back to the basics
October 10th, 2006 @ 8:33 am | blonde moments | Post a CommentI was told that my writing would be better if I used topic sentences. After my initial thought of, “Well, my blog readers think I am a good writer, nanny nanny boo boo,” and my next thought of, “But my mother is an English teacher! You can’t insult my writing!” I decided to do some practicing. I found a 5th grade writing lesson on the internet. Here is the result of my reeducation:
My Hair
I’m worried that my hair is getting too long. I decided to grow it out even before Andrew proposed, because I wanted to give myself plenty of time to become a sexy, long-tressed bride. However, I suspect I’m beginning to look more like Cousin Itt than Gwyneth Paltrow.
Adventures in Navigating
Driving in Northern Virginia can make one question one’s sanity. This weekend, I tried to drive to the mall. First, I ended up at the Pentagon. Law enforcement officers were posted on every corner, and they did not seem very welcoming. Next I ended up at Arlington National Cemetery, where I nearly ran over a gaggle of slow-walking tourists. All I was trying to do was get to the nearest Nordstrom!
My Weddingmoon
I am getting very excited for my nine day trip to Mexico, which is only a month away. There are two things I have been dreaming about the most. The first is unlimited margaritas, on the rocks, with salt. The other is eating chips and salsa with (or for) every meal. Clearly, I have my priorities straight.
On Writing
Writing with clear topic sentences is boring. It’s terribly restricting on my train of thought and on my overuse of nifty devices such as the italicizer and the CAPSLOCKER. And the always-loved sentence fragment. And the rambling, comma-filled, overly-wordy, possibly-crazy rant. And who doesn’t love a rhetorical question or two? I think for my next post I’ll go back to being a bad writer.
I had a lit class this summer, and the professor insisted that we write in a very structured format, or she wouldn’t accept it. The first sentence of the paragraph had to be a topic (or thesis) statement, and then every sentence after that had to support it. Each paragraph had to have a beginning, middle, and end, and all the paragraphs together had to create a beginning, middle, and end to the paper.
It was terribly restricting. I felt suffocated having to write like that. I can see the point, having some structure and editing your work is good… but there is a limit to everything!
(And on a blog, it’s just for fun, so who cares? But from the last few posts, I am assuming you also write for work)
written by Jennifer
October 10th, 2006 @ 9:14 am
The best part of being an English major in college was that we were finally allowed (and encouraged!) to deviate from the dreaded five-paragraph essay.
I think your weddingmoon priorities are just right. Margaritas can definitely lead to some extra-fun marital activities!
written by Audrey
October 10th, 2006 @ 9:55 am
I stunk at identifying topic sentences when I was in middle school. To me, it seemed a bit shifty the main idea of the paragraph was hidden somewhere within the depths of the text, like a wordsearch. I ended up an English major in college, where I, too, learned the beauty of Lands Outside Five Paragraphs. I think it’s more about being aware of having a cohesive idea than a sentence that screams, “THIS IS MY TOPIC IF YOU COULDN’T GRASP THAT FROM THE REST OF THE CONTENT!”
That said, I do enjoy properly-punctuated and spelled writing; the “it doesn’t matter how I punctuate or spell things because you understood what I was getting at” excuse drives me crazy.
written by RA
October 10th, 2006 @ 10:07 am
Were you going to that amazing mall in Arlington that has the ice skating rink in front of it? Two of my best friends lived across the street from that shopping center for a couple years after college, and everytime I went to visit, I’d spend hours there.
I know, NYC is supposed to have great shopping, but after a while, a mall seems so exotic, and, um convenient. (Plus, we don’t have Nordstrom!)
written by Laurel
October 10th, 2006 @ 11:47 am
I’m sure you don’t look like Cousin It! It’s probably better to keep your hair the same length before the wedding, rather than trimming some and then not liking it. Hair can be a fussy wee thing alot of the time.
I am also getting excited for you; A good friend of mine just got engaged, so it’s love love love around here.
P.S. I still like your writing, even now. =)
written by alyndabear
October 10th, 2006 @ 11:53 am
Hi Janet!
I never respond, but after teaching essay writing for 28 years and absolutely loving your blogs, your latest foray into topic sentences with supporting examples brought back some horrific memories as well as a huge sigh of relief that I will never grade essays again. And your concluding paragraph was perfect!
written by Mom
October 10th, 2006 @ 3:43 pm
Your mom is sweet.
Yes, back to the fun writing it is. I think it’s a great decision - especially since it was actually good to begin with
written by elise
October 10th, 2006 @ 4:28 pm
I think you’re a great writer! And the “topic headings” are a great way to not worry about smooth transitions! You can go from hair to margaritas to tourists without the blink of an eye! You know what I need to work on? Writing comments that don’t contain 87 exclamation marks!!!
written by Liberal Banana
October 10th, 2006 @ 4:55 pm
Your hair? Too long? Impossible!
written by Alison
October 11th, 2006 @ 10:11 am
I love margaritas on the rocks with salt too, have one ready when we arrive, eh? (that’s a quality sentence!)
written by alexa
October 11th, 2006 @ 3:16 pm
I need to learn to read more closely. I almost freaked when I thought you had written this in 5th grade, and that at that age you actually knew who Gwenyth Paltrow was, which would make me VERY, VERY OLD. And in actuality I am only VERY OLD.
written by kris
October 11th, 2006 @ 3:35 pm