Reflecting on Writing
2024-10-04
Why is academic writing sometimes so difficult and exhausting for me? We are often asked this question in writing consultations. Our answer is this: It is hard because writing an academic text is an extremely complex and demanding process. When writing about a topic, you need to acquire new knowledge. You then structure your writing in such a way that others can follow your train of thought and line of argument.
If you have started to think your writing process after having read this introductory paragraph, you are embarking on the path of reflection, and reflection is one (if not the) key to success. If you want to explore this issue in greater detail, take the following three steps:
Step 1: Pay attention to your writing process. This Cascade Model of Academic Text Production (Link to the German version; the English version is coming soon) visualizes different phases and steps of academic writing processes. The overlapping phrases are the model’s main feature. Compare what you would describe as your ideal process to how you actually approach a writing assignment. What are the similarities and differences?
Step 2: We often find the differences between our ideal and actual process unpleasant. Considering this difference, one often begins sentences with phrases such as the following: “Actually, I should have/could have . . .” Differences can, however, be explained in terms of approaches associated with different types of writers. We have grouped these writing strategies into four types: adventurers, architects, squirrels, and decathletes. Each writing personality can produce quality pieces of writing; however, their processes and approaches will vary, and each writing type will have its own unique challenges and strengths. It is important to note that most people embody more than one writing personality (see What type of writer are you?).
If you have ever worked with a partner on a writing project and felt that you were talking past one another regarding the writing processes, this might likewise be due to your different writing personalities. When a so-called squirrel, who works on different sections of a text at a time, collaborates with an architect, who wants to turn an outline into a draft, they will disagree on how to proceed. You can resolve these differences by accepting your different types and consciously combining the advantages of the different writing strategies.
Which type of writer are you? Take the Berlin Writing Type Test.
Step 3: Use the self-assessment form “My Scientific Writing Competency” if you want to know what academic writing skills you already possess. The assessment covers a wide range of aspects, and it is fairly long. Take your time with this document, and perhaps cover only one aspect at a time. Give yourself time to reflect on your practice as a writer, and consider how you could continue to develop in the future. If you would like support along the way, please contact the Writing Center team.