By the time they arrive at college, every writer has internalized a slew of writing “rules” that they have learned from teachers, parents, fellow students, and others. What are the writing rules that you have inherited from others? Tell us a story about a time when the rules seemed to change on you.
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Reading and Writing are Superpowers*
The Rules of Writing that were presented in “On Unlearning” were similar concepts to what I was taught growing up, but not exactly the same. I was always told to work hard and be persistent and I will eventually become a good writer and reader. I was taught to be open to trying new things in all aspects of life, and to be subject to change. Although, throughout my entire childhood I was taught that the five-paragraph-essay was the best and only way to do any essay. I would like to call myself a professional at the five-paragraph-essay by now, I’ve been perfecting it for about 10 years. Unlearning informed me that the FPE is not the most effective way to write an essay or any paper that is due. This was news to me, and I am now keeping an open mind on using different strategies to write papers and essays.
The Rules of Writing I learned growing up are somewhat the opposite of what I have been reading in Habits of The Creative Mind. All throughout elementary, middle, and high school, my ruled were as follows: 5 body paragraphs, paragraphs should be 5-8 sentences, stick more closely to what you know, etc. In “On Unlearning” , I defined these three words; openness, persistence, and curiosity. I defined openness as trying new things even if they’re out of my comfort zone, which is the opposite of what I did growing up. In school, I continued doing assignments and work in my comfort zone, I never stepped out of the box and tried something new or that I didn’t fully know. Next, I defined persistence as continuously trying to maintain new habits and not giving up right off the bat. Although this wasn’t really a rule, I still never tried something new when it came to writing, I stuck to the usual 5-paragraph essay and the same style for introducing evidence or concluding my paper. When I would try something new, I would try it maybe twice, but then I would give up because it’s not what I’m used to. Finally, I defined curiosity as questioning something or someone as a topic. This, unlike the other habits, was something I was always taught to do and that it was hard to write something if I’m not able to question it first.
through out my early education I have learned the rules of writing, I learned to start sentences with a capital letter and to end them with a form of punctuation. I have learned to compose well thought out sentences and put them on paper. In high school I learned more about the secondary aspects and rules of writing, things like rhetoric in order to be persuasive. It became more about the writing styles than actually how to write. The rules of writing foster the idea of the creative mind in the sense that you can not be as creative without the tools necessary to write. You cannot write a good creative story with only understanding the basic writing skills, you could never develop a writing excerpt at your full potential
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The 3 rules that I can relate to rules of writing are curiosity, persistence and flexibility. I think it is very important to have these especially because they are important to being successful. Curiosity is willing to change or look for something better, having flexibility is being capable of doing different times, different things and being able to work with things maybe your not comfortable about. And persistence is working hard and going through the hard times without giving up. The rules of writing do relate to the habits because there built in, if you want to be a good writer you have to have some of these
The habits of the creative mind that I defined were Curiosity, Attentiveness and Persistence. These relate to the rules of writing because if you want to create a good paper first you have to be curious about the topic that you’re writing about in order to come up with good ideas about the topic. You need to be attentive to the subject that you’re writing about and with the support you’re giving in your writing cause if you don’t you can go completely off topic and the writing can end up being terrible. The last habit I defined was persistence if you have no persistence when writing then your writing will fall through and you’ll never be able to finish.
When reading “On Unlearning” I found the six different habits and while I have heard of some of them before from my teachers they were more structured in person rather than in the book. With these habits I think it will make writing easier because I now have something to guidelines for my writing. Looking back at my “Rules of writing” comment I notice how before none of the habits had stuck with me over the course of my writings.
The rules of writing I learned about before I came to college and what shaped me as writer was to start with an outline and from that we had to make a rough draft, then we would peer edit the rough draft and then we would hand in our final draft. It would also be in a five paragraph format 95% of the time. the way it was graded was if you had all stages of it handed in, grammar and if it met all expectation in the rubric. The way of writing in high School is a lot different than it is going to be in college and it will take some getting used to.
