Unit 15: Letter to the Instructor (1) - Assignment Deadline is ✓ Solved

Write a 2-3 page letter to the instructor, which includes your own analysis of your work in this class. You may discuss any of the following in this letter: your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and how these may have changed or your awareness of these may have been altered; the essay that you are most pleased with; the essay that you are least pleased with; the difficulty level of the various essays you completed for this class; the format of this class; the quality of lecture notes, instructor feedback on papers, and other materials; and the helpfulness of the textbook. Though this letter is to be addressed to the instructor, the real point of this paper is for you to reflect on this semester--how the course did (or did not) help you grow as a writer--and prepare yourself for other writing assignments you may have in the future.

Paper For Above Instructions

Dear Instructor,

Throughout this semester, I have undergone a transformative journey as a writer, deeply reflecting on my abilities, challenges, and growth. Writing is often portrayed as a solitary endeavor, but this course has allowed me to engage not just with the written word, but with my peers, my instructor, and the tools of composition.

As I evaluate my experience, I recognize both my strengths and weaknesses as a writer. One of the strengths I have discovered is my ability to express creativity in my writing, which has become more vivid through various assignments. My writing style has evolved to incorporate more descriptive language and figurative expressions, enhancing my storytelling capability. Additionally, I have developed a greater awareness of audience—the realization that my readers take a journey through my words, prompting me to choose language that resonates emotionally and intellectually.

Conversely, I have encountered significant weaknesses, particularly in structuring my essays. While my ideas flow easily, organizing them coherently has often proved challenging. Initially, I found myself jumping ahead in my thoughts, leading to a lack of clarity. However, with the constructive feedback received on my initial drafts, especially regarding thesis statements and topic sentences, I have made progress in creating more structured and focused essays.

The essay I am most proud of is my personal narrative, where I revisited a pivotal moment in my life. I chose to write about my first basketball trial in eighth grade, as this experience not only shaped my love for the sport but also taught me resilience and determination. The assignment provided a broad framework, allowing me to weave my personal experiences with reflective insights seamlessly. I utilized dialogue and sensory details to immerse the reader in my narrative, enhancing the emotional connection. The feedback from peers highlighting the relatability of my story encouraged me to embrace vulnerability in my writing; I discovered that exposing my personal journey can forge connections with readers.

On the flip side, the essay I found least satisfactory was my research paper, focusing on the societal implications of binge drinking among college students. I initially struggled to select an appropriate topic, spending hours deliberating before settling on this pertinent issue. While I gathered substantial research and data, integrating the findings into a cohesive argument posed a significant challenge. I spent too much time addresses tangential points resulting in an unfocused paper that felt more like a collection of facts than a compelling narrative.

Reflecting on the course structure, I appreciated the variety of assignments that simulated different forms of writing. The blend of creative assignments with analytical tasks enriched my understanding of writing as a multifaceted skill. The lecture notes provided clarity on essential writing concepts, effectively reinforcing our learning objectives. Moreover, the feedback from you, my instructor, was invaluable. Your insights were thought-provoking, guiding me to question my choices and encouraging deeper critical thinking about my writing.

The textbook assigned for this class was a rich resource that further supported my writing journey. The explanations of various styles and techniques offered practical advice that I incorporated into my own work. Engaging with the textbook allowed me to identify aspects of writing I wanted to explore more deeply, especially in the art of literary devices and their impact on reader engagement.

As I look towards the future, this course has equipped me with tools that I believe will prove fundamental as I tackle new writing challenges. I now feel more confident in my writing abilities and am excited to see how I can apply what I have learned to future assignments. Furthermore, the self-reflection cultivated through this letter writing exercise has underscored the importance of continuous growth in the craft of writing. I aim to carry this introspection forward, allowing it to guide my experiences and development as a confident writer.

In conclusion, I can say that this class has reignited my passion for writing and has encouraged me to embrace my voice. I am now more aware of how my experiences shape my writing and my writing processes. I am grateful for your guidance and feedback throughout this semester and hopeful for the journey ahead.

Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

References

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  • Lamott, A. (1995). Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. Anchor Books.

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  • Elbow, P. (2000). Everyone Can Write: Essays Toward a Hopeful Theory of Writing and Teaching Writing. Oxford University Press.

  • Behn, R., & Gorman, G. (2018). College Writing Skills with Readings. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

  • Bach, C. (2019). Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students. Routledge.

  • Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The Elements of Style. Allyn & Bacon.

  • Hacker, D. (2018). A Writer's Reference. Bedford/St. Martin's.

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  • Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2018). They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. W. W. Norton & Company.