Your Instructor, ENG 100

Hometown: Hickory, NC

Year & Major: PhD, Language, Literacy, and Culture (2018)

Special Power: I can listen to a song for 3 seconds and know the name and artist.

Favorite Quote: "Never go against a Sicilian when death is on the line"

On Writing: I've always enjoyed composition and journaling when I was younger. In high school, I would always write last minute papers and would never revise them. I found out quickly in undergrad that this was not the best strategy. Now that I am writing more technical and scientific pieces, I am still struggling to be cohesive, yet concise. I enjoy metaphors, flowing descriptive imagery, and attempts at humor. I find that I write best in pieces with lots of revision.

Double click on the screen. For the On Writing section, you can address your writing process or answer the following questions:

1.  How long do you give yourself to write a paper (let's say a 5-7 page paper)?

2.  Do you prewrite?

3.  Do you write a paper all at once or in pieces?

4.  Do you revise?How?

Year & Major: freshman, computer engineering

Special Power: indecisiveness

Favorite Quote: “You've gotta be slightly stupid.” - Joe Strummer 

On Writing: I'm a big procrastinator. Starting a paper on time is a big struggle for me. Besides that, if I really enjoy a subject, I have a great time writing. If I am not so passionate, writing can be quite the struggle. I don't exactly write outlines, but I will cover a sheet of notebook paper in comments of whatever I think will fit nicely into my paper. As I am writing, I will add and cross off comments. Once the paper is finished, my 'outline' is usually illegible. I like to put humor into my writing but it usually just ends up being a few inside jokes no one can understand. Because my writing is usually last minute and written all at once, I have a friend proofread it to check for any errors I may have missed.

Year & Major: Freshman, Bio Pre-Med

Special Power: I can eat more than my body may seem to sustain.

Favorite Quote: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

On Writing: Usually on any writing assignment, it takes me a couple of days to make an outline for the paper I'm going to write. I would write my paper in one sitting, but revise it section by section with the help of my brother. My peers would always critique my essays and give me feedback on pieces of my paper I wouldn't take a second look at. Taking up each assignment in English, writing has always been a learning process for me.

Year & Major: Freshman, Mechanical Engineering

Special Power: I am really good at guessing what time it is.

Favorite Quote: "Live the life full of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual."

-Ernest Hemingway

On Writing: I enjoy writing pieces on topics that interest me. In high school I would write my papers last minute and it usually worked out well. I really like writing short stories. I will most likely give myself much more time to write my essays in this class than I did in high school because I would like to be able to have some peers review my work before I turn it in. I do not prewrite much but I do like to plan out in my head what my paper will look like and the overall structure for it. I usually revise just by checking to make sure there are no grammar mistakes in my papers.

Hometown: Linthicum, MD

Year & Major: Freshman, Mechanical Engineer

Special Power: Solving Rubik's Cubes

Favorite Quote: "Feel the Bern"

On Writing: As I have grown older, I have learned to enjoy the art of writing. When I was younger writing came very easy to me so I always dismissed it as an important class. The process of writing has become very interesting to me. I enjoy reading people's thoughts and how they gather them in an essay. My writing may not be the greatest or the longest, but I do like putting my thoughts in a well written manner. I typically would give myself about a month to write at least 7 pages, considering i have only written that much once in my life. I try to get my entire paper finished in one session, but I hope prewriting will help my writing process. Revising is an important part of my writing, because I usually write once and revise once: making it half the process. I keep my writing to myself and my teacher.

Year & Major: Freshman - Bio-Pre-med (Kinesiology)

Special Power: Forgot my english when I was 5

Favorite Quote: "You can't see me."

On Writing: See, I'd like be able to write great pieces but I just can't write. My essays end up coming out they way I speak. I can be formal but the way I type it ends up being the way I speak. I think I'm a little too descriptive because I have difficulty in explaining literally anything but I want to be able to get my point across.

