Writing
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Writers need a goal as to what they are writing. They plan their writing and construct a number of drafts before they reach a satisfactory piece of work. The plans and text are constantly scruntinised and evaluated in a feedback loop.
I've been wondering how writers, academics or non-academics, can churn out fascinating pieces of information and imagination. Good writing may not necessarily keep readers awake. Good writings can make the picture clearer for its readers. I've been thinking of writing good pieces of work. However, there is this inferiority of me not being able to convey my ideas clearly and expressively because of the education system during my time.
You, my friend, may ask, "How different is the system now from that during your time?"
Well, I was surprised when I found out that the English syllabus changes every seven to eight years. I will not be surprised if I find myself inferior to the breed of new minds.
During my JC days, I was not able to write argumentative essays well. Well, there's the inferiority complex within me. I blame it on myself because I did not take the initiative to learn more about argumentative essays during secondary school. However, if I had the chance to learn more about it, I would have done so. I remember teachers advising against attempts of argumentative essays during exams. That's way back in the past and I shall not dig into the fossils. What is important now? Imparting knowledge and skills to learners through the exposure of different text types and encouraging learners to attempt writing different text types.
I've come to learn more about the English Language, especially after the Grammar Course. There's no such thing as a past tense of modal auxillaries. People commonly mistake "would" as the past tense of "will" and "might" as the past tense of "may". Modal auxilaries differ in intensity. Thus, "might" is a lesser possibility than "may, "would" is a lesser possibility of "will" and "may" and "might" are lesser possibilities than "would" and "will".
In expository essays, modal auxilaries are used to clarify the writer's stand and to persuade readers to take the same stand as the author, wherever possible. Writers think carefully and consider the audience and purpose for the writing. Certain writings serve the purpose of persuasion without offending readers while others can be provocative. Thus, writers should use the appropriate modal auxillaries for the right purpose and audience.
I can go on and on but... I have decided to stop here lest all of you fall asleep. :D
