Writing the This I Believe essay, was somewhat easier than I expected. I still came to some parts when I could not think of what to write or how to write it. I also had a few issues with remembering exact details.
After reading the comments I realized that what I began to write in my first draft, I did not add the same idea in my second draft. That idea turned out to be a part that I should have discussed. I also think that i need to go back and spend a little more time remembering exact details. I definitely did not spend much time putting in a lot of thought to this essay. I know I have some great ideas that I could incorporate to the essay. I think I did "okay" but I know there were many different things I could have done better.
My progress in this class is progressing, if that makes sense at all. I have learned quite a bit, but I know I still have a lot to learn in my future writing. My biggest issues are and always will be thesis statements and organization. Usually what I think is terrible writing is not so bad or vise versa, but as we've learned in class you can always improve, there will never be a first draft that is perfect, or even a second draft at that. I'm definitely learning to be patient and relaxe more. I think I am doing well in the class and I hope to finish with a high grade! That of course is my number one goal!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Reflection 3
So far I feel that I have learned a lot throughout this semester. My confidence in writing has grown, and I am learning to relax and not stress over simply writing the first draft (this has always been a big problem for me).
We have written 4 papers and with each I have learned quite a bit. I think that one of the main things I have learned with writing all 4 would be confidence and getting things down even if they don't necessarily fit right at the moment.
Our first essay, the literacy narrative, was somewhat difficult for me to write because I really have not been a big reader or writer. Writing this paper helped me to open up and write about something new, even though it was not my favorite topic. The second essay, This I Believe, was not difficult because it involved my friends, which is a huge part of my life. I do feel however, that I could have spent more time discussing details. So details will be one of my main focuses for the final packet. Our third essay, the Observation, was in my opinion the easiest for me to focus on. I found something that was very interesting to discuss and observe, therefore, writing about it was pretty simple. From the comments I learned that I need to review my use of semi-colons, and my thesis, as well as my conclusion. Lastly, the Argument, I am hoping I did well, the topic I chose was school uniforms which may be over discussed, but for some reason this topic interests me. I feel that I chose good things to discuss about this topic.
I think that I am on the right track for finishing out this semester. I am beginning to review the essays I would like to put into my portfolio, and start revisions. I think that the essays I chose will make a nice portfolio to hand in. I have taken in all of the constructive criticism from other classmates and the instructor and tried to incorporate all of the ideas given to me.
Thanks for the advice!
We have written 4 papers and with each I have learned quite a bit. I think that one of the main things I have learned with writing all 4 would be confidence and getting things down even if they don't necessarily fit right at the moment.
Our first essay, the literacy narrative, was somewhat difficult for me to write because I really have not been a big reader or writer. Writing this paper helped me to open up and write about something new, even though it was not my favorite topic. The second essay, This I Believe, was not difficult because it involved my friends, which is a huge part of my life. I do feel however, that I could have spent more time discussing details. So details will be one of my main focuses for the final packet. Our third essay, the Observation, was in my opinion the easiest for me to focus on. I found something that was very interesting to discuss and observe, therefore, writing about it was pretty simple. From the comments I learned that I need to review my use of semi-colons, and my thesis, as well as my conclusion. Lastly, the Argument, I am hoping I did well, the topic I chose was school uniforms which may be over discussed, but for some reason this topic interests me. I feel that I chose good things to discuss about this topic.
I think that I am on the right track for finishing out this semester. I am beginning to review the essays I would like to put into my portfolio, and start revisions. I think that the essays I chose will make a nice portfolio to hand in. I have taken in all of the constructive criticism from other classmates and the instructor and tried to incorporate all of the ideas given to me.
Thanks for the advice!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Journal 2
The beginning of the reading began with how to understand the demands of writing in college or at the college level. It listed a variety of ways about what writers are expected to do; from stating claims meaning the thesis statement to documenting sources like the works cited page. The book goes on by discussing a writers "aim" which essentially means how you want to accomplish your writing tasks.
Understanding rhetorical situations was the next part of the reading. This subjects states that communication involves the interactions of 3 things: The writer or speaker, the audience, and the subject. The book shows a nice diagram of how those 3 items should be used correctly. By persuading others with the 3 appeals of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos a writer can learn to gain the attention of the reader.
