Exit Letter Peculiarities - Essay Example

I am confident to say that after taking this course, I don't feel hatred for writing anymore. Surprisingly, I enjoy writing now and I feel more equipped to rise to the challenge of writing more reports in the military standard and with the proper use of the language, too. My writing process also changed. Now, it is clearer to me that writing entails four steps: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing.

Before, for prewriting, I would go straight to researching any books given to me on the topic or surfing the Internet. Now, I know that should set my purpose for writing first, whether to show comparison and contrast or cause and effect; identify my reader; limit my topic; draft a thesis statement that has the topic and controlling idea; brainstorm ideas and information to support the thesis statement; and that it is only when I draw a preliminary outline or map that organizes the main ideas logically.

After doing prewriting, that's only when going to drafting. It's when I put my ideas into sentences and concentrate on elaborating on and supporting my ideas. This is only when I start to connect my ideas. I also don't have to pay much attention to spelling and grammar at this stage. I just have to focus on writing what I know about the topic.  I am writing for myself here–more of just seeing my thoughts unfold.

I have read before that the real art of writing starts with rewriting or revising. Now, I think that it's true. Revising my paper would make it more effective. It's not enough that I correct the errors as I go. It's also the time that I think more about my reader–how many supporting ideas do I have to put in to be convincing; which terms should be defined; how will I organize my thoughts; and do I have to explain one idea before another can be understood? Now is also the time that I polish my work, make each sentence as brief and accurate as possible; make the connections between my ideas direct and clear.

The last step would be editing. Now, I have the confidence to check for such things as grammar and other mechanics. I also learned that aside from sending my paper to my sister for comments and suggestions, I can also hit spell check.

I can say that I gained a better knowledge of the writing process and also acquired a working knowledge of writing skills along the way. I now know that I have my style of writing and it's good because I do it with no pretensions. My style is simple and can readily be understood by any reader. I just have to pay attention to my grammar and the mechanics of language–punctuation, capitalization, and work.

I am better now in my daily writing and I am looking forward to applying all that I have learned in this class in the workplace.