English 150
Diagnostic Writing (In-Class Writing–300 words)
Topic: Knowledge of, Attitude Toward, and Interest in Field of Study
The focus of this assignment is to describe your major and how it connects with your interests or goals. If you are an open-option major, describe one or more of the majors you are considering.
Planning and Drafting
To identify why you have chosen this major and what it means to you, think about your experiences with the following or other events:
- your first encounter with this career
- ways others encouraged (or discouraged) you in this field
- someone you admire in this field
- how your interests connect with this field
- what you know about areas of specialization
- what you know about job duties
- advantages to this major/career
- disadvantages to this major/career
- concerns or questions you have about this major/career
- education at ISU in this major
- goals for this major/career
To focus your essay yet still give a range of experiences, pick two or three of these topics or experiences that you can briefly but specifically discuss. Be sure to discuss why each experience is significant and how these experiences relate to your overall feeling about this major/career.
When you turn in your final draft at the end of the period, include any drafts, notes, etc.
Some Evaluation Criteria:
- clearly states the writer’s attitude toward this major/career
- provides specific and relevant examples or experiences that demonstrate the writer's attitude toward and knowledge of this major/career
- is appropriately organized into paragraphs
- contains few errors in mechanics