Reading one's own writing over and over again tends to get really repetitive and tedious as one tries to read their work for a nth time.
Fortunately, there are many brilliant people who can provide other insight. And when this task of reviewing is given to anybody, they should take it upon themselves to actually say more than just "oh this is good" because that never does anything.
I think it's kind of awkward to critique other people's work in fear of offending them. These are my peers I've known for a long time, so pointing out errors and flaws in an essay doesn't seem to be in my place.
It will not, however, aid a friend or classmate to tell them their writing is fabulous and perfect when it is laden with errors and logical fallacies.
One must get over their fear of upsetting someone and actually provide constructive comments!
If there are grammatical or spelling error, do not be afraid to point them out. Maybe it's a one time occurrence, but if it's not then this correction is preventing a fellow classmate from future embarrassment. Furthermore, if one does not think the writing is adequately supported, tell the writer that there should be more to support their points and assertions. Otherwise they may go into the AP exam in May thinking their writing is generally well explained, write their under supported essay, get a 2 on the exam, not get a waiver for their freshman Writing 101 course, and then not graduate college due to credit insufficiencies.
Err. Kind of far-fetched. But the point is to actually provide critical comments when responding to someone instead of empty "oh this is good" comments.
You really focused on the writing aspect of the class and I like it. It may be a bit much but for now that is ok. While there is so much involved in the course, for the AP writing is the biggest portion. Your personality is a large part of your post writing and I think that that is a great thing to have but it can also lead to a bit of rambling. I always find it very easy to write things that are supposed to sound like me because, and I will be the first to admit it, I can talk. For the future you might want to see if you can keep the personality but keep it a bit more concise. I really like that you pointed out that responding to a peers writing is not the easiest thing and the sugar coating it doesn't help them. You make great points when you discuss editing and how to respond properly and helpfully to writing. These have been great post but they made me think about what it is we are supposed to take away from this course. Yes, taking the AP is our goal, if that is what all this is about I probably could have learned it else where. What we take away from this course, besides how to take the AP, will be what actually helps us in the future. AP are college-prepatory, but it is not the test that prepares us, it is the act of learning and taking part in advanced class that prepares us. But each person is different and writing an AP essay may be the best thing you can take from the class, and if so, then that is quite all right.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that people need to be complete and actually respond to the posts I don't think this is an essential part of the class. These synthesis are supposed to help you and other students study and you completly missed that point.You are very focused on the wirting portion of APLIT and that is just not all that is important. Also we will not have to respond to peers essays on the test so you completly misinterprted the point of this assaignment.
ReplyDeleteClaire, I disagree. I do not think I "completely misinterpreted the point of this assaignment." Indeed, you are 100% right that responding is not on the AP exam. However, we can't just always be taking practice APs. And if you can respond effectively to someone else's writing, your own writing improves as you learn to recognize what good writing is or what it isn't.
DeleteI agree with Carina--I love the voice in your writing, and I am so hoping that this class will prepare you for more than just one test on one day. I'm thrilled that you thought to include peer response as one of your course synthesis topics, and I think you have insightful things to say about it.
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