My writing process is ever-changing, I feel like I do have some sort of process without structure if that makes any sense. I normally just jump into writing my assignments but after taking this course it has shown me that actually breaking up the writing assignment into mini assignments is very helpful and can help me avoid the feeling of panic while I try to cram the last minute. It has given me a structure and timeline which I desperately needed.

I like to first go over the main criteria I need to include in my writing. Are all the questions answered first?I like to glance at the criteria and then vomit on the page. Everything that I could possibly say about the topic and especially include my opinions on whatever the subject is. I like to get it all on the page to then go back later to see what I’m dealing with. What am I missing? Did I meet all of the criteria? Do I need to do more research? Do I need to work on my transitions and bring clarity to my ideas? Does it make sense? Do I repeat a lot of the same words which then brings me to the thesaurus to try and elevate my vocabulary because it definitely needs the elevation? I like to start writing from my introduction all the way to my conclusion and then move things around accordingly. I’ve learned that when I write I’m pretty emotional and I like to write about myself personally and relate it to any topic. Trying to write essay #3 was in my opinion one of the hardest essay’s I’ve had to write for this class but I feel like it was the essay that pushed me the most into developing a scholarly voice, it taught me the importance of separating the bigger assignment into smaller ones.

Before starting an assignment, I always do some sort of research about the topic to get a better understating of it. Also, look at the assignment details of what is it asking me to do. I can’t just write anything. After all this, I kind of schedule out what days to work on what. For example, today I will this, and tomorrow I will do that.  As I start writing the paper, I collect multiple sources as I can possibly use on the paper and write down any ideas that I can think of about the topic. This is because I will rather be prepared before writing the draft so that I don’t get stuck in the middle out of nowhere. What I learned while writing is that through the process the main idea changes a lot. Every time I write a paper my main research question tends to change quite often. Never have I ever finished writing the question with my initial idea before writing a paper. This semester my writing process changed a lo. I never prepared myself before writing at all. I barely even wrote a draft. I use to always jump to writing the final version without any idea of what I am going to write. I soon realized that was not a good idea after I started taking this class.

At first, I didn’t really do much preparation whenever I would start an assignment, I would just dive right into it but I found out that it’s easier for me to prepare for a written assignment by creating some sort of an outline to help me organize. It also helps me keep track of my assignment and what to write. Writing an introduction is the hardest part for me and it takes me a while to know exactly what to write and how to go about it. Therefore, the first thing I try to do, is to write a body paragraph then move on to the introduction. Before I begin, I need to know what I’m writing about, context wise, and look for credible sources/evidence that supports the topic. As I go through the process, I learn about the credibility of a source, how crucial it is to analyze evidence as well as citing. If I’m being really honest, I don’t notice much of a change in my writing over the course of this semester. I feel like I still have much to learn in terms of analyzing and being more concise in my writing. But I’m proud of what I have done in this class. All the writings I did made me realize my weakness and how to address/fix them. Checking for grammar and punctuation is something that I often find myself doing since I didn’t used to before. Maybe if I go through all of my written assignments, I will be able to notice a significant improvement.

To prepare for a writing assignment, I always like to have research be done on the topic first. Once being given or choosing a topic, I look into many sources to have information-and if based on a topic of my choice, sources that relate to the research question so I’m not struggling to find sources at all. Once doing that, I like to write down summaries of what each source is about as well as list the information that stands out provided in the text. As said earlier, before I write I need to know if there are sources that are related to my research question, particularly for research where I’m able to choose my question so that I’m assured (credible) sources for the topic exist. By going through the process, I learn how to make the sources correlate with one another, following with additional information that’ll correlate with the next source; I do this so that my paper has a better flow to it. The only way my writing process has changed is by me having to break down each source more than once through assignments given. I find these assignments beneficial as it helps me better grasp the information in different perspectives and how I want to use it; It also helps me better word the final essay, as I try to avoid using repetitive words in each assignment, allowing me to find one that suits and sounds best. However, what hasn’t changed is my time management. Though I know not ideal, I usually do my writing assignments last minute as knowing I have x amount of days/hours left to turn it in helps me better focus on strictly just the assignment.

When I prepare for written assignments, I like to plan out what I need to do in order to have the paper done by the due date. I prepare myself to have it done a couple of days before, in order to have time to edit it for last minute mistakes. If possible, I break down the essay on my planner and schedule time frames for it to be done. I enjoy writing down all my ideas and thoughts on my topic, including everything I know and things I think I know, finding evidence to help me support or debunk my ideas.

Before I begin, I like to know what my topic is about and what I am going to need to complete it. I like to go through the requirements and past them on top of my paper, this reminds me to answer the questions asked and include the details wanted. As I go through this process, it allows me to incorporate my thoughts while also answering questions without going off topic. This process has not really changed throughout the semester because my papers were broken down, allowing me to have pieces of my papers done by certain due dates, forcing me to avoid leaving my papers done before the due dates. Although since distance learning has started, I have had more time to split up my papers or spend a whole day writing them a bit closer to due dates than I would like. Overall, the layout of the papers I’ve had to do this semester are helpful.

