Print

Print


How sad that only the first letter writer is a teacher.

Rob Irish

Quoting Graham Smart <[log in to unmask]>:

> In doing a search of the LA Times, where Sartwell's piece was published, I
> found three letters-to-the-editor responding to it.   I thought folks
> might be interested in seeing the letters, so I've copied them below.
>
> Graham
> -----------------------------
> LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
> Writing Formulas in Schools and Grading by Computers
>
> May 24, 2004
>
> Re "The Lobotomized Weasel School of Writing," Commentary, May 20: I
> vehemently disagree with Crispin Sartwell's characterization of the
> five-paragraph essay as "hoo-ha." While he explains that writing "ought to
> nurture and give shape to thought," he fails to understand that this essay
> format allows for the organization of thought, thus allowing for coherent
> shape.
>
> Writing an essay is much like giving a presentation to an audience. The
> presenter needs to clearly and simply introduce the subject or argument,
> then enumerate and develop subtopics that provide supporting information.
> It is important to restate the thesis near the end of an essay in an
> original and powerful manner, as this is the last chance the writer has to
> convince the reader of the validity of the information presented.
>
> I begin this format with my ninth-graders and push them to expand the
> number of paragraphs when the essay's depth calls for it. From 10th grade
> on, students are encouraged to shed the "five-paragraph habit" while
> continuing to adhere to its basic principles.
>
> Also, Sartwell would have been better served to offer a strong thesis
> statement near the beginning of his epithet-filled commentary.
>
> Eric Burgess
>
> Rosemead
>
> ***
>
> The computer is a truly magnificent thing, with any number of useful
> applications. But if Sartwell is correct, it has put us on a slippery
> slope. The notion that the computer can grade essays is mind-boggling.
>
> What next, the computer-written essay? One click of the mouse for entire
> phrases, sentences, paragraphs? Not to worry; no one will read the
> product, just the computer, which will scan the work for the appropriate
> words — never mind in what order — and assign a grade: Pass or fail, pick
> up your diploma on the way out.
>
> Francis B. Kent
>
> North Hollywood
>
> ***
>
> The topic of this topic sentence is the thesis that Sartwell is right on.
> The three arguments of this paragraph are that, firstly, out of a laudable
> democratic attempt to make writing accessible to all, the American
> education system has produced a teachable formula for essay writing.
> Secondly, in the struggle to fill in the blanks in the formula, good
> writing becomes impossible. And thirdly (no, not allowed to start a
> sentence with "and"), there is no longer space for thinking.
>
> My two daughters have found the formula intimidating, stultifying and a
> handicap rather than a help. In trying to write this letter according to
> the rules, I now appreciate their struggles. To me, there are only two
> rules for writing, or rather, two questions to ask oneself. One, what am I
> wanting to say? Two, how am I going to say it? Weasels begone!
>
> Hilary Henson
>
> Pacific Palisades
>
>
> ***************************
> Graham Smart
> Assistant Professor
> University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
> College of Letters and Science
> Department of English
> 439 Curtin Hall - P.O Box 413
> Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201
> Office phone: (414) 229-2990
> e-mail: [log in to unmask]
> ***************************
> www.sierraclub.org
> www.savebiogems.org
>
>                 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>   To leave the list, send a SIGNOFF CASLL command to
>   [log in to unmask] or, if you experience difficulties,
>          write to Russ Hunt at [log in to unmask]
>
> For the list archives and information about the organization,
>     its newsletter, and the annual conference, go to
>               http://www.stu.ca/inkshed/
>                  -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
>

                -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
  To leave the list, send a SIGNOFF CASLL command to
  [log in to unmask] or, if you experience difficulties,
         write to Russ Hunt at [log in to unmask]

For the list archives and information about the organization,
    its newsletter, and the annual conference, go to
              http://www.stu.ca/inkshed/
                 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-