research papers and webquest

I felt the points brought to light in this chapter are great in laying out the expectations of a research paper versus an essay. While I understand the point Benjamin attempts to make stating “writing is not speech on paper” I fell that statement in itself discourages the writer to have a voice. He does detail that a research paper demands more structure and stronger language but there still needs to be a clear “voice” avoiding the use of euphemisms and commonly spoken terms and phrasing. In reading through his checklist of the categories, focus of the paper and the styles of writing, feedback was an idea expressed that I feel needs to be used more. Since entering Graduate school I’ve yet to receive much feedback from professor in regards to my writing or my ideas expressed. The first was the abstract for an education course this semester; it was an outline for my research paper but I honestly have no basis for how well my research paper writing is at this level and if I need to improve of not. Granted I can proof read it myself and or by another person but it’s not the same as having feedback from the instructor from which you receive your grade. I understand on this level of education we should already be equipped with all the necessary writing and related self assessment skills but I have no idea where I stand as a writer, on this level, as all my research assignments are collected, graded and never returned.

Frames, Clusters, and Stems

I was a bit confused a first reading through this chapter; I was used to more thorough examples of the previous chapters. After reading the paragraph again and letting the information marinate it made much more sense. Also, in reading the chapter, I realized this was yet another skill I was not taught in my English classes. Being able to ask the appropriate questions, identify, organize and categorize information helps students to be more skillful readers and writers.
Identifying patterns and clusters is a skill I was not taught I many of my English courses. I feel I would have benefited having a more discerning eye approaching text. Being able to assess a text and respond to the presented information specifically is another tool to help de-mystify the entire process. Now I know to actively search and determine if a paragraph is classifying, comparison/contrasting, descriptive, chronological as in a procedural report, support an assertion etc.
Identifying a pattern helps readers to ask the appropriate questions of a text aiding in the creation of a word bank of key words. Asking certain questions of a text can lead to the formation of more questions that need to be answered according to the prescribed or a decided pattern. Writing focused on answering questions is stronger and provides more depth on the subject. Creating a list of key words in relation to the pattern adds variety as well as keeps the writing more focused on the topic and idea presented. Having a clear focus, variety in words, depth along with a clear voice all help I producing well written work.