Over
the course of this semester, I have learned to how to write several different
forms of persuasive essays and how to use information and development to make
an argument more convincing. In the beginning of this course I struggled to see
the value in development and simply thought that by collecting information the
essay could be written without much thought. However, I’ve discovered the more
a topic is discussed and approached from different angles the more in depth the
argument can be. My first paper originally was more of a recollection of the
struggles of women in math and science before I took the time to delve deeper.
After further consideration I realized that issue is not just in math and
science, but is directly a result of the bias and stereotypes present in
today’s society. But I also learned to consider the opposing view. Looking for
opposition and differing views helps to see the situation for what it really is
which is multidimensional. Research is helpful not only in documenting and
proving the point throughout the essay but mostly in helping the writer fully
understand the topic in order to provide a compelling statement.
Documentation
has been a struggle for me because previously the essays I had to write were
from one source and did not require research throughout the writing process.
Though MLA is not complicated it is tedious and requires attention to detail. I
became more aware of exactly what needed to be cited and what was okay without
documentation. Works cited pages were originally more of a struggle and a
frustrating task since each medium requires different format. Even within each
medium formats must be adjusted to accommodate missing authors, page numbers,
etc. I now understand that a works cited page is an assignment of its own and
demands a lot of attention and detail.
Writing
as an overall task is not very difficult when the proper organization and
preparation has been performed. Initially I would begin my essays without a
clear path to the purpose and would end up having to revise it substantially in
order to address my point in a more direct manner. By taking the time to focus
on the topic with research and organizing, the topic can become narrower which
allows for focus on one area without being scattered. With the proper outline,
the writing shifts naturally from one point to another and allows for ideas to
be concise and to the point. For example, with my research paper it shifted
focus from all sweatshops to simply how American businesses approach sweatshops
and what their role would be in ensuring sweatshops be eradicated. Narrowing
this prompt allowed for me to really get specific to how businesses were
involved and how they specifically would be affected should my policy go into
place. Organization has allowed for not only an easier writing process but a
more effective argument.
At
the end of this course, my weakness still remains in my MLA citation. This
problem should be pretty easily resolved though; I just need to take the time
to properly acquaint myself with all the tedious rules. My strength now comes
in my development and creating arguments that are more in depth than before,
and better connecting my ideals to a larger picture. Hopefully I can better my
MLA citation which will allow for more focus on my essays for content rather
than documentation.
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