Revisions

• As far as how my paper actually looks, it turned out longer and with more paragraphs. I broke up some of my body paragraphs into different ones and added a conclusion. Other then that my paper didn't exactly "look" that much different.
• I did not make major changes, but I did make some changes to the organization. I changed up some of the information and added different details in different body paragraphs. Other then adding more content, I didn't change much of what I already had. This is because I felt comfortable with my content but more because I didn't feel my peer gave as helpful hints as he could have. Most of the information he gave I didn't technically agree with or wasn't exactly helpful, not to be rude or mean or arrogant or anything in that manner. 
• I felt as if I was a little too wordy in this essay. I tend to try and make it more entertaining by adding extra words and at times it could sound a little bit too much. It wasn't a huge problem in my paper but it was something I can deffinetly improve on.
• 90% of the revisions I made were just from rereading my paper. When I look back I could have made even more (but thats besides the point). I got some small tips from my peer but nothing I honestly really liked. Most the details I included in my paper was for a reason. 
• I believe the strongest part of my paper was the detail. I felt I did a good job at allowing the reader to visualize what I was writing. I added enough detail to at least try and keep the reader entertained and not have them feeling as if what they were reading was generic. The weakest part of my paper was most likely the way I concluded it. I felt I could have built up to the conclusion better then I did. The ending seemed a little more abrupt then I would have liked. Also as I stated before I felt I was a little wordy at times in my essay.

Grade A Paper

• Detail

If you want an A paper, you need detail. If you want a C paper, leave out the detail. Detail is what makes a paper, its the difference between reading a paper and actually understanding a paper. It grabs the audiences attention and keeps them entertained. If you think about it, detail in a paper is what separates the average writer from those who make a living off writing. It allows the reader to have a mental image of what they are reading which always makes a paper more fun to read. Instead of saying, "the teacher was very boring" say, "the way the teacher read to the class in his monotone voice put the class to sleep."

• Dilemma or Problem

Including some sort of problem in which the narrator must overcome always makes for a better paper. It brings suspense which always keeps the reader interested. It doesn't always have to be a dramatic dilemma, just something the character or narrator must solve to get to the conclusion. It gives the reader a reason to stay tuned! Who doesn't love listening (or in this case reading) to other peoples problems. 

• Flow

Another big difference between an A and C paper is one that flows. A paper that sounds choppy and includes sentences that don't work together are never fun to read. And never receive a good grade either. Instead of covering many topics in one paragraph for instance, make sure to relate everything and try not to catch yourself getting off topic. Also make sure to use transition words to enable it to flow better. For example therefore, furthermore, however, etc.

I often find its hardest for me to include detail in my papers. I believe I usually lack sufficient detail to make the reader invasion what I'm talking about in my papers. For some reason it always seems if I add too much detail it sounds choppy. Adding detail is what I expect to improve on this semester. 

Potential Topics

The first topic I might write about for my literacy narrative is my experience writing my senior paper. My senior paper was on Biggie Smalls and how his album 'Ready to Die' was a piece of art. Since it was required to be at least 8 pages, this was the first "long" paper I had to write. My teacher gave many great tips and taught me the many topics I should touch on when writing about a single character. 
      A pro about this topic is that it was fairly recent so the ideas I do have to write about are fresh in my mind. A con however is that I feel as if I might get repetitive if this is my topic. I might not have enough ideas to write about.


My other idea for the literacy narrative would date back to 8th grade. I believe we were required to write a 4-5 page narrative story of a time someone has helped you get through something in life. For the life of me I just couldn't think of a good topic. So what did i do? Well... I made one up. Funny I know. At the time is seemed like a great idea..how hard could it be? Until i actually tried writing it and would repeat myself every other sentence. Im not sure how my teacher couldn't tell it was all a lie.
      A pro about this topic would be that it could make a great story. However a con would be that since it was in 8th grade I might now be sharp with all my details.


I couldn't even give a good 3rd topic. There would be no point because I could honestly say I have no other topics worthy enough for a narrative story.

Writing 101

Writing is a vital aspect in life, we use it all the time. Whether it's to express your emotions in a self diary, for a hobby, and even for communication. Writing exercises your brain and lets you express yourself in a different kind of way. HOWEVER.... writing is NOT for everyone, and I seem to be one of those everyone. It seems every time i try and get in the writing mood, something is pulling me away from it. Writers block has my number if you know what i mean. I can't write a single paper without experiencing it. I might be on a roll for a good amount of time but then BOOM.. I sit and stare at the screen with complete emptiness. I'm actually surprised I haven't gotten it just writing in this blog.

That leads me to explain exactly why I took this class. As you can probably tell by now it wasn't exactly because i enjoy writing or because it enables me to express myself or because my brain runs free in an empty field of pretty flowers and colorful butterflies.... No, to simply put it i took this class because I had to. As a required course I didn't have much of an option. So I won't lie to myself or others and say this is going to be my favorite class, however I DO understand the importance. I also do fully understand why NEIU would require this to be taken.


Everything you do in life seems to require some sort of writing. School applications, tests, job resumes, communication...you name it, you're writing. Requiring writing 101 is more then fair and what you learn from it is more then useful. I myself would like to get as much as I can out of this class. The first step is actually learning how to write, but after that I want to excel in writing. Meaning I want to be able to easily write any type of essay. Whether it's a narrative, persuasive, or procedural piece of work. I want to get rid of the constant writers block I experience. I would also like to leave this class with a different view towards writing. When I receive writing assignments now, I DREAD them. I look at it as a chore, and I hate that I feel that way about it. More then just how I look at writing i hope to excel in my writing skills. I want writing to be my strong suit in life. So much so i could rely on my writing skills to exceed in either school or in my workplace depending what i choose to do in life. I want to be able to be able to smoothly write out what I'm thinking in my head without it sounding too choppy or repetitive. I want to be able to clearly communicate my thoughts in the proper manner. Too simply put it, I want to learn HOW to write!
Hopefully writing 101 can do that for me.


YOURS TRULY!