Week 15

I chose to critique my friends paper for her English class. She wanted feedback on the structure of her paper in particular, and anything else I found needed to be corrected.

A characteristic I have learned to appreciate in professors throughout my college experience is the ability to appreciate the content that comes from students. A student forms content, hopefully to the best of their ability, therefore it is their personal expression and ideas they are wanting to portray to a reader. The chapter discusses “The words on your screen were not generated by the computer; they were created by living, breathing people. Remembering the people has everything to do with how you approach the words” (MacNelly, 307). 

I had a professor this semester that refused to validate my personal opinions. When correcting my work, specifically my papers based on opinion of a sensitive topic, rather than critique my writing, she critiqued the content. She used to be an editor years back, but I lost a lot of respect for her. Editors have to remember that these words aren’t just words, but they truly are someone’s expression. Writers are vulnerable, which is also a concept this chapter validated. I appreciated this chapter included this concept, because it has rang true this semester. “You can become a good coach only when you’ve achieved faith in your ability to understand a piece of writing and make suggestions” (MacNelly, 308). Isn’t that the truth? If an editor goes into working on a project with little desire or interest to gain understanding or respect for the writer and their content, the job will not get done to it’s full potential. 

 As I critiqued my friend’s paper, I was sure to praise her on content. But I also feel it is critical to be honest with the writer. If something doesn’t flow, doesn’t translate well, or maybe isn’t necessary, bring those things up as a suggestion to the writer. They ultimately have the decision of how they want their paper to look, feel and say. So let them say it! However, the suggestions from a reader/editor can help identify things that the writer may have looked passed. In addition to suggesting, have a conversation with the writer. Letting them explain their work can create more understanding as well as give ideas for a better flow to the work that would portray their idea in a more clear way.