My Journals – Page 19 – Ethan's ePortfolio

Journal 19—Essay Writing Process Growth

My processes of work for this essay (last essay, #3) have been slow but steady. I have not put much energy into this paper yet due to my pondering around of ideas to put to words. Initially, I spent about 45 minutes on the beginning 300 thoughtful words to add onto my essay. As I wrote, I found myself getting too personal and veering away from the message my essay intended. So, I deleted it all. I started over again and went right past 300 words and am feeling somewhat on track to the topic. This time on task was about 1 hour and 15 or so minutes. I’ve also spent about half an hour on an outline for the basis of my essay. I make these to keep myself track of the topic and to remember which paragraphs will contain which information in an orderly and clean fashion. I have written this entire essay thus far (as I have been doing the entire time this semester) in my bed in my dorm. I find I can comfortably write when my body itself is comfortable. Weird, right?

My process for paper 1 was essentially what I have been doing for paper 3, however in a stripped down and virgin way. My first essay was filled with anxiety and fear for it was my first college English essay. I spent about 6 hours on the essay in two sittings. I suppose it paid off well as I earned a B/B+ on it, which is pretty substantial comparatively. However, I believe I managed essay 2 a bit better. I spread out the writing process over many different days at different times. This helped me compose my thoughts clearer and make a higher quality piece. For exam 3, I have just refined my process in essay writing. I’ve emphasized on taking long breaks and finding inspiration on ideas from my peers and their writing.