I chose to critique Mitch’s introductory paragraph, since I know him and it wouldn’t be weird. As I read through his writing, I could pick out a few spots where more concise word choice would make a difference for the better. I also suggested that he use more imagery when he was describing the TED Talk about the painted murals in the bad neighborhoods. Seeing someone else’s writing made me think about my own, and if my word choice seems off to other people. I feel that I use a wide vocabulary in my writing, but I wonder if it becomes difficult when others read it. Overall, reading Mitch’s work made me think about the ways that I can critique my own writing.
Max,
Ha. I hope that by the end of the course, you will feel more comfortable helping people you don’t know strengthen and clarify their texts–but for the meantime, I totally understand.
Your sentences–“Seeing someone else’s writing made me think about my own, and if my word choice seems off to other people. I feel that I use a wide vocabulary in my writing, but I wonder if it becomes difficult when others read it…” reflect a real insight. One of the most difficult parts of communicating via writing can be to clearly understand how the ideas in your head translate onto the page and then to your readers. 3/3