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Graham Buckner Ms. Caruso English 1101- Fall December 05, 2011 Final Reflection This course has expanded my knowledge in several concepts of writing. I have learned about how to exclude useless information in my papers, how to really analyze my writings and the works of others, and how to use my creativity to help express my points through literature. As a student throughout this course I have effectively developed my skills as a writer in dealing with the concepts of analysis, the structural form of formal papers, and using creativity to successfully get my point across. In this course one of the skills I was able to hone was that of the proper structural form of a formal essay. The MLA assignment showed a skeleton of the structure of an MLA format paper, but the skeleton doesnt show the components that are necessary in creating an informational and effective paper. One component of writing that I made progress with this semester is in reviewing and editing my papers; making sure that I stayed on topic and doublechecking to make sure that I did not include any unnecessary information in my paper. I now feel much more confident in writing formal essays, and I have a better understanding of what topics are acceptable to use in my writing. When analyzing different texts throughout the semester I have gained insight and a deeper respect for the importance of writing as a tool to help reflect the emotions of an individual

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or to represent ones own perspective through writing. While developing an eye for analysis I was able to expand my personal comprehension of the purpose and importance of writing. For instance, in the start of the year I thought of English (and writing) as a necessary evil. I went through the motions but did not realize the values or benefits that writing provided. Now I am more able to appreciate and utilize writings to improve upon my own skills as a writer by omitting pieces of writing that I either disagree with or do not decide are useful concepts to include in my writing. The curriculum on analysis has tested my understanding of different genres and forms of writing by making me really consider the hidden meanings in pieces of writing and making me choose opinions for the pieces for which I write my defense of an issue. In exercising my creativity Ive been able to overcome the obstacles in my own head. I no longer have an abundance of issues regarding my ability to form a legitimate opinion on an issue and effectively state my argument through writing. Because of these challenging assignments that test my mental capacity my creativity has been rejuvenated throughout the semester. Studying my own work as a writer has sparked my creativity as well. It allows me to reach deep into the back of my mind and gather possible opinions and arguments when sculpting a paper. Overall I have met my goals for this year. I have developed a better ability to analyze certain topics and now have the insight necessary to choose an opinion and write a proper formal paper that backs up my argument. I have rebooted my sense of creativity, which will help me to keep the reader focused on my text and will effectively deliver the message of my work. I look forward to seeing the development of my writing change and improve.