Midterm

In my opinion, I feel that a person is unable to determine what type of writer they are based on how they write. You either right for the pure satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that it gives you, or because you are told to do so and will be penalized for failing complete the assignment, never realizing which category you fall into. But, with no choice in the matter, I am forced to place myself in a specific category as a writer.

The revision process is something that Type A writers see as never ending, that a piece of writing can never really be complete. Type A writers see writing as powerful words that speak to the reader, the stronger the vocabulary, the more clear and easier the message will be conveyed to the reader. Type A writers strive to eliminate redundancy in their writing, because they feel that it is unnecessary and frivolous. They feel that their writing and strong vocabulary is symbolic to the reader, and can ultimately make or break their success as a strong writer.
Type B writers feel that their writing is a “constant process,” that they can “go on forever” revising their work to suit the readers expectations. They feel that revision shapes their argument, confusing the beginning and the end. Type B writers feel that their readers shape their revisions, keeping in mind that the reader influences their writing.

After reading the characteristics of the two different types of writers, I feel that I do not fit into either of those categories, because as a writer, I feel that it is unfair and untrue to limit you and your writing to specific categories. But, for the purpose of this assignment, I will force myself to determine what type of writer I feel I am, based on the characteristics of each type of writer.

Although I feel that writing and revision is a constant process that can be never ending and that readers do shape your writing, I would place myself as a Type A writer. As a writer, I tend to be short and to the point, very rarely repeating myself or being redundant. If you clearly state where you stand on the topic or a specific argument, there is absolutely no reason to keep informing the reader of that, and repeating unnecessary information. As a writer, I try to express who I am as a person and my thoughts and emotions on a specific topic through a strong, meaningful vocabulary that can speak to the reader in a meaningful way. Ultimately, the reader holds all the cards. A writer can continuously revise a paper, but in the end, it will never be complete until you have written something that can please any and every reader.

As a writer, no matter how old or how experienced I am, there will always be strong pieces of writing, along with weaker pieces of writing. At this stage in my college career, I feel that one of my stronger pieces was writing an argument, which was titled “Put an End to Drunk Driving,” As an inexperienced writer, I feel that I am strong at writing arguments or persuasive essays. In this piece, I explain the consequences that drunk drivers would have to face when breaking the law and driving drunk. In my opinion, I feel that I was able to show the reader why passing a specific bill to penalize law breaking citizens in a clear, effective way, providing them with evidence and my personal opinion, while still acknowledging an objective point of view. As with all papers, there is still room for improvement. Taking into consideration the suggestions of the reader (Howard Tinberg) I would change the title to something shorter and attention grabbing. Also, I would re-read the essay, and pay close attention to grammar and remembering to cite the source.

Part of being a good writer is admitting when you have a weak piece of reading, because lets face it, no one is perfect, and neither is their writing. The first piece of writing that we did early in the semester was an in-class essay based on eating disorders. After re-reading this piece, I feel that this is the weaker of the three assignments we’ve completed this semester. It was difficult to write this piece, not only because it was the very first college essay that I have ever written, but also because it is such a pressing issue in today’s society. Although I feel that I made some strong points as to why so may young girls suffer from eating disorders and why, but I feel that this piece is not a strong representation of who I am as a writer. During the revision process, I would relate today’s epidemic of eating disorders to the disgustingly thin celebrities that young girls idolize, and dream of someday becoming. Also, I would state in the very beginning that I shared the same thoughts and feelings on the issue as Kilbourne, and use supporting evidence from her article. However, the one thing that I would not change, is that it may be a passing fad, just fashion or music. As society grows and changes, it is very possible that their view of beauty and envy may too.