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Achim Noack
Professor Collins
ENGL 1301
29 November 2016
Perpetuum Mobile
My name is Achim Noack, I am a student at Alvin Community College and took four
classes this fall semester besides working part time as a tutor for mathematical science. English is
usually a somewhat difficult topic for me as I am more comfortable with natural sciences and
mathematics. The course ENGL 1301 turned out to be as challenging for me as expected. There
was a lot of work to be done and numerous iterations to go through before any assignment was
considered good enough to be submitted. I learned to apply proper formatting, upgrade my
diction, and develop thesis statements through all essays, ratiocination, and peer review.
From the first class lecture on forward, it was clearly pointed out that proper formatting of
a text was of the essence. The Modern Language Associations current standard had to be strictly
adhered to. On the diagnostic essay, it took me a while to apply the correct text font in the header
and have all page margins appropriately implemented into my computers software. Later in the
course, starting with essay two, the use of correct citations was of importance. The attention to
detail paid off for me because correct formatting and documentation of a text quickly became a
template which I could utilize on all subsequent assignments.
The elements of ratiocination and peer review greatly helped me to upgrade my diction.
The formalistic approach to go back to a draft paper and systematically look for vocabulary of
low diction, annoying repetitions, or use of first person language always resulted in an improved
version of my paper. To look at one performance criterion at a time, an approach I had not taken
before, made the ratiocination periods worth my while. I am also very thankful for the direct

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feedback received from my peers. The mistakes I failed to detect through ratiocination, they
found and shared with me.
In essays two and three in particular, I learned to develop thesis statements. In class, the
professor presented a respective formula to apply. A good thesis statement would introduce the
writers conviction and offer some relevant high level reasoning, thus determine the subsequent
structure and order of body paragraphs. A thoughtful thesis statement could function as a bracket
for the entire text, including its conclusion. After a couple of attempts I realized that, because of
its overarching role, a major portion of research had to be done prior to formulating a valuable
thesis statement. Otherwise additional iterations became necessary to go through.
Through hard work in this falls English class, I was able to improve my writing skill,
especially in the areas of diction, formatting, and thesis statements. Writing assignments as well
as the instruments of ratiocination and peer review enabled me considerably to do so. Looking
back, I found this class as challenging for me as expected, but I now know that I am able to
master an English class and even attend four classes while working part time. My experience
with this course was pleasant, enlightening, and successful. I developed a new sense of
appreciation for the English Language. It reminds me of a perpetuum mobile, a beautiful machine
that will perform forever and develop energy from within. The writers just need to find and
unlock that energy.