Overview
Mike Palmquist, the author of our textbook The Bedford Researcher, says that “Thinking about writing as a form of conversation allows you to build on skills you already possess” (Palmquist 4). Maybe we already recognize the truth of this idea or we are just starting to think about the fact that we all bring writing skills with us into this course. For this essay assignment, you are going to assess your own growth as a writer to this point in your life and your readiness for WRIT 201.
Assignment
There is a set of skills everyone taking WRIT 201 should be able to do and feel
comfortable with by the end of the semester—these are laid out as outcomes in the
WRIT 201 syllabus and align with the habits of mind for successful college writers laid
out in the document Framework for Success in Post Secondary Writing
(Links to an external site.). We have all come into this semester with different levels of preparedness and interest as well as with a unique set of experiences with writing. Consider in your essay is whether and how your experiences, preparation, and interest have set you up to be successful in WRIT 201.
While brainstorming for this essay, you might consider the any of following ideas:
What lessons have you learned from your past writing experiences?
How has your history with writing contributed to your confidence (or lack of
confidence) in yourself as a writer?
How prepared and comfortable do you feel approaching this college writing
course based on the syllabus?
Where do you see strengths and weaknesses in yourself when it comes to
the habits of mind from the Framework For Success?
How will your attitude toward/approach to WRIT 201 be similar to or different
from writing classes or experiences you have had in the past?
While drafting your essay, you should look for ways to incorporate the WRIT 201
syllabus, Frameworks for Success in Post-Secondary Writing, the opening chapter of
the Bedford Researcher (if you read it early), and/or any other source you would like to support and perhaps guide your writing.
