Whitney Jones
ENGL 483
Writing Biography
June 24, 2013
Writing Biography
When I am assigned a writing assignment two thoughts come to mind; correct grammar
and creativity. The two are of equal importance when it comes to writing; however, I have
struggled with one more than the other. Over the past year my motivation to improve on
grammatical errors and creativity has developed. The fear that was experienced when asked to
write a critique, story, over view, etc… has started to fade. I have had the pleasure of working
with teachers who are willing to take the time and help to stimulate my motivation for writing.
This is a tremendous accomplishment compared to my earlier experience with teachers.
I have encountered numerous point deductions for grammatical errors. Grammar was just
a small part of my elementary, middle, and high school experience. Worksheets were the source
for teaching grammar. This form of teaching was unproductive in my case. Once I reached high
school the teachers assumed that I was well informed on the topic of grammar; however, the
consequences for errors were less severe than college. The poor grades and multiple red pen
marks frequently appeared on my works during my first college years.
My patience for writing was at an all-time low. I felt that the teacher’s assumptions for
grammatical correctness were unrealistic. I needed someone to help me improve on this issue,
not continuously penalize my mistakes. After two years of unsuccessful growth with my
grammar I finally encountered a teacher who took notice of my weakness. This teacher saw the
positive in my writing, creativity. The professor helped me to improve on my weakness by
idealizing my strengths. Her patience and kindness was exactly what I needed to develop on my
struggle with grammar.
At times I felt like a child learning something new for the first time. All of the grammar
instruction that had been taught to me in the past was almost nonexistent. The worksheets served
their purpose at the time but lacked the ability to sustain any long term knowledge. Relearning
the rules and guidelines of grammar was a challenge, but a challenge I was willing to accept. Of
course not all of my grammar studies were lost; however, I had forgotten enough to cause issues
for me during my years of higher education. When the teacher helped me to focus on my positive
writing abilities I was able to build on my strengths, that in turned aided in a positive
development on my weakness.
When being told you are wrong and not receiving a reason why can lead to
discouragement. I was constantly seeing red marks and x’s with no comments as to why it was
incorrect. The past year of college has served as the most promising in relations to my writing.
The classes that I have been required to take for teaching have been beneficial, especially when
grammar is involved. I have received more positive comments and help from teachers at
Longwood than any other school I have attended.