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| Reading Ivan Ilych! (haha). | | |
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During the drafting process of my first essay of this summer English course, I was able to gather my thoughts thoroughly by reading my writing out loud just to make certain that it was sensible and was concise. The revising process began once I had my essay read in class during the peer review, I received some constructive criticism from one student who really had an impact. He told me that I had plenty of great ideas and a point of view that deserved to be read; however, he felt I was not being decisive enough with what I believed. He told me that if I really believed the light inside of the
Clean Well-Lighted Place represented God and the coffee shop represented Heaven then I should be more decisive about it instead of indicating the possibility that my opinion was wrong. I believed that it was, after all, only my opinion, but it the peer exchange in class allowed me to have an epiphany of sorts. I know understand that whether or not I am absolutely 'right' is irrelevant; indeed, the important part is that I do have my own opinion on what is read and that I should tell the readers what I think. I also continued my revising process by visiting a tutor at the TLC (Tutor, Learning Center) having another student who is, most likely, studying to get an English degree. The tutor there gave me plenty of suggestions that I was able to utilize and create an overall good paper for my first essay of English 102.
Good job! I am glad that you received a good grade for your first paper. That is a great achievement. As for your opinion, yes, your opinion is worth mentioning. Also, a good argument needs to show boldness by presenting your ideas to be correct without mentioning that you could be wrong in your paper. I really can't suggest much. You seem to be doing everything correct. I can say though that going to TLC isn't embarrassing. It can actually be rewarding. Thank you for the advice of TLC! Well you didn't give it as advice, but I will take it as advice.
ReplyDeleteI always find peer review to be useless. The people that review can never seem to understand that it is not their paper and that the ideas are not theirs.
ReplyDeleteReviews are always very helpful. Even if the reviewer is not as good a writer or even if they seem unreasonable in their grade...I take it as simply constructive criticism and I discern between the criticism to find what works in my essay. I understand what you mean though Kolby, writing an essay can often be a stressful process that can make peer review appear useless.
ReplyDeleteHaving another person read your essay is probably the best thing that you can possibly do in your drafting process. There are so many ideas that you may think are correct but in actually are false. I totally agree with what you are saying here.
ReplyDeleteThat seems like you did a thorough job with that first paper. Good job. Hope it all worked out great for you.
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments exactly Joshua, and thanks Mike I appreciate the support.
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