Week 8 Writer’s Journal

Week 8 of College

1. 1. What I did
      • Took notes for multiple classes
      • Wrote on the discussion board for multiple classes
      • Took my psychology and government tests
   2. What went well
      • I studied very hard for my tests so I’m glad I knew what the questions were about when I took the tests.
   3. What was hard
      • Studying 3-4 chapters per test was difficult and time-consuming.
   4. To-Do List
      • Take my FYS quiz
      • Complete assignments for all of my classes
   5. Where I left off
      • Writing my analysis assignment polished draft
   6. Feelings
      • Since it was midterms week, I was rushing to study for my tests and finish writing all my essays. I’m happy to say that my studying paid off well because when I was taking my tests, I knew what each question was talking about. I just hope that reflects well in my test grade. To relax and wind down, I actually went out more than I usually do with my friends and hung out with them. It was really fun and I hope I have more days in the future to be able to relax again.

An issue that intrigues me is whether or not using first person narrative is acceptable. This is from the chapter “Response: Never Use ‘I'”. The author argues that first person narrative is necessary because it connects the writer on a personal level to the writing piece and to the readers which therefore elevates its quality. Other conversations happening around this issue are by organizations who have some part in writing such as test prep centers and colleges and any individuals who write such as students and bloggers. They talk about this issue through sharing their opinions on online blogs and pages. Their arguments and positions vary drastically. Some will lean more toward not using first person because it is just an informal, unscientific, and weak way of writing what you have to say. Others will lean more toward using first person, like the author of this chapter, because it can capture readers’ attention better and get them more involved in what you have to say. Then there are those who are right in the middle and say first person is only acceptable during appropriate situations. I notice that there is a lot of debate around this issue that does not seem to be clearing up anytime soon. There is no definite answer for what to do. It just depends on the person. The problem is important to me because ever since I was young, I was taught to never use “I”. Over a decade later, this chapter was the first to plant the seed in my mind that I should use “I” to elevate my writing. Now I am wondering just when exactly is first person narrative acceptable in writing.