Writing To Me

1. Throughout the first part of high school, my English teachers mostly focused on the structure of an essay. Of course, we were taught to write in the typical five paragraph format and keep within the firmly cut out guidelines. Only as we strayed from these rules were we marked down. Although since then we have been taught to vary our writing styles and create unique formats, this stage of learning clearly defined the fact that you need an overall structure. Whether it is five paragraphs or twenty, the structure of my writing has greatly improved and has become one of my biggest strengths. Also, although at the time everyone was greatly opposed to having to go through this step, teachers made us write out a whole outline. Even after we were no longer forced to make these, I found that my writing advances and develops more and more as I plan out and continue to expand my thoughts.

2. The thing I need most in order to improve my writing is multiple opinions from outside sources. I go through and edit my papers numerous times, but when I read my own writing I always miss errors that need to be fixed. The biggest tool I could use is other people to help me rephrase sentences and correct my many grammar mistakes.

3. The aspect of my writing which most needs to be improved this year is my grammar. Typically through the many grammar quizzes and tests throughout grade school my scores have been above average. However, when it comes to applying these skills to the real world, I retain little knowledge. Grammar is a major weakness of mine. Also, my introduction and conclusion paragraphs need a whole lot of assistance. I never know how to create in interesting enough opening paragraph to draw the reader into my paper, and my conclusion always just ends up repeating my boring introduction.

4. For me, writing is like pole vaulting. There is much preparation and practice, and techniques get better and better over time. In addition to the groundwork done beforehand, there are steps and phases that must be performed before each and every time you begin the process. In pole vaulting, distances must be measured individually in order to ensure the vaulter lands safely on the mat. In writing, outlines must be formed to map out topics in the general order most appealing to the reader. As the vaulter takes off down the runway, the writer begins a first draft. It starts off slowly, but picks up speed with every step. As the jog turns into a run, a first draft is formed and the editing begins. When the pole is firmly planted in the box, the main idea has come across clearly to the reader, and they are hooked with interest. With grace, the vaulter flies in the air, no longer controlled and limited to where her feet can place her on the ground. The sky is the limit as the writer takes off with the topic and reels in new and interesting ideas to support her topic. Just as the vaulter twists herself over the bar, she pushes the pole behind her, and begins her ending. She falls elegantly backwards as the writer wraps up the final comments in her concluding paragraph. The fall on the mat is one of relief and safety as the paper is finally complete and all those who watch the final product stand in awe and amazement.