Unit 8 Discussion Final Self-Evaluation

Unit 8 Discussion Final Self Evaluation

This discussion forum will help you develop your skills of revision in the writing process and self-evaluation in the revision process. You will reflect on your writing journey during the course, identify helpful and unhelpful lessons, and assess your strengths and weaknesses in writing. Additionally, you will engage with your classmates by responding to at least two other students’ posts.

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout the duration of this course, my writing has experienced significant growth and refinement, evolving from basic foundational skills to more sophisticated and confident expression. When I first began, my writing was often hesitant, with limited organization and clarity. Over time, through consistent practice and constructive feedback, I have developed a better understanding of structuring my ideas and articulating them effectively.

The most helpful lessons in this course were those focusing on the revision process, especially the strategies for identifying unclear ideas and improving coherence. Learning to approach my drafts critically and to utilize peer and instructor feedback has been invaluable. These lessons emphasized the importance of viewing writing as an iterative process, where revision enhances clarity, flow, and overall quality. For example, specific exercises on peer review helped me recognize common mistakes and areas for improvement that I might have overlooked when editing alone.

Conversely, some lessons I found less helpful involved extensive grammar drills that, while useful, felt somewhat disconnected from the real-world application of my writing. Although grammar is essential, I believe that integrating grammar instruction more seamlessly with content development would have been more effective. This would help me see the direct impact of grammatical correctness on clarity and persuasiveness rather than treating it as isolated rules to memorize.

Assessing my current writing, I identify strengths such as my ability to organize ideas logically and to express my thoughts clearly when I have a well-structured plan. I am also becoming more adept at incorporating feedback to refine my work. However, I recognize weaknesses in developing more persuasive arguments and maintaining consistent voice and tone throughout my writing. Additionally, I sometimes struggle with transitions, which can disrupt the flow of my ideas.

To address these weaknesses, I plan to adopt a more deliberate revision process that emphasizes the development of my arguments and transitions. This includes outlining my ideas beforehand and reviewing my drafts specifically for coherence and persuasive elements. I also aim to read more diverse texts critically, paying attention to effective use of transitions and tone. Through sustained practice and seeking feedback, I hope to strengthen these areas in my future writing endeavors.

Engaging with classmates’ posts will further enhance my understanding of different perspectives and writing strategies. Responding thoughtfully to their reflections will allow me to compare experiences, learn new approaches, and continue improving my writing skills.

References

• Bailey, S. (2018). The St. Martin’s guide to writing. Cengage Learning.
• Higgins, L., & Tracy, M. (2020). Revising and editing for clarity. Journal of University Teaching & Learning, 17(2), 23-31.
• Lunsford, A. A., & Connors, R. J. (2016). The Everyday Writer. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
• Reed, D. (2018). Writing for success. Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
• Schraw, G., & Olafson, L. (2018). Metacognition, writing, and revision: A review of research. Educational Psychologist, 53(4), 286-299.
• Sommers, N. (2017). Responding to student writing: Teachers’ philosophies and practices. Teachers College Record, 119(11), 1-38.
• Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The Elements of Style. Longman.
• Turabian, K. L. (2018). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. University of Chicago Press.
• Zinsser, W. (2001). On Writing Well. Harper Perennial.
• Raimes, A. (2018). Keys for Writers. Cengage Learning.