The three habits it picked to make a great writer are Curiosity because it is important to be interested by what you’re writing about, Openness because being open to ideas and opinions will give you feedback that could positively or negatively impact you, and Reflectiveness because being able to reflect on what you write mean you’re understanding rather than writing to write.
On learning relates to rules of writing because what I learned reading that chapter is all the things Rules of writing covers. Every high school student knows about the 6 habits we just learned, its what we learned over the 4 years and its the basics of writing a essay or a prompt, thats the way they do connect to habits of the mind, the ways they dont is I used the letter I in my writing, its how I wrote my stuff
– Alex
Hi Alex,
It’s not clear to me from your comment, which 3 habits of the creative mind you’re discussing, or how they contribute to being able to use writing to confront complexity in the world. Can you say quite a bit more about what you mean in a way that links more closely to Habits of the Creative Mind? Maybe use some quote?
The habits of the creative mind that I defined were, attentiveness, openness, and flexibility. These easily relate to the rules of writing because in order to be a good writer you need to have and open mind, pay attention and not get distracted easily, and you have to be flexible with deadlines and everything getting changed around sometimes. They all link together somehow to make a great writer.
Hi Cailin – can you add your definitions of these habits of the creative mind in a reply to this comment. Can you give an example of when it might matter for a writer to have an open mind, and what being open in that circumstance might look like?
In the past with my old teachers they always had writing structured as the old “5 paragraph essay” now that I’ve gotten to college and the writing styles are completely different. I’m being introduced to new forms of writing already and I’m being told that I need to throw out somethings that I was told to do forever that were repeatedly drilled into my head. Now I have to refresh my brain and get used to all the new writing styles that will actually make my writing much better than it ever was before which I am very excited about.
Hi Alex,
It’s true that the five paragraph essay has limited utility in college (though you’ll probably want to pull it out on in class essay exams). Why do you think you’re being asked to put it aside and acquire new writing habits and structures? Is it just a matter of style and professors’ preferences, or do you think there’s something more fundamental going on? What’s different about college that might require you to acquire these new forms and habits of writing?
My rules pretty much are only for when writing a paper and they include brainstorming, an outline, a written draft, typed drafted (sometimes multiple) and my final draft. I think it is so important to brainstorm because it get me focused on my topic that I am writing about, sometimes I have to do it three or four times to get enough to go on to my next step. My outline helps me get my ideas nice and organized to start my written draft. The written draft is my favorite part when writing a paper because I feel like I write more when I’m physically writing out my paper, plus if I have a written copy I know a chunk of paper can not be deleted or lost. Then I type out the rough draft and have a couple people read it, then work it it some more from the feedback I get and when I feel ready I pass it in.
Hi Emily,
It sounds like your rules for writing process with fit nicely with the writing process we’re going to use in this class. Do you have any rules that help you make decisions about essay organization or paragraph/sentence construction?
Writing for me as changed a great deal as I’ve gotten older. Began just thinking of what I was writing as just sentences, to now thinking of what is my stance on my topic? What key points do I want to cover in this piece? How will the introductory paragraph tie in with the conclusion? There are many more, these are just a few examples. I remember my sophomore year of high school taking speech and debate. I’m unsure of which topic we were covering, but one of the first papers we had to write was on a current political issue. Our outline stated that we needed to cover three main points as to why we chose our stance on that particular topic, and we had to find proof in published news articles that would back our stance. To this day I still view everything I write in a similar way. I try to find exactly what ideas I want to cover, and always follow up each idea with proof or examples as to why I feel the way I do about it.
Hi Nick,
In the first part of your post you emphasize some rules about your role as an author – stance, points, structure. At the end, you seem to suggest that the five paragraph essay as a recommended structure at your school and that it led you to prove ideas with evidence. To me, and I might be wrong, I sounds like your high school writing asked you to “show what you know” and “state your opinion.” That works fine when you know what you want to say. How would approach writing on a topic when you have to start writing before you know what you want to say?
