I am fairly good at writing essays because of the formulas
that can be used. I think that it is pretty easy to follow but I have a lot of
trouble with the connecting sentences. I have a lot of trouble connecting my
ideas to each other and to the real world. Hooks at the beginning of essays are
my worst nightmare. I always try to fully develop my idea before I begin
writing my essay so the connections are clearer. It is really hard for me to
connect to things beyond just the book and what is written. Transitions are
hard to create because they are not a specific idea to be presented, but hey
have to be there for the essay to flow and make sense. I would really like to
get better are connecting things because that is what makes the essay
interesting. Without the connections it is just a skeleton of ideas. Some
things that I already do and could do more are really fleshing out all of my
ideas before I start writing the actual essay, brainstorming and creating a web
of ideas with arrows that connect. Some of my strengths include creating a
thesis statement, and then following the essay structure. I have worked really
hard to learn a good essay structure but in doing so I stopped working on my
transition sentences and I am not as good at those anymore. I am also good at
making sure I work harder on the things that I am not as good at. I make sure
that the things I don’t like doing and the things I am not good at are the
things that I focus on more. I don’t like writing essays but I always work on
my weaknesses.
I have a lot of trouble connecting thoughts and creating hook lines too... I think that the ability to connect thoughts comes with maturity as a writer and practice. If you have the work ethic you say you do I am sure you'll be good at it soon enough.
ReplyDeleteI am the exact same way, I have difficulty connecting my ideas in sentences and coming up with hooks that are strong but not cheesy. Transitions are a hit or miss with me, I either have a really good one or hardly a transition at all. Also, I really do not like writing essays.
ReplyDeleteUsing a formula can be helpful when you're trying to get started with an essay but one of the things that you should be doing is moving away from formulas (eek!). You should let your content dictate your format--not the other way around. That can be hard. And that doesn't mean you can't use a tried and true formula as you're beginning your essay. It just means that you may find that as you develop more complex arguments, they don't fit into the formula you're used to using which can be a little frustrating. As long as you're open to that though, then you'll be just fine.
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