How does the author feel about her writing abilities?
The author initially has a positive perception of her writing abilities. She sees writing as one of her strengths, enjoying it as much as math. However, after failing the writing part of the proficiency test twice, she begins to doubt herself and experiences a decline in her enthusiasm for writing.
Quote: “Until that time, I loved writing just as much as I loved math. It was one of my strengths. I was good at it, and I enjoyed it.”
How does the author feel about standardized tests?
The author expresses frustration and disbelief at initially failing the writing part of the proficiency test. She questions the validity of the grading, believing that the people assessing the tests don’t understand what constitutes good writing.
Quote: “Seeing my test results brought tears to my eyes. I honestly could not believe it… Apparently—I told myself—the people grading the tests didn’t have the slightest clue about what constituted good writing.”
Retell the author’s journey as a writer.
The author starts as a confident writer who excels in English classes but faces a significant setback when she fails the writing part of the proficiency test twice. This failure leads to self-doubt and a decline in her commitment to English. She eventually passes the test on her third attempt but loses the same love for reading and writing.
If you were Mrs. Brown, the author’s 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 proficiency test twice?”
Mrs. Brown might encourage the author to understand that standardized tests assess specific skills and criteria. She could suggest targeted strategies for approaching the writing portion, emphasizing aspects like organization, clarity, or specific content. Additionally, Mrs. Brown may reassure the author that test results don’t define her overall writing ability.
Has there been a time in your life when you doubted your abilities as a writer or in general? Explain.
The author expresses doubt and a decline in enthusiasm for writing after facing repeated failures on the proficiency test. Personally, if I have faced similar doubts, I might discuss a specific situation where I questioned my writing abilities but overcame the challenges through perseverance and learning.
How do you feel about your writing abilities?
The author’s feelings about her writing abilities evolve from confidence to self-doubt due to standardized testing. Personally, I might reflect on my own writing abilities, considering instances where external assessments may not fully capture my capabilities, and acknowledging the importance of self-belief in the face of challenges.
