... my downfall, because I skip the planning stage, which in turn, causes my overuse of revision/editing during and after the writing process. Drafting is one of the many important aspects of the writing process. It is the writer's chance to combine thoughts and ideas together on paper. Most people look ... on topics and ideas in ways verbal conversation does not allow. It is a writer's chance to pinpoint their flaws and fix them. Whether it is trouble with grammar, detail, organization, or creativity, I feel that the sooner I have a completed draft, the more time I have to point out my flaws...

• Word Count: 1063
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... mind, for writing is my passion. I entered my first writing contest in the second grade. The elementary school sponsored a children's book contest every year, in which teachers encouraged students from second grade and up to write, illustrate and bind a children's book. Three students from each entering ... better of the best. A part of me enjoys obtaining a higher grade than someone else. The competitive side, I would guess. Not to mention that one of my dreams is to be accepted and attend Stanford University. Personally, I believe receiving an acceptance letter is prize in itself. As...

• Word Count: 2564
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School

... a multitude of ways. What most people fail to realize is that some sort of written communication is environment of our everyday life. Every time someone speaks, opinions are formulated and the audience makes judgments based on the quality of speech. This same relationship occurs between authors and ... for the reader to hold a positive opinion of the writer the reader needs to be provided with neatness, correct spelling, punctuation, sentence structure and proper grammar. If the writer fails in this area the article will be vague and confusing to the reader. Poor written communication ca...

• Word Count: 506
• Approx Pages: 2

... high school, I honestly did not care about the quality of my work, which reflected my own self-image. Now, I am returning to college after a five-year absence, determined to prove everyone who judges me on my failures wrong. Although I still procrastinate, I will do everything possible to make my work as perfect as can be. Unlike Natalie who writes with a #2 yellow pencil ... to say, I will think of how to introduce the reader to my point, and how I sum it up. This is something I have always struggled with, and can be seen on every paper I have ever written. I have never been good at th...

• Word Count: 1631
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School