Habits of a creative mind are definitely fostered in some of what I learned to be the rules of writing. Take persistence and deeply engaging with your sources for example: In any sort of structured essay, you MUST be persistent. Sometimes the words are not going to flow, and you’ll sit there constantly rewriting sentences or find yourself unsure of how to tie in the next sentence. It’s at this moment you buckle down and stay persistent, because taking a few minutes to let ideas flow, even if you have to rewrite a few times, will go a long way in finishing your idea. In respect to engaging with sources, you always must show what ways your source supports your stance. Your source in just a random fact or line to throw in, it’s a way of tying your ideas together and give substance to what you’re saying.
I’ve deffinetely developed as a writer throughout my years in grade school. Starting off with three word sentences, making my way up to writing complex sentences right now. There are several rules I have learned about writing throughout my years. These include not saying the same word more than once in a sentence, and not bringing up the same points more than twice. I also learned that not all essays or papers are best done with your common 5 paragraph essay. Some papers are done best if they are shorter or longer than 5 paragraphs, some don’t need introductions or conclusion. What I have discovered in my time is that each and every paper and story is unique and must be written in an unique way.
Hi Paul,
After telling us about what sound like really specific and strict sounding rules, you say that every paper is unique and must be written in a unique way. Does that mean there aren’t any rules or patterns you can use to solve writing problems in different situations? Or do writers have to invent new solutions every time they write?
In my high school English courses I wasn’t told many rules of writing. Mostly writing fiction they told me to write in third person and to keep my thoughts structured. To learn punctuation as well as not using the word “and” so much. The last rule they would say is re-read my work before turning it in. While I did not learn any writing rules from my peers because we did have partner or group often. When I took my creative writing class in my junior year of high school, was allowed to use “I” whenever it was necessary.
Hi Morgan,
It sounds to me like your classes had some general rules about process and presentation. What did it feel like to write with such loose expectations?
Actually my story is conveniently from yesterday that changed on me. All my life when I have essays and prompts to write its always 5 paragraphs. Yesterday in my writing lab Megan told me college is different, theirs more to write about and its more complex, another story about writing that I have always learned is the conclusion it use to be just wrap ittup in a few sentences back in middle school. I quickly learned in high school, its much more than that, lol.
Hi Alex,
If the “rules” for writing a conclusion changed from middle school to high school, do you think they might change again? Speculate a bit, for what reasons do you think writing rules change?
I liked the reading On Unlearning because it’s nice to know that all writing doesn’t have to be in a five paragraph format. We were always told this is how it’s going to be in college so I think its kinda funny that it’s not. I think how this changes my rules of writing because now I know to just get my ideas on the page instead of worrying about having to format at the same time.
The post I wrote on Sept. 7th didn’t really cover any of these things because I only remembered off the top of my head the writing aspect of things like grammar and spelling etc. This is because that’s what was focused on in my English class. It was never really stressed to be curious or flexible. It was a do it now or never type of feeling. I do remember talking about reflecting on my writing or someone else’s. I also remember being told to be open because we had to listen to others opinions and be respectful if they thought different or said something we disagreed with.
I found the reading on Unlearning really interesting. In some ways it goes against everything my teachers have constantly taught me throughout grade school (especially my English teachers). For example, I think the most interesting thing I read was that you don’t have to have 5 full paragraphs (intro, 3 bodies, and a conclusion) when you’re writing. “Unlearning” said that there is not a mastery of a formula for good writing. My teachers taught me ALWAYS to have a 5 paragraph paper. As for similarities, I had a wonderful creative writing teacher senior year who taught me to practice all the habits of mind. She always taught me use curiosity, openness, flexibility, reflectiveness, and persistence in my writing. She also taught me how to free write, which is also very important to writing. Other then that I see a few other similarities such as correct punctuation, commas, and more general stuff like that.
From the reading on unlearning it was interesting to read because all through school teachers have drilled it into you that this you have to do it because this is what college professors want. But teachers never tell you that professors want you to know the rules of writing. Honestly I’ve never hear a teach talk about curiosity, attentiveness, openness, flexibility, reflectiveness, and persistence. I’ve heard the word before but never when it came to writing papers. Ever teacher that I had in high school always made us do the five paragraph and that’s all never more never less. So reading that short passage was completely surprising to me.
