Reflection Essay

During this semester I have learned multiple things in my class “Introduction to Writing 101S”. I have learned different writing techniques, different forms of citation formatting, and how to find and properly use different sources; through class exercises and writing the different types of papers I was able to learn those skills, but, when it comes to writing, I still need improvement in order to use a proper grammar, commas, create a statement thesis, and writ a references in APA format.
I can remember the first few days of class, the feeling of being hit with the harsh and abrupt reality that I actually had to work hard this semester. Uncomfortable at first, I gradually caught on to the quick but efficient pace our teacher had required from us. Although there was a significant amount of work this semester, I look back now with a smile. I feel that all that work truly paid off, because now, I feel confident that I could write a much better essay then I use to. And it’s very important for me because it was the first English class that I ever took in my academic experience. I have learned how to focus on well combining of grammar, writing mechanics, and citation format.
Expanding a writing ability can be difficult and often times frustrating, but when done well, writing can change the opinions of thousands. In Introduction to Writing 101S I learned that the first step in writing an essay is to read and comment the articles that belongs to the essay’s topic. Another important element of an essay is the thesis statement. It is always the most important sentence. I have learned the necessity of combining the most important information out of an article into one sentence. The thesis statement captures the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of the essay. Over the course of the semester, I struggled with writing the informative thesis. I could not seem to gather the concept of the essay.
Creating well-supported and detailed body paragraphs is the next step in a well written essay. Throughout this semester, I learned how to summarize, paraphrase, and quote particular information in multiple articles. Summarizing and paraphrasing have differences, but they are commonly grouped together. With both summarizing and paraphrasing, you must have a strong grasp on the article’s argument. To form an effective summary or paraphrase, the article’s main points must be present and discussed in a few brief sentences. The major difference between summarizing and paraphrasing an article is that paraphrasing requires the information to be cited while summarizing gives an overview of the entire article. Quoting from an article can be extremely tricky. Citations are required in an essay in order to avoid plagiarism. I learned that the key to choosing quotes from an article is to choose the sentences that put the most emphasis on the argument you are trying to prove to the audience. I also learned that with every quote, the author’s name must be added in parentheses before the period. During this semester, I feel I have accomplished effectively using all three elements: summarizing, paraphrasing, and quotations
I feel relieved that this semester is over; although, I am so thankful for the time our professor spend in this class teaching us. Looking at the corrections made by my teacher, after each essay I had written, I realized that there was so much work I needed to do in a way to improve my writing, there are so many pieces needed to be considered in order to becoming a successful writer. I did not even think twice before I took this class and I have no regrets about it. It is well known that growth is a part of the life; things are changing constantly right before our eyes. And in Introduction to Writing 101S class helped me to grow as a beginner writer. Although, I have made some improvements I still have lots of room for growth. It is still unclear which style of writing I will need in the future, I guess it will depend on the next class, or major, or other situation, but using the information, from this class will help me in prospective papers and class assignments connected with writing.
And I’m positive that writing is a powerful tool when used correctly. After this class my skills that were weak have become stronger, and my strong skills have become even stronger. Having the opportunity to write a variety styles of essay has challenged me to work on my writing techniques. But most important that I have learned to enjoy writing. I found that my writing got better, particularly in professional situations. For example, I feel more confident in writing letters and emails at work. This class has built up little more confidence in my own writing and for that I am highly appreciative.

Citations: are required in an essay in order to avoid plagiarism. I learned that the key to choosing quotes from an article is to choose the sentences that put the most emphasis on the argument you are trying to prove to the audience. I also learned that with every quote, the author’s name must be added in parentheses before the period. During this semester, I feel I have accomplished effectively using all three elements: summarizing, paraphrasing, and quotations I feel relieved that this semester is over; although, I am so thankful for the time our professor spend in this class teaching us. Looking at the corrections made by my teacher, after each essay I had written, I realized that there was so much work I needed to do in a way to improve my writing, there are so many pieces needed to be considered in order to becoming a successful writer. I did not even think twice before I took this class and I have no regrets about it. It is well known that growth is a part of the life; things are changing constantly right before our eyes. And in Introduction to Writing 101S class helped me to grow as a beginner writer. Although, I have made some improvements I still have lots of room for growth. It is still unclear which style of writing I will need in the future, I guess it will depend on the next class, or major, or other situation, but using the information, from this class will help me in prospective papers and class assignments connected with writing. And I’m positive that writing is a powerful tool when used correctly. After this class my skills that were weak have become stronger, and my strong skills have become even stronger. Having the opportunity to write a variety styles of essay has challenged me to work on my writing techniques. But most important that I have learned to enjoy writing. I found that my writing got better, particularly in professional situations. For example, I feel more confident in writing letters and emails at work. This class has built up little more confidence in my own writing and for that I am highly appreciative.