1. I haven't really wrote a 5-7 page paper in awhile but i'd probably give myself around 2-weeks do to so.

2. I kind of do, I kind of don't. Depends if I can wing it or not.

3. I write my paper all in one piece.

4. Yes, sorta. I usually try to revise a few days before an exam or something but of course, there's the mandatory last-minute cramming session the few hours before.

5. Rarely I'd give my paper to my mom or something but I usually don't.

Year & Major: Freshmen, Biology BA

Special Power: I can watch shows non-stop for a whole week or more.

Favorite Quote: "I love you to the moon and back"

On Writing: I usually take at least 2 days to come up with ideas either by writing my thoughts down or listing them out. It would take around a total of a week to properly write a 5-7 page paper. I would always jump around my paragraphs either typing or, revising it or, adding to it.. I would revise by asking others to read my paper and getting their opinion. I also look over my paper to see if there are any red underlines to show my mistakes in sentence structure or spelling. However, I do not usually like to write and I usually get stuck with my wording.

Year & Major: Freshman, Communication and Media Studies

Special Power: Knowing actors, director, and writer for movies

Favorite Quote: "So it goes." - Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse Five

On Writing: I don't give my self long to write a paper. Usually, I type for an hour or two and hope it reaches the length of the assignment. I rarely prewrite but I do make outlines. Revising is a foreign concept. I let the computer do all the work. Sometimes, I reread but if a paper is long enough, I hope for the best. People read my work only if I feel proud of it. The professor validates the pride. So, people get to read it AFTER I get a good grade.

Year & Major: Sophmore, Pre-Nursing

Special Power: I can recognize a person after seeing them once.

Favorite Quote: "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game"

On Writing: Since high school I didn't really enjoy writing. I honestly haven't written in a few years. I don't enjoy writing about topics I have no interest in, the more passionate I am about the topic the easier it is for me to right about it. I would probably start a 5-7 page paper 3 weeks before it's due. I like to map out my ideas and draw graphs to build them up before I start writing. When I prewrite I write down all my thoughts in a notebook and then take pieces and use it to make up paragraphs for my essay. I revise my papers constatnly. I print my paper put and revise it myself. Once I've revised my own paper I give it to my parents to proof read for me before i hand it in.

Hometown: Westminster, MD

Year & Major: Sophomore, MLL - Spanish

Special Power: I can read people's minds.

Favorite Quote: "What goes around comes around".

On writing: I've never really enjoyed writing. I'm a person who would rather express my ideas verbally. When I'm writing a paper or a report, I like to give myself plenty of time to write my ideas into sentences. I usually give myself 3-4 hours depending on the length and topic. I find that if I have the littlest distraction, I won't be able to write well at all. I don't pre-write my papers and I usually write everything in one sitting; I don't segment my writing. I like to revise my papers while I'm writing and usually proofread my drafts 2-3 after completion. I usually get my sister to read over my papers before I turn them in (she is an English major).

Year & Major: Class of 2019, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

Special Power: I can sleep a lot.

Favorite Quote:

On Writing: I have never been really proficient at writing. Throughout my schooling career I have been critiqued that I have good ideas but they are not voiced properly. However I have taken these criticisms and have improved upon my writing, but I know it can still be improved upon. I want to become a better writer and become better at voicing my ideas. I was never in the advanced English class always in honors in high school. 

1. I would give myself around a week to write a well written 5-7 page paper with multiple drafts. However if need be I can knock it out in one day.

2. I don't usually pre-write I usually go in and write whatever comes to mind and then edit as need be.

3. I usually write a paper all at once taking breaks as need be.

4. I revise when I am finished but i usually take a break step away from the essay when I am finished come back and do my edits.

5. If time allots I will ask my brother to look over my draft he is a very proficient writer and helps me voice my ideas better.

Year & Major: Freshman, Biological Sciences in the Pre-med Track (2019)

Special Power: I get easily distracted.

