Through Rosenwasser’s “Writing Analytically” I have begun to develop a new perspective on our abilities (as humans) to write. Rosenwasser provides us with a condensed interpretation of the importance and necessity for not just understanding the right way to write, but the write way to think about writing.
What I initially interpreted from the beginning sections of this article is that the first and most integral step to learning how to write analytically is realizing that this process is not just accessible or applicable to the “Scholars” or “intellectuals” of the world. Many people believe that writing well is some innate, god-given gift that only a privileged few possess. This passage helps you understand that practice is truly the precursor to talent and inherent ability is rarely seen in the in any case of good writing.
From building off this initial foundation I began to realize the importance of challenging the ways you have grown accustomed to thinking. Rossenwasser made me realize that many people are reluctant to alter their preconceived ideas on how they view that world, especially when they are confronted with an aggressive, conflicting idea. Through this perpetual questioning of even the most concrete of ideas you develop a more encompassing knowledge of your own perception of the world and the perception of those around you.
Towards the end of the sample, Rossenwasser brought up something that never consciously occurred to me when writing. Whether it be a 10-page research paper or a letter to your grandmother, “describe with care.” The word selection you use should be carefully curated and adjusted towards the audience you are writing to. Each word is extremely important and should be scrutinized and altered many times before the final product is put forth. This is something I seldom do and will now take in to account thanks to Rossenwasser’s reading. In closing, I believe this reading is an important stepping stone to understanding the intricacies and importance of good writing and reading.
“This passage helps you understand that practice is truly the precursor to talent and inherent ability is rarely seen in the in any case of good writing.”
This is beautifully put. This entire post is really well written. Every word of high calibur vocabulary had it a clear purpose, made sense, and coherently drove your thought.
How poetic it is, indeed to write really well on the universal accessibility to good writing.