Final Reflection

            The method I used in order to choose assignments for my portfolio was the grid technique described in the PowerPoint about the portfolio. First I had to make and fill out the outcome to assignment grid though. Having done this, I was provided with multiple choices for certain outcomes and therefore simply had to choose the best assignment out of the choices offered for the outcome. These assignments are all unique and utilize various kinds of sources, if any at all. Short Assignment 1.2 brought together two texts that we had studied in class, in order to use their content as a source to support its argument. The assignment as required that I demonstrate the ability to synthesis content from these two texts in order for them to complement each other and work together towards supporting the claim of the essay. Major Paper 1 further developed the use of sources, by incorporating sources of different level, such as primary and secondary, as well as multiple types of sources. For example, three people of different linguistic backgrounds were interviewed. Their responses, as well as the previous two texts, and my own personal experiences, were all used together to support the complex claim that Major Paper 1 was arguing. Furthermore, Short Assignment 2.1 required that we analysis a static advertisement using the information we learned from Roland Barthes’ “Rhetoric of the Image”, and stated that we had to use the advertisement as our source for the assignment. I was unfamiliar with what method to use in order to present my analysis, as well as how to cite and use the static advertisement as a source.  These assignments were given to use in chronological order and therefore demonstrate a progression, as I wrote Short Assignment 1.2 with facility, yet struggled with how to write Short Assignment 2.1.

            While completing the portfolio and looking over my assignments, I found that both Major Papers that I wrote ended up being much better than the previous Short Assignments that preceded them. I reflected on this dynamic and came up with a few reasons as to why this may be true. The first thing that came to mind was the idea of progression. The Short Assignments preceded the Major Paper and addressed only one part of the topic that the Major Paper addresses. In a sense, the Short Assignments serve as practice and a way to develop analyses and thought on the subject, and then the Major Papers then compiles all this information. The Short Assignments are like rough drafts and the Major Paper is the final polished draft, which would explain why I performed better with those. Moreover, I noticed a habit of mine that may be having an effect on this as well. When an assignment is easy in class, I tend to not take it seriously and consequently do not put much effort into it. On the other hand, when I am presented with a difficult task, it is as If I get motivated by the challenge and my mind jumpstarts and works much harder to accomplish it.  I also developed a new and improved method in starting my essays. I used to just read the assignment, think about it for a while, and then start with the introduction. As I went on writing, I would correct every little detail and change or adapt previously written parts, as my essay developed. I found that this method was very arduous and time consuming, which made it difficult to follow and support an overall main idea. The new technique that I have developed is to write a rough draft, but by using bulletin points and being very brief. I write down my claim for my introduction, then write my topic sentence for each paragraph, and write examples that I may have, and then finish it off with a few conclusive lines. This does not take long to complete, and once it is done I almost have my whole essay written out. I use it as a form of structure for my essay by following and referring back to it, but I develop each idea or bulletin point further. In the end, this new method saves me time and frustration, rather than modifying what I have already written and having to interrupt my chain of thought in order to correct my writing.

            I could still use some work on grammatical errors and vocabulary, as well as attempting various new methods of structure for essays, other than the typical five paragraph paper. I am still not yet comfortable with using anything that is not similar to this method, even though I know that this structure is limiting and that I do not have to follow such a rigid structure. I would also like to continue to search for and attempt even more writing methods and contexts as I find this so valuable and enriching for my future. All things considered, I would describe myself as an interesting and passionate writer. I always enjoy my English classes, as long as I do not have a horrible teacher, and feel as if I am continuously discovering new means to express and explain my thoughts and ideas. I would like to also develop my writing when it comes to the French language. The French language has such a strong descriptive capability due to its vast amount of verb tenses and enormous quantity of useful vocabulary. In the end, this class was interesting, well taught, and fun, but I also learned many valuable methods of writing and tools that I am sure I will be using in the future. Thank you Leah!