Introducing EN100-01!




INSTRUCTIONS TO LOCATE PREVIOUS DATES/POSTINGS

INSTRUCTIONS TO LOCATE PREVIOUS DATES/POSTINGS FOR REFLECTION:

In order to post your entries for previous dates/postings not listed on the current web page, scroll to the bottom of the page until you see the wording Older Posts, and click on that link. You may also visit the EN100 Archive located on the right hand side of our homepage to access previous posts. Good luck, and we look forward to reading your entries! :)

Writing Rubric


Click on the image above to get a clearer picture of the rubric.

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY GUIDELINES


Argumentative Essay Guidelines: Source 1 ~ Source 2 ~ Source 3

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Reflection - Test #4 - July 15

Discuss your thoughts on taking Test #4. Were you prepared for it? If so, what strategies did you use as part of your preparation? If you were not prepared for it, what will you do next time to ensure that you do well on the test?

61 comments:

  1. I found it really hard to write persuasive essay because you have to be precise to the details persuade someone. You also have to look at other side of the argument which can persuade your attention to the other side. Overall, I found it interesting because of the research part of the essay. I enjoy doing research

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you, Ziggy. An argumentative essay and a persuasive essay are similar. I also found researching interesting because you never know what you might find.

      Delete
    2. I enjoy research myself. Enough said.

      Delete
    3. Doing this essay might make you question what side you're on.

      Delete
    4. I agree, I had a hard time writing this essay, because I had no idea what side I should root for.

      Delete
  2. I was ready, I just did not get to do it. So now, I am doing the in class test I need to focus more on class. It is almost time to end this class and I am almost sad. I still have time to get things settled. I love you guys. I am laughing out loud.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know it's almost time to to end class. I have enjoyed it

      Delete
  3. I thought that this test was slightly more difficult than the last one because it required more research. I thought that the writing process really helped with this essay, because when I started I was very unorganized and I didn't know where to start with a topic. I learned that research and facts are key in an argumentative essay and that generalizations and opinions are to be avoided when writing one. I wasn't as prepared as I was for the last two because I didn't have time to start over the weekend due to work for other classes, and the weather. Next time I'll make sure that I prioritize properly and don't procrastinate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The writing process was a big help. I also learned to properly format when writing this essay. You learn more than just facts about your topic, it goes beyond that.

      Delete
    2. When I first began writing my argumentative essay, I was incredibly disorganized. I did not know how I wanted to begin, end, or substantiate my essay. Luckily, I soon realized what I needed to do, and finished my essay to the best of my ability.

      Delete
    3. I also had a problem organizing my thoughts when it came to writing this essay. I just did not know how.

      Delete
  4. Personally, test #4 was the most challenging test in EN 100. I knew from the beginning that this type of essay, argumentative essay, was more tedious than other essays so I decided to begin a few days before the due date. I felt both prepared and unprepared for this test. I had give myself ample time to research my topic because opinions are not strong enough to support my argument. For the next test, I will be sure to give myself time to gather factual evidence, create a logical outline, and steer clear from emotional appeal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Test#4 was challenging for me but I found Test#3 to be the most challenging test in EN100. Test#3 prepared me for Test#4 so this time it was easier for me. I also started a few days ahead so these extra days really helped me.

      Delete
    2. That's a great advice. I will remember the last sentence.

      Delete
    3. I found Test #4 to be the most challenging, as well. I think that the research that goes into the argumentative essay is what makes it so challenging. Luckily, I had my computer and the Internet, so that made Test #4 a little less challenging.

      Delete
  5. I was prepared for Test#4 because I started my paper a few days ahead of time. Test#4 was much easier than Test#3 for me. In Test#3 I found it hard to be informative but in Test#4 I found it easier to be persuasive. I used listing, outline & Thesis, and my rough draft peer reviewed. Test#3 prepared me for Test#4 because they were both research papers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree that test 4 was easier than test 3

      Delete
    2. Like you said, it's as if Test #3 prepared you for this test.