Besides the basics, forget the rules of writing. There are no set rules. Or rather, there is no set formula. Write to fit the subject.
Sure, the basics are the same. Use words, have multiple points, expand your views. And NEVER limit yourself. In 9th grade, my teacher thought it was time to break us of our habits of the 5 paragraph essay. As he put it, the first 10 or so years of school and writing are for practice. They give you the step by step formula to teach you the basics of grammar. But when you become a serious writer, that’s when you get to break the rules.
Good writing is complex or it’s simple. It takes from as many sources as it needs. And it continues to grow. It doesn’t have to be easy to understand, some writing demands to be read 2 or 3 times.
The rules that I previously mentioned, they are still true to me. Grammar will always matter, citing sources matters (pay the respect that is deserved to them), remember who the audience is… But the rules that I gave weren’t formulas. They didn’t push past the basics or writing. They failed to foster creativity on the writing itself. But when asked for rules on writing, that doesn’t have much to do with creativity. That has to do with grammar and structure. Creativity is a thought process that is limitless.
There are many rules to writing that I was taught when I was growing up from instructors, peers, and my parents. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and mechanics are the obvious that I have been practicing since grade school. I also learned how to do other things such as properly research and cite sources for papers. Using proper formats such as MLA format was other rule that was stressed to me in high school.
The main ideas that I have learned over the years:
-Grammar matters, even from the smallest period to the latest parenthesis they all make a difference
-Its important to write and revise
-Sentence structure matters
-Don’t use to large of words
-Never use words that you don’t know the meaning of
-Every sentence should make a clear statement
-Don’t be to abstract
-When your editing always read out loud
-Always be positive in your writing
-Always write
With the idea of unlearning you have to deal with the fact of having to almost rewire your brain. Curiosity, attentiveness, openness, flexibility, reflectiveness, persistence are the “habits of the creative mind” that we would have to use in order to be better writers. This really leaves the idea of structure and is more geared to how you write as a person and how creative you really are.
Rules of Writing:
1. Don’t start a sentence with the word “But”
2. Don’t use words that you don’t know the meaning of or words you wouldn’t use in your regular vocabulary
3. Always be yourself
4. Try to avoid run on sentences
5. Be sure to use commas
6. Try your best to avoid adverbs
7. Use the correct punctuation
8. Make the introduction interesting so that readers will want to read more
9. Always have different people proof read your work
10. Always start with a rough draft
Just interested. What’s wrong with adverbs, according to the rule?
My favorite teacher used to say that when writing about dialogue its better to show how someone is saying something rather than telling the reader.
So how would your teacher have edited this sentence: The dog looked hungrily (adv.) at her bowl, wishing that Chelsea would fill it quickly (adv.) with her favorite kibble.
Over the years I believe I have picked up a some of the few rules of writing. I never really noticed before, but the rules of writing pop up everywhere you go. You learn them from teachers, family, friends, even the media. Some of the things I have learned is that sentence structure is everything. If you want to create a nice piece of writing it has to have a certain flow and sound nice. People won’t continue to read your writing if it isn’t put together. Not only that, but you have to make sure the sentences has a sense of creativity. You have to put your own flair on your work. If you are writing a paper and it is plain out boring, whoever is reading it is gonna skim right through it. I have learned this from pervious experiences, whenever I read I need to be drawn into the story or paper in order to continue reading. If not I cannot focus or obtain the material. To me, creativity is the most important factor of writing. But, their are other rules that also come as close to the importance of creativity. That is the amount of the of detail in your work. If you don’t have good details that make the reader want to overall keep reading, your writing will be nothing other than boring and that will reflect upon the creativity of the pieces well.
