Chapter 1 (The Informed Writer) Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the primary function of writing in a social context?
Communicating to others and influencing them via structured language.
How does writing differ from speaking in terms of conveying meaning?
Writing must carry the full message through words alone, rather than tone, gestures, and real-time feedback, requiring more clarity.
Why is audience awareness crucial in writing?
shapes tone, content, and purpose
What is the real challenge of writing according to Chapter 1?
Understanding why you are writing rather than just how to start.
What are the two types of problems described in writing?
Reactive problems (fixing issues) and proactive problems (creating something new); writing is mainly about proactively achieving goals.
What key questions help analyze a writing problem?
goal, audience, relationship with the audience, intended effect, and the strategy needed to achieve intended affect.
Steps of planning a writing strategy:
Deciding on research, organizing material, choosing tone/language, visualizing how the argument will unfold.
What are “cookbook strategies” in writing?
Structured, repeatable formats for common writing scenarios—useful, but lacking originality
How does writing evolve with academic and professional development?
Becomes more complex, requiring deeper analysis and adaptation to new audiences, fields, and norms.
What’s the benefit of understanding your writing problem before you begin?
It allows for targeted, effective communication.
