Comprehension
Understanding the task ahead of you is the first step toward successfully completing any goal or objective. This is no different when it comes to writing. Having some experience with the Eng 101 PAR or portfolio assessment review made that abundantly clear, and will do so to you as well. What seems like a simple idea on the surface can be much more complex and vice versa what seems like a chore can end up being a simple exercise in understanding the assignment. Understanding the objective even though it seems like a step that would come naturally can be the most difficult part of a writing assignment.
Writing as with most other fields of study comes well stocked with terminology and theories that unless understood can seem to be in truth written in another language. The beginning of any writing project therefore would be the interpretation of this new language and the understanding of exactly what is being asked for. Until we know why we are writing its pretty difficult to know what to write.