Weaknesses: Algorithmic Rules

Areas of my writing that I feel like I struggle with a bit more :(

Introductions & Conclusions

From analyzing some of my written work, I've known that condensing my points into the beginning and end is somewhat challenging for me but I think I've gotten better over the years. It's likely due to knowing that the introduction and conclusion are what will make the most impression on the reader so I feel pressure to think of the perfect hook and ending after expending so much energy writing the body. This could also be a type of rule I've inflicted on myself ("If it doesn't align with the intro, don't mention it"). In the past I've tried to revolve my body paragraphs around the hook which constricts my thinking process when trying to expand on ideas. 

Not Having Room to Voice my Opinion

When answering essay prompts that leave no space for me to expand on what I'm writing about, I tend to burn out more quicker. I suppose this could also be type of rule I followed that "I must know everything about the subject at hand to write a good essay." However, this is more a skill of synthesizing and summarizing that I needed to develop through practice and that's the only way it would get easier.

Writing Narratives

Although I said I prefer writing essays where I can express my viewpoint, having no references for structure and having to rely completely on my imagination also has been challenging for me in the past and still is now. Generating writing without a clear goal in mind almost feels like I'm flying blind which causes me to have a blockage in the process as well as due to lack of inspiration or direction. I believe these things are important in any type of writing. I just happened to have trouble with creating my own direction unless guided by a person or a source outside of myself.