Page 296 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

Writing in Various Majors, Fields, and Disciplines

As we have discussed in this chapter, most formal or academic writing follows a similar pattern of thesis,
development, and conclusion.
As we’ve also discussed, however, there can be significant differences in topics, purposes, and audiences.
These differences can also be reflected in a writer’s style and what qualities make for “good” writing. A strong
essay for a literature class would be notably distinct from a strong essay for a microbiology class. Each subject
area and academic discipline even has a distinct vocabulary. You have no doubt noticed these distinctions
as you read textbooks for your classes. Now you can connect your reading to the textbook writer’s topic,
purpose, and audience. Writers know the expectations and needs of their audiences, and write accordingly.
This does not mean that the Writing Methodology cannot be applied across all your courses—quite the
contrary. The methodology is strong and flexible enough to be applied across your college career. Once you
have decided on a career path, however, pay special attention to the forms of written and oral communication
in your field. Adding that knowledge will only strengthen your communication skills.

PROCEED TO ACTIVITY 11.3 (page 307)

CRITICAL REFLECTION

The Writing Process

Andre Dubus III, is the author of the novel House of Sand and Fog, which was later turned into a movie.
Of the writing process, he says,

What’s so exciting and terrifying about the writing process is that it really is an act of exploration
and discovery. With all of us, not just writers, there is a sort of knowledge of the other. We have a
lot more in common that we realize, and I think writing is really a sustained act of empathy.
Do you agree or disagree with him? Why?

What is the place of writing in college? In learning in general?

290 Foundations of Learning