      Delete
  6. I thought that writing the argumentative essay was more difficult than any of the other essays. Finding evidence online to support my claim was arduous, as I had to look for credible sources that agree with my statements. However, I was prepared for it, because I did the take home test, and I had many resources available to me. To be specific, I used the website from yesterday's blog to guide me. I also used the Writing Process Worksheet to write my work and COPS to edit my work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used yesterday's source too even it was for a short time.

      Delete
    2. I found finding evidence to be difficult as well. I was prepared for Test#4 but it was challenging for me. I also used site from yesterday's blog to help edit and revise my work.

      Delete
    3. I also agree that this was more difficult than the other essays. Doing this test as a take home test really gives you an advantage. You have resources everywhere.

      Delete
    4. I used the website as well.

      Delete
  7. It was really hard to write argumentative essay because all the topics on lists need a lot of information, so I had to find a lot of statistics and data for my topic. Also, I had to persuade someone with the information that I searched. Although it was the hardest test in this class so far, I got the best accomplishment from this test.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as we did our best, it is the best. No one can write perfect from the beginning, we all learn from experience. Keep your good work

      Delete
    2. I had to find a lot of statistics and information about my topic as well. The hardest part for me was finding good supporting details on the internet to back up my argument. Test#3 did prepare me for test#4 though.

      Delete
    3. I agree I found it hard to persuade people through essays.

      Delete
    4. It's a good thing you got something positive out of the test!

      Delete
    5. Finding relevant information for my essay was difficult for me. However, after I finished my essay, I felt accomplished, too. I felt as if I challenged myself and conquered that challenge.

      Delete
  8. Writing an argumentative paper is fairly difficult. The topic I chose made it difficult for me. I did not know what side to chose. I could have chose to defend humans, animals ,or none. Having to do this essay however taught me how to support my support with other peoples words.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What do you mean support your support with other peoples words?

      Delete
    2. Choosing sides in an argument is always difficult. Initially, I did not know which side to choose for my argumentative essay, as well. However, after I chose my side, I was assured that I made the right decision and wrote my essay.

      Delete
    3. If you did the take home, you probably could have changed your topic. That would mean starting all over and taking more time... but i hope you got a good grade on this test.

      Delete
  9. I found writing a argumentative essay was somewhat hard. It was hard find the difference between test 3 and test 4. Overall it was a good experience and after all the test we've taken, my last one will definitely be the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a good experience but the last essay is not the best essay for me. Overall I learned many things, I think this experience will be my steps tone in the future while I write another argumentative essay

      Delete
    2. I learned many things for Test#4 as well. Test#1 and Test#2 were the best essays I did and the most challenging one will probably be Test#3. Overall I think my Test#4 was better than my Test#3 because the expository essay prepared me for this argumentative essay.

      Delete
    3. Definitely, our finals will be perfect because of the skills we learned in this class.

      Delete
    4. Precisely, It was good to experience a different type of essay.

      Delete
    5. I think we learned that the difference is that we have to present both sides of an argument in the last test.

      Delete
  10. Test #4 was challenging for me. I had to present both sides of the topic, which were against and for. I had to provide reasons and support. Overall, I've learn a lot when writing an argumentative essay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agreed.... Although I had to struggle with writing argumentative essay, I learned many things from this.

      Delete
    2. I think if I had to present both sides of the argument would have made it more difficult for me.

      Delete
  11. I was expecting to have a difficult time writing this type of essay. At the last minute, I remembered I have already learned about this type of essay and written it multiple times in the past school year. I realized that this time, writing the body was much more difficult than the introduction and the conclusion. I was prepared this time because I knew to include my citations.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. Writing for and against the argument was difficult. Anyway, what kills you only makes you stronger.

      Delete
  12. I thought that the argumentative essay was definitely more difficult than all the other essays. I was kind of prepared for it and at the same time, I wasn't. Like Casi said in class, I had to give myself time to work on it but it was hard especially because my topic was one sided..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I made the same mistake you made. But we can make sure not making same mistake again when we write argumentative essay next time.

      Delete
    2. In an argumentative essay, you should always identify the counter argument. I'm not too sure if I identified it correctly. This is all just a learning experience.

