Writing Emphasis courses
use both informal writing, which involves primarily writing-to-learn,
and formal writing, which involves primarily writing-to-communicate
with others.
INFORMAL WRITING (WRITING-TO-LEARN)
PURPOSE: To help you
learn the content of the course.
AUDIENCE: Yourself (and, possibly, others very familiar with
your subject & purpose, such as your classmates & instructor)
EXAMPLES: Journals, logs, reading notes, field notes, to-do
lists, outlines, informal messages and letters, early drafts of formal
writing.
CORRECTNESS: Only what is necessary for understanding.
EVALUATION: Informal writing is not meant to be judged as a
well-written display of knowledge; it is effective if
- everyone who needs to read it can understand it;
- it helps you explore & develop your thoughts & feelings;
- it helps you recognize what you know;it reveals what you don't
know or are confused about;
- it stimulates further reflection and dialogue.
FORMAL WRITING (WRITING-TO-COMMUNICATE)
PURPOSE: To give form to your knowledge and skills and communicate
them to others.
AUDIENCE: Your professor and/or other readers, such as peers
in the profession or general readers.
EXAMPLES: Academic & scientific papers, business letters and
memos, reports, reviews, informational articles, brochures, etc.
CORRECTNESS: The writing must follow the conventions your audience
expects and is familiar with: conventional spelling and punctuation
and grammar, proper format and style.
EVALUATION: Formal writing is meant to be evaluated by the audience,
who will usually look for such elements as
- clear organization,
- adequate development of ideas,
- clear reasoning,
- effective engagement and guidance,
- efficient and conventional use of language,
- informed use of disciplinary conventions (such as documentation
style, tables and figures, etc.).
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