Every teacher has different rules and regulations, the ones that stuck out to me were:
– Punctuation
-Grammar
-Spell check
-Make sense and don’t ramble
-Partner check ( parent or student)
-Revise your own paper before turning it in
I have inherited many “rules of writing” from various people such as teachers, parents, fellow students, and other people as well. First thing from elementary school is there was an acronym, like PEMDAS, but for writing. I believe it was COPS; Capitalization, Organization, Punctuation, Spelling. All through high school I remembered to use this, even though I am having a brain fart on it now. Another rule for writing, going back to elementary school days, we used hamburger writing templates for paragraphs. The buns were the opening and closing sentences, and the meat, cheese, and veggies were the supporting sentences of the paragraph. In 11th grade I took AP Lang. We worked a lot with annotating passages with ethos, pathos, logos, themes, metaphors, and other literary devices. Another writing rule I learned, much on my own, was MLA citations. As it seems so far in college most teachers want everything done in APA format, so I don’t think my troubles with MLA will be an issue anymore because I can just throw that out and learn the new style. Until 8th grade I had grammar classes, which all seemed common sense to me. That being said, I feel like grammar is easy and you just pick it up by talking, but leave out the slang.
When possible, use an active voice instead of passive.
I had one teacher who always said to double space after a period, not sure if that is true, seems as how she was the only one who ever said that to me.
Use commas, but not too many.
Semicolons can be your best friend.
Know the difference between your and you’re.
Also know the difference, and when to use too, to, and two.
Check your spelling, spell check is there, so use it.
The Rule of Writing
I have have always struggled with writing as I grew up. My mother taught me how to write as a young child starting with letter and numbers. I eventually progressed to writing sentences but never quite got it right when it came down to formatting them. When I write on paper it is very messy. I have very poor penmanship and my teachers all through grade school tried to “straighten my hand” as I dragged my hand on the paper. The reasoning to this was my mother teaching me how to write. She is left handed while I am right handed. I copied her every move when it came to writing. As for picking up habits, I picked up the habit of sometimes putting capital letters in the middle of my words from my father. It has been a habit I am trying to break for a long time now. I also struggle with properly formatting my papers due to being out of school for an extended amount of time.
I find it pretty interesting in the age of electronic writing that your teachers were so concerned with messy handwriting. Did anyone ever talk with you about the ideas your wrote about?
The main ideas that high school English teachers taught were:
1. Grammar matters. Use acronyms like FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, so) as a reminder for when commas are needed.
2. Get to the point. Simple sentences are actually good thing. As is cutting down on the ‘fluff’ of an essay.
3. Integrating quotations should follow the ABCD’s (arrive, blend, cite, develop). Quotes can be either indirect or direct.
4. Use ethos, logos, and pathos. But avoid bathos.
5. Syntax and diction are vital.
6. As are the details. What information you include.
7. Make writing more than words on a paper. Use imagery.
8. Remember the SOAPS. (speaker, occasion, audience, purpose, subject)
9. Cite everything. And when in doubt, look to Purdue OWL.
These are the most important concepts that they touched on.
The rules of writing that I have learned from elementary through high school is pretty basic. For example starting sentences with a capital letter and ending with a punctuation. I have also learning about compound sentences and using commas to combine two sentences. Also there is basic sentence structure and parts or speech. From what i have learned from others and my parents is to all be positive with your writing and to writing all the time. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to not be scared to let others look at your paper and help correct it. It will only make me a better writer and to be more confidence in it.
Sounds like you had good advice from your parents about staying positive and practicing your writing. Confidence comes over time from progress.
The rules of writing that my previous instructors have told me to follow was to write what I believed was right. Use resources such as thesauruses and dictionaries; as well as spell check when typing essay’s. Put as much effort I can into the given topic, and even if I had written about it before to act as if I have never seen the topic in my life and write to the best of my ability. I remember very clearly my 10th grade English teacher telling me to completely focus on my topic then write until my train of thought disappears.
That’s interesting advice your 10th grade English teacher gave you. What were you supposed to do after your train of thought disappeared? I mean, when I write, I often exhaust my ideas before I’ve managed to fulfill the purpose of my writing. So I have to keep going. What about you?