Rhetorical Styles in Spanish and English

Academic writing in English tends to be direct and to-the-point. In Spanish, in contrast, sentences are typically longer, with more subordinate clauses, resulting in greater complexity. Acknowledging some of these basic differences, it is also necessary to point out that adept writers in either language will typically vary the length and structure of their sentences. There are certain values, like clarity, concision, and elegance, that remain desirable when writing in English or Spanish. The result of several short sentences in a row is a kind of "choppiness."  By the same token, writing exclusively in long, ornate sentences can be equally monotonous, especially if the sentences are not well-constructed. A preference for the rhetorical style typical of Spanish academic writing is no excuse for confusing, badly punctuated run-on sentences. That is just careless writing.  

I noticed that some members of the class like the idea of the "shitty first draft." I probably won't be able to convince everyone that my resistance to this notion is justified. My basic point is that an experienced writer will typically be able to produce an imperfect but half-way decent draft on a first attempt. Writing is a skill that can be improved like any other, so it is not logical to think that the very best writers of prose will produce first drafts that are "shitty." 

My philosophy of writing does not exclude attempts to take notes rapidly with no concern for style, or to brainstorm in other ways, just writing random "key words" down on a piece of paper, for example. Whatever practice or set of practices works for the individual writer is fine.