Due Date: Course Reflection response is due by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, 12/9. Completing this assignment before or by its deadline will note your attendance for this day.
Assignment: In 250 words or more, discuss the following:
Note: You do not have to respond to your classmates this week, but it would be a nice way to decompress and discuss your end of the semester thoughts.
Guidelines for Completing Discussion Questions: Your response to the assigned discussion question should be at least 250 words in length. Failure to complete all parts of the assignment or submitting underdeveloped answers will lead to point deductions. This discussion question response is due by 11:59 p.m. on its assigned due date. Your response should be clear, developed, and progressive, meaning that it adds depth to the discussion.
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“A good story is a dream shared by the author and the reader. Anything that wakes the reader from the dream is a mortal sin” is a famous quote about writing by Victor J. Banis. Writing is a valuable tool for communication, self-expression, and exploring new ideas. It allows us to convey our thoughts and feelings on paper, preserving them for future generations to read and reflect upon. According to Durga et al. (2018), good writing requires time, effort, and practice. It involves a clear understanding of the audience, purpose, tone, and the ability to organize ideas into a coherent and meaningful structure. One must have a strong command of grammar, vocabulary, and syntax to write effectively. By continuously honing these skills and seeking feedback from others, writers can improve their writing and make it more impactful (Durga et al., 2018). Writing enables individuals to process their emotions and make sense of their experiences. Keeping a journal, writing poetry, or composing creative stories are examples of how writing can be used for personal growth and well-being. This paper is going to discuss my writing strengths and weaknesses this semester, and what I learned about argumentative writing this semester.
Writing with a clear and logical structure is a strength in my writing. Organization and structure are essential components of effective writing. According to Younas et al. (2021), organization structure involves using headings, subheadings, and paragraphs to present ideas and maintain a consistent flow of information. A well-organized and structured piece of writing is easier to understand and follow, making it a strength for the reader. A clear organization and structure help the reader to understand the writer’s purpose and message (Younas et al., 2021). Well-organized writing provides a roadmap for the reader, making it easier to follow the flow of ideas and concepts. When the writer provides a clear structure, such as an introduction, body, and conclusion, the reader knows what to expect and can easily follow the argument. Thus, Organization and structure are essential components of effective writing.
Creativity in writing is another strength of my writing. Writing can be a creative outlet, allowing individuals to explore new ideas and express themselves uniquely. According to Moses et al. (2019), a strength in creativity can result in imaginative and engaging written pieces that capture the reader’s attention and imagination. Creativity is vital to effective writing, and its impact cannot be overstated. Whether crafting a compelling story, developing a unique perspective, or finding new ways to engage the reader, creativity is an essential writing strength. Creativity can also captivate the reader and keep them engaged (Moses et al., 2019). Whether through an unpredictable plot, unexpected twists, or a unique writing style, creative writing can capture the reader’s attention and keep them hooked. By using their imagination, writers can create pieces of writing that are enjoyable to read and memorable and long-lasting. By tapping into their imagination, writers can create original and innovative works that stand out from the crowd. Thus, creativity in writing is a strength of my writing.
Weak vocabulary is one of my writing weaknesses. A limited language prevents me from accurately conveying my ideas and thoughts. According to Ghufron et al. (2018), a weak vocabulary is a significant hindrance to effective writing. It can have far-reaching consequences for the writer’s ability to communicate their message effectively. There are several ways that weak vocabulary can impact a piece of writing and make it a weakness. A weak vocabulary can also limit my ability to convey my ideas with nuance and sophistication (Ghufron et al., 2018). By limiting my ability to choose the right words, a writer may be unable to convey the subtleties and complexities of their ideas, resulting in shallow and lacking depth. A weak vocabulary can also result in repetitive and monotonous writing (Ghufron et al., 2018). When I have a limited vocabulary, I may use the same words and phrases repeatedly, making their writing uninteresting; This can lead to a disengaged reader not being invested in the message. Thus, a weak vocabulary is one of my writing weaknesses.
Poor grammar is another one of my writing weaknesses. It can have a significant impact on the overall quality and effectiveness of the text. According to Moses et al. (2019), A text with poor grammar can be confusing, difficult to read, and even distracting, leading to a loss of credibility and a failure to communicate the intended message effectively, as grammar plays an essential role in conveying the writer’s intended meaning and in making the text clear and easily understandable to the reader. One of the main problems with poor grammar is that it can obscure the intended purpose of a text (Moses et al., 2019). Words and phrases that are grammatically incorrect can be misinterpreted or misunderstood by the reader, leading to confusion or a failure to grasp the intended message; This can be particularly problematic when writing for a professional or academic audience, where clear and accurate communication is crucial. In addition to obscuring the intended meaning of a text, poor grammar can also detract from the overall quality of the writing (Moses et al., 2019). Texts with frequent grammatical errors can appear unprofessional and reflect poorly on the writer’s ability to communicate effectively; This can be especially damaging in professional contexts, where the ability to write clearly and effectively is highly valued. Thus, one of my writing weakness is poor grammar
I have learned this semester about argumentative writing that argumentative writing is a style of writing that aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It is a form of writing that presents a clear thesis statement, supported by evidence and reasoning, to convince the reader to agree with the writer’s perspective. According to Graham et al. (2019), one of the elements of argumentative writing is the use of evidence. Evidence can come from facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions. The writer must present evidence that supports their argument clearly and convincingly. This evidence must be relevant and credible and used to support the writer’s thesis statement. Another essential aspect of argumentative writing is reasoning (Graham et al., 2019). The writer must use logical and coherent arguments to support their position. In argumentative writing, it is also essential to be objective and neutral. The writer must present both sides of the argument and provide evidence to support both sides. Thus, the above is what I have learned about argumentative writing this semester.
In conclusion, writing is a crucial skill that plays a significant role in my studies. Organization, structure, and creativity are my writing strengths this semester, while weak vocabulary and poor grammar are my weaknesses. Addressing these common writing weaknesses can significantly improve the quality of my written work. Argumentative writing is a powerful tool for persuasion. It requires the writer to present a clear thesis statement, supported by evidence and reasoning, to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. To be effective, argumentative writing must be well-structured, use credible evidence, and employ logical reasoning. Writing is essential for academic success, as students are often required to write essays, research papers, and dissertations as part of their coursework.
Durga, V. S. S., & Rao, C. S. (2018). Developing students’ writing skills in the English-A process approach. Journal for Research Scholars and Professionals of English Language Teaching, 6(2), 1-5.
Ferretti, R. P., & Graham, S. (2019). Argumentative writing: Theory, assessment, and instruction. Reading and Writing, 32, 1345-1357.
Ghufron, M. A., & Ermawati, S. (2018). The strengths and weaknesses of cooperative and problem-based learning in EFL writing class: Teachers’ and students’ perspectives. International Journal of Instruction, 11(4), 657-672.
Moses, R. N., & Mohamad, M. (2019). Challenges faced by students and teachers on writing skills in ESL Contexts: A literature review. Creative Education, 10(13), 3385-3391.
Younas, A., & Ali, P. (2021). Five tips for developing useful literature summary tables for writing review articles. Evidence-Based Nursing, 24(2), 32-34.