When I get a writing assignment it typically takes me a long time to get started. I think about the assignment for a long time and try to get a basic idea of what I want to say. When I feel like I have a good idea I sit down and actually map it out. I usually just plan out my first paragraph and my main points--this is usually enough to get my thoughts flowing so that I am not just staring at a blank computer screen for twenty minutes. After this I actually start writing my paper. As I finish each paragraph, I go back and reread what I have said to make sure that it is all flowing the way I want it to. When I am finished with the entire assignment, I try to reread it, edit it, and have someone else look over it (although truthfully I am usually sick of writing by this point and just want to print it out).
One writing tip that I really think works well comes from my High School senior English teacher. He used to tell my class that each time we edit our papers we need to look at them with "fresh eyes". I think this is particularly helpful because I often get so caught up in my paper that I don't even realize I have gone off-topic, that my language is vague, or that things just aren't as strong as they could be. I think that it can be really beneficial to just take a break from an assignment and come back to it later when you can look at it from a new angle.
7 comments:
I like the concept of fresh eyes. It's a good way of looking at a paper.
Kristi you seem to have the same problem that i have when starting a paper. i tend to just sit there at a screen and think of a thesis, but really what we both need are to write an outline so that we can visualize what the paper is going to look like
I think we all have the "stare at a blank computer screen" problem. "Fresh eyes" is a cool way to think about it too. A break between writing and revising is a good habit to have also.
I know that when I need a break from writing, a nap or leaving it for the next day helps. It’s amazing what sleep can do for the mind.
Dang that fresh eyes approach is money! I actually have just recently started doing that unknowingly. It really helps if you just say to yourself before reading your paper, "what would I think about this if someone ELSE wrote it." Fresh Eyes are great.
I find it interesting that you write your first draft on the computer. For some reason ideas just seem to flow in my mind if I have a pencil in hand and can just jot down various ideas that come to mind. I also couldn't agree more with getting a little off topic while writing a paper. For some reason I struggle to keep the main body of my essay focused. That is a great piece of advice.
Scott,
Thanks for the tip on writing the first draft with just a pen and paper. Honestly, I don't think I have ever thought about writing my first draft on anything but the computer. It might actually cure my "blank computer screen" syndrome. I'll have to try it out soon.
Post a Comment