Week 2 Flashcards
Personal Writing
Personal Writing
expresses a point of view on a matter of life experiences important to the author. it is oftentimes directed at the self to demonstrate an “autobiological” quality– not as in one’s “entire life story,” but as in writing about something that comes from “your life.” first-person format almost always employed.
Descriptive (form of personal writing)
description is in all writing, regardless of the kind. but a “descriptive-writing form” involves the organized observation of substantial and significant detail. it is a consciously-formed approach. in other words, it reveals more than “the usual” description in writing… more in-depth and more detailed (shouldn’t read “forced” or “overdone” though… will still present as natural in thought). but clearly the “descriptive” form is evident as the writer’s choice to approach the given topic.
Narrative (form of personal writing)
this is “storytelling” — telling a story and recounting “events” or an event in one’s life (in chronological order the usual, but can deviate where appropriate with injection, reflection, backtracking, context, etc). but ultimately, you are re-telling an event or incident or occurence from beginning to end. narratives are the most popular kind of personal writing.
Reflective (form of personal writing)
writing that reflects upon a larger theme, issue, concern; it’s philosophical in tone/ more inner contemplation. a “reflective-writing form” (as a deliberate strategy or approach) is for the most part reflective throughout–not as in every, single word or sentence, but with reflection “peppered” in places, where appropriate, to complement your experience or observation or story along the way. this kind of personal writing takes a little more time to consider when drafting because you have to “pause” occasionally to offer “meaning” or value or significance in appropriate places. but it’s usually seen from beginning to end in various considerations.
Difference in reflective quality and reflective form
only different in the sense of application/ intention. having some reflective “quality” means “near the end,” reflecting on what you just wrote as opposed to a reflective “form” (a kind of personal writing), in which the entirety of the sketch is reflective
words to get “parting reflective words” started
“when I think back now…” or “If i had to reflect on the importance of this on a larger scale…” or “it is interesting that I still remember this event so many years later, but I think it’s because…” or, “we all have those defining moments that shape us as people…” or, “this is the moment I found my voice…” you don’t have to use the “I” to open your reflection, for example “it’s important to understand that when people are in a position of power…” etc, etc.
