RE: Big Yes for Formulaic Writing

[Wendy Smith <wesmith@ucsd.edu>]

Katie,
So, what terms have you learned to use instead of "alternative" or
"anti-traditional"?  I was told at my recent holistic grading "event" that
an essay I passed because of its critical thinking was "creative."  The
word was said in such a condescending manner--talk about steam!!

"Personal" doesn't quite say it all.  "Dialectical" (as opposed to
"formalist objective") sometimes works.  "Multiple Perspective" I like.
"Inductive"?

Oh! Oh!  I know!  "Critical Thinking"!  Oh, maybe not.  "I teach "Critical
Thinking Writing" doesn't really roll off the tongue.

Just how do you use non-defensive approaches?
Comrade Wendy