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.