that add wordiness.

Final Words  What you learned about writing in high school is still valid for expository and creative writing  College writing expectations are higher: the 5- paragraph essay no longer exists  Opinions (I think; I believe; My experience proves) are now “claims” supported with facts  The act of writing starts with objective, verifiable facts, not opinions/beliefs/what you have always known to be true