Literacy Narrative
ENG 101 0902
09/02/2023
After I read “Proficiency” by Shannon Nicholls, I could feel her discouragement of her writing ability. Nicholls was confident for her academic because of her good maintenance of her grade in English from the start. However, she began to doubt herself when she failed the writing proficiency test which must be taken for graduate from high school in Ohio. Even though she prepared well and got A in all her English classes, but she still failed the proficiency test twice. It causes her to be unable to graduate from her high school. She was frustrated and helpless at that period. Nicholls questioned herself three times. The first time would be the moment she took back the result of the first ninth-grade proficiency test. She did not believe she would fail the test when she saw her writing proficiency test result. Nicholls has written “Writing! Yeah, right! How did I manage to fail writing, and by half a point, no less? ” She soon reviews herself about her proficiency of her writing. “I surely spelled every word correctly, used good grammar, and even used big words in the proper context. How could I have failed?” Then she expressed her confusion, remorse, and rage in the chat with her English teacher when she failed the second time of her proficiency test. “How can I get as in all my English classes but fail the writing part of the proficiency test twice?” She can’t understand the standard of the test and accept the proficiency test that based on grader opinion denied every effort she has put into English writing. It made Nicholls hate writing and refuse to take English as serious as before.
If I were Mrs. Brown, as the English teacher of author, I may encourage her something
like “Everyone fails at some point. I can see you have some difficulty with
it but do not be discouraged by it. Writing is subjective. You and I could have
different thoughts on the same writing. The important thing to make them
believe you’re good in writing is to believe yourself and write as much as you can.
You are capable of more than you know.”
I have a similar experience to Nicholls. I was confused about my ability as a writer. My high school teacher had criticized my writing though I tried my best on it. She thinks my writing is messy and bland. Then she failed my writing test. It was frustrating. After that, I don’t have much confidence in my writing. Even so, I would be working hard to improve my writing skill and ability as much as I can.
3 thoughts on “Jason Chan Conversation 1”
Hey Jason, I liked your response as if you were Ms.Brown. It didn’t take away from her writing ability. Still, it weighed in on the fact that everybody has different thoughts and that as long as she is confident in her writing and herself, all she can do is continue being her. Per your experience explained above, I can relate because, in my early education, teachers had a tremendous impact on how I saw myself as a student. Sometimes, their words came from the heart, and others came from malice, but I am learning not to let everybody’s words and remarks make me who I am and definitely not the writer I am today. Of course, you can take constructive criticism but also think for yourself.
I agree that it is understandable that the author felt that way towards writing after the results she received. Who wouldn’t feel upset after failing on something they worked hards towards. I also agree on you pointing out that her teacher , Mrs.Brown, should’ve sat down and spoke to her on why she got such result on the writing exam because how is the author able to grow in her writing when the problems with her writing are not addressed. As for my personal experience with writing I am thankful all my educators throughout my life were never too harsh on me if they ever thought of ways I could improve they always explained themselves appropriately and with professionalism towards me as their student. Thus I do agree as well on the point that you can always find ways to improve and grow your writing ability.
Hi Jason, I had a similar experience with a teacher where after I was criticized, I was extremely frustrated. That feeling can be so irritating and bothersome. Not only that, but how leads you to feel less confident in your writing. I’m sorry to hear that you now have less confidence in your writing and that a teacher instead of helping you, failed you. I hope this year you can feel more confident in your writing and not feel any self-doubt about your work!