English Journal Question
Journal V:
For this unit's discussion, consider the process you have gone through as you revised your paper so far—the introduction and literature review. What have you found to be most helpful for you? What would you share with others about your process? What techniques, tips, and methods have you used to help the process go more smoothly for you? You can also describe methods that were not as helpful to you and what you would like to do in the future that you think might be better.
Keep in mind that the spirit of this writing is to think about ways that you and others might improve your writing process.
Your response should be at least 200 words and should follow APA format. No references or citations are necessary.
Teacher Feedback:
“The purpose of this assignment,” according to the syllabus, “is to begin drafting your academic argumentative research paper.” It includes both an introduction and a literature review. You seem to be repeating unexamined assumptions, rather than making an argument. As I have said, I think this topic is not appropriate for this sort of essay. Abortion has been legal in the United States for nearly half a century. The arguments against it, as you note, are primarily religious. This essay asks you to write a secular, academic argument. What, then, is the debate? On the other hand, the so-call T.R.A.P. laws do make abortion unavailable for millions of women. That would be a far more productive topic. You need to summarize each side of a legitimate debate and build a persuasive, logical argument. Your current topic does not lend itself to this format. You use APA editorial style correctly. I don’t feel you use research effectively, however, and you need more research. Make sure to review my notes carefully. I recommend that you use the Writing Center for each of your upcoming assignments. They can help you identify a debate, articulate a position, and plan your research. As always, make sure to read my comments carefully and let me know if you have any
Journal VI:
What do you think is your strongest point? What do you think is your weakest? Do you think the scope of your project is narrowed down efficiently? How are you feeling about the process? What do you think about the structure of the body paragraphs? Does the structure seem too restrictive or helpful and guiding? Looking back on some of the materials that you have read, can you see the structures that we have discussed in the course so far? Do you see differences between academic and public sources in terms of how the paragraphs are constructed?
Your response should be at least 200 words and should follow APA format. No references or citations are necessary.
Teacher Feedback:
The purpose of this assignment, the Syllabus says, “is to revise the introduction and literature review of your academic argumentative research paper, which you created a draft of in Unit IV.” These changes and “revisions must be substantive and made in accordance with the professor’s instructions.” I think you are doing a good job. The most important change you need to make is to articulate a clear, concise thesis and then to use that thesis to organize your essay. That will also make it easier to develop your conclusions. What’s the big picture? Should parents be concerned about the rise of homeschooling? I think your argument makes a lot of sense but key sections of your argument are a little out of focus and need detail and a more careful explanation. Also, while your writing is improving—this draft is much better written than your earlier drafts-- your style still needs polishing. I offered several examples. This text could easily be 20% shorter without any loss of content. I recommend that you use the Writing Center for each stage of your essay. They can help with every aspect of your writing and writing process. Make sure to read my comments carefully and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
Journal VII:
For this writing, think about your past experiences with writing (which may include the experiences you have had in this course). What advice about writing did you find most helpful? Why? Please explain the context that led to this advice. You may also tell more than one story about your writing experiences.
The objective of your discussion is to consider the advice of other writers and how we can always improve our writing by listening to others. Further, you are sharing that advice with your reader by reflecting upon the experience.
Remember, as always, that this writing should be a positive and constructive experience. The idea is that you reflect upon the process so that you understand it, understand yourself as a new student writer, and understand the challenges and successes you experience.
Your response should be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
Teacher Feedback:
“The purpose of the second draft,” as the instructions note, “to continue drafting your academic argumentative research paper.” You need to “three to four body paragraphs according to the form that is explained in ‘Lesson 3: The Body Paragraphs.’” In general, I think that this is not an effective or well-revised draft. I don’t feel that your revisions are ambitious enough or that your attempt to create a more direct, concise style has been as successful as I would like. I think, too, that your argument needs more development. Most importantly, your argument doesn’t adequately describe the complexities of homeschooling or the motivations for homeschooling; that makes it both incomplete and unpersuasive. You are trying to make a sweeping argument, too, but the evidence you suggest is not very persuasive. As I noted, you need to begin your essay by defining the problem that homeschooling is designed to address. In any case, you use APA correctly on the works cited page and in parenthetical citations, with a few exceptions. I also think that you could draw on your research more effectively to make your argument stronger and more persuasive. Make sure to read my comments and to let me know if you have any questions.
Journal VIII:
As we have done throughout this course, you will be asked to reflect one last time. What did you find to be the most challenging about the process of writing this research paper? What did you find to be the easiest? What did you learn about writing in general throughout this course? What did you learn about yourself as a writer? What would you like to share in the way of advice for other students who take this course after you? Discuss how the concepts in this course can be applied to real-world situations and increase your chances of career or life success.
Your response should be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.
