Saturday, February 2, 2013

Instructor Comments Reflection



1.        The most helpful piece of advice I received on my Writing History Response was to elaborate on not only on what I wrote, but how it changed me as a writer.  I spent too much time in my paper trying to make sure I covered everything that I had done.  I did not spend enough time relating those things to my beliefs as a writer, and how it changed me.  Throughout my life, I have been influenced by many different people, in many ways.  Each person had their own individual impact on me as a writer, and I need to be more specific on describing those situations.
2.       I do not feel that any of the comments I received would fall into the “least” helpful category.  I went through each one, and they all had a very valid point.  There are many things in my paper I need to evaluate again and go into greater detail.  Although, some comments I did not fully understand.
3.       One question I had about Megan’s comments was about my introduction and conclusion.  She told me to carefully consider these paragraphs.  If I feel that they help the paper, then I should keep them.  I am so confused about what to do to fix this.  I have read over my paper many times and still am left with no idea on what to do.  I believe this is part of my growing process as a writer.  All through my life an introduction and conclusion were required in my papers.  Now that it is not required, is it necessary? Does it help my paper? This is a big change for me, and I feel like this process will really help me in the future.
4.       My plans on revision will start with figuring what to do about my introduction.  I could leave it, or take it out.  I just have to figure out its purpose and significance to my paper.  I also need to go back through my paper and elaborate on things that were not clearly understood by Megan.  By fixing this problem, my answers will reveal some of what I feel about writing today.  Also, after each turning point in my writing, I will tell how I was changed.  I will explain what I learned and what I did to improve my writing.  Also, I feel like I was not clear when explaining what all of my teachers have done for me.  Instead of saying things they did to help me, I need to specifically tell how those things affected my writing and my beliefs.  I also received the comment to tell more about my writing process, so I plan to go into more detail about how I get started and what keeps me motivated.  I will end my revisions by evaluating my conclusion the same way as my introduction. I will separate it into two separate paragraphs and maybe take out the part that does not aid to my paper.

1 comment:

  1. No, introductions and conclusions are not always necessary. A lot of it depends on the expectations of a reader. For example, I don't need an introduction or conclusion for this post. Novels often start in the middle of a person's actions and end with cliff hangers. So, for this assignment, you don't necessarily need an introduction or conclusion.

    That being said, you CAN choose to have them in your paper. If you do, push yourself away from the standard high school paragraphs. This paper doesn't have a thesis. I am already interested in your ideas so you don't need a standard hook. I already understand the assignment so you don't need general information at the beginning. And I pay attention while I read so I don't need you to sum up the information at the end.

    One thing you can play this semester is the different kinds of introductions and conclusions that fit with different writing contexts. Pay attention at the introductions and conclusions as you read published work and the work of your peers. As you play with these paragraphs for this paper, feel free to send me drafts or come to my office hours and we can talk about them.

    Also, if you need more clarification on some comments, let me know and i will explain them more.

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