For a long time, all I needed to get by in writing was using
adjectives in excess and vocabulary that none of my peers could comprehend, and
I'd get an A. The only issue with that was that it was impractical (I constantly
relied on my imagination- which tended to be unreliable approximately 99% of
the time), and was extremely disorganized. My writing continues to suffer from
comma splices and run-ons, but I managed to learn to write speed-essays in
Debate. Debate taught me what I currently know about effective communication.
However, it was "effective communication" whittled and molded to fit
a competitive academic sport, not the everyday world outside academia, and
especially not fit for college. Only trained people in the art of debate can
understand the secrets behind cutting cards and spreading, and being good at
these are not helpful anywhere else in society. However, speed essays are still
useful, and this technique has proven to be faithful in Mr. Bost's class
already. My writing has improved to become more concise, and more firm in persuasive
essays rather than being ambiguous (coming from an academic sport where a
single word in a speech can result in a loss).
I think many students face the same problem. They are taught that using big words makes writing good, and do not learn much about any other necessary skills to actually making their compositions successful. It is great that you have recognized this problem and are learning about the tools that make for actually good writing.
ReplyDeleteDo you mind sharing more about speed essays with the rest of the class?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind at all! I just don't know when or how you'd like me to do so. Do you want me to talk to my peers or write a post about speed-essays? Or would you like me to do something else altogether?
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