Page 63 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

4. Take it to the limit. Stretch the limits of your imagination.
Refuse to limit yourself by labeling yourself a poor writer.

5. Take it with you. Writing is a vital part of the real world.

Make it a part of your life.

Group Exercise 1-1 The Ideal Conditions for

Writing

In a group of three or four, discuss the ideal conditions for writing.

Think about questions such as these: What tools do you enjoy working

with? Do you write best with music or in absolute silence? Do you like

having others around, or do you prefer to be alone? Do you need

coffee or snacks when you write? Do you need room to pace, or do
you think best seated in front of a desk or a computer? After each

group member has contributed, see what differences and similarities

exist among members of your group. Have a spokesperson report

your group’s findings to the rest of the class.

If You Hate the Thought of a Step-

by-Step Approach . . .

This section is for those who rebel at the idea of a step-by-step

approach like the one described in this chapter . Although prewriting,

planning, drafting, revising, and proofreading are identifiable steps in