Page 88 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

thought replaces it. Do not worry about spelling, about clarity, or about
whether your thoughts are logically connected. Just write.

Example of Freewriting

Burt’s freewriting on “goals” draws on his own experience.

I am supposed to do a freewriting on goals and I can’t think of anything to say. I should

talk about my goals, I guess, but I haven’t even decided on a major yet. My goal has
mostly been to get through each day. My sociology professor said that one characteristic

of poverty is a focus on today. A poor person wonders, “What will I eat today?” not “How
will I provide for my future?” People who are poor can’t afford to think of tomorrow

because today is such a struggle. I am goal-poor. I have accomplished so little in my life

that I feel afraid to set goals.

I guess I fear failure. I am even afraid to commit to a major for fear I won’t be able to do it.

I can set little goals, like making an A on a test or studying for two hours in the evening,

but I just don’t set big goals. I can still hear my father saying, “You will never accomplish
anything.” Maybe it’s not too late. I am going in the right direction by starting school.

Exercise 2-2 Freewriting

Freewrite on one of the following topics; then see if you have a focus
for a possible essay.

1. children

2. morality

3. friendship
4. television