I learned that reflective writing is not just paying attention to past events but also future ones. When reflecting, I also learned that people talk about what, when, who, and where but instead, one needs to think about why, how, and so what. Then when it comes to writing, it should be some description and an abundance of reflection. When it comes to thinking, one can look upon their own work, reflect on it, and improve upon it. In that case, it uses observation as a tool to seek out the faults in order to turn them into strengths. In our lives, we can reflect on the choices we have made in our lives and where they eventually led us. This could be choosing to save money because you didn’t have any due to reckless spending last year. By doing this, we can reflect on past experiences and decisions in order to make better decisions and have better experiences.
Weekly Reflections
For Argument’s Sake Ted Talk Reflection
When it comes to Choen’s central claim, I would say it is by losing an argument you are really winning because, in the end, you are learning something new. In order to get his idea across, he first refers to himself by stating that he became better at arguing but still loses, then he goes on to question what we win and loses from arguing and what is the point of it. He also asks if trying to get someone to go against what they believe is a good thing. In addition to this, he discusses the War of Metaphor, where he talks about how one can gain through loss, and he encourages us to question if we can find new ways of arguing or perhaps find new types of “ arguers.” When it comes to questions, I would ask as a counter argument I would question if losing is a good thing if the opposing side gains no knowledge from your prospective because another gain in terms of arguing would be educating the opposite side. Then, in addition to that, can one not learn and win in the same instance does losing have to be associated with learning if anything isn’t learning a positive gain, so in hindsight, you are winning by gaining knowledge while the opposing side is gaining nothing but cockiness. When it comes to project three, I will be sure to use the arguments of war to figure out how to dominate my argument through my conduct, thinking process, and how I talk about the subject matter. Then, instead of just attacking, I will provide a valid view from which one can learn and gain.
Op-Doc Analysis So Far
One main thing I have learned about analysis is the differentiation it has from an argumentative paper. Instead of fighting for or arguing for one side, you break something down into multiple pieces and draw conclusions from it. In order to do this, I learned to pay attention to what the author or person is trying to say and how they got to this particular viewpoint. In the op-doc I chose, it is about learning how to be alone during quarantine. I learned that even though the circumstances we are in right now are quite a hardship, it is also a significant learning experience. It gives us time to figure out ourselves and what makes us happy.
Most importantly, this is one significant learning experience of not taking the little things for granted. When it comes to struggles sometimes, it may be hard for me to get my thoughts across like I could have the idea in my head but struggle to write it down in words. Besides, it can be hard to correctly analyze the op doc without getting the wrong message across.
Common Read Thoughts
When reading this book the message that came across was that even in difficult situations you have to stand up and do what is right. I think this concept is very important for college students such as myself to comprehend and understand because in life we will have experiences in which we might need to step up and say something. In What The Eyes Don’t See we see Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha struggle to get the truth out there but she never stopped trying and fighting. One can even see the mental effect this situation had on Dr. Mona when she wasn’t eaten but even through these hardships, she prevailed. I think this overall shows college students that being truthful and fighting for what is right is always the right path to take. It’s not going to be easy and it won’t be fun but at the end of the day, it will be worth it. This book and this story just showcase a demonstration of this process in order to reach a certain audience.
Willingham Response
I think Willingham’s purpose was to show the effects and dangers of multitasking while partaking in activities that require our undivided attention. To get this message across he gives a series of examples and scenarios in which multitasking takes place and potential ramifications that could come from these acts. The audience that is being addressed are those who are not aware of the budding risk and consequences of multitasking during events that require our ultimate focus. Overall this op-ed is both conclusive and persuasive. It presents us with the main idea and lots of support to back it up. Then for those who still may not be convinced, there are examples of circumstances that clearly express and show the dangers of doing multiple activities at once to further get his point across.
Weekly Reflection
When it comes to writing I would say my greatest strength is being able to put my words together in a way that effectively meets the criteria presented to me before hand. In addition my other strength includes diction I work very hard not to be repetitive with my words and to expand my vocabulary throughout my writing. When it comes to weaknesses my greatest one is fragment sentences. Sometimes I fail to notice my incomplete sentences and the effects they have on my paper. In addition I would say the uncertainty of if my paper is just an abundance of words jumbled togehter that fail to get the message across is what causes me the most stress. Then my biggest concern after that is fragment sentences because they tend to drift from the main clause or idea.
Weekly Reflections
Weekly Reflections are longer, more thoughtful posts that you will complete about every week of the semester. Topics for these posts will vary by instructor, but they will usually be completed outside of class and have a specific word-count requirement.