Welcome to a blog that chronicles the learning of a group of high school students and their teacher.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Who are YOU as a writer?
Describe yourself as a writer. How do you approach writing? Do you write to complete the assignment? Or do you write to communicate what you have learned? What process do you go through when you write?
When I first begin to write a paper, I usually make a list, table, or diagram to collect my ideas. It may not even be very detailed it is just a way to organize my thoughts. Then, I begin to write my introduction. I try to always have something interesting to bring in the reader while also establishing the point of the paper. I write my paragraphs according to my thesis. Then, my conclusion reestablishes what I have written throughout my paper, and I always try to end with a hanging thought. For my papers, I mostly write to finish the paper especially if I have to write about a topic that I have no interest in. I try to add in as much as I have learned without getting too boring.
Usually when I write, I read through the prompt and then either familiarize myself with my research or use the knowledge I have and write down whatever comes to my mind when I first look at the blank text document. Then I go back and build on what I first wrote and get rid of information that really isn't needed. I also like to type in plain words and choose synonyms to enhance my writing.
I usually start my writing process by making a detailed list of the topics and examples I will be using in my paper. I think it is important to start with an idea than just to wing it. I often find that the introduction and conclusion are the hardest part of a paper for me to write. Sometimes I like to start with my body paragraphs and then come back to the intro and conclusion because it always gets the ball rolling. I enjoy writing but I usually write papers just to complete the assignment. With that being said, I do try to put 100 percent effort into each paper and make it the best I can. It also depends on what I have to write about, I could write for days about my life or subjects that interest me but when it is about a subject that bores me, I have a hard time. I like to write in a fun and upbeat style while encorporating what I have learned throughout the assignment.
For any kind of writing that requires research, I take notes and draft an outline, then start writing the paper. On boring subjects, I just write what to complete the assignment. On more interesting topics I go above and beyond what is required since I'm enjoying what I'm writing about (eg. my analysis of A Clockwork Orange). As for writing processes... I'm not sure I have anything besides the notes-outline-rough draft process. It takes me awhile to get started but after the introduction the paper usually flows pretty easily.
When I write a paper I make sure to look my notes over and start writing my thoughts down. I try to gather them together where it makes sense and it flows. I usually have trouble writing my introduction though. I won't know how to start it, but I know what I want to talk about. If it's something I'm not interested in, I try to just hurry through it and I put an introduction together. If it's something I like though, I think more about what I want to write and whether I truly like how my introduction is done.
Whenever I write a paper I have to know roughly what I am going to be writing. I have to know main points that I am going to put in my paper before I start so I can elaborate on them later. If my topic is one that I enjoy, then I typically write until I finish expressing my ideas. If my topic is not interesting to me, then I will more than likely just write to finish the assignment. After I plan out what I am going to write, I write out my paper pretty normally. I write out my introduction first and then finish out the rest of my paper according to my thesis. But the last thing I always do is come up with my title.
I feel like I am not a good writer. I am a minimalist when it comes to papers. I put the minimum amount of words to get my point across. When I write, I just start writing without planning out the paper. There is very little that can get me to write a long paper.
When I write I startout by wirting my body paragraphs first. After I have finised with them, I construct my intro and concluding paragraphs. This alows me to think of what my thesis will be as I am writing the paper. I feel that I do better on a paper whin I put my own personal feeling and thought into it. I would have to say that the things that I struggle with are my intro and conclusion paragraphs.
I think I approach writing in a negative way. I don't really enjoy writing a paper, yet I still know I have to write it. I always try my best to communicate with the audience I'm writing for, but I also tend to add "fluff" to my papers to fully complete them. I usually write in a 5 paragraph essay form. I start with an introdution paragraph, which includes a thesis with three main points. Next, I add three body paragraphs and connect each one with one of the points made in my thesis statement. Then, I end my papers with a conclusion paragraph.
When I write, I usually start with whatever first comes to mind. Sometimes the paper just flows from there, and I write it all at once without having to do much editing. Other times, I write bits and pieces of ideas as they come to me, and then I do a lot of editing and rearranging to get all my thoughts in the right order. For analytical papers, I sometimes plan out my main points ahead of time, but I prefer to write creatively about my own thoughts and ideas. The introduction and conclusion are always the most difficult parts for me. No matter what I do, they usually end up sounding redundant and boring, and they never really seem to flow with the rest of the paper. When I'm writing something for school, the amount of effort I put into an essay depends primarily on whether or not I like the assignment. If I don't like the assignment, I'll write it well enough to get an A, but I won't put in any extra effort. If I do like the assignment and I feel like it's an opportunity for me to express myself artistically, I'll go way above and beyond the expectations.
