To some extent, we will model our work on essays done by professional and other student writers. You will be asked to read a number of essays related to each genre assigned. Writers learn by writing about things that matter to them. The personal inventory sheet will remind you of topics that might inspire your best written expression. You may also propose to the instructor a very different, but personally important, writing task as a substitute for one of the major assignments.
Writers usually write for a very specific audience.
Your standard audience consists of your peers in class and your instructor. But for each essay you will also name the periodical in which your essay might appear. Any paper that appears in print somewhere during the semester will automatically receive a grade of A. Writers learn best in a climate of invitation and affirmation, not one of relentless criticism and competition. Especially in the early stages of writing an essay, writers need the space to risk much, without fear of reprisal and quick judgment. The finest writing results from revision following a response from an audience.