Simona Isakova’s English Portfolio

Theory of Writing

This semester, I’ve formulated and articulated my own stance throughout all my writing assignments, and I’ve learned how to analyze difficult lab reports as well as write technical descriptions in the engineering field. I was also introduced to writing APA citations and correctly quoting articles and research papers. Furthermore, I was able to work with several of my classmates to create a deeply researched technical proposal for New York City infrastructure. This assignment has made me understand the importance of collaboration with my peers to research and develop a formal proposal and confidently present this proposal to the rest of our class. This semester has taught me how to write like an engineer and allowed me to formulate my own theory of writing.

Throughout the readings, my favorite by far was Ted Chiang’s “Story of Your Life”, the novela we read over spring break. This reading changed my perspective on linguistics and allowed me to try to understand the possibility of non-linear communication, specifically with aliens. Discussing this novela with the class gave me insights as to how my peers understood the overall idea of this reading and taught me the importance of conveying your thoughts through linguistics. This has led me to create my own theory of my writing, which consists of my way to verbally communicate with my audiences and allows me to portray my thoughts to someone else through linguistics. This allowed me to strengthen and empower my own writing because I am more aware of my intended audiences with whatever I write, so I can manifest my words in a deeper common understanding between myself and my readers.

This new way of understanding communication has improved my writing because it has made me more self-conscious about the choices I make when I write. I’ve started to think more about using different types of punctuation as well as incorporating different styles into my writing, such as a specific genre and tone for my intended audience. I think the most important aspect of writing is being able to communicate with your audience and reach a level of understanding where your words can resonate with the reader’s perspective and even allow them to question themselves and their own style of communication. Being able to have an impact on someone else after they have read your words is the type of writer I aspire to be, and I want my words to be meaningful enough that they will be remembered. After all, writing is one of the best ways to leave behind a portion of yourself, and I want to be remembered for the choices I make.

Another reading I enjoyed exploring in this class is Ray Bradbury’s “The Veldt” because of its interesting storyline and emphasis on technology destroying our lives. I particularly liked this story because it is very relevant to today’s society, and I’m amazed at how Bradbury can resonate his beliefs in a short fictional story and leave an impact on the readers. This story made me question how I use technology and if it’s destroying my imagination and creativity. This kind of impact is what I strive to maintain throughout all my writings so that my audience is interested in and moved by my thoughts and words. The other readings we read in class were also very instructional and taught me a lot about different writing choices and grammar, but none of them stuck with me like Ted Chiang’s and Ray Bradbury’s stories. They didn’t have the same impact on me as these two stories had, and even though they were very informative, I would not recommend them as a read to anyone else.

Overall, I believe the meaning behind my writing and its purpose is to convey my thoughts to an audience so that it leaves an overall impression and a lasting impact that makes them question their own thoughts and understanding of linguistics. I think that being able to resonate with your audience is what makes a good writer, and I believe that entails making good choices in your writing. My decisions I make when I write are carefully thought over, and I always have my audience in mind when I make them. This transition in my style of writing has improved my writing capabilities. This class has made me a better writer, and I thank my professor for having an impact on my writing.