Results of an informal survey I gave at the beginning of the semester last fall -- I asked students questions about writing, compiled the results, and shared them in class.

1. Writing: Strengths and Weaknesses Advanced Composition 28 August 2006

2. Introductions and conclusions Journalism and media writing (2) Grammar and mechanics (5) Vocabulary (2) Commas Starting early, planning (3) Use of too much or not enough supporting detail Vivid imagery Unwilling to show to people Poetry/Fiction (2) Weaknesses Strengths

3. Hard time writing for an expert audience Easy to follow for all kinds of readers Editing Introductions and conclusions Procrastination Experience in many genres (3) Creativity, coming up with topics (invention) Expressing emotion (2) Flow, clarity Good when excited about topic (3) Weaknesses Strengths

4. Misusing words Autobiography, entrance essays Not good with assigned topics Editing and rewriting Spending too much time on research phase, not enough on writing Description, building an argument (thesis support) Getting started Likes feedback Weaknesses Strengths