Michael Brigando: Day 21

The article “Using Sources” by Andrea Lunsford and John Ruskiewicz explains the various ways one may incorporate another piece of work into a paper, paying close attention to the relationship between research papers and sources that may support the paper’s argument. What really caught my eye was the difference between paraphrasing and a quotation. Writers should paraphrase when they are able to explain a part of a source in their own words. In addition, this also shows that the writer has synthesized the information gathered. Quotations should be used when the weight of what a source says will be lessened if paraphrased. By quoting some phrases and interpreting others, the writer can develop a way of speaking to his or her audience that is charismatic, and perhaps meaningful.
In the introduction to “Refining Your Writing Style”, Lisa Blankenship brings up the fact that like code switching between discourse communities, we can sort of code switch with our writing, depending on who the intended audience is, which I find quite relatable. For example, an academic paper I wrote would sound different than something I’d write in a journal entry, and both of those would be different from the way I write on this blog. She then explains what I think is an important point, which is the fact that your writing style must fit your intended audience. It’s safe to assume that your audience isn’t everybody, as it would be hard to reach a majority of the world through one style of writing. A writer should be able to connect with his or her audience, as well as being open and truthful. Not only will the writer be able to reach his audience easier by doing this, but the paper will also not sound so generic.