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.
Unit Reflections
Multimodal Project
During the multimodal writing project, I have discovered yet again a myriad of strengths and weaknesses. This project truly highlighted my writing abilities, in that it forced me to reshape my essay while keeping the basic structure, or fundamental points. It was, I will confess, difficult to condense a 1,450 word essay into 500 words. However, greatness lies on the other side of fear, so they say. After accomplishing this writing task, I have discovered that it is more difficult to write opinionated pieces than it is to write formal essays. I feel this may be because I have always written, for the most part, nothing but formal pieces: analytical essays, research papers, synthesis papers, etc. Maybe I have been trained to like formality. I think I did well in my conclusion, which was the hardest part. It was the hardest part because I had to condense an already condensed version of my essay into one paragraph. However, the fact that I succeeded shows that it was, in hindsight, not as difficult as I imagined. If I had more time, I would have redone the wording a little bit, because I feel the essay could have flowed smoother. Additionally, I would have chosen even more multimedia for the piece. The synthesis essay (or homework assignment) truly aided me in this project. It helped me link my view(s) with the author that I mentioned. This project, to me, was a test on my comprehension of my synthesis writing and the application of it.
Argument Unit Reflection
This reflection unit was, surprisingly, easier than the last. However, I did have to surmount the expected trials or bumps in the road. Two sources were provided for me, which proved enormously helpful. However, it took a minute to find a fitting third source that would adequately support the thesis, and intertwine with the other two sources. Because of the previous essay, in which we had to analyze an article, I found it easy to analyze the sources individually. I am not the best at synthesizing, so this proved a bit of a challenge for me. The MLA/APA power-point on “how and when to cite or quote” helped me a lot, as well as the argumentative essay checklist. The most helpful aspect of this writing journey, however, was the peer review and instructor comments. It provided me an opportunity to view my paper objectively, and make corrections accordingly. I put a great amount of effort and time into this paper. I made google documents on each of the sources, as to analyze them separately. I also made notes and comments that would help me synthesize the similar characteristics. This proved helpful in a myriad of ways, and I think I will do this with each future paper that I write. I spent about four hours doing just these documents. I have found that breaking down different aspects of a paper help writers to better assemble its whole. Overall, this proved to be a very enlightening journey in my writing career.
Analysis Unit Reflection
Regarding the analysis essay assignment, I have discovered that I do not enjoy analytical writing. I felt very pressured and constrained; it was hard to expand on topic sentences and the thesis without being repetitive. I now know to value creative writing assignments when presented with such. If I had more time, I most likely would have been able to squeeze out more ideas, or better explanations, that support the author’s claim. I have indeed done this multiple times over, and the experience gradually worsens. I am simply not a good analyzer. Even in life, I’ve found that it takes immense concentration for me to evaluate or analyze a situation, or even my emotions. I have to take time out to focus on just that, otherwise, I will lose interest and become easily distracted. I think I can attribute this to my lack of creativity in writing. Although the overall experience was not favorable, I do have a better idea or understanding of how to proceed if I were to write another one in the same manner. In most areas of life, I would consider myself a “perfectionist”. However, when it comes to analytical writing, or anything in the world of academia that I find unmotivating, I will become hurried and rushed. This assignment was good for introspection. As for the paper, I feel as if I did good. I can not say that I think I did my best, as I stunted my own potential. Time- wise, I gave this paper more effort and energy than any of my other college assignments so far. The peer review, I must say, helped significantly on my paper. I was able to revise my paper based upon other people’s objective comments. This was an enormous help, because I seem to be unable to take things out of perspective. Additionally, everyone, including my professor, was very king and helpful. Overall, I am proud of having completed the milestone that is “my first college paper”. This was a very helpful learning experience, academically and personally. Thank you.
Unit Reflections
For each major essay assignment, you will complete a long-form reflection about your experience writing the paper. Your teacher will provide specific instructions for these reflections.