The “Saving Private Ryan” Approach To Writing Part 2

Before I went and got my GED, I had not had to write a paper since I was in the eighth grade. I studied for about three months before I took my GED. The last few weeks were spent writing practice essays, and having my teachers critique my work. In the beginning, I had no idea just like Tom Hanks as to where to begin. In an essay or any writing assignment, you are given a topic to write on or a question to answer, but you cannot just answer the question, or simply say you like the topic you are writing about. You have to thoroughly explore all angles of the topic, or fully answer the question being asked and explain why with supporting details. This can be intimidating for someone who does not have a lot of experience with writing essays. Thank goodness for my teachers, who like Tom Hanks did for his men, showed me the way to approach the project and led my through my proverbial beach.

When I begin a writing assignment I usually use a writer’s web to expand my thinking. You could say this is like Tom Hanks getting his head together before ordering his men up the beach. After which, I take my ideas, and put them into organized paragraphs and sentences, and work my way slowly down the paper, just like the beach. Once I have placed all of my thoughts on paper, I tie it all up with my conclusion. This to me is like taking out the final German machine gun bunker. Of course this is not the end of the paper. I then go back and proofread and revise my paper and tie up any loose ends.  Just like the Americans taking control of the beach, and capturing or killing any Germans that were left behind.

If I had to say that there was anything I would like to change about my writing, I would like to break away from the five paragraph format, since that is all I know. Like I said in the beginning, I not only apply this state of mind to my writing, but I also use it every day in my life. I think as long as I always have an attitude that when faced with a project, no matter how big or small, is to attack it a little at a time and it will eventually get done, and I will have taken my beach.

I felt this assignment was fun and creative. As far as discovery; I discovered that it was easy for me to get my thoughts on paper, when I thought it would be difficult. This is one of the first times that I just started writing my thoughts down without any sort of genuine organization or pattern. It was very interesting, and eye-opening experience.