Language development 2 (TSL 1054) course required us to write an academic paper. So
I chose the topic on exam oriented education system is killing the creativity and also the thinking ability of the students. It was a very challenging task for me as I do not know how to write an academic paper. During the process of writing the academic paper, I faced many obstacles and I also managed to overcome it with the help of my lecturer and my friends. My first obstacle was on choosing the right topic to write the academic paper. Since the topic that I decided to write on was a wide topic, I had difficulties in finding the supporting articles for it. But, with the guidance of Madam Kham, I narrowed down the topic and found many supporting articles. The second step that I was required to do was, to write a thesis statement for my topic. It was not hard because I have studied on how to write a thesis statement during schooling time. Next, I wrote an outline where I organized the list of point that I wanted to write in my academic essay. I had some difficulties in organizing the point because I discovered some of my points are not relevant with my academic essay topic. I gave my organization of point to my friends and asked them to proof-read it. Once I have done the editing, I started to write the draft of the essay. I wrote what that first came to my mind by following the outline and divided my thoughts into paragraphs. I gave my draft to my friends for peer-editing and I found that I had to improve on my grammar and also the usage of words since I had a lot of grammatical errors and wrong words usage in few places. Then, I corrected the mistakes and gave my second draft again to my friends in order to make sure that there are no mistakes in my essay. Once my friends have corrected it for the second time, I start typing and handed in. The next requirement of the course was, we had to present our academic paper in the class. I was the first one to present and I did my level best. It was a first time experience for me to present an academic paper. I found it challenging and also a new learning experience while presenting it. At the end of the presentation and also the academic writing, I have learned to explain the word choices in context, read and critically analyze the different types of texts, finding a relevant sources for my academic essay writing and examine the characteristics of a good academic paper, write and present it orally as required in the learning outcomes of the course. As a conclusion, I have learned many new things which definitely will be very useful for me in future as a degree student and also a teacher.
Richard J. A. Talbert, Richard W. Unger Cartography in Antiquity and The Middle Ages Fresh Perspectives, New Methods Technology and Change in History 2008