How English 101 Improved My Writing

Welcome to English 101! As you begin this course, you’ll discover how much your reading and writing skills can improve. Reflecting on my own progress during this Winter term, I’ve gained valuable insights into my academic abilities, particularly in reading comprehension, writing organization, and analysis. These improvements have been key in making my work more effective and engaging. Through assignments, class discussions, and careful practice, I’ve learned essential skills that will not only serve me in English 101 but also in other academic areas and everyday life.

One of my significant improvements has been in my reading skills, specifically in analyzing persuasive techniques and understanding rhetorical strategies. Early in the term, I was simply reading to finish assignments. However, as I engaged more deeply with the materials, I started to recognize the importance of rhetorical strategies such as ethos, pathos, and logos. In Major Assignment 1A, I learned how to break down arguments and identify the different strategies writers use to persuade their audiences. By paying closer attention to these persuasive techniques, I began reading with more intention and thoughtfulness.

Additionally, I’ve developed a greater understanding of exigence, purpose, and appeals, as explored in Major Assignments 1C and 2A. These concepts help me analyze a text's urgency, the writer’s goals, and the emotional and logical appeals being made. Recognizing exigence (the urgency for a response), purpose (the writer’s goal), and the way the audience is being addressed has enriched my ability to interpret a writer's intent. As I read, I now consider what prompted the writing, who the intended audience is, and how the writer shapes their argument to suit that audience. This multi-layered analysis allows me to engage with a text not just on the surface level but with a critical eye, increasing my understanding and ability to connect ideas.

To add to my reading improvements, my writing skills have also grown significantly this term, particularly in organization and structure. One of the biggest challenges I faced at the beginning of the term was organizing my essays clearly and logically. My earlier writing often lacked coherence, and my ideas didn’t flow in a way that made sense to the reader. However, with practice and guidance from assignments like Major Assignment 2E, I learned how to structure my essays more effectively. I now focus on writing strong introductions that grab the reader’s attention, clear topic sentences that outline my main points, and smooth transitions that guide the reader through my arguments. I also ensure my conclusions summarize key ideas and leave the reader with a strong impression.

Before, my essays were often disorganized, and I struggled with creating logical connections between paragraphs. Now, I take the time to create outlines before writing, helping me organize my ideas in a structured way. This has been particularly helpful in ensuring that my writing is clear and that my arguments build on one another. The structured approach I’ve developed has made my writing more coherent, and I can confidently present my ideas with a sense of organization.

My research skills have also improved this term, and I now feel more comfortable using academic sources. In Major Assignment 2A, I learned how to move beyond simple Google searches and dive into academic databases to find reliable sources. Previously, I relied on basic online searches that didn’t always yield credible information. Now, I know how to evaluate sources for reliability, find scholarly articles, and incorporate them into my writing. This has made my arguments stronger, as I can now back up my points with evidence from trustworthy sources.

When it comes to future writing tasks, particularly those in unfamiliar genres, I’ve developed a structured strategy that will help me approach each new challenge confidently. First, I will start by identifying the purpose of my writing and the audience I am addressing. Understanding who will read my work and what my goal is will shape the tone and structure of my writing. Once I know my purpose and audience, I will look for sample texts in that genre to understand its conventions and structure. For example, if I’m asked to write a memo, I will review samples to see how it is formatted and what tone is typically used.

Once I’ve gathered enough information, I will create an outline to organize my ideas and start drafting my paper. I will then revise and edit my work, focusing on clarity, coherence, and correctness. I plan to use resources such as the e-tutoring lab to receive feedback and make improvements. These strategies will help me approach unfamiliar writing tasks with confidence and clarity, no matter the genre.

By applying strategies such as active annotation, structured note-taking, and re-reading my work aloud, I’m confident that I can continue to improve as both a reader and writer. These practices will help me build stronger academic skills and succeed in future writing tasks.