M.+Reflection

Holly Murphy May 23, 2011

Hands down this year has been the most influential on the way I write and perceive creative literature. English has always been my favorite subject, it is a form of expression and every author has their story, whether it is fiction or not. Every story has a truth and that is what draws me into the art of literature. I have heard from other teachers’ that I have a true potential to excel in English but I like to play it safe. I know that I have what it takes to be a good writer if I set my mind to it and that is why when I attend the college of my choice I will minor in English studies. I am grateful to have learned all that I have this year, because it is more than I could have asked for.

Over the course of this school year I have learned more about how to write a paper, grammar, and punctuation than I have in all my years in school. I am thankful to have been taught these essentials because it can very well affect my future. My persuasive research essay is by far my favorite piece of work because it was written on a higher level. In my paper I discussed the dangers and disadvantages of young adults having plastic surgery. Writing this paper helped me grow by showing me how powerful using a broad vocabulary can be. I had sources to help back up my belief that young women should find confidence in themselves and should not resort to altering their appearance. Including a number of these rules formed a paper that I am most proud of.

 Every year I come across grammatical rules that I still cannot grasp. Commas have always been my weak spot. I have learned how to use them more efficiently this year which is a start. This is a weakness that has shown itself in my least favorite piece of work, my SOL pretest. Being one of the first papers I have written this year, it lacked easy flow and grammatical usage. The usage of mechanics and correct punctuation are vital to a great essay and that is a very important lesson I have learned. I have not improved using these factors because of the lack of practice.

Wikispace is a fantastic, free website to use in place of a paper portfolio. Wiki is beneficial for organizing and saving documents rather than numerous papers to put together and rewrite. I would prefer to use Wikispace over a paper portfolio for English essays and documents because; it is easy, fast, and effective. I believe it makes grading easier as well because everything needed is either on a students personal page or not. Wikispace can benefit school expenses by helping to limit the use of paper and by doing that our school can also become Green.

This year makes me feel confident to walk away knowing I have the tools instilled in me to go farther. I am more than up to the challenge that English has for me in the future because, Mrs. Szymczak has taught me everything I need to know to write a college essay, or a cover letter for a future career. I was encouraged to write freely and fervently about my life and that was a great feature. This year has been highly inspiring to me and I will take that inspiration and use it to the best of my ability.