Favorite Quote: "Everything happens for a reason"

On Writing: Overall, I usually give myself 2-3 sittings to write a paper. In order to write a 5-7 page paper, I sit down for 5 minutes and think to myself about the topics I can elaborate upon. Then I take a few minutes to write a rough outline. After i have an outline, I look up reliable quotes and place them strategically throughout my paper. Then I sit down to write. I tend to write in pieces because it's difficult for me to write a paper in one sitting. It's beneficial for me to write in pieces because it gives me time to think about and come up with new ideas. I have a lot of revisions because I revise for concepts and grammar. I usually do not ask others to read my assignments unless it's something very important.

Year & Major: Freshman, Information Systems

Special Power: I can sing and act.

Favorite Quote: "If you can dream it, you can do it." -Walt Disney

On Writing: I have always enjoyed writing somewhat. I like writing when I can choose the topic and when I am writing about something that interests me. I do not like writing when it is an assigned topic or something that does not interest me.

1. I would give myself about a week to complete a 5-7 page paper

2. I always do an outline before I start my rough draft.

3. I sometimes write a paper all at once if it is short. If I am doing a research paper, I do it in chunks.

4. I always have someone peer edit my work. When I am reviewing my work, I read it out loud to myself. I do a rough draft and possibly a second draft before I do my final draft.

5. I always have someone read over my work before I turn it in.

Year and major:freshman; biology

Special Power:can learn a language easily

on writing: It takes me a few hours to write a 5-7 page essay. I usually plan ahead what I am going to write and I like writing my paper in pieces. I like to ask my teacher and peers to revise my essay before I turn it in. Overall, I do enjoy writing if it's on an interesting subject and I believe the skills in writing are essential in any career.

favorite quote:"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched-they must be felt with the heart."

Year & Major: Freshman, HAPP, Pre-Physical Therapy Track

Special Power: I can fall asleep anywhere

Favorite Quote: "Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."- Albert Einstein

On Writing: I don't really know how i feel about writing. I usually prefer open-ended questions or more opinionated papers because it lets me write what i want and what I believe in. If it is something that interests me then I can write for pages without a problem but if it is something that doe not captivate me then my writing is not usually the best. I usually give myself 3-4 days to write a paper because i feel its the perfect length for me to start and finish writing. If i give myself more time I drag out the paper and go too slowly and my point gets lost. I don't usually prewrite because i feel like there is no point. I just like writing one draft and tweeking it as i continue writing. I write a paper in pieces because I work better in small bursts of energy and i get more writing and better material written in short segments. I revise my papers by re-reading my sections piece by piece and I read it aloud to make sure it sound right and that there no errors. I usually do have someone else read my assignments before i turn them in, like my sister or my friends and they are usually pretty helpful.

Year & Major: Sophomore, Biology B.A.

Special Power: Being average

Favorite Quote: N/A

On Writing: I've always enjoyed writing, but I never enjoyed english classes. I love the process of thinking of ideas and composing a paper with those ideas to persuade another. Also, because I came from Korea not knowing any english, english classes and writing were not liked at all.I give myself a very short time to actually write the paper, but I spend anywhere from a day to weeks thinking about ideas and organizations for the paper. I do not pre-write, revise, or have others look over my paper, because I focus more on ideas and organization rather than convention or the grammar side of the paper.

Year & Major: Freshmen, Pre-nursing

Special Power: I can eat a whole meal in less than 10 mins.

Favorite Quote: "No one has the consent to make you feel inferior."

On Writing: I was always more of a math geek, so I never really liked English composition. I always had a hard time writing concisely and I even took a Advanced Composition class in High school and my teacher would always criticize me for that. But I really enjoy free writing and talking about my life. I spend hours just thinking of what to write because I am really indecisively and take days to finish a final draft.

Year & Major: Freshman, Biology Pre-Med and EHS

Special Power: learning new languages

Favorite Quote: "If you find a job that you love, you will never work a day in your life" -Walt Disney

On Writing: I don't think I am the best writer because of my grammar. I have great ideas and I am able to create work with good imagery and descriptive scenes, but sometimes the grammar ruins it or I structure the paper wrong. I usually take extra time to revise my papers both on structure and grammar to make sure it makes sense. I tend to not always procrastinate but it happens every once and while. I usually take 2 days to write a 5-7 paper. One day for a layout of what I am going to writing and gathering information and the next day to do the entire essay and ask others to revise it. I believe that revision is the best thing to do to improve my writing and it helps a great deal I probably revise an essay 5 times before turning it in.

