With the completion of WRTG 101 course, I was able to benefit from learning a variety of new things from class, as well as refresh my memory on the aspects that I already knew. The class has been very significant in my academic journey since it has equipped me with extensive knowledge and skills in carrying out academic research, collecting information from a variety of sources, analyzing them and presenting them in a standard academic language and format. The course has enriched me academic writing skills and has broaden my research writing experience. I began WRTG 101 with average academic writing skills and now, I have gained immense experience in selecting a topic to research on and determining the research resources to use in my paper.
From my assignment, “Autobiography of: Encounters of Difference in Two Places”, I narrated about my past before turning twenty years old and joined the United States services Automobile Association. In the paper, I demonstrated narrative writing skills by providing a detailed description of what I did and the kind of services I offered to clients. In addition, I made use of the writing skills I had learned during the class to provide a simple but precise description of my main responsibilities. In addition, in order to make the reader understand more about myself, I provided more information on the individuals I worked with and from the various regions they came from (Bolton, 2014). Through this, I demonstrated my descriptive skills and analysis skills for the purpose of providing information clear and understandable information to the audience.
By providing a narrative on how I met a woman who wished to get a loan for a car, I learned how to collectively present past ideas and write a narrative using relevant descriptive words for a selected audience. I learned that the choice of words and language is very important especially in narrative writing (Stevens, 2009). With the help of my class instructor, I have now enhanced my skills in narrating about a past event in a manner that can be comprehended well by the intended reader or targeted audience. I explained the situation in the paper that I faced. I strongly believe that through the compilation of what happened in regard to the story, I have personally improved my writing skills.
Besides presenting the story about my past, I have also gained immense writing skills about my present encounters. In the Autobiography paper, I discussed how I worked as a Machinist Mate in the United States Navy. While narrating my experience about the job responsibilities, I was able to apply a personal ad well as a group perspective to my research. From a personal perspective, I gave a description on how to interact with different individuals from diverse social and economic background (Watton, 2013). Through these, I learned the skill of narrating about a past event while keeping the subject of the discussion flowing and relevant throughout the paper.
One of the main writing skills that I have learned is how to construct well-structured and complete sentences as well as coherent paragraphs. While writing the essays, I applied the knowledge my instructor had thought us as well as the knowledge I had researched on my own in order to present a well-structured research paper. For instance, while writing the paper, “The major differences between USA and China”, I applied the aspect of paragraph coherence in the paper. Coherence implies that each paragraph begins with a sentence presenting the main argument and the consequent sentences providing a discussion supporting the main sentence (Assenmacher, 2011). In addition, the information presented within the paragraph should support and relate with the main sentence of the paragraph. The essays I wrote contained information that was relevant to the main topic under discussion. I accomplished this through the application of extensive research writing skills which include proper citation, information gathering and paraphrasing, and proper use of academic or essay writing choice of words.
Another important aspect that I learned is structuring the essays in an academic manner. Academic essay writing follows the traditional structure or format, which begins with abstract, introduction, body, and conclusion (Shields, 2010). While writing my essays, I applied the concepts of proper essay structuring by adhering to the recommended structure. For instance, while writing the essay, “Accounting for ethics education”, I applied the standard essay structuring format. I began with the abstract where I gave an overview on what the essay would discuss. I began by explaining that the essay is an inductive persuasive essay on the need for ethical education in business and accounting. I gave a brief discussion about the issue and what the researchers have been talking about and what they have been unable to achieve. Then I progressed to the introduction part where I gave a brief introductory for the purpose of connecting the reader with the topic under discussion. Then the body contained a detailed discussion about the topic and the conclusion, I provided a summary of the main points I had discussed (Williams, 2012).
In a nutshell, WRTG 101 course has been an interesting and informative course. WRTG 101 course has significantly enhanced my research writing skills in a substantial way. I learned the need for proper sentencing structuring and paragraph coherence. I learned how to present a standard academic essay with minimal grammatical errors and also learned how to identify research sources from various academic sources, analyzing them adequately and presenting the information to support my argument. One area I think I will want to continue improving is paragraph coherence. I would want to ensure that every paragraph contains information that is relevant to the opening sentence of the paragraph.
- Assenmacher, K. (2011). Reflective Writing. GRIN Verlag
- Bolton, G. (2014). Reflective Practice: Writing and Professional Development. SAGE Publications
- Stevens, D. (2009). Journal Keeping: How to Use Reflective Writing for Effective Learning, Teaching, Professional Insight, and Positive Change. Stylus Publishing, LLC.
- Shields, M. (2010). Essay Writing: A Student’s Guide. SAGE Publications
- Watton, P. (2013). Reflective Writing . Retrieved March 6, 2016 from http://www.exeter.ac.uk/fch/work-experience/reflective-writing-guidance.pdf
- Williams, K. (2012). Reflective Writing. Palgrave Macmillan