Different cultures have different approaches to what is considered good writing. Think about your own culture:
What makes good writing there?
The values of each culture are translated into writing. The American culture is straightforward and to the point, usually in a hurry, and in need of all the information NOW. Consequently, the American culture values writing that is direct, concise, and straight to the point. Successful writing is organized linearly and contains lots of details.
Therefore, the writer never implies anything, but instead directly explains everything for the reader with all the information hat is needed. The reader's job is to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the essay you have written. Ask yourself:
- How does good writing in my culture differ from good writing in American Culture?
- How much responsibility is given to the writer? To the reader?
- How might that interfere when I write my American academic essay?
Writing a good American essay is like programming a computer. When a computer programmer feeds information into the computer, he must lay out every single step of the function in order for the computer to process the information. This is similar to writing an American essay. The writer must explain everything so that the reader clearly understands and has no questions about the writer's subject.
A reader will become confused, just as a computer will malfunction when it misunderstands because of missing information. If all of the information isn't explicitly presented, the reader will ask, “What does this mean?” The writer must explain all points thoroughly and offer proof by examples, illustrations, or documentation. For example, the reader should not have to ask what the purpose of the essay is or why the writer included a particular example or a particular paragraph.
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