The Syllabus for this course says, "Coursework guides students toward understanding themselves as authors of texts that hold meaning." Think about writings you have produced in school that are special, rich, powerful, beautiful, provocative, controversial, and memorable. Think about how you have touched people with your words, perhaps in a poem, story, letter, or essay. Consider all that you bring to this writing course. Using a 3-4 paragraph structure, discuss your ability to write "texts that hold meaning."  Focus on a specific skill or talent you possess; how you are able to effectively communicate with others. Support your position with sound reasoning, experience, examples, and observations. Your purpose is to convince your audience (instructor) that your position is valid and/or true. Therefore, the essay must include the following: A suitable title that indicates the topic (Hint: Diagnostic Essay is not a suitable title.) An introduction paragraph establishing a context for your argument, i. e., why it is important, who it affects, controversies, etc. A thesis statement, i. e., a clearly stated position/major claim at the end of your introduction 1-2 body paragraphs that provide sound evidence and/or reasoning to prove your position   A suitable conclusion paragraph that brings the essay to a satisfying close ​