In the academic world, writing is a very important tool used to measure and express student learning. Apart from the formal writing classes which require writing works as basis for grading, essay exams are also used as a barometer to determine whether or not the student has learned the important concepts that were taught. Similar to writing any type of paper, be it a personal narrative, a research essay, or an argumentative essay, the criteria remain the same. There should be a clear topic sentence, which is, in return, supported by topic sentences in every paragraph. Depending on the kind of essay being written, topic sentences should be supported with evidence or with any supporting details. Paragraphs should be organized based on the ideas they express in order to establish a good flow. In doing so, good transitions should be used in order to create a unified essay. Lastly, the conclusion should be able to summarize the points discussed in the essay, and in doing so, be able to link the discussion back to the thesis. In a nutshell, an essay, whatever type it may be, should have a clear and solid thesis, well-developed paragraphs which are organized well, and correctness. These are the basic and the most valuable things I have learned and kept in mind about writing. No matter what the subject is, these criteria have to be followed in order to produce quality writing. However, apart from these, there are many other important rules and tips in writing that I have learned from the class, specifically in terms of responding to arguments.
Along with the basics in writing, the class has also taught me several equally important learnings that I find to be very useful both inside and outside school. In particular, I have developed deep appreciation to the lesson where I learned how to respond to arguments. It is through this lesson that I was able to learn how to support my arguments. I have learned to make good use of research materials such as news articles books, and journal articles. I remember clearly how important it is to analyze whether a claim is factual or a claim of value. In addition, I have also learned how to summarize, paraphrase, and quote sources using different formats, but mostly in MLA format. I keep in mind how important it is to give credit to the sources of the ideas I use in writing, not only to avoid plagiarism, but also to recognize the contribution of their ideas to the development of the essay. Lastly, I have also learned how to list down all the sources I used following the necessary citation format.
In the whole process of writing, I was mostly intrigued by the planning part. It is in this process when I get to form the structure and the flow that I want to follow. It is very interesting how I was able to put together the different ideas I got from reading the sources, and write a whole essay from it, such as the one I wrote for the IP task titled “Technology and Medicine.” I was especially proud that I was able to complete the task and applied everything I learned about writing.
Interestingly, I have also learned how to apply the lessons I have learned about writing outside the class. For one, it is important to know and have a purpose. It is what guides me in doing the things I have to do everyday and how to do it. Once I have decided on my purpose, it becomes easier for me to plan on how I would be able to complete the task. I have also learned how to analyze a statement based on its value. Is it relevant? How does it affect me? What do I learn from it? How does it benefit me? These questions come into mind in those instances. Writing, then, is not just within the classroom, but it is in everyday life.
Work Cited
Rottenberg, Annette T., and Donna Haisty Winchell. “Responding to Arguments.” Elements of Argument: A Text and Reader. 11th ed. Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martins, 2003/2015. 110-146. Print.
