My test reader is my dad. Ever since I started writing my dad has read my work. He is aware of what I'm trying to say through my writing. First, he reads it over and discusses with me the theme, main points, and support to make sure my writing is portraying all that I'm wanting to say. Then he gives suggestions with different ways to expand on my writing. Finally, he saves the best for last, editing! I do NOT have an eye for grammar, and spelling mistakes. I wish I did but it is definitely something I struggle with. My dad is incredible at editing, I don't know how he does it but he just sees the mistakes and it obviously improves my writing tremendously. All in all, I completely agree with Murray and his view on how test readers a key element in the writing process.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Nothing Better Than a Good Test Reader...
In Chapter 22, Donald Murray expresses that a good writer needs good test readers. As Murray says on page 200, "Revealing a draft in process can be dangerous. We need to find helpful test readers who can tell us what works and what needs work with kindness and candor and whose comments make us go back to our desks eager to write."(2005) This quote speaks complete truth! Test readers are so key to writing. If I for some reason do not get a test reader before I turn a paper even a small paper, I feel so unsure when I hand it in. I always think of something right before I turn it in that I should have fixed or done differently. Having a test reader gives me confidence when I hand in my final draft.
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I agree with Murray when he says that exposing a draft is scary. I often fine that i am so scared of people judging my work, I often won't have others test read my writing. However, after I hand a paper in, or get it back from being marked, I realize that if only I had let someone else look at it, the work could have been drastically better.
ReplyDeleteWhen I do let someone read it, it is often my mom. She helps me out in the ways your dad does. Keep up the good work!
I used to hate having people reading my work and so I would detach myself from it an entirely not care.
ReplyDeleteIt is so amazing how your dad takes apart your work with such gentleness. Every writer should really have a editor that is so careful with the piece and author that they both improve drastically.