To some extent, we will model our work on essays done by professional writers and student writers. You will be asked to read essays for each genre. 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 a very different, but personally important, writing task as a substitute for one of the major assignments.
Writers usually write for a specific audience.
Your standard audience consists of your peers in class and your instructor. For each essay you will also name a periodical in which your essay might appear. Any paper that appears in print 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 space to take risks without fearing reprisal and quick judgment. The finest writing results from revision following a response from an audience.