Information for Writing an Essay
When writing an informative essay, we use information from an array of sources. Writing about a topic is a tasking activity because one has to assume that the audience is not familiar with the topic. Usually, anyone will provide information better if they understood and conceptualized a certain topic. This is achieved through making connection of information from various authors on specific topics. Psychologists have classified knowledge acquisition into knowledge-telling and knowledge-transformation. Knowledge telling is known as cramming where information is transferred from a textbook to paper. Knowledge-transformation is where information is explained clearly and in multiple ways.
Edward De Bono. Method of Combining Several Ideas
Edward De Bono is one of the authors who used this method very effectively, combining ideas from several authors. Here, the idea of using many authors has been likened to lateral thinking or what we call “thinking out of the box”. On the same page she states,
“Lateral thinking takes into considerations all the possible associations, even those that seem rather unlikely. Lateral thinking acts like a bush.”
This is a very important aspect when doing critical and creative writing.
Back in the 1980s, psychologists did research and came up with the idea that achieving constructive results must involve oriented strategy of thinking and application of information from various authors is mandatory. For instance; when doing an experiment, all possible procedures are considered before the best and simplest one is stated as preferred. Apparently, different parts of the brain are stimulated in the process and they are essential for creative action.
Synthesis of resources from many authors helps in clearly defining one’s stand on an issue or topic. As more reading is done, the more information one acquires in the process. All texts and books about a subject offer more information or information presented in a simpler way. In the process, the researchers gain more insight and are able to decide his or her stand on an issue. This is especially applicable in matters faced with discrepancies and controversies like religious issues. Making informed decisions on such matters is effective if supported by evidence.
Emily Martin was a renowned feminist who at some point in her life, looked at the subject of male and female reproductive systems and their impacts on how women are viewed. Echoing her comments, information from various authors has been applied for significant analysis of the subject. For instance; authors like Baker and Bellis are said to show the female reproductive system as dirty, to emphasize this, most doctor’s description of the ovary as being old is used. The whole concept here is that women are looked down upon in many ways and it begins with school work not just in the social concept.
However, there is also the challenge of avoiding confusion that occurs when several resources are used. An excellent example is the description of menopause by different authors Marshall describes the various ways in which menopause is looked at by various authors on the subject. Some authors are seen to describe menopause as a process, and some as the death of fertility in a woman. If a learner were to write an essay about such a subject while reviewing such resources, it would definitely pose a great challenge since the reader has to integrate the conflicting perspectives presented by both authors.