Reflection Essay
Throughout this semester, my journey as a writer has been both transformative and challenging. Reflecting on my progress, I can confidently say that my writing skills have improved significantly. Initially, my essays lacked depth in analysis and cohesion between arguments, but the assignments in this course, especially the rhetorical and argument essays, have allowed me to refine my abilities to craft compelling narratives and logically sound arguments.
At the start of the course, I found it difficult to balance personal opinions with evidence-based arguments. However, my essay on gun violence, "Addressing Gun Violence in the United States", showcased a clear turning point. This essay required me to synthesize statistical data and research findings while maintaining a persuasive and engaging tone. I learned how to effectively integrate evidence, such as statistics from the CDC and research by Everytown for Gun Safety, to strengthen my claims. For instance, citing the increase in firearm deaths and its disproportionate effects on marginalized communities enabled me to ground my arguments in factual relevance. This skill will undoubtedly benefit my future writing endeavors, especially in academic and professional settings.
The rhetorical analysis essay, "Hitchcock’s Absurdist Critique on Gun Violence", pushed me to explore themes and ideas on a deeper, more conceptual level. Analyzing Hitchcock's films, such as The Birds and Rear Window, allowed me to examine violence through a lens of absurdism and moral ambiguity. I particularly enjoyed delving into Hitchcock's use of symbolism, such as the chaotic avian attacks in The Birds as an analogy for random and senseless violence in modern society. This assignment honed my ability to critically analyze texts and construct arguments based on nuanced interpretations.
The structure of the course, with its focus on peer workshops and revisions, was integral to my improvement. Peer feedback provided me with fresh perspectives on areas that needed clarity or stronger transitions. For example, a peer suggestion to further elaborate on my analysis of Hitchcock's characters prompted me to delve into the psychological implications of voyeurism in Rear Window. These workshops reinforced the value of collaboration and iterative refinement in writing.
Overall, the writing assignments in this course helped me master essential skills such as crafting clear thesis statements, integrating evidence seamlessly, and analyzing complex themes. The blend of argumentative and rhetorical assignments ensured that I developed both logical reasoning and creative expression. This course has not only enhanced my technical writing skills but also deepened my confidence as a writer capable of tackling diverse topics with clarity and purpose.