Today in class we discussed mapping essays. It is not the first time we talked about it but we touched up on it again, which I don't mind because I think it is one of my weak points so far. I actually like the idea of mapping essays, but I still seem to struggle a little with it. It looks like it will be a helpful tool. Sometimes I have to read the text numerous times to figure out what blocks of information I should be retrieving to map out. Where do I start? Where do I end? What information goes here/there? Practicing will help and I will do that as much as possible. I don't seem to have a problem coming up with Ideas to write about. My problem is formatting whatever I write correctly so the information flows properly at the right times. In my opinion this is where mapping will come in handy in the future.
Mapping is one of those skills that takes quite a bit of practice. Frankly, it takes me at least two readings to figure out the "idea structure" of an essay. One thing that helps is to make those "saying/doing" notes as I read. the other strategy is to simply start mapping without regard for what goes in the center. Maybe start with details, with a "mini-cluster" that makes immediate sense, or with a section I fully understand. When I think of it as a puzzle, I can free myself of having to start at the beginning. I can begin with the pieces that I can fit together right away.
ReplyDeleteI like the "puzzle" approach. I think it makes it more interesting.
ReplyDeleteI usually go for the corner pieces and borders myself!
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