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Abigail Service
Prof. Wright
English 1010
02 February 2025
Dispelling the Myth of "Born Good Writers"
In the article, "Some People Are Just Born Good Writers" by Jill Parrot, the author
challenges a widely held stereotype: that writing is a talent that some people are simply born
with, while others are not. Parrot argues that writing is not a mysterious gift, but a skill that can
be developed and refined through practice, effort, and the right guidance. This perspective
contradicts the common belief that good writers are naturally gifted, and Parrot uses several
points and supporting evidence to persuade readers that writing, like any other craft, is something
that anyone can learn.
The first key point Parrot makes is that writing is a skill, not a natural-born talent. This
argument directly confronts the idea that some people are simply born with the ability to write
well. According to Parrot, just as one would not expect to master an instrument or a new
language without practicing and learning, writing is no different. It requires dedication and the
continuous development of skills over time. Good writing does not come from some innate
ability, but from the process of learning and refining one’s technique. Parrot’s stance is that
anyone, regardless of their starting point, can become a good writer with sufficient effort.
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Another critical point Parrot makes is that writing can be learned through process. The
author argues that people do not have to be “born good writers” because the craft of writing can
be taught and learned over time. This point highlights the importance of understanding writing as
a step-by-step process that involves consistent practice, learning new strategies, and
understanding elements of style and structure. Instead of relying on natural talent, successful
writers have likely honed their skills through years of practice and improvement.
The importance of revision is another concept that is emphasized by Parrot. She notes
that even experienced writers often need to revise their work, and the first draft is rarely the final
one. Revision, she argues, is an integral part of the writing process, and through revising, writers
are able to refine their ideas, enhance clarity, and improve their overall writing. This point
directly challenges the myth of the “perfect writer,” who is assumed to produce flawless work on
the first attempt. Parrot makes it clear that writing is a process of constant improvement, and
through regular practice and revision, anyone can produce work of a high standard.
Finally, Parrot discusses writing anxiety, which often stems from the misconception that
one needs to be naturally gifted to be successful. Many people avoid writing because they fear
they will never be as good as those who seem to write effortlessly. Parrot encourages readers to
overcome these fears and instead focus on the value of practice and persistence. With enough
time and effort, writing skills can improve, and anyone who is willing to commit to the art can
become a proficient writer. The evidence Parrot uses to support her arguments is both practical
and compelling. She references examples of well-known writers who did not start out as
exceptional but became successful through hard work and constant revision. Parrot also draws on
educational research that suggests writing can be taught and learned, further undermining the
myth that good writing is a gift bestowed only on the few. These examples and studies provide
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solid support for her claim that writing is a skill that can be developed by anyone willing to put
in the effort.
In summary, Jill Parrot’s article effectively challenges the myth that writing is an innate
talent and asserts that it is a skill that can be developed. Her argument, backed by both examples
and research, emphasizes the importance of practice, revision, and overcoming writing anxiety.
From my own experience, I agree wholeheartedly with Parrot’s points. Writing is something
anyone can improve at with effort, time, and persistence, and the idea of being “born a good
writer” is a misleading and limiting belief. As Parrot suggests, anyone willing to put in the work
can become a astonishing writer.