The word I would choose to sum up the semester up until this point would be prioritizing or prioritization. I would say last semester or term was far less time consuming than this one. This seems to be the case of all my classes. I do not know if it is my bad planning or large course load that makes this semester more demanding. However, I am certain that I could improve my stress with decent time management. I hope that this word characterizes the rest of my semester, because, for me at least, more time results in more effort. More effort consequently results in better grades. Last semester, I implemented a calendar into my weekly routine. To be more specific, I bought a dry erase board and color coded all my classes for different days of the week. For example, any classwork that was written in red I completed on Monday, and blue on Thursday, and so on and so forth. I stopped doing this towards the end of the semester, when things began to wind down. However, after seeing the importance of scheduling, I will ensure prioritization will happen by getting a homework journal, dry-erase board, calendar, or by setting reminders on multiple devices instead of just one.
February 2021
Daily Write #9
I appreciate and agree with my instructor’s comments. I did not put as much time into this paper as I could have, resulting in poor transitioning and overall connectivity. It really showed me the impact that time has on a paper. Although I’d properly color coded and identified all my sources, the lack of time made it difficult to effectively link them to my topic sentences. On the next paper, I will be sure to allot more time to connecting sources and to properly citing. My instructor’s criticism is always very constructive, which is an immensely refreshing.
Writing Group Wednesday #4
During the group session, my peers were extremely helpful in explaining what the tasks were, and how to execute them. Firstly, we discussed what the objective of the session was, then we began discussing our different approaches and sharing our confusion. We shared ways that we started on part 1 of project 2, and everyone was kind and patient in answering questions. Some questions asked were: “Can we have more than one type of food” and “What does other name for the food mean?”. These questions emphasized the importance of brainstorming and peers, which, in consequence, will help me grow as a writer.
Synthesis Unit Reflection
This paper proved difficult in that it was hard finding a thesis that both articles could support. I liked my thesis, but I feel I could have done it better if it were an argumentative essay. I learned just how important it is to have a good thesis, so that you have enough facts to keep the cohesiveness and structure maintained. Additionally, the importance of smooth transitioning became apparent in this paper. I had to revise many times before I was mildly satisfied with my transitions. It is not so much a matter of finding transition words to use, but how to insert those words eloquently into my paper. Fortunately, the synthesis essay that I completed last semester really helped. It gave me a clear idea of what the goal of synthesizing is, and how to effectively execute it. I will use what I have learned from this paper for other classes because I now know what the process looks like to create a strong, clear thesis. Also, identifying key concepts and ideas in the given sources before hand really helped me support my topic sentences. Synthesizing is crucial, in that it shows you how to support and incorporate many things into an argument.
Daily Write #8
I would say the only hesitancy I have in writing a research paper would be effectively incorporating the research to my thesis or topic sentences. Specifically, making sure that I am bolstering my topic sentences with sufficient evidence. I can overcome this apprehension by identifying the main idea of the research and the topic sentences, to ensure that they correspond.
Daily Write #7
In light of my peer’s comments, I will redo my hook to make it more captivating to readers, add more body paragraphs, and learn how to properly cite in text quotes.
Writing Group Wednesday #3
This week, I found the peer review to be very helpful and very insightful. My peer’s comments highlighted errors and oversights, and made me reconsider my topic sentences. Additionally, when reading my peer’s essay, I noted good things, such as a title page and a captivating title. I noticed, for instance, that I had not put my title in the proper spot, but rather, just as the first sentence, which could confuse some readers. Additionally, I had to correct some of my peer’s citations, which allowed me to properly correct mine. Overall, the group session was highly beneficial and successful.
DW #6
The most challenging part of drafting my essay was remembering to synthesize the sources; to tell how the sources support my thesis. It is very easy to go on tangents, so I must remember to implement topic sentences. This will keep me on topic and concise.
DW #5
I fully agree with my instructor’s assessment of my thesis. So much so that I decided to change it. I was not confident that I could properly expound upon my original thesis as it was. Thus, I opted to change my former thesis to a topic sentence to support my new thesis, which has more ground.
Weekly Write: Writing Group #2
This session helped me grow in many ways. I got to learn different approaches from my peers, which helped me revise my thesis. I also have a clearer grasp on what the purpose of synthesis is. In essence, synthesis is making a point by combining the similarities and differences of multiple sources, or, making a claim based upon the connections between sources. I am glad that this was brought to my attention, as it directly impacts my view of the articles, and therefore, my writing process. Formerly, my thesis was a bit vague and lifeless. Now, I have a thesis that hooks readers and establishes a topic. The methods used included, but were not limited to, color coding, pro con listing, and venn diagraming. As for questions, I asked what methods were most effective for each member, and how they helped shape the thesis. Overall, I would say that the discussion group improved my writing abilities in terms of conciseness and clarity. I find this extremely helpful because I tend to go on tangents when I write- or talk. This will force me to use the strongest words in my writing, so that readers don’t become bored or confused, and to ensure the point is fully realized.