cross talk

Preface to the Second Edition
The preface is just trying to tell the reader what to expect when reading this book. It is different from the first but he says that it is still very good. This book is supposed to be a historical artifact. It is a way to tack theoretical discussions. There are also other things that have changed, like the internet and software packages that enhance the research.
Preface to First Edition
Writing form you gut is not always the best way to write, especially for students since it can and does lead to theoretical contradictions. Writing was once used as a memory aid, but writing itself has not ever been that clear. Composition studies has divided itself, either they have to find our what writing is so they can teach it better, or to find the level to which it either removes or bestows power. Once you read this book, you are supposed to know who you like to read. You will also see opposing viewpoints and will be able to come to your own conclusions.
Teach Writing as a Process Not Product
This section basically deals with how tough writing is for a student and when a teacher rips apart his/her paper it can turn the student off to the entire process. The author David M. Murray gives a few guidelines when it comes to teaching writing. The teacher always has to keep in mind that the student is not going to hand in great literature so do not expect it, and they should encourage writing as a process. Students should examine their own writing; they should also find his/ her own subject to write on. Let the student use their own language and be allowed to write as many drafts as necessary. The students also need to be encouraged to try many types of writing so they can find the best way to express themselves. Mechanics of the paper should be the last thing to worry about. All papers should be examined to see what choices is the student making to see if they are progressing. Not every student learns at the same pace, some need more time than others, all writing is experimental there are never any absolutes.
Writing as a Mode of Learning
Janet Emig's argument for her essay is that writing is a "unique mode of learning" (pg 7). Writing as a product and process have a many attributes that help with certain learning strategies. Writing is a unique language process and the process is split into two orders. First is talking and listening which is not something that you need to be trained to do, and the second is reading and writing which you need some aid with at least initially. Writing is originating or creating a unique verbal construction. Reading is creating or re-creating a verbal construction that is graphically recorded. Listening is also creating or re-creating a verbal conversation that is not graphically recorded. There are some clear differences between talking and writing. Writing is learned and talking is natural . Talking is not an artificial process and writing is. Writing is a technological device and talking is organic. Writing is slower than most talking. Writing is stark and barren. Writing ends usually in a product whereas talking usually does not.
I have found that writing for me has always been a challenging process. It wasn't until recently I heard for the first time that your writing was never finished. When you wrote something down the first time, it was never really done your paper keeps evolving as you learn more and experience more in life.