Writing Quick Start: Writing in College

2

Writing in College

IN THIS CHAPTER YOU WILL LEARN TO

  • understand what academic writing involves,
  • grasp the importance of improving your writing skills,
  • develop strategies to improve your writing skills, and
  • assess your learning style using a Learning Style Inventory.

WRITING QUICK START

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Figure 2.1: © Phil Boorman/Getty

he photograph to the right shows a college student taking notes in class. When else do you use writing? Brainstorm a list of other situations. For example, do you write emails at work, blog about an interest or hobby, or text friends and relatives? What does your list reveal about the importance of writing in your life?

Most college classes require some form of writing — exams, essays, journals, reports, and so forth — because instructors see writing not just as a means of evaluating what students have learned but also as a means for their students to learn. Because strong writing skills are essential to success in college (and at work), the time and effort you spend in improving your writing are valuable investments. The main purpose of this chapter — and of this entire book — is to help you succeed in your writing class as well as in other classes that involve writing.