Saechao 1

Kari Saechao
Professor Vana DerOhanessian
English 114B
7 May 2014
Reflection
Through this semester in 114B, I learned that I have improved greatly on certain aspects
of writing, but still struggled with some. With writing, I think my conclusions on all three
projects have improved. I remember from 114A that all my conclusions were really short and
restated exactly what I had in my introduction paragraph. Now, instead of just copying what I
had already stated, I feel like I actually develop and explain my points from the introduction
paragraph. Along with improving with my conclusions, I think that I did a better job this
semester with finding valid counter arguments. Instead of just lightly addressing the other sides
opinion, I actually refuted and provided a lot of valid evidence for the argument. I think I did
really well with this on my Project Text essay.
Although I did improve with some things, I continued to struggle with some. I found it
hard to come up with a good thesis that was appropriate for the essay. I found that my theses
were more on the side of what is known to be a developing thesis rather than a final one. I also
struggled greatly with having enough things to say. With every essay, I laid out each thing I was
going to write about and it would all seem like it could be a great paper. Then, once I began to
write I would run out of things to say. I think this could possibly be a result of not developing my
points thoroughly.
Through this class, I think that I could apply using counter arguments and concluding or
summing things up in other classes or in everyday life. With counter arguments, I think that I can
Saechao 2
use them whenever I am in an educational debate or if I am ever arguing with someone. For
example, if I am passionately arguing with someone then I sincerely address their point of view,
maybe they will come to an understanding with me. It would also make me sound like wiser and
nicer person while arguing. With concluding or conclusions, I think I can use this in other
writing classes. Actually, in every class I have to write an essay in because every essay needs a
conclusion. Since I have improved with conclusions, I feel that all my conclusions with every
essay I write in the future should be better.
Next in writing and future writing classes, I think I need to work on thoroughly
developing each one of my points and introductions. I came to the conclusion that I run out of
things to say or end up with not enough words because I do not explain each point I have clearly.
If I provide maybe one or two quotations to each point then I should have enough words and the
essay will be long enough. I think I need to work on my introductions because I have realized
that all of them are pretty boring and does not catch my attention. If it does not catch my
attention then it definitely will not catch a random readers attention. I never really put my focus
on introductions either, which is why I think I should start doing so. Writing this reflection, and
thinking about introductions has made me realize how important introductions actually are.
Overall in 114B, I feel like I have improved more than struggled. With improving on
addressing counter arguments and conclusions I can become better at arguing and summing
things up. I can use these not only in writing, but in day-to-day life as well. I also realized what
aspects of writing I need to work on to become a stronger, better writer.