I really liked how the book gave you an on track off track look at writing. It is always easy to read what good writing is, but we usually never get too see what exactly off writing would be perceived as. The book also gave many examples of essays different people have written involving reflections. The keys to writing a reflection were listed along with examples of exactly how to accomplish those key ideas. Also a list of things on how to write a reflection was given. 1. Choose a subject, 2. develop A response, 3. write a draft, 4. revise, revise, revise, 5. submitted version. Along with the list examples were given for each idea as well.
Over all I feel that the reading was very helpful especially with reflections. Once again this book gives multiple examples and guides to accomplishing a writers goals.
Understanding rhetorical situations was the next part of the reading. This subjects states that communication involves the interactions of 3 things: The writer or speaker, the audience, and the subject. The book shows a nice diagram of how those 3 items should be used correctly. By persuading others with the 3 appeals of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos a writer can learn to gain the attention of the reader.
I really liked how the book gave you an on track off track look at writing. It is always easy to read what good writing is, but we usually never get too see what exactly off writing would be perceived as. The book also gave many examples of essays different people have written involving reflections. The keys to writing a reflection were listed along with examples of exactly how to accomplish those key ideas. Also a list of things on how to write a reflection was given. 1. Choose a subject, 2. develop A response, 3. write a draft, 4. revise, revise, revise, 5. submitted version. Along with the list examples were given for each idea as well.
Over all I feel that the reading was very helpful especially with reflections. Once again this book gives multiple examples and guides to accomplishing a writers goals.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Reflection
After writing the literacy narrative it was sort of difficult to decide whether I liked or disliked the assignment. I liked the assignment because it involved me, and of course I know myself best. I disliked the assignment because I found myself not knowing what else to write. Reading and writing has never been a big part of my life, so it was difficult for me to write much about literacy.
I feel like I completed the assignment to the best of my ability. In my opinion I think my essay was average. I barely made it to three pages, but I feel that what I wrote about within those three pages pertained to exactly what the essay was supposed to be about.
For now I think I will set aside this essay and wait to see what the other topics we will be writing about entail. I think I need to work on how to add more to my papers without repeating what I have already said. I do think that the peer reviews help, because other people who look at my work notice things that I may not notice. Insight is always helpful, if your willing to listen to other opinions, which I am.
I still feel that I need help with transitions, and maybe even paragraph organization. I think I did an alright job placing my paragraphs in order, but when I think it is right it ends up being wrong. As the class goes on I'm sure I will become more and more comfortable with writing. It will probably take me a little bit to get to that point again considering I have been out of the English department for a while now.
I feel like I completed the assignment to the best of my ability. In my opinion I think my essay was average. I barely made it to three pages, but I feel that what I wrote about within those three pages pertained to exactly what the essay was supposed to be about.
For now I think I will set aside this essay and wait to see what the other topics we will be writing about entail. I think I need to work on how to add more to my papers without repeating what I have already said. I do think that the peer reviews help, because other people who look at my work notice things that I may not notice. Insight is always helpful, if your willing to listen to other opinions, which I am.
I still feel that I need help with transitions, and maybe even paragraph organization. I think I did an alright job placing my paragraphs in order, but when I think it is right it ends up being wrong. As the class goes on I'm sure I will become more and more comfortable with writing. It will probably take me a little bit to get to that point again considering I have been out of the English department for a while now.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Reading Journal #1
After reading what was assigned, I decided that Faigley is restating the common knowledge basics of reading and writing that most people fail to pay close attention too. Its seems that many people look past the basics and think to deep, then before you know it you are completetly lost and frustrated; I've been there many times.
Even though what we read was common knowledge, there were still many examples and options throughout the text that I might have never even though about trying. One of those is the simple idea of making an idea web; it really does look like it would benefit me as far as getting ideas down. I also enjoyed his use of pictures throughout the book. It definitely makes the book more appealing to read.
I am terrible at coming up with a decent thesis statement, so the two pages discussing and breaking down exactly how to come up with a thesis statement will be very helpful with my future writing.
Even though what we read was common knowledge, there were still many examples and options throughout the text that I might have never even though about trying. One of those is the simple idea of making an idea web; it really does look like it would benefit me as far as getting ideas down. I also enjoyed his use of pictures throughout the book. It definitely makes the book more appealing to read.
I am terrible at coming up with a decent thesis statement, so the two pages discussing and breaking down exactly how to come up with a thesis statement will be very helpful with my future writing.
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