Discourse

Discourse is defined as a "verbal interchange of ideas" or a "formal and orderly and usually extended expression of thought on a subject" [1]. The word comes from the Latin discursus and the Middle English discours.

Metadiscourse

In today's society, there exist many discourses. It might be interesting to note that there are many types of discourse that involve thinking about its own specific type of discourse. The range of discourse goes from everyday interactions that are casual and conversational, to complex academic circles, and other communities that have various levels of influence.

Overall it is the language we use when speaking about our own writing and thinking process, the structure/identity of a paper, or a reader's thinking as we write. See [2]here for more information regarding metadiscourse.

When considering academic usage of metadiscourse, there are many common phrases that are commonly used such as:

• I found that...
• It is clear that...
• In other words...
• In conclusion...

For example:

• Metacognition- This involves thinking about thinking. In Penny Kittle's Write Beside Them, metacognition is focused upon because it is an essential aspect of the Writing Workshop. Students need to think about what they are writing and think about such activities as reading as not just a reader, but additionally as a writer.