Full Description
Language arts teachers face a complex task in writing instruction, balancing grammar, mechanics, arrangement, coherence, genre, research, technology, and syntax—all while addressing an elusive quality often labeled richness, sophistication, rigor, complexity, or depth, and sometimes wrapped into the broader concept of critical thinking. This intellectual or epistemic dimension, long considered central to writing and consistently emphasized in learning outcomes, has proven difficult to define, model, or assess. Despite efforts through critical thinking models and taxonomies, translating those abstract qualities into concrete writing instruction remains a challenge. Smart Writing addresses this persistent dilemma by identifying specific, demonstrable, and measurable skills—clear rhetorical moves that students can practice and teachers can assess. These moves inherently foster intellectual complexity, helping students produce deeper, more sophisticated writing that aligns with educational goals and prepares them for academic and professional success.
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1, Seeking Complexity
· Focusing the Questions
· Unpacking Broad Terms
· Making New Comparisons
· Creating Context
· Advanced Move: Denying the Usual Associations
Chapter 2, Applying a Concept
· Adopting Specific Language
· Taking on the Big Concepts
· Advanced Move: Transporting a Concept
Chapter 3, Analyzing Arguments
· Considering Context
· Analyzing the Reasoning
· Identifying Counters, Concessions, Qualifiers
· Analyzing the Writer/Speaker
· Analyzing the Audience
· Advanced Move: Calling Out Unstated Reasons
· Advanced Move: Calling Out the Quiet Argument
Chapter 4, Justifying a Position
· Adopting a Position and Purpose
· Providing Evidence
· Breaking Down Reasons
· Managing Opposition
· Advanced Move: Seeking Reasons for Reasons
Chapter 5, Applying Sources
· Apply a Supportive Source
· Drawing from a Vital Source
· Synthesizing Sources
· Draw from the Past
· Trust But Verify
· Cite Your Sources
Chapter 6, Seeking Tension
