So far this year, I have developed more as a writer than I ever have previously. When I started English I this year, my goal was simple: learn how to write an essay. Throughout elementary and middle school, I had always felt as though I had failed to develop comprehensive analytical writing skills, a fact that has worried and hampered me until this year. I now have a better understanding of what makes a good thesis, support, and conclusion.
One composition which demonstrates my progress as well as my weaknesses is my Haroun and the Sea of Stories Essay. When writing this essay I made a considerate effort to limit excess summary and backgrounds, while providing concise analytical support. Although my work on this essay shows improvement in these areas, the essay showed me that I needed to work on being more persuasive and explain my views in more detail instead of simply mentioning an opinion and moving on.
Another composition I would like to address is my Golden Compass Essay. I will freely acknowledge that it was not my best work, but I do believe that at times the complexity of an assignment can inhibit the work’s quality, which was my greatest problem on this essay. In addition, my close analysis left much to be desired, which I will continue to work on in preparation for the upcoming midterm.
With regard to the semester’s goal, I would say I have been relatively successful in my progress as a writer. Though my compositions do not always achieve A’s, I feel as though I work hard to earn and deserve every grade that I get. One incredible helpful and important point, with which in the past I have failed to comply, has been learning from my mistakes. It used to be a common habit for me to glance quickly at a grade before filing it away. This perhaps most important goal from past semester is one that I will continue to work on.
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