Theory of Writing Worksheet

Complete the following prompts to begin drafting language that will become your WP4 Theory of
Writing statement.

1. What is your metaphor or simile for the way you understand reading, writing, and/or critical
thinking? Examples: To me, writing is like a box of chocolates or Like a skateboard, reading is
best understood as a tool for getting places.
To me writing is like eating ice cream real quick. It makes my brain hurt.

2. What was your understanding of writing coming into this course or college in general? How
has your understanding of writing grown with each class or each project? Give examples to
support your claims about growth.
My understanding of writing was the simple notion of following directions and doing what the
prompt say. My understanding of writing has grown by seeing that writing is something that
needs to be done outside the prompt and does not necessarily restrict you.

3. What has contributed the most to your overall understanding of writing?

I think the overall extensive amount of research we have completed in class.

4. Revisit the Eight Habits of Mind important to student success (Curiosity, openness,
engagement, creativity, persistence, responsibility, flexibility, metacognition). Which three do
you feel are your strongest habits? How so?
I believe persistence and curiosity are my strongest habits because they enable me to write
with an open mind and keep pushing until I can get my thoughts through writing.

5. Revisit the Eight Habits of Mind important to student success (Curiosity, openness,
engagement, creativity, persistence, responsibility, flexibility, metacognition). Which three do
you feel are your weakest habits? How so?
Probably creativity, because sometimes I am too direct with my writing which leads to writers
stump.
6. Revisit the 4 outcomes for college writing courses (rhetorical knowledge; critical reading,
thinking and composing; writing processes; knowledge of conventions). Define each of the the
outcomes below in your own words, and then write a claim about your learning in that area. To
what extent have you learned them? Where can we see evidence of this learning in your own
writing or writing process?

Example: To me, Rhetorical Knowledge is [insert definition]. In my writing I have learned [insert
claim], which can best be seen in my [insert evidence or an example from your own work].
Rhetorical Knowledge:
To me rhetorical knowledge is the ability to be able to accurately analyze a text and be able to
dictate what it means.

Critical Reading, Thinking and Composing:

To me critical reading, thinking and composing is the ability to be able to interpret any text and
figure out what its purpose is and be able to replicate the techniques used in the text.

Processes:
To me processes are the steps in the creation of a piece of writing. It is the guide a writer uses
to successfully create a piece of writing.

Knowledge of Conventions:

To me knowledge of conventions is to know what type of punctuation to use and making sure
spelling is correct in your writing.

7. What do you still need to learn about reading, writing, or critical thinking? What could you
learn? What should you?
Probably about critical thinking, because sometimes a hit a slump that is really hard for me to
get out of.

8. Reading, writing, and critical thinking are activities useful to many professional fields and
career goals. Looking ahead to your future studies and career, how are these activities relevant
to your discipline of study or future profession? In what ways have your college writing courses
prepared you to be an active professional? Example: In [insert field] writing may not seem
important, but secretly it is because
In my future career goals as a doctor, writing may not be a big factor but will be a great skillset
to have when the situation needs it.