Reflective Essay: The Norton Field Guide To Writing

Reading and writing should be seen as interactive subjects rather than just reading or writing words on paper in ink. John Beans suggests that individuals should look at both reading and writing as conversations. In his article “Reading and Writing as Conversations” Bean states by envisioning yourself having a conversation with the author, referenced individuals, and characters, readers are more likely to better understand the text. Texts are seen as different conversations each text has a connection to another text. Such as if you were referencing a particular article,book,or quote in your text. Many people have a reason for reading different types of text. Some reasons could simply be because the individual wants to, needs to, discover new

Each week, I was given reading assignments in which I had to prepare for the following class. This allowed for the exposure to different styles, genres and form of writings. I had to critically analyze and evaluate numerous passages and make logical sense of the text. This in turn taught me how to cite evidence from text, have a good sense of judgment thus maintaining objectivity, recognize different arguments and form my own opinions. Along with this accompanied summary writing and paraphrasing activities. This was a real challenge for me as I struggled immensely week after week until I believed I had grasped how to do it properly. These critical reading activities has enhanced my critical writing skills in allowing me to learn how to write for different audiences, expand my vocabulary and improve my diction.

Writing is a practice that most of us were taught when we were young. We were taught the basics of grammar, how to form a sentence, conjunction words, how to write paragraphs and more. Although we have learned this skill while growing up and have used the skill every year after entering kindergarten, this does not mean our writing process will ensure the best work. The authors that I chose each encourage their audience to excel in the art of writing in their own way to help with the writing process.

This weeks reading included They Say I Say by Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein and From Critical Thinking to Argument by Sylvan Barnet, Hugo Bedau, and John O’Hara. In They Say I Say, Graff and Birkenstein talk about the importance of being able to look at writings and be able to not only find the thesis/ argument that the author is making but also be able to figure out “The view or views that motivate the thesis - the ‘they say’” (Graff and Birkenstein 155). In From Critical Thinking to Argument Barnet, Bedau, and O’Hara talk about how to think critically. This includes being able to see both sides of an argument. A good way to do this is by clustering, which is where one thinks about possible counterarguments/ responses to their claim. We also read about how when reading a paper, we should preview the paper by looking at the author, publisher, title, context, and the thesis. We should also annotate, highlight, and

Coming into this class, I wasn't sure what to expect. Of course,I expected to be writing a lot but was unsure of the type of writing and the style. I was looking forward to writing challenging pieces that stretching me creatively as a writer. I wanted to explore how to express myself in my writing because it had been a long time since I'd written a creative essay. One of my main hopes for this class was challenging myself to become a better editor of my own papers. I often find it a tedious and laborious process to find and edit the grammatical errors in my papers. However, this is an important skill that I need to develop for my future as a successful writer.

Upon entering English 111, I knew I would be writing papers. However, I did not anticipate how much room I had for improvement. Throughout this term I have been enlightened with so much knowledge that I may have forgotten or have been exposed to for the first time. Certainly, my experience with essay writing has been solidified due to newfound knowledge of proper work citing, MLA standards and the steps of planning an essay. Perhaps, my time away from a learning environment slowed me down a bit, other times I feel as though I have an advantage due to life experience. An online environment has certainly been challenging but throughout the course I have provided solid work and consistent grades commendable of an A grading.

Writing influences the way humans communicate. Good writing skills are essential in the working world and it’s important for our own self. The love for writing creative stories that engage the reader personally feels like an impossible task. After thirteen years of English I’ve realized that English does not come easy to me. It’s important to note that my writing skills have improved over the years. Going into my first year of college, I was nervous. I knew that my writing needed improvement. During my first semester of college, I was able to take the WAC 101 class. This class not only improved my writing, but it also encouraged me to start reading again. I look at reading as a task instead of a hobby, but I know that it can progress toward something that I like to do on my free time. WAC 101 is a class that helps develop a student’s writing skills. To measure the progress, outcomes in different areas of writing are reflected upon.

​As time went by and I took different types of writing assignments, I improved the structure and organization of my writing. I learned the use of Standard English rules and styles in constructing sentences. I also learned how to organize my thoughts, ideas and experiences. Furthermore, I learned how to construct and maintain a coherent transition of paragraphs, as well as, how to select words, idioms, sayings and phrases that best suited the topic or purpose. With time, I even started to use diagrams to help organize my thoughts, ideas regarding the intended topic even before I write it. Learning how to remain relevant to a topic has enabled me to improve my grades.

At the initial stage, I could read through applicable resources to gain information. It is imperative to peruse through relevant articles, books, videos and other materials to acquire vital information that could be utilized during the writing. Since humans tend to be limited in

I totally agree with what the author is saying in the text. It takes time to get a good product out even though we think some people are deep and wonderful they still have the same struggles that we have when it comes to writing. I like this text because it is realistic it is giving an account of first drafts from common day people and shows how it is even for professional writers have problems with. This point is important because as people we sometimes feel we are not as good or capable of doing something not realizing that the people we look up to have the same problems we do. Another point that I agree with the author on is that you have to start somewhere. Many times as writers we don’t know where to start when it comes to writing. That being said we will just sit and think for ten twenty minutes when we could've just been information on the paper and then editing it later. In addition I liked that the author used examples from his professional experience when it came to writing food reviews. By him using details like how he went to the restaurant and sat down with friends and took notes of what was said. This was good to me because it helps me connect with him and the things that he does to write his reviews.

It will also help keep you, the writer, from getting lost in a convoluted and directionless argument.

     One of the techniques I am going to use through out college is talking to

As with any hobby, sport or career, the more time spent learning the material, the better understanding we will have and the more creative the individual will become. In my personal experience, I have found that the time spent reviewing the information and focusing on the weakest areas will ensure that the level understanding is present. However, this has been a major task to learn since writing has never been one of my strong points. Although, I have realized since continuing my education that I really enjoy writing and look forward to each assignment. In writing personally or professionally, we have the ability to give life to our words; this brings inspiration and motivation for the next writing

The Habits of Mind are ways of approaching learning that will help support students both intellectually and practically. These eight essential Habits of Mind have been identified as the most helpful Habits of Mind for success in college writing:

Before I came to college, I felt my writing had to follow a certain pattern and be fixated around one way of thinking. What I was fortunate to learn was quite the opposite. Writing does not have to follow any certain pattern, but can rather be structured through many different possibilities. I was also told in high school that my papers either had to agree or disagree with the given topic, even if I believed otherwise. This formulated a very one-track way of thinking when it came to my papers. Now I know that I can let my mind explore new and exciting ideas. I can agree, disagree, compliment, criticize, and question the author however my heart desires, as long as I have the evidence to back myself up. Many authors in the book, Writing About Writing, explain their processes as well as the processes of others when it comes to writing. As a writer, I can draw on my own processes and relate them to the authors, as well as use their ideas and apply them to myself. Through reading, I have learned new methods of invention, planning and revising, and incubation when it comes to writing. All ways I can use to create more meaningful and creative work.