- How does the author feel about her writing abilities?At first, the author was felt very confident about her skills as a writer, but after taking the proficiency test her perspective as a writer changed. In paragraph 7 Shannon said “ After I failed the test the first time, I began to hate writing, and I started to doubt myself .”Shannon was a very smart student all of her life she considered that she was a great writer but after failing the writing part of the test, she began to question her self of what was she doing wrong. After failing the test the second time she feel like a failure which discouraged her tremendously, and from then on she lost her passion for writing.
2. How does the author feel about standardized test? The author believes that standardized test require extensive preparation and pressure. As evidenced by the statement in paragraph 2 “after months of preparation and anxiety, the pressure was on.” It is clear that she felt inmense pressure due the exam as a requirement for graduation. Additionally, Shannon expresses frustration with the grading process in paragraph 6 “The people grading the test didn’t have a clue of what a good writing was” This also shows her thoughts about the test by thinking that the test wasn’t being graded fairly.
3. If you were Mrs. Brown, the author English teacher, what would you say when the author asked “ How can I get A’s in all my English classes but fail the writing part of the profiency test twice? As a teacher I would tell her that a grade doesn’t define heras a person, and that failures do not define her intelligence or potential as a student. Instead they are opportunities for growth and learning.
4.Has there been time in your life when doubted our abilities as a writer? explain. Yes, there has been several times where I doubt my writing, I was born in a Hispanic country so I’m a spanish speaker and that has made it a little difficult for me when it comes to spelling, grammar etc. Despite that I’m here to learn and try to be as efficient as I can.
2 thoughts on “Heydi Canales, Conversation 1”
Heydi, I really liked your response. It’s clear that Shannon’s experience with the test really shook her confidence. It’s difficult when your passion turns into doubt.
HI, I completely agree with you in question #2, standardized tests really do give you some anxiety since it basically shows how good you’re doing at your grade level, personally I’d feel very pressured because I wouldn’t want to feel like I am falling behind. I also agree with you on the last question, I was also born in my country and learning a new language itself was very difficult for me, I have learned to read and write better but I do think there is improvement to be made still. I enjoyed reading your answers!