Templates offer a sense of comfort to novice academic writers (i.e me). Sure, they seem to stifle creativity and personal voice, even though Graff negates this in the introduction on page 14, but even then, they give us a starting point and simple directions on how to get to the end of our writing journey.
Already in our first reading assignment I have realized many a thing. While academic writing often, or usually presents new ideas they are often presented following some sort of template. If I recall the readings from 612 many of the articles, while they introduced different concepts and were enjoyable reads, did seem to come from the same starting point; a formula. This does not mean that we must stick to it or never deviate but templates do provide a safety net.
One of the most interesting sections of the reading was the idea of entering a conversation already in progress. I had never thought of academic writing as a way to create new discourse, but only as a way to contribute to the already existing. This may seem as obvious, but I never thought of my writing of having the potential to change the direction of a conversation. Somehow though the knowledge of academic writing having some sort of common formula makes it seem plausible.
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The conversation thing hit home for me, as well. I agree with you that deviation is acceptable, but these templates provide a good safety net. I also love what you say about your writing having the power to change the direction a conversation! How true! Isn't it a rush?
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