Dear Reader,

This class has provided me with more than enough information to help me develop as a writer. I learned how important revision is in the process of creating a well-developed essay. I could have said in the process of creating a perfect essay but those do not exist because there is always room to improve. My writing process has also changed since the beginning of this course. Prior to this class, I never took into consideration what my readers were looking for because I would be focused on following the prompt and meeting word counts, which is horrible to admit. This course has taught me that reading is also a part of the process, and I should be reading more in depth on what the writer’s purpose is. Good writing is not determined based off liking it or not liking it but is based off meeting the readers expectations, making it contextual. The production of a “good” piece of writing is created through a process in which is different for most writers.

We covered all four learning objectives, but some more than others. Every minor or major assignment that needed to be completed had prior reading needed to be done. This class has allowed me to read text not only from a variety of different fields but from my specific discourse community. For both project one and two I had to read multiple articles within my discourse community and doing so provided me with knowledge of the tendencies and writing conventions that we write with. I also believe the fourth objective was heavily implemented since I learned about my peer’s discourse communities and their values and standards that they hold themselves to within their discipline. The opportunity to read about other disciplines that I do not have to have interest in a topic for me to enjoy reading about it. This also illustrates how writing is contextual and is based off the readers you are writing for.

My writing process before this class was 2 steps, yes, I said two steps because I failed to put more effort into my work. Step one was my first draft, and then I would follow that draft with minor editing and complete the final draft. My writing process has changed tremendously considering all the writing methods covered in this class. My process is finding credible sources, reading those sources rhetorically, prewriting, first draft, revise first draft, and finish with a final draft. Revision has become a key component to my writing process along with reading text rhetorically. Every writer has their own process and some writers have yet to find theirs which is okay because there is always room left to grow, but I believe I have found a process that works for me since it allows me to get my purpose across to my readers while also not stressing me out in the process

 This course has taught me the importance of knowing your audience, discourse communities, reading rhetorically, and revision. The peer workshops are what really opened my eyes to the importance of revision because following the workshop I made major changes to the development of my essay. I learned the difference between revision and editing because I used to believe they were the same thing such as fixing spelling and grammar errors. The workshops also provided me with organization tips for my essays which helped make me feel more comfortable with my final production. Reading rhetorically also allows me to see methods other writers use to accomplish their purpose then I can implement those methods into my own work. As a writer I want to provide my readers with a piece of writing that resonates with them and be the source they look for when they need motivation or pointers. Since “good” writing is contextual knowing your audience is crucial in the development of your essay. I must cater to the audience in which I am writing for to even be considered a “good piece” of writing. Which is why it is important to understand discourse communities since some communities use different jargon or organization methods. Prior to this class I did not take proofreading seriously, but this course has shown me that a reader will not find you as a credible source if you fail to spell words incorrectly.

Although I have grown as a writer in this class, I still have several years of academic writing meaning there is always room for improvement. A writer should always be open to change because change results in growth. One of my strengths as a writer is my use of ethos. I am aware of the importance of earning your readers trust early so they find everything in the rest of the essay credible. I always make sure to prove that I have done my research which shows my readers that I care about the topic in which I am discussing. One of my weaknesses as a writer is my use of pathos.  I could always improvement my methods of appealing to my readers emotions. I can read more text that use pathos and see their methods since this class has taught me reading others work will only benefit my own work.

Dear future students: I am grateful for this class because it has made me more confident as a writer since I had doubts of my writing ability in college. I will now read rhetorically, write with a purpose, be open minded while thinking, and research using credible sources. I hope this class does the same for you but keep in mind just because you put effort in this class you will not be promised the grade you want. This class is about growing as a writer and learning new methods to help develop your writing process. Reading is an important step in the process so do not feel like you are too busy or cool to read because you will struggle, and reading will only benefit your writing. Expand your knowledge passed your interest or discourse community because the more you know the easy your writing process will become. You might think your writing is a world class production but if you fail to meet your readers expectations you may need to rethink your writing process because as stated above, writing is contextual. You must be aware of whom you are writing for and what they are looking for within your piece of writing. So, read and write with a purpose and be opened to change so you can grow as a writer and possibly even a person. 😊

Sincerely,

Dom