Essay One
Whenever I write, at home or school, I always ensure that I am focused. Not only do I focus on the topic or theme of my essay, but by first making an outline of it. For me, an outline is the framework where you put brief yet coherent ideas into place – and it works wonder! It is like making my work done in no time. Whenever I use an outline, the next step that I do is to proceed writing freely. Everything that pops up in my mind can simply be inserted in the outline while I do the prewriting.
After I am done with the outline and prewriting, I redraft my essay. I do this by rereading my first draft, extract additional ingenious ideas, add more details, rewrite some portions, and proofread or check my spelling. I then leave my redraft for some time so that when I look again into it with fresh eyes, there is a greater likelihood of spotting a few mistakes in my grammar, punctuations, word choice, and so on – and correcting them. Depending on the type of composition that I am doing, such as if there is a need for facts or information from other authors, I properly cite the sources of the articles that I had quoted or paraphrased.
I write the way in which I do because I want to express my ideas, opinions, feelings, etc. about myself, an issue, and so on. I know that there is no better person who can express all of what I am going to write more than I do. Although I see the composing process as a daunting task, I also consider it as a regular challenge to improve myself as an excellent writer someday. Just like in this essay, I wholeheartedly put into writing whatever I have learned so far. I follow English rules in grammar, process analysis (prewriting), and other writing techniques (e.g., use of exemplification, comparison-contrast). I also keep on reading informative materials, biographies, journal articles, and so on related to the courses that I am taking. I cannot simply overestimate the contributions other people share with others so that there will be more proficient writers.
As a self-evaluation of the effectiveness of my composing process, it is effective for the simple reason that I can express myself the best that I could possibly would. I meet my objectives as a writer. My target readers understand what I am saying and can even interact with my message. They can see in themselves whether what I am saying makes sense. Further, readers can follow my line of reasoning and feelings. This is because, whenever necessary, I make my composition plain and simple. I do not want to make things complicated for myself or other people. If simple words are enough to express myself, I do so. Why should I make it difficult for others who simply want to know what I am writing about?
Given the above personal scenario, one of the positive effects of my composing process is ensuring that my draft, its sentences and paragraphs work together to achieve its purpose – to support the main idea, topic, theme, thesis, etc. of my essay. I just cannot simply write just about anything, but strictly follow the rules applicable to my composition. For example, I always have to write meaningfully and direct my readers to the nitty-gritty of my writing. Further, I always make sure to address question such as, ‘Will my readers be able to grasp what I am saying? If not, there is no reason why I should continue writing.’ Whatever my message is, it should deliver its intended purpose.
On the other hand, one of the negative effects of my composing process is my own limitation as a writer. It is not enough for me just to apply some of the techniques that I already knew before taking this course; otherwise, why should I still take this course? I know that my composing process is not that good enough because there is always room for improvement. Thus, taking this course means so much to me. I will be able to turn the negative effects of my composing process into a positive one. I will learn new things that I thought I already know, but in fact, not yet or just a bit of them.
Some aspects of my composing process that I think are most likely to change over the course of this semester are my composing strategies, vocabulary, proficiency, etc. I mentioned strategies in composing process because there are many other things that I still do not know. Only my instructor, with long years of experience teaching with mastery English writing courses, can share with me things I am supposedly required to know better prior to the end of the semester. I also mentioned higher volume in vocabulary because I will also be required to read materials relevant to the course. With time, I will encounter new words and apply them as I write. Subsequently, I will have an increased level of composing proficiency after successfully completing each, if not all, course requirements.
On the other hand, some aspects of my composing process that I think are most likely not to change over the course of this semester are my originality (personal touch) and creativity. I believe that as a writer, I also possess an indelible ‘marksmanship.’ Because of my personality (whether attributable to my genes or not), upbringing, supportive families and friends, peer influence, etc. I know it is hard for me to get rid off informally my originality in expressing myself. Likewise, my creativity in coming up with my own ideas and how I present them in written words are proofs of my own writing skills. Hence, I just really cannot underestimate the influence of the variety of factors in my life, that is, not to mention my own understanding of the world as I see it with my mind’s eyes.
Other aspects that need attention for me to take to the next level of composing process are learning more from experience, that is, through reading, group interactions (brainstorming), etc. I strongly believe that to be an adept and a competent writer, I should regularly write, rewrite, and write again. Just like physical exercise is for the body – so do mental exercise. Without exercise, I can have soft muscles and sickly body. The same holds true with writing. I should at least have to commit myself writing at least a minimum of 300- to 500-word personal essay (e.g., diary, journal) for me to hone further my skills and competencies. Who knows I can be some of the best American writers who have to rewrite many times over their written works just to make it pleasing to their readers. Therefore, I must do writing and rewriting just to prove to myself that I am worthy of going to the higher levels of composing.
Works Cited
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