Self Assessment

Throughout this semester I want to work on my confidence as a writer within the grammar department. I consistently feel unsure of my writing and myself when I try to do something different with my sentence structure. Instinctively, I do not want to be wrong or get marked down on my writing because of an error I made. So I change my sentence to a plain, safe sentence (For example, in my first few sentences I am very cautious of my punctuation, only using commas thus far. Which is a typical case of me playing it safe). Also, I have issues with trying new concepts in my writing because I am a simple person and a simple writer. I like to stick with what works. The classic, if it isn’t broken; why fix it? (The irony in my prior sentence, trying something new but expressing my feelings on not liking to change what is currently working) I love to write, and I love the passion and voice writers put into their work. I want my voice to stand out more in my writing and I feel it is possible if I gain confidence and security within my use of grammar throughout this course.

In order to gain confidence with my use of grammar in my writing, I want to know the rules of using a semi colon. I think semi colons are fun, interesting and have the capability to provide depth to writing. In my opinion (which may be right or wrong), semi colons usually mark a point in peoples writing where they are leading up to expressing a key, dramatic point. With my experience reading novels, my favorite parts of the book is when the writer has a fast pace and intense scene going and then all of a sudden the writer slows down the writing and with doing so it provides drama to the scene. Semi colons contribute to writing by giving a deeper explanation of the point in which the writer wants to get across to its audience. This all goes back to me wanting to express my voice in my writing more by providing intensity through grammar. I want to experiment with using a semi colon this semester because it will contribute great depth to my writing style.

Also, I want to work on my creativity within my writing, as well as with my grammar. I love to use unique words in my writing. I hate using the same sentence over, and over, and over again ( hence my prior sentence). My word choice is typically pretty good; it is just my writing that needs more complexity, especially within my sentence structuring. Often times I find myself with a great point I want to make to my audience and I result in creating an average sentence with average sentence structuring. Gaining knowledge on how to write with complexity and unique sentence structuring will help me get my point across to the reader in a more creative and strong way. Instead of me continuously writing boring sentences. Being familiar with proper grammar, which is fun, intriguing and exciting, will be an extremely beneficial tool and challenge to accomplish in regards to my future as a writer and a future teacher.