As I read the different myths, I realized the ones I can relate to the most are myths 2 and 6. Very often I will start writing only when I know exactly what I’m going to say because I feel as though it is easier to write once I have the full story in my head. Also, from a very early age I was taught the “5-paragraph essay” format. I have stuck to that format ever since because it is the easiest format and I am able to keep good idea flow throughout my essay.
College-level research requires that you look into a topic more in depth, and look up information in books and articles, rather than just information on Google. High school- level research was more superficial and only required that you look up a few different pieces of information online from different websites, while in college it is more useful to go to the library for your research.
An argument in a college essay is a carefully put together idea that is meant, not to bash the reader, but to make them see your point of view and understand it better. The author makes the analogy of a courtroom. You are the lawyer who is trying to prove that someone is guilty or not guilty and the audience (readers) must decide on which side they want to pick.
The closed writing assignment is meant for you to analyze two different claims and say which one you agree with more. However very often, these require that you go in depth with your answer and show your understanding of both. The semi-open writing assignment allows you to make your own claim on a writing, but it is important to avoid summaries because the main purpose is to analyze or explain your claim on the particular subject. Finally, the open writing assignment allows you to create your claim and what you want to write about. It leaves the floor open to you on what path you want to follow and what you want to create an argument on.
The characteristics of effective writing are being open-minded and having consistent research and study, having the ability to use reason and facts over your emotions on a topic, and reading for information and formulated a cohesive and reasoned response.
The word “I” can be used in an argument because you are sharing your opinion that you want the reader to understand. You can also use “I” in a personal essay because often times you are telling a story that happened to you or someone you know, so it is ok to use “I”.
It is clearly bad to use “I” in papers like lab reports. These are papers that mostly revolve around facts and data, so using “I” can hinder that idea and make the report seem almost unbelievable.