Writing Topic : Rules for Writers Chapter 46

The main ideas of “Writing About Texts” by Diana Hacker are, how to read and understand the text and provide a summary of what you read in your own words. She expressed the importance of taking notes on the main ideas, any terms the reader may not understand, or any other questions the reader may have. She suggested completing an outline of the text prior to completing a summary therefore allowing the reader to pick out the main concepts. Hacker assisted readers with visual examples, which provided an illustration of each main point for visual learners. The information Diana Hacker provided in her article can be applied to any form of “text” or “visual texts.”


It is extremely easy to read a document without truly understanding what the author is trying to express or teach. I needed the refresher course in critical reading. I enjoyed learning the same principles can be applied to a visual image. When I wrote the summary for this assignment I first took notes and circled the important points, then created an out line of the notes. It allowed me to pull out the main ideas from the writing and put them in my own words. I followed each step Hacker said to follow when writing a summary. I guarantee I will refer back to this chapter during future assignments.

Free-Writing Exercises Dialogue

A free-write allows the author to write without stopping to correct spelling, grammar, or to think about what to write next. It allows the writer’s thoughts to spill upon the paper without worrying about how it may sound to another person or even if it makes sense. I was surprised to read if during the free-writing exercise, you cannot remember what word you want to say then just write I don’t know. I enjoyed the free writing, but I caught myself automatically hitting the back button several times. It will take practice to not try and correct errors during the free-writing exercises.  

According to “Freewriting Exercises”, if the writer practices writing several times a week, for ten minutes, without stopping to correct errors, the person will become a stronger writer. When I was a child my mother made my siblings and I write in our journals each week. We would take an hour on the weekend to relax and write down our thoughts. I still have those journals and they bring back many memories for me. I thank my mom for teaching me how to write freely, but unfortunately I no longer take time to write in my journal each week. I am hoping this course will facilitate me gaining the ability back.

Introduction

I have lived in Sonoma County for six years. Prior to moving to California I lived in Salt Lake City, Utah. I moved to Sebastopol after I married my husband Michael. We both love Sebastopol and find it to be the right home for us. Sonoma County has a rich culture with many outdoor activities, music festivals, and other opportunities to get to know your community.

I was in the mortgage industry for ten years. After the industry dissolved I knew I wanted to go back to college and further my education. The last three years I have been employed as the Operations Manager at a company that manufacturers alcoholic cider. I have been blessed with continuous employment during these hard economic times.

I am still considering what degree I want to pursue, but I am interested in the behavioral sciences. I am on my fifth semester at the JC and have enjoyed taking all my class online. The flexibility allows me to work around my full time job. I am the type of person who insists on getting my assignments done early, although at times I am unable to because of my employment. I believe this course will help me improve my writing skills.

I look forward to interacting with each of you this semester.

Cheers!

Sarah