Throughout this English class, I have learned how to use a number of different tools and strategies to improve my writing. One course learning outcome that was meaningful to me was locating research sources in the library’s databases and on the internet and determining where they come from and whether they were credible. Finding sources does take quite a bit of time, especially if I want it to be peer-reviewed because it might not exactly pertain to my topic. However, I did learn a lot from reading through all the sources I considered using in my essays. I looked through all kinds of sources, ranging from news broadcasts to tweets to magazines. These sources are found throughout my source-based essay and my inquiry-based essay.

The second learning outcome I learned from was to develop strategies for reading, drafting, collaborating, revising, and editing. After finding the sources and research needed to back up my claims, I highlight and underline the most important information. I usually print out my sources so I can easily annotate them. After understanding my sources more and finding information that backs up my argument, I developed a plan to format my essay. I usually do this by writing out the main idea from each source and how that helps explain the topic of my essay. I did a better job of organizing my thoughts and information in the source-based essay. It is much easier to understand and read than the inquiry-based essay because I didn’t put as much time into arranging it.

The last learning outcome that was meaningful to me is composing texts that integrate my stance with appropriate sources using strategies such as summary, critical analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and argumentation. Before concluding my essay, I synthesized all the points I have made so the reader does not forget them. I did a better job with this for my inquiry-based essay because I learned more about what a synthesis was.

By: Christina Shenouda