I usually struggle with getting started with any paper. Writing has never been something that comes naturally to me, so it always feels like something I have to force myself to do. I usually start the process by writing a list of my three main points, which eventually leads to a thesis. From there, I like to start elaborating on my first point. If I get stuck I usually skip ahead and move on to the next point to give myself time to think about what I really want to say. When I am writing, I usually focus more on content than mechanics, and then do a lot of revising when I am finished writing. One thing that I really feel like I struggle with is knowing how much information to include. I don't know what I'm supposed to assume everyone already knows and what is required for my paper to make sense. I do really well with rules and boundaries, but I think the writing discipline is much too subjective to fully achieve either.
I think that when I approach writing, I do so very reluctantly. I definitely wouldn't say that I enjoy writing. When I write it usually is purely to complete an assignment, unless I am writing about something I am genuinely interested in. I think that my writing process varies from paper to paper. If it's a paper that requires a lot of thought, then I go through much more planning then one that doesn't.
I find writing to be very simple for myself. Usually, I don't have to plan ahead at all. I can sit down, think for a second, and let it flow from there. Sometimes I plan ahead just to organize my thoughts and make sure they all make sense, but for the most part, I find it unnecessary. I think I write partially to complete the assignment and partially to communicate what I've learned. For example, if I wasn't required to, I don't think I'd just go home and write two pages or so on what I learned in English. However, if I have to anyway, I don't struggle at all. The process I go through when I write is really quite basic: Read the prompt, directions, or questions. Read them again, think for a second, and start writing. It's worked out pretty well so far.
I think it depends on what I am reading that will determine whether I am writing to just get it done or whether I am trying to get a point across. When I'm not into the writing or the subject, it usually won't be my best work. The process I use is that I first try and just write down a little prewrite. Normally it isn't in any classic form, I just used bullet points to write down the ideas. Then I start writing. I get writers block a lot even on simple writings. The one part that is usually hardest though is the thesis statement and intro but once I get started it isn't hard at all.
I'm not the strongest writer, I'll be honest. I do put things in to papers sometimes to just meet the requirements but not a lot of the time. I like writing about my opinion on things. I struggle more with answering questions such as why did this happen or why did that happen. I'd much rather just tell you how I feel about something. I like to listen to music when I write. It actually helps me clear my mind and think about the subject. Writing can sometimes help me let things out that I can't say, I just need to write.
My writing approach is a more liberal one. Always before starting any writing I try to understand my topic not only from my perspective but also from the reader's perspective. Then depending on that understanding I will either make a strict formal outline to follow, or make a couple notes of points that I want to make sure I address and loosely follow. These methods are polar opposites, but they help my writing reflect the understanding that I have gathered which is what I write for.
When I first begin to write a paper, I usually make a list, table, or diagram to collect my ideas. It may not even be very detailed it is just a way to organize my thoughts. Then, I begin to write my introduction. I try to always have something interesting to bring in the reader while also establishing the point of the paper. I write my paragraphs according to my thesis. Then, my conclusion reestablishes what I have written throughout my paper, and I always try to end with a hanging thought. For my papers, I mostly write to finish the paper especially if I have to write about a topic that I have no interest in. I try to add in as much as I have learned without getting too boring.
ReplyDeleteUsually when I write, I read through the prompt and then either familiarize myself with my research or use the knowledge I have and write down whatever comes to my mind when I first look at the blank text document. Then I go back and build on what I first wrote and get rid of information that really isn't needed. I also like to type in plain words and choose synonyms to enhance my writing.
ReplyDeleteI usually start my writing process by making a detailed list of the topics and examples I will be using in my paper. I think it is important to start with an idea than just to wing it. I often find that the introduction and conclusion are the hardest part of a paper for me to write. Sometimes I like to start with my body paragraphs and then come back to the intro and conclusion because it always gets the ball rolling. I enjoy writing but I usually write papers just to complete the assignment. With that being said, I do try to put 100 percent effort into each paper and make it the best I can. It also depends on what I have to write about, I could write for days about my life or subjects that interest me but when it is about a subject that bores me, I have a hard time. I like to write in a fun and upbeat style while encorporating what I have learned throughout the assignment.
ReplyDeleteFor any kind of writing that requires research, I take notes and draft an outline, then start writing the paper. On boring subjects, I just write what to complete the assignment. On more interesting topics I go above and beyond what is required since I'm enjoying what I'm writing about (eg. my analysis of A Clockwork Orange). As for writing processes... I'm not sure I have anything besides the notes-outline-rough draft process. It takes me awhile to get started but after the introduction the paper usually flows pretty easily.
ReplyDeleteWhen I write a paper I make sure to look my notes over and start writing my thoughts down. I try to gather them together where it makes sense and it flows. I usually have trouble writing my introduction though. I won't know how to start it, but I know what I want to talk about. If it's something I'm not interested in, I try to just hurry through it and I put an introduction together. If it's something I like though, I think more about what I want to write and whether I truly like how my introduction is done.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I write a paper I have to know roughly what I am going to be writing. I have to know main points that I am going to put in my paper before I start so I can elaborate on them later. If my topic is one that I enjoy, then I typically write until I finish expressing my ideas. If my topic is not interesting to me, then I will more than likely just write to finish the assignment. After I plan out what I am going to write, I write out my paper pretty normally. I write out my introduction first and then finish out the rest of my paper according to my thesis. But the last thing I always do is come up with my title.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I am not a good writer. I am a minimalist when it comes to papers. I put the minimum amount of words to get my point across. When I write, I just start writing without planning out the paper. There is very little that can get me to write a long paper.
