Chapter 3 Learning to Write Academic Prose in a Second Language: A Literacy Autobiography

I enjoyed Connor's advice for ESL writers. I have always struggled with number 4: learn to share your writing with others. It is something that I have always struggled with due to lack of confidence in my work. Doesn't matter if it is a teacher, friend, family member, etc. When I put all of this time and effort in writing what ever it is that needs extra attention, my biggest fear is does it sound right, do I sound like I know what I'm talking about, is there too much/not enough information, relevance, etc. I feel this is something that many students, both L1 and L2, deal with all of the time and it starts at a young age no matter what language you first learned. The fear of messing up and possibly the harsh reactions of past educators that have haunted you to this present day. This aspect is something I hope to foster in my classrooms as a TESOL. Students can hold back their true potential due to this lack of confidence/fear etc and we should help one another for the better- not just pointing out the worst. No matter what age you are or what level of proficiency you're currently at. We're all learners- yesterday, today, and tomorrow.