Amanda Ruiz

Mrs. Thomas
UWRT 1102-017
16 September 2015

My Graphically Recorded Construct

Emig's text on writing was quite dense and verbose, in my opinion. However, after
reading it a couple hundred times, armed with my pen, it began to make some sense. While I
agree that writing involves the fullest possible functioning of the brain, so did reading this
article. I have never put so much though into my putting pen to paper and everything that
happens in between.
To write is to create. Writing is a learned behavior, When writing, one must provide their
own scene and setting. Talking, on the other hand, comes more naturally lending itself to the
environment. Writing must be intentional, well thought out and prepared. To me, this means
talking is the equivalent of making a box cake, having to just add water. On the contrary, writing
requires one to create something completely from scratch.

One of the first differences mentioned was that writing is slower than talking. When I
write there are so many things to think about, so many factors, emotions, variables, etc. This
slower pace allows me to make more sense of my thoughts. There have been many times that I
wish I would have taken just a moment longer to gather my thoughts BEFORE I spoke. It is
much easier to speak and then think, whereas with writing, I am much more deliberate in
communicating my ideas.
We also have written speech, differing from oral speech in both structure and mode of
functioning. In other words, we don't write like we speak. We wouldn't talk as though we are
giving a speech. Oral speech is more calculated, therefore, I do agree that a different function is
required.
Emig also discusses the three ways of dealing with actuality. Some people are visual
learners, some are more hands on and some retain information by summarizing it. This is why
we take notes. It is crucial in learning. Your hand, eye and brain all work simultaneously as one
while note taking. All three modes come together, aiding in your comprehension.
On page 126 she writes,into every act of knowing there enters a passionate
contribution of the person knowing what is being know. Say that three times fast! After taking
some time to dissect that statement, I began to understand. While reading, one recreates, not
originates, a verbal construct that has already been written. We as readers do tend to employ our
own ideas, thoughts and opinions while we recreate what we are reading. This would explain
why many interpretations tend to vary during our discussions of The Book Thief, each person

putting their own spin on it. Therefore, this recreation is the reader merely being an active
participant in the creation of all things.