Jennifer Guallpa

Professor Ewan

FIQWS

6 May 2019

Self Reflection Regarding Argument Essay

Writing this argument essay was enjoyable because I was very interested in the topic of how the minority representation is being portrayed and how they do not get enough recognition. I started this assignment by first making sure I had a good thesis and then I began to start looking for evidence in the database. While looking through the database I checked the box on the side that said news articles and made sure the sources were up to date. My logic behind the prioritization of looking for evidence was to make sure the sources were able to back up the claim that I created and put me in a direction to find sources for my rebuttal as well.

This argument essay was different from the expository essay because, for the expository essay it was primarily focused on research and although an argument essay also needs research. I included some of my thoughts on the argumentative essay. When we were first starting at the assignment we were not directed to create an annotated bibliography compared to the expository essay where we were directed to create one. I did not think that this assignment would be easier than the expository essay, however I enjoyed writing the argumentative essay more than writing the expository essay. Both assignments are different in general but, I approached the argumentative essay similarly to how I was able to approach the expository essay and I enjoyed writing the argument essay because I was interested in the topic of minority representation.

Although, I started the argument essay with creating my thesis first, I used the same process of the expository essay to find my sources and the same process to start the argumentative essay. When I first created my thesis I did many changes to it in order to create a thesis that I was satisfied with. I asked others to see if they thought my thesis was strong enough and if not I incorporated their suggestions if reasonable, to see if I can improve it in any way. The changes I did for my thesis with the help of my peer’s helped me look in the areas of my thesis that were in need of improvement to form a finalized thesis.  

My current understanding of the MLA code is that I understand how to apply it into my ewriting, however there’s room for improvement because I still make some mistakes when using MLA code. My process for developing skills for the MLA code is by looking at examples and then applying it to my writing. I somewhat understand quote integration, but I think that I still need some more practice in order for me to fully understand quote integration. I understand how to use full source identification and I know how to apply it to my writing when needed. I also use and involve in-text citation and end-text to my writing. I still need some more practice using synthesis but compared to when I started the course I will have to say that I have improved throughout time.

Additionally, I understand how to use and apply evidence recap on my writing, I think that I need a little more practice in order to apply them in my writing confidently. My general understanding of academic argument is that I understand the main priority of itt but, I feel that I have not been able to demonstrate my full potential in an academic argument. I think that I need some more practice or  a more in depth explanation of the terms. My understanding of an academic argument helped me outline the process of what I want my writing to look like and it also helped me with how I will be revising my work again.

Exchanging our papers with our peers to revise them was very helpful for me because it helps me get a different point of view of my writing and I will take there suggestions into consideration to further improve my writing. I received suggestions from my peer that involved my rebuttal and how I was able to improve it more. My peer also recommended which areas I need more explaining on which helped me understand more on what I will be need to focus on. In my argument essay draft I did not involve MLA code and then I adapted them in my final draft because I was able to get a better understanding of them and involve them to my writing. For the argumentative essay my proofreading process is re-reading my writing and this time I was able to include another way of proofreading my writing. I printed out a physical copy of the essay and started reading it which helped me because I was able to see any mistakes or errors. I then applied my edits on my writing and re-read it once again to see if anything else was missing. When I proofread my writing, I first look at my thesis to see if it matches well with the rest of my writing if not I will do some minor changes so that the flow with the writing is well enough. Then I look at the organization of my essay and lastly I look at sentence clarity which lead  me to check my grammar because I will need to make changes that make the sentences more understandable.

Overall, I enjoyed writing the argument essay and although it was not easy, I was able to incorporate new things to my writing that I leaned. I think that I was able to be more confident in my writing compared to the first assignment because I now have a better understanding of the MLA format. I also tired a new form of proofreading and editing that I will be adapting in future assignments.