Assessing+Yourself+as+a+Writer

=Artifacts=

1) Writing-to Learn: Class response or Wiki post, one paragraph or 150 words.

2) Expressive/ Reflective Essay (3-5 p)

3) Expository Essay (3-4 p)

4) Persuasive Essay (3-4p)

5) Unfamiliar Genre: A portfolio of writing in one genre of variable length. You will propose the genre and write reflections about your progress.  Select one for final portfolio.

(1) All drafts of work to date. Print out drafts frequently to exhibit progress on word-processed writing. Only final drafts must be typed. (2) A one-page "Reflection" explaining: a) How far you've come (on this piece) b) How satisfied you are c) What kind of response you need or what you want to know about this draft
 * Included with All Submitted Writing: **

Presentation: Place all work in a pocket folder in the following order- (1) Reflection (2) Final Draft (3) Previous drafts and/ or notes

The Portfolio
An example of a journal entry (e.g. Wiki posting or reader responses) Two examples among expressive, expository and persuasive An example of an unfamiliar genre (Genre Sample Only)
 * Artifacts ** Required:

Clean drafts are essential, but early drafts may be included, if they show improvements. Early drafts need not be included just to fatten the portfolio.

At least one artifact should exhibit significant revising between drafts. That artifact should include multiple drafts, but not necessarily every draft. You should demonstrate evidence that you have revised successfully.


 * The Reflective Letter ** is the most significant part of your portfolio and should be treated as a full-length piece of writing (3-5 pages). Some topics you might consider include

why you wrote each piece the processes you followed in some or all of the pieces assessing the success of your composing strategies what your goals were for some or all of the pieces how you met curricular goals for the course e.g. learning through writing, taking risks, revising drafts, learning a genre

Try to make the letter coherent, addressing your most important concerns about writing. You are trying to make the reader understand your strengths, weaknesses, and growth as a writer and, in doing so, understand you as a writer.

Reflective Prompt:

When you think of yourself as a writer, what metaphor suits you? E.g I'm like a truck that starts very slowly in first gear, just sputtering a few ideas on paper, then I start up-shifting until I'm in fourth or fifth gear and the sentences come faster and faster. On the return trip I stop here and there to throw off the excess load or pick up some new ideas that make the trip worthwhile.