That is something I know all too well. Personally I am my own worst critic when it comes to writing. I will often write, edit, and reorganize my thoughts through several iterations before ever setting a pen to paper, or even engaging in normal conversation. In fact, this last sentence went through at least 4 different iterations before I typed anything. This habit has proven to be very frustrating in the past, and fueled an utter distaste for writing throughout most of my high school and college years. It was only after I started working to break the habit that writing became a pleasure rather than a burden.
So why is the one-and-done approach to writing so prevalent? I think a large part of it ties into the way that we learn to write. A lot of teaching in general these days is devoted to equipping kids with the tools to pass standardized tests. Often these tests consist in part of an essay that requires students to form a full-fledged argument in 1 hour and 5 paragraphs. There are no drafts or revisions, just an institutionalized pressure to be perfect the first time, every time. This turns a free form of expression into a cold mechanical formula that is detrimental to a student's writing capacity in the long run.
At the end of the day we need to drop the standardized test writing and get back to the basics described by Anne Lamott. Not only will people be better writers for it, they might actually enjoy it a little bit more.
First I would like to say, nice post! I totally agree with you on the part where you stated that the standardized test in high school are making us do exactly what we are not supposed to be doing when you write. I didn’t really think of it that way but you’re totally right. I remember they used to give us number grades on our essay that we had to write on a specific topic and in order to get a 4 which was the best you had to have a pretty much perfect essay. I would also agree that I hate writing probably because of what I had to do in high school. I think that I would enjoy writing more if high school writing was a bit different and correctly taught. I continually have the habit of trying to make my writing perfect on the first try because that’s how I was taught to prepare for the state exams.
ReplyDeleteYour post is very well written! I completely understand your thought on being your own worst critic. I go through the same exact process when I write as well. Constantly interrupting your train of thought when you are writing can get very frustrating! I was surprised I didn't think of timed essays when you mentioned them! I agree with your thoughts 100%. I also ask why are we being told to take as much time as we need to make sure our work is good when once we reach the testing we are restrained to certain time frames and rules.
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