Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[jasonlulu_2000]

Many creative thinkers state that they have completely devoted themselves to the subject matter of the problem, often over fairly long periods of time. Indeed, it would be strange if they had not done this. Nothing in such statements supports the idea that there is anything different about the problem-solving that leads to discoveries of the great contributions to the society.

Could you paraphrase "Nothing in such statements supports the idea that there is anything different about the problem-solving that leads to discoveries of the great contributions to the society."?


Thank you

[zorro (4)]

I find it difficult to understand, let alone paraphrase. Perhaps you could tell me what 'the subject matter of the problem' is referring to?

Also, is 'Nothing in such statements' referring to 'Many creative thinkers state ' from the first paragraph? If so, this is not obvious because 'state' is being used interchangeably with other verbs such as 'say', 'report' etc. I hope that makes sense to you?

This paragraph would also benefit from some signposting using 'although' or 'however' etc.

Although many creative thinkers state they have completely devoted themselves to solving (what???) problems, often over long periods of time, there are no obvious signs that their problem solving processes are any different from those of the great contributors of society.

That was really difficult to paraphrase because I don't know the context of your paragraph. I've probably completely changed the meaning of it aswell.

Key things to consider from this. Use signposting to make it easier for readers to understand. A simple conjunction like 'although' allows the reader to understand that a contrast is coming up and mentally prepare themselves for it. It's easier to understand for the reader.[/b]

[jasonlulu_2000]

Sorry for not providing the context.

The first two paragraph ahead of this passage is as follows:


No one can fail to stand in awed admiration of the great discoveries of history-Newton�s laws of motion , Kepler�s principles of planetary movement , Einstein�s general theory of relativity . Equally awe-inspiring are artistic creations in painting , theatre , music , and literature , which have also been brought about by discovery through personal efforts . What do these extraordinary achievements of well-known scientists and artists have to do with problem solving ?
A great scientific discovery or a great work of art is surely the result of problem-solving activity . The solution to a problem , we are told , often comes to thinkers in a � flash of insight", although they may have been turning the problem over in their minds for some time . As a particular form of problem solving , these creative acts are based on the broad knowledge gained in the past , whether this be of the � public � sort known to science , or of the � private � sort known to the artist .

[zorro (4)]

The creative thinkers� devotion to solving problems is no different to that of the kind of problem solving that lead to important discoveries.

That first sentence was hellish to understand