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Melinda Staley
Dr. D. Witherspoon
English 101-18
1 December 2014

English 101-18 Reflection

Prior to beginning English 101-18, I had a much negated opinion of English classes. It
was my belief that we would read a novel, answer generalized questions about our reading and
write five paragraph essays on topics that did not interest the class. I did not expect to learn as
much as I did in five months. By the end of my semester in English 101, I learned to form an
argument based on facts and clear, concise examples, develop my argument through transitioning
words and sentences, and to think from different perspectives. If these concepts were not instilled
into my peers and me over the course of this semester, I would not have grown as a writer.
My initial step towards growth this semester began when my professor informed my
peers and me that an argument, whether verbal or written, could not be based on a fact. A fact is
nonnegotiable. However, the foundation of an excellent essay is based on an opinion that can be
supported with facts. After understanding this, I began to discuss the novel The Meaning of
Consuelo, which the class was reading, with a better voice because I could support my opinions
with facts from the book. I used the same strategy when writing essays as well. A question may
have been asked in a thesis and I would form my argument in agreement or disagreement. Once
my position was established, I learned to search numerous materials that could support my
argument. This significantly improved the examples and details I used for support. I was
accustomed to supporting my argument with own opinions. Fortunately, I learned that when

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supported with facts from a variety of resources, my essay sounded more knowledge and formed
a better argument versus when supported with opinions.
My essays became more knowledgeable as I started transitioning between my main
points. Essays I had written previous to this semester were usually choppy and did not connect
one idea to the next. Instead, I would finish a main point and introduce a new one without
bridging the two together to show a transition. It was evident in essays for HSAP, SAT, and etc.
While in English 101, there were numerous examples given to display how ideas should be
presented so that it flowed from one idea to the next. Also, transitioning sentences that connected
one paragraph to the next were shown. As I used these techniques and tips, I found that my ideas
began to support and strengthen each other. The body of my writing worked as a body by
sustaining each point while complimenting the others. My essays began to sound less elementary
as I continued to find ways to transition between paragraphs, either by using transition words or
phrases from the paragraph prior.
Transitioning between paragraphs and learning to support my opinions with facts enabled
me to think from different perspectives. Commonly, I would form an opinion and stubbornly
defend it, never acknowledging that another alternatives or options could be as valid. Yet, as I
began to research more, I realized that things were not always black and white. This helped my
essay writing and discussions as well because I began to use critical thinking skills, skills I had
never used in English classes prior. The more I began to think critically, I could decipher
hyperboles and idioms authors may use faster than I could before. It was easier to understand a
characters purpose for their decisions. As I wrote my essays, I could ponder different methods
of delivering my message that may be more effective. Amazingly, by changing my perspective
on how to write essays and discuss novels, I changed my perspective on English classes.

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I was sure I had learned many things while in English 101 because my opinion at the end
of the class changed drastically from the beginning of the semester. I no longer felt that English
was a class that lacked substance. By the end of my semester in English 101 I learned how to
think from different perspectives, transition through my main examples better, and support my
opinions with facts found from a variety of sources. In the beginning I had difficulty in pulling
myself away from my bad habits and at times I struggle in seeing things from different
perspectives. Yet, I am sure that I am much better than when I began. Looking back now, I wish
I came to class with a more open mind because I am positive I would have learned much more.
Regardless, the things Ive learned, I can carry with me for many years to come.