WRITING ASSESSMENT #1

My Writing History

Although EN 103 is entitled "Writing Seminar I," suggesting it is a first course in writing, writing has been a central activity in all of our lives since long before this class. Some of us write regularly in journals and diaries; others among us have written in a variety of forms, from academic papers to personal poetry; and still others can and do write in multiple languages. Some of us love to write, and others, frankly, hate writing. Yet, every time you commit a word to paper or print, you are creating another piece in your history as a writer.

For Writing Assessment #1, you are to write an informal but informative history of yourself as a writer: how and when did you learn to write (not just calligraphy but creating meaning through words on a page)? Has anyone or thing been instrumental to your learning to write? What are some of the earliest things you can remember writing? What are some of the things you have written of which you are most proud? Are there any writings that now embarass you or that you wish had never been done? In short, why do you write and what do you write? Do you like writing? Why or why not? What kinds of writing? What are your strengths as a writer? What are your weaknesses? Are these strengths and weaknesses your own assessment or based upon responses you have received from teachers, family, and/or friends? Do you feel comfortable calling yourself a writer? Why or why not?