James Howe: In-class 1, RWL

1. How is “Reading Like a Writer” similar to and/or different from the way(s) you read for other classes?
RLW is similar to the ways i read in other classes because you are somewhat critiquing the piece as i have done before. It is different mainly by the questions that you ask yourself while reading. When using RLW you are analyzing the text to find the context, the audience and the purpose, then looking at the specifics to see if the techniques they are using are working to fulfill the situation.
2.What kinds of choices do you make as a writer that readers might identify in your written work?
Every choice, from your title to the style, you make when writing your paper should be identified by the reader in your work. The first and most obvious part that the reader will identify is the context that you have chosen. The reader should also be able to identify your purpose, intended audience and anything else related to your rhetorical situation. Your voice should be easily identified by the reader along with the style, like whether you chose to use formal or informal language throughout the text. Next the reader will be able to identify specific techniques used to fulfill the purpose and expand on the argument.
3.Is there anything you notice in this essay that you might like
to try in your own writing? What is that technique or strategy?
When do you plan to try using it?
I like how the author is well aware of the audience but more specifically he is aware of what his audience is looking for in his reading. I would like to be able to have this deep understanding of my writing, the people who are reading it and what they are thinking as they are reading it. I also like the organization of this article, it is very easy to follow and it keeps your attention by presenting questions that the reader may be asking themselves then answering them in a clear and precise way.
4. What are some of the different ways that you can learn about the context of a text before you begin reading it?
Some ways you can find the context before reading it is look to see where the text is posted. Or look at who the author is and what their normal stand on issues. Next, the title of the article can give many hints about what you are about to read, giving you a good idea of what you are about to read.