There Is An “I” In Writing

Although many seek a singular form in which they can present and teach writing to the media, it is simply impossible. Written expression has gone through a series of alterations throughout history. It began as the drawing of symbols on walls and later evolved into formal schooling. How we write, even when in the same discourse community, alters based on a multitude of reasonings. Our historical awareness, the context of the rhetorical situation, and the genre we focus on create viable differences in our writing. “In more recent times, as our knowledge about writing has deepened, we have understood that composing processes also vary according to at least three factors-the individual writer, the genre being composed, and the rhetorical situation,” (Yancey 52). What we know not only affects our writing but the way in which we interpret our findings.

The Development of Composition

In the later part of the 20th century, scholars began teaching students through involvement in their works. Whereas, in earlier years, students had been obligated to analyze the works of others. Considering the alteration of time, location, and experiences, it is valuable to involve the work of the writer in their studies rather than just the work of others. The writing process and identity of the writer can vary from person to person. That being, it is difficult to expect everything to fit into a singular category. When following a specific genre, writers use knowledge of responses to prior rhetorical situations to create a basis that is later expounded upon.

A writer’s understanding of their rhetorical situation and experience within said situation builds authority. When aware of one’s context, they are better able to build discernable information within their work which helps the reader better grasp the premise. Using various sources to credit one’s information creates a validity that there in builds authority for the author. Those with authority in the given topics are able to easily distinguish between credible facts and opinions and do not use the two interchangeably.