For your final essay, which will use techniques of analysis and reflection, I ask that you write a retrospective analysis about what you have learned and how
you have learned it. You have several resources for this endeavor, including (but not limited to): the course syllabus, the course readings, drafts of your
essays, rhetorical analyses of your essays, and feedback from professor on your writing. Your essay will be first person in voice and self-reflective in tone. It
will use your own writing in any of its forms as evidence backing up your final analysis of the semester’s work.
You definitely should make specific references to your own writing, even quoting from it, as part of your essay content. You should also make use of any of
the reading and writing strategies we have tried as a way to prepare for this essay.
Here are further steps/questions to consider:
1.Reread the syllabus. It makes specific references to principles of writing that will govern our work for the course and specific goals for the semester. Ask
yourself if these principles and goals mean something to you now that it is enhanced or deepened compared to several months ago.
- Reread your drafts and final essays. Are there any patterns in terms of changes and improvements in your writing? Were some assignments more
difficult/more rewarding/more reflective of your writing strengths? Were some elements of writing stronger in some places than in others?
5.Consider all the reading and writing strategies that we tried this semester. Are there patterns in terms of your responses to such strategies or your ability to
use them effectively?
These questions are not meant to be responded to in order, resulting in a final essay that seems to be nothing more than rote responses to each question.
Instead, try freewriting to each question; try thinking of your own questions; try imagining the shape and content of your essay by making use of your
strongest and most interesting responses. Let these questions help you get started. See where they take you.
Requirements: Your essay must be at least 500 words and contain more than five paragraphs. Each support paragraph needs to focus on ONE central idea.
Use specific details and examples to illustrate your points. If you turn in a paper that simply answers the questions listed above in a disconnected way, the
highest grade you will receive is a 70. Your essay needs to be a thoughtful reflection of the work you have done this semester.
Sample Solution