My Final Reflection

Looking back to my first and seventh blog posts, I realized that my goals for writing have never changed. From the beginning I wanted to improve my writing skills. My most desirable goal was to become a better writer but I soon discovered  a problem. I committed several patterns of error in my writing that opposed from obtaining my goal. English 101 helped me become aware of these errors and it allowed me to understand more clearly on how I could improve. My two biggest weaknesses are the inability to write fluently from one  paragraph on to the next and not being able to clearly revolve an essay around a thesis. In the future I would like to make these weaknesses my strongest qualities as a writer. I need to keep writing and practicing in order to make it possible. I do not want to stop writing because I believe a person never stops improving. My main goal now is that I better at my weaknesses.    

Revisions on Essay

For my portfolio I have chosen to revise my argument analysis essay. My main strengths from my argument analysis essay were having a clear understanding of the article and logical evidence. Throughout my essay, I knew what the authors argument was and what his intentions were. Also,I had sufficient evidence to make my point clear and understandable. My weaknesses were not having a strong thesis that connected my ideas and not having a personal response in the conclusion. In order to improve my essay, I will need to establish a strong thesis. My thesis will help connect all of my ideas. In my conclusion, I will need to write a personal response about the article. It is very important that the reader has an idea of what I believe.

 

 

Assignment #10 Peer Review

I enjoy peer review. I believe that it is a very effective process. First of all, it helps students understand their weaknesses and it teaches them ways on how they can improve. Also, it is always good to get another persons opinion on your writing. The peer review in my English 101 class has helped improve my writing. It has allowed me to see some of the many errors I commit. However, I believe peer review can be improved by allowing students more time. My biggest weakness as a peer reviewer is giving advice to my classmates on how they can write fluently from one  paragraph on to the next. Mostly because it is a struggle that I face. My strenght as a peer reviewer is noticing mispelled words. I am a great help when it comes to vocabulary. My ideal peer review process would be teaming up with a person who is strong at one of my weaknesses as a writer. As well as me being strong at one of his/her weaknesses. This way we can both share valuable information on how we can improve.

Three Things Learned

For my third essay, I analyzed the article "Don't Presume to Know a Pig's Mind" by Blake Hurst. In the article, the writer tried to use a persuasive tone inorder to convince the reader that it is acceptable to keep animals in cages as long as their is a benefit from it. However, his  and strategy weakened the argument by making the author seem selfish and cruel.The author also never shared with the reader  his past experiences as a farmer. By not providing valuable information the author appears to be dishonest. Lastly, Hurst states "Since we can’t ask the pigs what they think, we know only one thing for sure about the effects of scrapping our most efficient farming systems: the cost of bacon will rise." Although, this can attract a reader's attention their is no prove that it is true. These three things taught me how important it is to be trustworthy to my readers. If I am dishonest their is a high chance that I might loose them like the athuor lost me. 

Assignment # 12

"Children who attend daycare  should have a pleasant environment to spend their day in because it will have a more positive effect." My most compelling evidence is that it is important for children who spend almost everyday in a daycare to have a safe and fun place to enjoy their time. It would be nice to get new toys, better snacks and keep the area well sanitized. This can have a positive effect because the children will be entertained and the parents will be satisfied. My weakest evidence is that I have no proof that children will behave better. Children tend to act out when things don't go their way.

My Pattern of Errors

Throughout my work in writing, I have noticed a pattern of errors. The first error is my inability to write fluently from one  paragraph on to the next. This error makes it difficult and unclear for reader's to understand and read. Nevertheless, I have discovered a great approach to fix this problem. By using transitional words my paragraphs will become more unified and linked. Another one of my errors is the tendency I have of switching from one subject on to another.This error can cause the reader confusion. If I don't want to loose the reader's attention, I need to learn how to settle on one subject throughout the entire time. Last is my biggest error when writing a conclusion. I don't focus on the main purpose of a conclusion. Instead I write about a different situation that has nothing to do with what I'm writing. It would be best if I learn to write more appropriate conclusions.

KonyMania!

The controversy of Joseph Kony has been going around ever since a 30 minute video was released two weeks ago. Kony is a warlord leader of a rebel group in Uganda. He abducts children, integrates them into his rebel army and trains them as soldiers. People have become outraged of his actions and they want him captured. The video was made with the intention of making awareness of him and his atrocity. There is no doubt that the makers of the video are having great success. Kony is all over the media. You can't go on Yahoo, Twitter, Facebook or Youtube without hearing of him.