A Labyrinth of Good Intentions

A Labyrinth of Good Intentions

From The English 101 Experiment by Monica Mankin

May 3, 2025 · 48 min · Season 2 · Episode 5

About this episode

The episode explores the complexities of defining 'good writing' through various academic and cultural lenses.

In episode five, colleagues Sarah Inman and Jennifer Kooken join Mason and Monica as they wander through the maze of "good writing"--from academic conventions to cross-cultural ideals--asking whether the rules meant to guide us sometimes get us lost. We explore "The Five-Paragraph Essay" by Will D. Desmond, "Should Writers Use They Own English?" by Vershawn Ashanti Young, and "Defining 'Good Writing' A Cross-Cultural Perspective" by Melinda Reichelt.

People in this episode

Hosts: Mason, Monica Mankin

Guests: Sarah Inman, Jennifer Kooken

Topics covered

  • good writing
  • academic conventions
  • cross-cultural ideals
  • writing rules
  • essay structure
  • cultural perspectives

Keywords

  • good writing
  • academic writing
  • cultural perspectives
  • writing conventions
  • five-paragraph essay
  • cross-cultural writing

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: The Five-Paragraph Essay, Should Writers Use They Own English?, Defining 'Good Writing' A Cross-Cultural Perspective

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