“Tom Hanks: I Owe It All to Community College” does not fit into the category of academic writing. The article by Tom Hanks uses informal writing to convey his ideas, fails to document sources using a specific citation style, and does not present his ideas as a response to others. In contrast to Hanks’ article, academic writing is described as “standard edited English, using clear and recognizable patterns of organization, marking logical relationships between ideas, presenting ideas to others, and using appropriate citation styles” (Lunsford et al. 45).
The author conveys his opinion of community college as “the place that made me what I am today” (Hanks 11) clearly expressing his gratitude of the institution, Chabot College. While expressing
his gratitude, Hanks uses contractions such as “they’d” (Hanks 1); however, in standard edited English “contractions aren’t appropriate” (Lunsford et al. 45), clearly emphasizing the lack of standard edited English in the editorial. Although Hanks makes “logical relationships between ideas,” he fails to use “appropriate citation styles” in his informal article. Hanks goes on to discuss plays by Shakespeare such as “Richard III” and “The Tempest” without giving proper citation (Hanks 6), signifying a lack in the characteristics of academic writing according to Lunsford, who views “appropriate citation styles” as key to academic writing (Lunsford et al. 45). Academic writing is viewed as a “response to others” (Lunsford et al. 45) while Hanks’ editorial is more like a narrative of his experiences in college, rather than a response to others. For example, Hanks narrates his tales of college as an “underachieving student with lousy SAT scores” who ended up producing an “HBO mini-series,” indicating an informal narrative of his life rather than an academic, standard edited English response. Furthermore, Hanks uses first person pronouns in sentences such as “I learned from a pipe-smoking historian,” (Hanks 6) which emphasizes the informality of the editorial. Hanks follows a chronological order, effectively creating a logical flow to his paper and backing up his claims; however, all in all the editorial lacks the necessary characteristics, to be considered academic writing.
In Downs and Wardle’s article, they argue and identify the flaws in teaching writing in college. Demonstrating the misconceptions that academic writing is universal, but rather specialized in each case. Citing studies and opinions from esteemed professionals, Downs & Wardle state their points and illuminate the problem in today’s many colleges.
Both of the articles “Dancing with Professors” by Patricia Limerick and “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott resolve the issues faced by college students when writing papers. The first article, “Dancing with Professors,” explains why college professors expect more elaborate papers even though they assign dull and un-motivational reading to their students. On the other end of the writing spectrum, “Shitty First Drafts” explains how valuable the first draft is to students, and why students should not feel weary about writing them.
One major decision one must make after exiting high school is whether to go to a university or go to community college. In the article “Two Year Are Better Than Four,” written by Liz Addison. She expressed her opinion on the significance of community colleges in comparison with the university. She stated that community college do not receive the acknowledgment and appreciation that they deserve. “what’s the matter with colleges?,” (Addison 255).
This article is very helpful when writing an essay for college. I realize that I tend to do the majority of the things he had mentioned. For example, he said that writer
Graff, G., Birkenstein, C., & Durst, R. K. (2009). The Growing College Gap. "They say/I say": the moves that matter in academic writing : with readings (p. 379). New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
How imperative is it that one pursues a traditional college experience? Although it might appear that Charles Murray and Liz Addison are in agreement that the traditional college experience is not necessary for everyone, Addison provides a more convincing argument that higher education is necessary in some form. This is seen through Addison’s arguments that college is essential to growing up, that education is proportional to the life one lives, and that community college reinvents the traditional college experience. Not only does Addison have her own opinions about college, but Murray does as well.
Community colleges have been tool used by many American students and families as a means of affordable education for better life for themselves and their children. Community colleges has played a big role in helping middle and lower income families who can 't afford to go to 4 years colleges ,the chance to educate themselves and their children. Community college was created in order to give basic liberal , technical and vocational education to all willing to be educated.
Graff, Gerald, Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel K. Durst. "They Say/I Say": The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing: With Readings. Vol. 2e. New York: W.W. Norton &, 2012. Print.
In her essay, “The New Literacy: Stanford Study Finds Richness and Complexity in Students’ Writing,” Cynthia Haven claims that writing, for the modern college student, has changed due to recent technology, specifically the internet. To prove this claim, the author turns to a study that began in 2001 at Stanford. This study’s goal was to analyze the writing habits of college students; however, the results yielded more than just that. The study found that students are writing much more than was expected, and much of what they write is not for a grade. So, these students write almost as much for their personal gain as they do for an academic one. Due to this, students are able to understand and utilize higher-level writing techniques, such as epistemic writing. Furthermore, they have
For the past few decades, receiving a college education has been a stressed importance in today’s society. However it is often misunderstood that attending a 4-year school is the best and only way to go. Following this belief, many students attend these schools with out being academically, financially, or mentally prepared. Unfortunately students like this have failed to over look the more realistic options available to them, such as community college. Junior college is a resource available to anyone regardless of his or her previous academic performance. The variety of courses and the inexpensive tuition gives students flexibility to explore the many options presented to them. Though Universities hold more prestige, community colleges provide endless opportunities for students who aren’t fully prepared for a 4-year education
Krugman, Paul. “Degrees and Dollars.” Reading & Writing in the Academic Community. Ed. Mary Lynch Kennedy and Hadley M. Smith. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson, 2010. 333-335. Print.
Writing can be very frustrating; laying your ideas out on paper so that others can grasp the concept you are trying to convey is a very difficult task. In Writing 101 I have learned how to formulate good theses that are arguable and also how to validate articles that have to do with my topic. The most important element of a paper is the thesis statement. It captures the reader's attention and tells them what the essay is about. Having a well-structured thesis along with evidence to support that thesis are the main ingredients to a well-written essay. I have also learned how important it is to research an author’s background to ensure their credibility. This is a very important step in writing because today we can find information on a topic, however, it is not valid. By researching the author, we can see if he or she is an expert in the area and so this would make his or her information more credible. There is a ...
Academic writing is the process of using language that is appropriate for both the audience to understand as well as for the the task, and is a practices that abides by different rules then one would usually associate with that of personal writing. In contrast to personal writing, academic writing explores theories and deeper levels of thinking whilst adhering to a specific ‘tone’ and following traditional conventions and styles of punctuation, grammar, and spelling. There are specific skills that aid success in academia, three of which will be discussed in the body of this essay; critical thinking, planning and plagiarism.
Author, John Williams, transitions his focus away from applying principles to, “…sentences and short passages in all kinds of writing in part two (28- 79) to, “…longer units of discourse” (95) found within expository and argumentative writing (95). Now writers have an opportunity to gain insight and become educated about ways to present information within an academic context in a clear and coherent manner without compromising style and confusing their readers.
This essay will discuss the relevance of academic essay writing. The essay will explore whether academic writing provides a basis for preparation in the workplace in which students intend to enter after their studies. The essay will also discuss whether essay writing limits students’ critical and creative ability or expands upon it.