When preparing for assignments and tasks I usually make sure to read what the assignment or task is asking of me. I make sure to carefully pay attention to the details of the assignment and take a look at some of the sample essays as well. After this, I usually try to come up with what my specific topic is gonna be which helps me think about if my essay is going to be strong depending if I actually find the topic interesting. When I do so I start my first draft. Starting the first drafts are sometimes hard for me. I’m always trying to figure out a way to start my essays but once I do its easy from there. Most of my first drafts aren’t complete since I like to plan out and categorize my paragraphs. Once I do so I start going back and start writing which helps me organize my thoughts and points better. Something that helps me understand where I’m at or if I’m doing it correctly is actually the peer reviews. I usually don’t like peer reviews but for this class, I get a lot of good feedback from students and the professor that gives me more insight on what I should fix and if my essay is thought out. Something that I learn through this process is that there isnt always one way to write an essay. This is something that I feel everyone knows but I always have to remind myself. I also learn different writing styles through my peer’s drafts as well. Compared to the begging, this process has helped me develop my own writing style and tone and makes me write differently from regular writing classes. It helps me elaborate on my thoughts while connecting it back to the actual task as well. One thing that really guides me is the sample essays. I find that I sometimes model my essay around one I like or take some elements of that essay and incorporate it in mine. 

Whenever I have to prepare myself to do written tasks/assignments I usually read the background information beforehand, and make sure I familiarize myself with whatever reading that has been given to me. After I do this I write my introduction and try to include my main points in there, so that I can simply just expand on those instead of making it up as I go. What I need to know before I go in though is, do I have a bias? Is there a side I can choose? And also whether or not I agree with the author of the given texts. Once I’ve done this I begin to formulate my ideas based on the writer’s ideas, but if I can’t do this I will write a list of reasons why I don’t like the particular article. What I learn when writing is how frustrating it can be to write without knowing beforehand what I want to write, and this is something I’ve done a lot. When I was in high school I would simply write essays without any background assignments helping me out, and while I did get A’s in all of my English classes I still regret not learning how to do outlines that can help out with my writing. So, I’m glad that in class it is required of me to do so, and because of this, I have familiarized myself with how a basic outline should look. All in all, I hope that I remember to use the strategies I learned in this class and apply them to other classes since it helped out immensely.

Adrian Aguilar

Shamecca Harris

ENGL 21002

13 May 2020

Discussion Post #5

When preparing for assignments I start as simple as reading the instructions. I don’t necessarily brainstorm ideas and jot them on a paper. depending on where I am the ideas flow through me.  Though at times it could take me days to think of an idea and the outcome I am trying to pursue. When I write I usually try to get as many thoughts onto the paper. If I ever get stuck I usually skip a paragraph and work on the conclusion or a different Idea. But before I begin this method, once I have an idea I do research to clarify my thoughts and the outcome that I will state. As I go through this process I don’t necessarily learn anything new. Besides new vocabulary and information on the topic of the assignment, where I learn the most is after the assignment is graded. The feedback or grade I receive allows me to reflect and realize that my body paragraphs, introduction, or whatever else, need more work to clarify my thoughts. I believe over the course of the semester my process has not changed. I continue to follow these steps but because of the pandemic I feel that I have become more lazy. Trying to come up with ideas can be hard at times especially when I have so many distractions around me. To complete my work I feel that mentally I have to be stronger so that I can focus on the tasks at hand. 

Syed Shataj Hosain

Professor Shameca A. Harris

Discussion Post# 5 

13th May, 2020. 

Writing is an essential part of college life. Every student needs a strong writing skill in order to succeed in their college life and also it is the same for me too. Before starting my written assignments I try to understand my topic and brainstorm about it. So, it gets easier for me to write about the topic. Before I begin writing, I try to reach my readers through my writing. I try to illustrate my opinion and point of view to them. As I go through my writing process I learned that I need to understand my ability to write and express my ideas, thoughts and knowledge based on the topic. Also, I struggle to put my thoughts about what to write and how to organize it properly which improves day by day as I keep going with new assignments. I think I successfully developed my writing process over this semester by doing different types of assignments. I tried my best to explore my thoughts, research and communicate with the readers to fulfill the purpose of the given task. It took me some time to understand and develop strategies for reading, drafting, collaborating, revising and also editing to make assignments. As time passed I think I was able to understand my mistakes which helps me to do better each time. I have surely improved a lot from the beginning. I do not have the highest grade on my papers but I know I have improved my writing skills. I began the semester with little to no organisation when it comes to writing but I feel more confident and able to understand that my writing becomes clearer and easier to follow through.