You will also complete a reflective essay in which you will address what you learned in ENGL 1101. Reflective Essay should be at least six well-developed paragraphs. Address specific things that you learned in ENGL 1101 and how your attitudes toward writing have changed as a result.
Discuss challenges you may have encountered (this may include changes to the
classroom or online instruction, forming a thesis, topic sentences, MLA formatting,
time management for the writing process, using word-processing [i.e., Microsoft
Word], accessing a computer, understanding part of the reading, or other challenges)
• Discuss what was helpful to you in this course (this should not be focused on
evaluating your instructor but may include in-class workshops, using a Smarthinking
tutor, peer-to-peer discussions, lectures, learning how to accomplish a specific part of
the writing process, or other helps)
• Discuss what you expected this class to be when you started it
• Discuss what your experience in this class has been this semester
• Discuss the connections between reading and writing (and why you think that) (this
might include how you think reading and writing might be related)
• Discuss the importance of rhetorical situations (which include not only your purpose
for writing but also your audience)
• Discuss what you have learned about writing for an academic audience (provide
details about how you have learned this and why you now consider this important)
• Discuss what you have learned about writing being a process with different and
repeatable steps to it (provide details about how you have learned this and why you
now consider this important)
• Discuss what the most important part of the writing process is for you (and why)
• Discuss what you have learned about writing as inquiry (or about writing to learn)
regarding your selected topic
• Discuss how you will be able to apply the things you have learned or practiced in this
class in future situations (this can be a good strategy for a concluding paragraph)
Reflective Essay: My Journey in ENGL 1101
ENGL 1101 has been a transformative journey for me, both as a writer and as a student. This course has taught me valuable skills, challenged my previous beliefs about writing, and provided me with a newfound appreciation for the writing process. Throughout the semester, I encountered various challenges, but I also discovered helpful resources and strategies that greatly facilitated my learning experience.
One of the initial challenges I encountered was forming a strong thesis. In the past, I often struggled with articulating a clear and concise main argument. However, ENGL 1101 helped me understand the importance of a well-developed thesis. Through the guidance of my instructor and classroom workshops, I learned how to craft a strong thesis statement that effectively summarizes my main argument. This skill has been vital not only in this course but also in my future academic endeavors.
Another challenge I faced was mastering MLA formatting. The intricacies of parenthetical citations and creating a Works Cited page initially overwhelmed me. However, my instructor's comprehensive explanations and examples, along with the use of Smarthinking tutors, greatly aided my understanding. I now feel more knowledgeable and confident when it comes to adhering to MLA guidelines.
Time management was also a challenge for me during this course. The writing process involved multiple steps, including prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Sometimes, I underestimated the time required for each step, resulting in rushed drafts and inadequate revisions. Through experience, I have realized the importance of allocating sufficient time for each stage of the writing process. Effective time management has significantly improved the quality of my essays.
While facing these challenges, I found several aspects of this course particularly helpful. In-class workshops provided a collaborative learning environment where I could receive feedback and suggestions from my peers. Constructive criticism from my classmates allowed me to improve my writing and gain multiple perspectives on my ideas. Additionally, lectures and peer-to-peer discussions deepened my understanding of writing concepts and techniques.
When I started this class, I expected it to be merely a requirement to fulfill my academic curriculum. However, its impact on me has been far-reaching. Throughout the semester, I discovered my own writing voice and learned to appreciate writing as a tool for personal expression and intellectual inquiry. ENGL 1101 helped me realize that writing is not simply about completing assignments but is also a means of developing critical thinking and engaging with complex ideas.
I now understand the importance of rhetorical situations in writing. Recognizing one's purpose and audience are essential components of effective communication. Considering the needs and expectations of the readers can greatly influence the tone, language, and organization of a written piece. ENGL 1101 has heightened my awareness of these factors, which has made me a more thoughtful and intentional writer.
Furthermore, this course has emphasized writing for an academic audience. Through engaging with scholarly articles and research, I have learned the importance of presenting information in a clear, concise, and credible manner. This skill is not only vital for academic writing but also for future professional contexts where effective communication is key.
Learning that writing is a process with different and repeatable steps has been an invaluable lesson. The emphasis on prewriting and revision has taught me the significance of brainstorming and self-reflection in generating well-developed arguments. The iterative nature of the writing process has shown me that initial drafts are never perfect, and improvement comes with an open mind and willingness to revise.
For me, the most important part of the writing process is revision. By reviewing and editing my work, I can refine my ideas, enhance clarity, and eliminate unnecessary information. Revision provides an opportunity to critically evaluate my writing and ensure that it meets the goals I set for myself. It is through revision that my writing truly evolves and becomes its best version.
ENGL 1101 has also introduced me to the concept of writing as inquiry. Writing to learn has become an integral part of my learning experience. The act of writing helps me explore and refine my ideas, delve deeper into a topic, and gain a better understanding of the subject matter. Writing as inquiry has not only enhanced my critical thinking skills but has also made me a more active and curious learner.
The skills and knowledge I have acquired during this course will undoubtedly benefit me in future situations. In the academic context, I now possess the necessary tools to write effectively and confidently. As I progress in my education and career, I can apply these skills in research papers, presentations, and professional communications. Additionally, the emphasis on critical thinking and writing as inquiry has honed my ability to analyze and evaluate information, making me a more discerning consumer of knowledge.
In conclusion, my experience in ENGL 1101 has been transformative. The challenges I faced, such as forming a thesis, mastering MLA formatting, and managing my time, were overcome through the assistance of my instructor, workshops, and peers. The course has shaped my attitudes toward writing, emphasizing its importance as a means of self-expression, critical thinking, and inquiry. ENGL 1101 has not only equipped me with various writing skills but has also provided me with a solid foundation for future academic and professional success.