Reflective Writing

Take a moment and think back to the last time you had to write a paper. Shouldn't be too hard, considering you just turned one in last Thursday. Now think about the process of writing that paper. What is your paper-writing style? For your response, I want you to detail how you go about writing a paper. (Do you finish a draft in one sitting? When you get stuck, what do you do to get moving agian? How do you get started?) Then tell me the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.

Example: When I write a research paper, I've obviously had to read a lot of books and articles. When reading them, I underline things and make comments in the margin; so when I get ready to start writing my paper, I go back through all the books that I've written and type up all the things I've underlined. Then I re-organize all of those quotes by placing them into subjects and headings. Afterwards, I create an outline that helps me figure out where I want to put all of those quotes in my paper. Then I typically stay up all night and write my paper in one long session, usually the night before it's due. (As a writing teacher, I should not be admitting to this, and I certainly don't condone it.)

Strengths to this approach: Typing up all the quotes might take a lot of time (honestly, I do it while I watch tv), but it helps refresh my memory and allows common threads to appear. This helps me come up with some new ideas for my paper and helps me to see the bigger picture.

Weaknesses: Obviously I don't give myself any time to look over my draft again. This is a huge flaw in my writing process that I am trying to overcome. I understand the importance of revision, but I have a hard time practicing it.

Quoting Beliefs

Respond to one of the following quotes. Do you agree or disagree? Remember to use "evidence" to support your position. Evidence might include personal experiences, current events, something you've read in a book, or even something you've seen on tv.

1. The love we give away is the only love we keep. (Elbert Hubbard)

2. The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year. (John Foster Dulles)

Civil Rights Day

Hope you enjoyed your holiday. No posts were required yesterday, but we will start this blog for reals next week.

Welcome!

Hi! Welcome to our class blog.

Every Monday, you will start off the week by responding in the comments section of the blog to the question, quote, image, or whatever I end up posting up here. Sometimes there will be specific instructions to practice the techniques we learn in class, but most of the time, this is just an opportunity for you to express your thoughts.

I will send you an invitation to join the blog. Sign up using a name I will recognize (so you get credit for your responses) and then practice posting your comments by answering the following three questions:

1. Which season do you prefer?
2. What was the last song you listened to?
3. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?