Diving into “Why study writing?”

By: David Labrador | Post 1

Can we say that writing is an acquired skill or is it a special skill? In my opinion, writing is a special skill that some possess. Writing for me doesn’t come easy at all. So, looking for trouble comes to me very easily, since I feel that I am always in a pickle when I need to express my thoughts. In the article “Looking For Trouble in Writing” by Catherine Savini, the author goes to great lengths about how students should analyze their reading assignments from multiple angles when writing. Savini says, “Focusing on tensions within texts or between themselves and texts, articulating problems, and raising questions.” Savini present this writing technique as a way to “find trouble” in writing to insight more creativity when writing. It seems like a great writing technique for those students who have the natural ability to write and have the ability to put their thoughts together. However, that is not always the case. I find myself in trouble from the start, when writing the first two sentences. Although this writing approach may work for some, I know for sure it is not suited for me.   

Can writing be taught?

“You can’t teach writing in general” (Wardle)

I do agree with Elizabeth Wardle’s article “You Can’t Teach Writing in General.” In part because of how I’ve struggled to write my entire life. This notion that you can be taught how to write in general I disagree with. Here is why I side with Wardle on this. I for one have struggled with writing my entire life. I am more of a mathematical person and never did find an interest in writing or even had great success in doing so. “There is no such thing as writing in general.” (Wardle). Every writing circumstance is impacted by each situation, whether it be for history, poetry, or taking an exam on a topic you are not familiar with and trying to elaborate your opinion in under 30 minutes, nevertheless. While many approach writing as a simply lesson learned, I believe it is a natural skill, or something that is mastered with hours of practice.

Referenced Texts

Wardle, Elizabeth “You Can Learn to Write In General”, http://richardcolby.net/writ2000/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/wardle-2017-writing-in-general.pdf, 2017

Savani, Catherine “Looking For Trouble: Finding Your Way Into a Writing Assignment”, Volume 2,https://writingspaces.org/past-volumes/looking-for-trouble-finding-your-way-into-a-writing-assignment/2010

Related posts:

Universal and Simple: The Wrong Way to Think About Writing “Why Study Writing?” (Week 1) Writing with Purpose Thoughts about Writing In General. A blog post for Intro to Writing.