Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing Vol. I
Writing Spaces (Volume 1) covers a wide range of topics suitable for freshmen composition. The first noticeable characteristic is that the text directly addresses first-year college students, which draws the students into the text. Secondly, the text explains complex rhetorical concepts in a style that is easy to capture. For example, the first essay of “What is Academic Writing” by L. Lennie Irvin provides a good introduction to the basic terms such as academic writing situation and the format, a synopsis of the key skills required for the freshmen composition, and an illustration of college writing assignments. The third point worth mentioning is the discussion activities at the end of each essay, which provoke deep critical thinking by making connections, comparison and contrast and giving scenarios for students to practice writing. Last but not least, the text includes essays that pinpoint the issues that are often overlooked by students. For example, in “Taking Flight”, Susan E. Antlitz points out the importance of positioning one’s identity in the public context and gives practice advice with detailed examples on the invention process, which is applicable to the college students. However, I did not see texts that address the writing issues and challenges faced by ESL writers. I used Amy Tan’s “Mother Tongue” in my ENG109 class and it resonated well with non-native speakers. Also, future editions could add texts focusing on multimodal writing and visualizing texts. College students frequently have to complete digital projects, so it could be necessary to add these chapters.
The text is informative based on the practices and pedagogy. The explanation of the technical terms is accurate and expressed in a clear way. For example, the chart of Toulmin Model and the definition of the technical terms by Rebecca Jones are effective.
Most of the articles deal with writing concepts, key terms, models and strategies will last for a long time. However, the articles on technology such as online collaboration tools might be updated later.
Speaking directly to the students, most writers express their ideas clearly and write in a style that is approachable. In addition, some article such as “So you’ve got a writing assignment” gives thorough directions on how to interpret college writing assignments; “Taking flight: The discussion of writing identity” provides explicit strategies to combat writing anxiety; “Finding your way in” offers clear, effective methods for invention. However, some of the essays do not provide guidance on how to write the essay beyond the techniques, or the discussion is too detailed to drown the readers.
The text has a consistent voice addressing the undergraduate students as the audience. Also, it provides a platform for writers to express their opinions from different perspectives and invites students to join the academic conversation with the awareness of multiple viewpoints. But the underlying theme of preparing students to transit from high school to college writing orchestrates the articles into a symphony.
Each chapter in Volume 1 could be used separately as a unit. Moreover, the website provides options of downloading the whole book or individual chapters, which makes it easier for teachers to reorganize the articles and form modules based on their course emphasis. Because I teach ENG109 freshman composition and rhetoric, I would like to begin with the “What is academic writing?” and “So you’ve got a writing assignment”, “From topic to presentation” as the introduction module of the basic terms in college writing, followed by the module of rhetorical analysis “Backpacks vs. Briefcases”, and then the module of argumentation “Finding the good argument”, the module of revision “Reflective writing and the revision process” and finally the module of using technology in writing “Wikipedia” and “Collaborative online”.
The overall organization of Wring Spaces is clear and well-structured from basic understanding of academic writing, assignments, writing process to more complex issues such as revision and technology. However, to improve the flow of ideas, certain chapters could be grouped together, such as “Taking flight: The discussion of writing identity” and “I need you to say I” that address the personal identity and voice. “Why visit your campus writing center” could be clustered with “Reflective writing and the revision process” that focuses on the stages of revising. The last chapter of “Navigating genres” could be put at the beginning as the basic introduction of college writing. The structure of most essays is clear with headings, subheadings, list and bullet points. The discussion questions reinforce the content of each chapter, but it would be better if some questions focus on essay structure, the specific steps to complete the writing assignment and ways to apply the strategies.
The overall interface is user-friendly, but it would be easier for students to locate a specific chapter if a hyperlink is inserted in the index.
I did not see significant grammar errors.
Writing Spaces has demonstrated cultural sensitivity throughout the volume. Several articles have referred to race, gender and ethnicity. More writers of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds will add strength to the volume. Especially the articles address the issues faced by multilingual college writers are in need.
Writing Spaces vol. 1 is a good supplemental reading book for college students in different disciplines. It gives students a clear picture of the basics in academic writing and also gives students explicit instruction as well as practical strategies to deal with a variety of issues. The accessibility of this book makes it a valuable resource for freshman writers.