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Daisy Olguin
Professor Collins
ENGL 1302
6 May 2016
Before professor Collins class, I had a basic understanding about writing papers. My
basic knowledge was limited to using logos, pathos and ethics and the construction of paragraphs
was introduction, body, and conclusion. My MLA documentation format was about the page
setup, such as header, page number, and works cited page. Communicating through academic
writing is not one of my strongest subjects, since english is not my first language, it takes me
more time to construct sentences. After taking this course I have gotten better at writing
academic papers effectively through the different assignments, such as rhetorical analysis, causal
argument, and proposal argument that helped me in the aspects corresponding organization,
research, documentation, and creative thinking.
Starting with the rhetorical analysis, taking notes was fundamental for the organization of
the paper. The thesis statement formula guide me to converge an effective thesis statement. Also
the MEAL tactic help me with the organization of the paragraphs and to stay focused in the
purpose of my paper and to do not get off the subject. Additionally plagiarism notes help me to
prevent plagiarism and made easy inserting in-text citations. All of the notes in my notebook
guide me trough the making of the rhetorical analysis.
Analysing and research was the most challenging to do when I had to write the causal
argument. Finding the video was the most difficult and time consuming thing to do. Analysing
the information from the video, and decide if I could use it as a causal argument, took several
hours. Since I could not find something of my interest, I changed my topic twice, which made

Olguin 1
me lose time and then later had difficulties meeting the time due line. Eventually, I found an
interesting video, that benefit it the writing process of my paper.
In class assignments were very helpful. One of my favorite activities was the visual
argument. It was very fun to make, and boost the class creative thinking, since we had limited
time to produce it. I felt great after class because my partner and I came out with a great
message, and improved our campus recycling bin. Having the opportunity to do something
outside of the books was entertaining and motivating.
In the last assignment, the proposal argument, all of the previously learned skills in class
were challenged. Research, research and more research was required for this assignment.
Scholarly research is difficult. The CRAAP technique, help to make sure that the sources were
credible and have a concrete argument. Constructing a proposal argument is very different from a
causal argument. Thanks to the power point slides, it was easy to understand the outline in
comparison with a causal argument. It was crucial to focus in one solution to an extensive
problem, but it help me to empathize my focus in one objective. Afterall, meeting the word count
was difficult, but not impossible, and I am proud I made it.
Professor Collins class help me to improve my academic writing. I have learned the
difference in between academic papers and the purpose of each one. Different types of papers
learned are rhetorical analysis, causal arguments, and proposal arguments. Besides the writing
skills learned, I have learned more about myself and capabilities. Also I have found patience,
dedication, and passion to follow my dreams despite the difficulties.