Elizabeth Wardle’s “You Can’t Teach Writing ‘In General’” acknowledges the challenges of learning to write, but explains that she doesn’t suggest that it’s impossible. Instead, her work emphasizes the importance of effective writing instruction that helps students develop the awareness, skills, and strategies they need to succeed as writers in diverse contexts. She uses fan fiction as a modern day example of this idea. Fanfiction writers must have an understanding of the expectations set out by other fans and readers along with the regulations in place in order to develop an immersive and engaging storyline.
I found her work to be relatable in the sense that she places focus on the idea of “transfer,” which is the ability to apply writing knowledge and skills across different contexts and disciplines. She explores how students can learn to transfer what they’ve learned about writing from one situation to another, helping them become more versatile and effective writers. As a common enjoyer of creative writing, my past ideas often transcribe into my writing to create work that is reflective of my personality. I can appreciate how her writing suggests that effective writing instruction involves teaching students to navigate these complexities.
In Catherine Savini’s “Looking for Trouble: Finding Your Way into a Writing Assignment,” she encourages students to embrace the challenges of writing assignments and to see them as opportunities for growth and learning. She provides practical tips and exercises to help students brainstorm ideas, develop strong thesis statements, and structure their writing effectively. As a student I found the book to be reassuring as you can often feel left behind when your writing is not up to par with your peers. Author Savini intended the book to be a hands-on guide for students at all levels, from high school to college, who are seeking to improve their writing skills and succeed in their academic endeavors. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, revision, and engagement with the writing process.
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