Introductory Writing Sample
This writing assignment gives you a chance to introduce yourself to your
teacher by describing some of your experiences as a reader, writer, and
learner in English, among other aspects of your personality. It also gives
you a chance to identify some hopes and fears you have for this course and
the school year.
You will write a short letter, addressing your teacher, in which you’ll
answer/respond to the following questions (though you do not have to do so
in order):
● What would you like me to know about you?
○ Any fun facts about you?
○ How long have you been at Masters?
○ Do you have preferred pronouns? (Feel free to add this when
you sign your name)
○ Who are important people/what are important things in your
life?
○ What do you do for fun?
○ Anything else that’s important for me to know!
● Tell me about your relationship with English class
○ Is English your favorite subject - be honest, I won’t be offended!
○ What is your favorite memory around reading, writing, and
English class? Feel free to tell a story or two if there are specific
turning points!
○ What do you enjoy most about studying English?
○ What is your least favorite memory around reading, writing, and
the study of English? Any horror stories?
○ What are your strengths as an English student? What are the
things you feel like you need to improve on?
● What are you most looking forward to this year (does not have to be
related to school or a specific class)?
● What brings you worry, anxiety, or fear about this year (does not have
to be related to school or a specific class)?
● What are your expectations about “Untold American Stories”? What
would you like to learn in this class?
Guidelines:
- This assignment is in letter form so you must begin with addressing
your teacher and sign it with your own name.
- You can decide how you’d like to group the information - you are not
required to have a certain number of paragraphs, just that you
answer all of the questions.
- 12 point font, double spaced, feel free to be creative with the font;
after responding to all questions, your letter should be at least 1 page.
