Page 102 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

term goals, or both. If you do not have enough material to pick and
choose, prewrite a little more.

Topic 3: Discuss your personal values and

the people who have influenced them.

Tips for Prewriting

Use any of the methods outlined in this chapter to prewrite on your

values—your ideas about what is important and how you should

conduct yourself. Think about your core values and beliefs. Your

values shape your attitudes toward work, money, family, and
relationships, among other things. For example, in the area of work,

some people define themselves through their work, while others see

work as simply an activity that funds their real lives. Some people

believe that hard work speaks for itself, while others believe that

networking is necessary for success. Often, these values are learned

from parents, grandparents, friends, and mentors. As you prewrite,
think not only about your values but about the people who modeled

them for you. Be as specific as possible.

What Now?

After you have completed your prewriting, look it over and decide
which values and role models you want to write about. Keep in mind

that the best ideas for writing often have a story attached to them. The

sweaty summer spent earning your own money may have taught you