How to Say Nothing in 500 Words Reflection

Jaimie Thomas

How to Say Nothing Reflection

English 101-Section 085

August 26, 2010

Robert’s essay is very beneficial and helpful when a writer is in the process of brainstorming ideas and structure for their papers. I find it very clever of him to realize how to take the opposite side in his writing of what a reader would usually want to read about. It is far more interesting to read the opposing opinion to what one already has developed in his or her mind about a certain topic. 

I struggle with length of my essays when I write. Usually, I have to do whatever it takes to reach the length requirement. I tend to ramble for numerous paragraphs and my essays end up being awful because they make no sense. Robert’s showed me how to change this bad habit I have by adding more words to each thought. Therefore, if I were to say I am having a hard time finishing this essay, I could say something like, I am  finding it very difficult to finish this writing assignment because our teacher is requiring it to be at least five hundred words. Hopefully now I will remember to elongate each thought instead of just stating it without thinking it through. 

I never want to refer to the subject I am writing about in a negative manner. If the person grading my paper knows the person I am writing about, then I usually try to beat around the bush about how they are as a person, but I do not say what I mean. Robert’s pointed this out in the “Call a fool a fool” segment of his essay. I never realized it is better to just state what you feel about the subject of your writing because then the reader will fully understand what you were trying to say in the first place. Plus, by calling a person out on how they really are, will give your writing spunk and punctuality, and it makes the essay more exciting to read. 

Unfortunately, I am guilty of using “Pat Expressions” in my writing. In the past, I’ve always thought that if I use these phrases, it makes my writing sound better and more creative. I did not realize that the use of “Pat Expressions” can hinder writing rather than enhance it. I’m glad I read this section of Robert’s essay because it is important not to ramble and use these expressions that turn sentences into disasters. 

I find it difficult, sometimes, to find the right word to use when I am trying to describe a certain person, place or thing. I try to think of synonyms for whatever it is that I am writing about, and I usually fail at trying to say exactly what it is like. Robert’s recommends the use of colored words when telling about something important to oneself. This will be very helpful and useful to remember the next time I am trying to describe something that I want to be associated with the reader. All of the things Robert’s said are eye-openers to me. I will now be more conscious and aware when I am writing to ensure a better essay each time I write.