Year and Major: Freshman, Physics

Special Power: Procrastination

Favorite Quote: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."

On Writing: Writing has always been one of my favorite things to do. For me, putting my thoughts in words is much easier than saying them out loud. Being verbal has never been one of my strong features. Spending time writing gives me the chance to express my thoughts in the best way I can. Before writing a paper, I have a chance to sit and collect my thoughts, so that I can say exactly what I want to say. Editing and revising an essay gives me a chance to fix my mistakes, until there are none. Writing, to me, is the best form of expression, because the final product should always come out perfectly in line with how the writer feels.

Year & Major: Freshman, Mechanical Engineering

Special Power: I can and I can not.

On Writing: Over time writing has become more important to me in that i've been able to utilize it as a tool to express my true thoughts that i can't in conversation. I enjoy a more abstract style of writing and on the other hand scientific writing is one of my stronger areas.

1. When writing a paper of medium magnitude like a 5-7 page paper i'll usually give myself as much time as I'm allotted in order to allow myself multiple opportunities to utilize the free time in my schedule to sit down and write. That being said, I can also sit down and write the whole thing in a day if I have the time.

2. I usually do not prewrite. Often times i'll plan out a paper by jotting down notes on a piece of blank paper so i'm able to plan it out any way I choose (sort of like a mind map).

3. As i said previously it largely depend on the free time and schedule I have when i have a writing assignment due but i do enjoy writing in pieces because it allows me to reflect on what i've already written when I'm not writing. This permits me to go back and fine tune my paper so it can portray my thought process as accurately as possible.

4. Like i've just stated i do revise but over time in order to make sure my paper represents exactly what i want it to say.

5. I usually don't ask other people but if i'm unsure i'll go to my brother (who is a senior here at UMBC) for his honest opinion on what i've written and possible changes. Although this has been true for the past, the writing help in the library i've just been introduced to in class could be a future help to me.

Year/Major: Freshman, Information Systems

Special Power: Understanding references quickly

Favorite Quote: "So this is how liberty dies... with thunderous applause"

On Writing: I don't like writing but I am not terrible at it. I write a paper all at once and I don't break it up between days. I do not draft my papers nor do I spend too much time revising. I sometimes have my friends read my papers for revision. For a 5-7 page paper I may spend 3+ days.

Year & Major: B.A History, B.S Computer Science (2019)

Special Power: I possess the ability to levitate in the air for a couple of seconds.

Favorite Quote: "Veni, Vidi, Vici" - Julius Caesar

On Writing: Since a young age, I enjoyed writing stories and other forms of prose; albeit my grammar and vocabulary was very poor. In the first few years of my high school career, it was evident that my writing was incredibly weak and required some guidance. However, in the latter stages of my high school career, my teachers were able to cultivate me into a stronger and more convincing writer. I am currently writing more historical papers instead of literary critiques and analysis. Allusions are a very strong point in my writing and my friend enjoy listening to my allusions.

1. I would most likely give myself several hours to write a five to seven page paper.

2. No, I do not prewrite. However, I do conjure up ideas in my brain and occasionally write them down on a paper.

3. It can vary; I have the capacity to write my paper in one sitting because my ideas are consolidated within my headHowever, if my brain is experiencing some sort of entropic meltdown due to the complexity of the topic, it may take a couple days to concoct a paper.

4. I typically revise my papers, but I usually ask a friend to revise my papers because a third party's vantage point is typically more broad than my own. If I am unable to find a friend to revise my paper, I typically give myself a three hour break from my paper and revise it after the break.

5. Referring to my previous answer, yes I do inquire my friends to revise my papers. They typically provide profound insight and revisions.

