Writing Myth #1

Working as a tutor, I often hear strange opinions and assumptions about academic writing. I call these "writing myths". Today, I'd like to address the one I hear most often.

Myth #1: I must agree with my professor's point-of-view on this topic in order to get an "A" on my essay.

To say this is a myth is to invite some backlash. I know half a dozen people are out there claiming, "But I had this one professor who..." Yeah, I've those stories. And some of them are legit. But it's an egotistical snot rag of a professor who will flunk an essay just because he disagrees with a student's view. After all, higher education is about learning to think for yourself.

So why does this myth still get so much press? It has to do with students having a skewed perspective. If you think your professor is flunking you for expressing a different opinion, consider the following:

1. Students often form arguments around their misinterpretation of a text. When this happens, professors--who know the text forwards and backwards--simply give the appropriate grade and move on.

2. The student may have failed to develop or fully support his argument. If this is the case, you can guarantee the dreaded red ink will make an appearance.

3. The student expressed an opinion instead of developing an argument--an automatic death sentence for an essay's grade. For more on the difference between an opinion and an argument, read Building an Argument.

4. The professor has spent more time and research developing his or her view. Students who wish to present an opposing view had best do their homework and make it convincing.

5. The student may have misunderstood the essay assignment or failed to fully address the writing prompt. If that's the case, even agreeing with the professor's views won't help. You can read more about understanding the assignment in The Writing Process, Part 1.

Many times, students claim they received a bad grade for "disagreeing" with their professors, when another factor was really to blame. Most professors want students to think for themselves. After all, innovation derives from free thinking. However, professors must also uphold academic standards of research to ensure that any new ideas emerging in a particular discipline are valid and useful. Presenting a new idea always carries some risk, but it can be a risk worth taking. If your argument holds up under scrutiny, you could walk away with that oh-so-coveted "A".

On the other hand, there are a few egotistical snot rags out there giving out bad grades to free-thinking students. If your essay falls victim to one of these professors, you do have some recourse:

a. Ask your professor to explain, in detail, why you received a bad grade.

b. If he or she refuses to explain, or the explanation is unsatisfactory, take your essay--along with the instructions and writing prompt--to two other professors in the SAME department, preferably ones who teach the same or similar course. Explain the situation and ask them for their professional opinions.

c. If you receive positive feedback, ask if they would be willing to put it in writing. Then take your essay, their comments, instructions and prompt to the department chair.

d. Explain the situation to the department chair. Allow him or her time to review your essay and the other professors' comments. If he or she agrees the grade is unwarranted, ask him or her to speak to your professor. If the answer is "no", ask if you can file a formal complaint with the department instead.

e. Encourage other complaining classmates to do the same.

In some cases, following this procedure can get a bad grade on a GOOD essay reversed. It can also anger and annoy your professor--so don't try it unless you're 100% sure you're getting a raw deal. However, YOU paid for the course. If you're fulfilling all of the class requirements, you deserve to pass. Also, as the guardians of the academic world, professors should be held accountable. Sometimes, it's ok to challenge the status quo.

Fortunately, I've never had to do it.