ReplyDeleteWhen I write I startout by wirting my body paragraphs first. After I have finised with them, I construct my intro and concluding paragraphs. This alows me to think of what my thesis will be as I am writing the paper. I feel that I do better on a paper whin I put my own personal feeling and thought into it. I would have to say that the things that I struggle with are my intro and conclusion paragraphs.
ReplyDeleteI think I approach writing in a negative way. I don't really enjoy writing a paper, yet I still know I have to write it. I always try my best to communicate with the audience I'm writing for, but I also tend to add "fluff" to my papers to fully complete them. I usually write in a 5 paragraph essay form. I start with an introdution paragraph, which includes a thesis with three main points. Next, I add three body paragraphs and connect each one with one of the points made in my thesis statement. Then, I end my papers with a conclusion paragraph.
ReplyDeleteWhen I write, I usually start with whatever first comes to mind. Sometimes the paper just flows from there, and I write it all at once without having to do much editing. Other times, I write bits and pieces of ideas as they come to me, and then I do a lot of editing and rearranging to get all my thoughts in the right order. For analytical papers, I sometimes plan out my main points ahead of time, but I prefer to write creatively about my own thoughts and ideas. The introduction and conclusion are always the most difficult parts for me. No matter what I do, they usually end up sounding redundant and boring, and they never really seem to flow with the rest of the paper. When I'm writing something for school, the amount of effort I put into an essay depends primarily on whether or not I like the assignment. If I don't like the assignment, I'll write it well enough to get an A, but I won't put in any extra effort. If I do like the assignment and I feel like it's an opportunity for me to express myself artistically, I'll go way above and beyond the expectations.
ReplyDeleteI usually struggle with getting started with any paper. Writing has never been something that comes naturally to me, so it always feels like something I have to force myself to do. I usually start the process by writing a list of my three main points, which eventually leads to a thesis. From there, I like to start elaborating on my first point. If I get stuck I usually skip ahead and move on to the next point to give myself time to think about what I really want to say. When I am writing, I usually focus more on content than mechanics, and then do a lot of revising when I am finished writing. One thing that I really feel like I struggle with is knowing how much information to include. I don't know what I'm supposed to assume everyone already knows and what is required for my paper to make sense. I do really well with rules and boundaries, but I think the writing discipline is much too subjective to fully achieve either.
ReplyDeleteI think that when I approach writing, I do so very reluctantly. I definitely wouldn't say that I enjoy writing. When I write it usually is purely to complete an assignment, unless I am writing about something I am genuinely interested in. I think that my writing process varies from paper to paper. If it's a paper that requires a lot of thought, then I go through much more planning then one that doesn't.
ReplyDeleteI find writing to be very simple for myself. Usually, I don't have to plan ahead at all. I can sit down, think for a second, and let it flow from there. Sometimes I plan ahead just to organize my thoughts and make sure they all make sense, but for the most part, I find it unnecessary. I think I write partially to complete the assignment and partially to communicate what I've learned. For example, if I wasn't required to, I don't think I'd just go home and write two pages or so on what I learned in English. However, if I have to anyway, I don't struggle at all. The process I go through when I write is really quite basic: Read the prompt, directions, or questions. Read them again, think for a second, and start writing. It's worked out pretty well so far.
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on what I am reading that will determine whether I am writing to just get it done or whether I am trying to get a point across. When I'm not into the writing or the subject, it usually won't be my best work. The process I use is that I first try and just write down a little prewrite. Normally it isn't in any classic form, I just used bullet points to write down the ideas. Then I start writing. I get writers block a lot even on simple writings. The one part that is usually hardest though is the thesis statement and intro but once I get started it isn't hard at all.
ReplyDeleteI'm not the strongest writer, I'll be honest. I do put things in to papers sometimes to just meet the requirements but not a lot of the time. I like writing about my opinion on things. I struggle more with answering questions such as why did this happen or why did that happen. I'd much rather just tell you how I feel about something. I like to listen to music when I write. It actually helps me clear my mind and think about the subject. Writing can sometimes help me let things out that I can't say, I just need to write.
ReplyDeleteMy writing approach is a more liberal one. Always before starting any writing I try to understand my topic not only from my perspective but also from the reader's perspective. Then depending on that understanding I will either make a strict formal outline to follow, or make a couple notes of points that I want to make sure I address and loosely follow. These methods are polar opposites, but they help my writing reflect the understanding that I have gathered which is what I write for.
ReplyDelete