Year & Major: Freshman, Computer Science

Special Power: I can sing pretty decent

Favorite Quote: "What I want to know, is are you kind"

On Writing: In previous years I've taken writing courses that have ranged from composition intensive "scare tactic" classes, to reading intensive British literature. My first thoughts on English classes in high school were that of time consumption and minimum effort, yet as the years went on in my tenure I grew very fond of the reading/critical thinking procedures and how each poem in British literature told a unique and powerful story.

When it comes to writing I typically rush, leaving no time for revising or second thought. I usually have a peer or family member read it over before final hand in dates but I would like to improve. This class will hopefully give me the tools and the knowledge to form a great foundation for future job writing and professional endevours.

Year & Major: Freshman, Biology BA, Psych BS

Special Power: Staying up all night without getting tired

Favorite Quote: "The problem is not the problem, the problem is the attitude toward the problem"

On Writing: Never had too much interest in writing. In high school I just went with the flow and everything worked out fine. I like reading books, but only if they interest me. I usually write my papers in one sitting and let the ideas flow. Do a little pre thinking and small outlines. I revise by asking someone I trust or reading it over at least 2 time slowly. If I am not confident about the paper and I have time to make changes I will ask someone to give it a glance.

Year & Major: sophomore, English and Secondary Education

Special Power: twin telepathy. My twin sister and I sometimes have converstations entirely composed of 

-"You know..." 

-"Yeah, definately"

and it makes sense to us.

Favorite quote: "We are men of action. Lies do not become us." -The Princess Bride , AKA best film known to man

On Writing: It usually takes me a couple of spurts to get my first draft. I find it really helps to make an outline —sometimes just a couple sentences in a word web—to get ideas flowing. After drafting I usually print it out so I can write on it as I revise. One time I took scissors and cut up my draft so I could physically rearrange the paragraphs; while incredibly helpful, it was also very messy. Depending on where in the writing process I am have questions, I'll have a friend (or a writing consultant) read through the draft with me.

Year and Major: Freshman, Biology

Special Power: Pretty good at guessing the time.

Favorite Quote: "Do not let your difficulties fill you with anxiety, after all it is only in the darkest nights that stars shine more brightly"

On Writing: In High School, English class was usually a class that I liked over my other classes cause my teacher were always great. I did procrastinate on almost every project, unless it was a group project. Depending on what kind of paper it is, i would give myself about two days to ten days to write a 5-7 page paper. I sometimes prewrite not all the time. In High School, I would write my papers all in one maybe two days. I will usually re-read my paragraphs as i finish them, and once im all done i get my brother or friend to look over it.

Year & Major: Freshman, undecided

Special Power: To travel where ever I want.

Favorite Quote: "Live life to the fullest."

On Writing: I enjoy writing because it allows me to express my thoughts and be creative. However, I do struggle with writing. I would like to become a better writer. It would probably take me less than a week. I like to pre write before I write my essay and brainstorm. I like to write my essay in pieces because it is more organized. I revise by reading over and editing it. I ask a peer to read my assignments.

Year & Major: Class of 2019, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology

Special Power: I can sleep a lot.

Favorite Quote: "The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today."

-H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

On Writing: I have never been really proficient at writing. Throughout my schooling career I have been critiqued that I have good ideas but they are not voiced properly. However I have taken these criticisms and have improved upon my writing, but I know it can still be improved upon. I want to become a better writer and become better at voicing my ideas. I was never in the advanced English class always in honors in high school. 

1. I would give myself around a week to write a well written 5-7 page paper with multiple drafts. However if need be I can knock it out in one day.

2. I don't usually pre-write I usually go in and write whatever comes to mind and then edit as need be.

3. I usually write a paper all at once taking breaks as need be.

4. I revise when I am finished but i usually take a break step away from the essay when I am finished come back and do my edits.

5. If time allots I will ask my brother to look over my draft he is a very proficient writer and helps me voice my ideas better.

Year & Major: Freshman, Biology

Special Power: Eating entirely too much.

Favorite Quote: "I see trees of wow and such roses too, wow very amaze for doge and you"

-Louis Dogestrong

On Writing: I generally start my writing projects at a reasonable time. The time I set aside for an essay depends on its length. I do not plan enough for my writing assignments and should start preparing more effectively.