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Finalization of English 1001

When I began this course I felt as though I was an average writer. I remember being in

high school writing papers for my English class. I always had an exuberant way to put my

personality into my papers. After I started this semester I realized this is not how professional

writing is done. I had to learn how to direct my paper to a specific audience, not just my teacher

or professor. This was a big difference then high school writing. I found that I could write a

paper that focused on multiple points rather then just my main view point or focus. I believe

writing an Argument Essay, where I had the chance to view two sides of a stance, was an

incredible learning experience. I believe I have grown this semester, I have learned what it truly

means to be an active reader and listener. I can use the tools my professor has taught me to excel

in my following classes, not just English, but every writing assignment or professional document

I may write in my lifetime.

I realized that writing is a process, it takes many drafts and rewrites to complete a paper.

I believe this has helped me perfect my papers. I know that not one paper is perfect, ever single

work can be rewritten and revised. Just as time changes so does factual information. Something

that was thought to be true by one generation may not hold true for generations to come. I found

it very useful to learn different ways to draft essays, such as creating a concept map, freewriting,

and creating an outline. You can visit these techniques that I used for my essays on the tabs

designated to “how I began the exploratory essay” and “building the argumentive essay”. I

believe all of these tools helped me in creating my first draft. I began to realize throughout this

semester that I don’t need to stop at just one draft and write a final paper it can take multiple

times to construct a great paper, and that’s okay! It doesn’t make me a bad writer, as I had

previously thought, in turn this technique actually makes me learn to become a great writer.
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Another great tool I’ve learned and incorporated this semester is learning how to find

articles that are on the topic I am writing about. I have learned that the first article you read or

find on the internet might not be the best fit for your essay. I have learned what true credibility is

and have tried to incorporate this into my own writing, for I hope to be considered a credible

source one day when I have people depending on me for medical advice and a Registered Nurse.

I believe that in learning about credibility I have gained a goal for my future. I my search for

credibility within my exploratory essay. I had a vague understanding of what this truly meant. It

wasn’t until I really dived into my argumentive essay that I began to notice the cues of a truly

credible source and what those articles looked like. I used the UC Library for the majority of my

research for my last essay, I used peer-reviewed and scholarly articles. I found these articles

extremely useful and gave me the two sides on the argument of vaccinations.

Within learning how to find articles that fit the criteria I was looking for, there was also

the part where I had to read each and every one, and trust me when I tell you I had to read a lot to

find the perfect articles that would compliment my essay and give me the reasons behind those

who disbelieved in my stance. I found it fascinating to finally understand why people feel a

certain way towards vaccinations and why. I was able to integrate these sources into my essays.

Learning how to cite a person’s work within my essays was quite a daunting task, but I believe I

have really begun to truly understand why this is so important. As you can see throughout my

argumentive essay I have presented points and then backed up these points by my research which

I have cited. This gives credit to writers where credit it due. I know I wouldn’t appreciate

someone taking my paper and submitting it as their own. This semester I have gained an

understanding on the importance of citation within an essay.

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Within writing you must know who your audience is. This is important because how you

would write and essay on a topic for college students will be different then a professional paper

to a large audience of college graduates or expecting places of employment. These differences in

audience not only changes the context of the writing, but also the words used and even the

formatting. Knowing the audience allows a writer or speaker to expect the reactions of those

reading or listening. This is a useful tool and will help me in persuading or informing those

around me in a way they will respond to in a positive way. I believe this is an extremely

important strategy and one that I will use often.

Learning the ins and outs of writing has gotten me on my way to fame. Being able to take

my scribbles on paper and turn them into a masterpiece is an amazing discovery. I have learned

to take my chicken scratch and turn it into a essay filled with facts and knowledge, not only have

I learned more about the topic I am presenting I have learned the art of informing others, and that

is a beautiful thing! This semester have been filled with concepts and it was important to learn

and follow directions. I can write a paper using MLA format. Being able to focus on these rules

has proven to me that I can follow directions which is important in everyday life.

Lastly, I have complied my accomplishments into an E-Portfolio, which is what you are

viewing this very instant. This is an electronic way to file all my best essays into one clean and

organized website. This is a showcase of my work and my personality. This page shows you who

I am and my growth to who I am becoming. Each day is a step in the direction intended for me. I

am making my way down the road to follow my dreams and become the person I was always

meant to be.

As we come down to the final hour of this semester, I come to the realization that I am

blessed to be able to attend college and learn. Each and every class gives me the knowledge I
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need to learn and grow into a well rounded individual. These tools learned within this English

1001 will be with me a lifetime.