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Staying “In the Driver's Seat” when

Working with a Source

Often, writers use sources to help support their own ideas and opinions. An outside source, such as an essay or article, can be a valuable tool for conveying a message.

The key to using a source effectively is not to rely too heavily on its message. YOUR MESSAGE, AS THE WRITER, IS MORE IMPORTANT! The relationship between writer and source is interactive – your source should complement your ideas, not control them! To help you use a source correctly, remember this analogy:

“Writing with a source is like driving a car.”

You (the writer) have the power to be in the driver's seat, the passenger's seat, or in the trunk. It depends on how much control you take, and how much control you assign to your source.

Here's a guide to knowing where you are in your “car” – or whether you are in control of your writing:

Writing in the DRIVER'S SEAT : Writer takes full control of writing.

•  Writer is in charge of every word in draft.
•  Writer is working with his/her own idea .
•  Writer has a clear destination in mind.
•  Writer decides where source information goes.

Writing in the PASSENGER'S SEAT : The source is in the driver's seat.

•  The writer is along for the ride , pointing out things to look at but not explaining why.
•  The source is making the decisions and setting direction.
•  There is no destination or logical path to follow.

Writing in the TRUNK : Writer has no idea what is going on in the “car.”

•  Writer can't point to anything specific from inside the trunk.
•  Writer doesn't know where source is going.
•  Being in the “trunk” is a dark, confusing, stressful place where writer feels bound and gagged.

Signs of “Trunk” Behavior:

• Quoting in the introduction
• Resenting no clear thesis statement

SOLUTION

•  Recognize you must be not in control of your own writing.
•  The first step in regaining control is to THINK! Read your sources and determine what you think about them.
•  Make a commitment to write from your own perspective, with confidence and conviction.
•  Believe in your ideas and use source information to support them. Being in the driver's seat = a firm commitment to your original ideas. Do not write a paper that simply presents source ideas & information.

REMEMBER … YOU should be in control of your own writing!

Location:

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