For Your Final Assignment For This Class You Will Reflect On

For Your Final Assignment For This Class You Will Reflect On Your Wri

For your final assignment for this class, you will reflect on your writing experiences in 108. This essay will serve as your final exam for the class, so you are expected to complete this assignment on your own. You should include the following elements:

• A discussion of the most important things you learned in this class and why you consider them important.
• A discussion of two ways in which your writing has improved over the semester and why.
• A discussion of one area where you still have some trouble and how you might work on improving it in the future in your ongoing development as a college writer.

You should use specific examples from activities or assignments completed in class, including the first four projects, the presentation, and any other writing activities, to illustrate your points.

Your essay should feature a clear introduction with a thesis statement, a conclusion that ties all ideas together, logical organization, topic sentences for each paragraph, and smooth transitions between ideas. Use supporting details effectively—avoid simply listing activities; instead, answer the question "Why?" for each point made.

Formatting Requirements

• Minimum 500 words
• Double-spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman font
• 1-inch margins on all sides
• Header with last name and page number in the upper right corner
• Heading with names, class, and due date in the top left corner
• Name your file following the format: Assignment5_FinalEssay_LastName_FirstInitial_108

First drafts are due on Monday, 5/7. Your draft does not have to be complete but should include an outline of your essay. Upload it to Canvas by 8:00 AM. Final essays are due in the assignment folder on Canvas by 8:00 AM on Monday, 5/14. Late submissions and submissions by email will receive a zero. Ensure your essay is posted correctly; early submission is allowed if desired.

Paper For Above instruction

Writing is a skill that continuously evolves, shaped significantly by the experiences and feedback encountered during a course. In the English 108 class, I have learned several crucial lessons that have had a profound impact on my writing journey. Foremost among these is the importance of clarity and organization. Early in the semester, my writing was somewhat disorganized, often lacking clear thesis statements or logical flow. Through repeated practice and feedback, I learned how to craft strong thesis statements and develop paragraphs with topic sentences that support my main idea. For example, in Project 2, I initially struggled to connect my ideas cohesively, but by revising my draft with a focus on transitions and coherence, I was able to produce a more lucid and compelling argument. This realization underscored the significance of structured writing in effectively communicating ideas to the reader.

Another vital lesson has been the importance of supporting my claims with evidence and examples. Throughout the semester, I understood that simply making assertions was insufficient; I needed to substantiate my points. In Project 3, which involved research, I learned how to incorporate credible sources to strengthen my arguments. For example, in my analysis of online communication, I cited studies on social media’s impact on teenagers' mental health. This exercise helped me appreciate the value of integrating research and statistics, which enhances the credibility and persuasiveness of my writing. Moreover, applying proper citation techniques taught me how to respect intellectual property and avoid plagiarism, a skill essential for scholarly integrity.

Over the course of the semester, I have observed notable improvements in my writing style. First, my ability to develop a clear thesis has sharpened. Early in the semester, my thesis statements were vague or too broad, but with practice, I now craft precise, arguable thesis statements that guide my papers effectively. For instance, in my research paper on climate change, I argued specifically about the role of policy versus individual action, providing a focused lens for my discussion. Second, my paragraph structure has improved. I learned to start each paragraph with a topic sentence that indicates its main idea, followed by supporting details. This structure not only clarifies my writing but also makes my arguments more persuasive. For example, in Project 4, I was able to clearly delineate different aspects of digital literacy, making my analysis more accessible and logical to the reader.

Despite these advances, I still encounter challenges, particularly with maintaining a consistent voice and tone throughout my writing. I tend to shift between formal and informal language, which can undermine the professionalism and coherence of my essays. To address this issue, I plan to read my drafts aloud and seek peer feedback focused on tone and style. Additionally, I will analyze exemplars of academic writing to better understand how to maintain a consistent tone and voice. Regular practice and awareness of my writing habits will be pivotal in overcoming this obstacle and enhancing my overall writing competence.

In conclusion, my experience in English 108 has been transformative, equipping me with essential skills such as clarity, organization, and evidence-based writing. The improvements I have made in developing a strong thesis and well-structured paragraphs demonstrate my growth as a writer. Recognizing the persistent challenge of maintaining consistent tone, I am committed to continuous improvement. These lessons and strategies will serve as a foundation for my ongoing development as a college writer and beyond, ensuring that I communicate more effectively and confidently in all my future academic endeavors.

References

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• Swales, J., & Feak, C. (2012). Academic writing for graduate students: Essential tasks and skills. University of Michigan Press.
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