      Delete
    3. Agreed. If your topic is one sided, research would be killer. I'm surprised you took the initiative to stick with your topic although it was one sided. You're such a brave person. Thanks Brittney!

      Delete
    4. What me well prepared was the topic I choose. Also having sources to back up my opinion made it easy to write more information.

      Delete
  13. When I present in the class I realize I made a mistake when I writing argumentative essay. I think I suppose to write both side and against the side I do not agree with, but I did not. Too late for this essay, but if I made mistake, I will make sure I am not making same mistake

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did a same mistake too. Do not worry, we can avoid this next time.

      Delete
    2. I did the same thing. I only wrote my side of the argument

      Delete
  14. In todays exam I felt unprepared because i did not write my essay at home. However, I did try my best in writing the essay without research. I used the knowledge i know on the subject to the best of my abilities. I think research essays are not my strong point I use stronger words when dealing with personal experiences, and you can add more flavor into writing with personal topics.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Today's test was the easiest for me. Having a subject that I know for my job was very helpful. I look forward to seeing the grade I receive for this test.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was totally opposite. This was the hardest essays so far in this class. none of the topics were not familiar to me.

      Delete
    2. Same here. I like argumentative essays because I like voicing my opinion. And backing up it with information make me feel I know a lot on this topic.

      Delete
  16. I was ready for our test. I decided to do the take home test. The topic of my essay was should the use of cell phones be outlawed while driving. I think the topic I choose was the easiest amount the topics that is why I wrote about it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agreed that was the easiest one on the lists. A lot of our classmates chose that topic.

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    3. I'd agree too.. Almost everywhere you look, almost everyone you see, regardless of time, place or situation; they are either fumbling with a mobile device, or actively engaging in one of the many applications that mobile devices offer these days. I once observed 2 females sitting at a park bench, laughing and talking about a youtube video's; and all along (well over 30 minutes) they never once looked at each other. They both were focused on their mobile screens, clicking and laughing away.

      Delete
  17. I have been looking forward to this test, and for several reasons. First, I just love a good argument. Not so much as in the "I'm right, you're wrong" sort of argument, but in the sense that I am challenged to validate a statement or my own opinion. Secondly, I enjoy research. So much that I can say without a doubt, that I love doing research. I love learning new things and learning them from the perspective of others. Research to me is seeing the world at several different angles, and yet still being able to understand it all the same. Its conclusive and adventurous. Also, being forced to understand or gain understanding of the mechanics of a certain evolution, theory, concept, etc. allows one to look at life with a deeper appreciation than our everyday norms. Furthermore, writing an argumentative essay forces me to not only question, but put to the test, certain aspects of what society has led me to believe as the norm. I believe that no one thing, person or act is normal. It all comes down to the way we perceive things, people and actions. When given the opportunity to question such, in the name of higher learning, most of what we believe to be the norm all the sudden seems questionable. I believe nothing in life is set in stone, and that everything and everyone is questionable. Normalcy is merely a "safety blanket" if you will, that we as a society draw upon ourselves to keep away the uncertain, the unwanted, the misunderstood, the unknown, etc. Everything is questionable, arguable. I truly believe that once we are set in our ways and begin accepting certain aspects of life as normal; when we stop questioning, stop seeking.. We miss out on life's fulfillment and diversity.

    Okay, I think I am veering way off topic here..

    I did quite a lot of research for the topic I chose prior to even beginning the initial steps to writing this essay; taking this test. The challenge for me was what information to keep and which to discard; and how to got about structuring my essay. If we look hard enough, there abounds a wealth of information to almost every topic imaginable. So I did a lot of "weeding out" relative information and comparing stated facts. I try to remain biased to the information I come across, although it is often hard not to become opinionated. So having a strong thesis in the beginning, and adhering to that thesis helps me stay focused.

    The hardest part about this test for me was catching pink eye and not being able to see clearly for almost a week. That really did put a damper on my parade!

    What I'd do differently? Write out my essay when the ideas and information's obtained where still fresh. Regardless of the fact that the due date was still weeks away..

    ReplyDelete