Reflections

Part 1: Thinking and Writing





Cut Away: My main purpose was to compare Abigail Williams to a pair of scissors. I first brainstormed all of Abigails characteristics. I then answered given questions about by objects. I compared and contrasted each and then put it into essay form. The writing was called a "metaphoric essay"





One With Nature: My purpose was to compare my nature experience with Emerson and Thoreau's philosophical beliefs. We had a period of free writing about our experience in the woods. We then found a quote from both Emerson and Thoreau that related to our experience.





Connections: In both of these writings, I started with a type of brainstorming. I also had a premature form of the essay before I went to the lab to type the final.





The brushstroke techniques were very helpful when writing my essay.


All of the brainstorming techniques were very useful as well.








Part 2: Process of Revision



Cut Away: When revising this essay, I made some simple changes to sentence structures. I also had to rearrange some of my topics. I also had to think very hard for my actual object of comparison. I changed many times before I decided on scissors. For my conclusion I originally had "Abigail really took these metaphoric scissors, took these innocent people's lives and cut away." This was awkward sounding so I changed it to "When in came to these innocent people's lives, Abigail took these metaphoric scissors and cut away." which flowed a little better.



One With Nature: The main flaw in my essay was comma errors. I didn't realize that until Mrs. Turner pointed it out. After reading through my essay it is clear that I don't thoroughly understand comma usage. I found two instances where I could revise but I feel like I am rather oblivious to the rest. I'll have to read through again but for now here are the two that I have revised. My other problem was transitions. I left one out from the first to second paragraph (click revisions.)


Part 3: Learning from your Classmates

Throught reading Jessica's essays I have come to realize that analogies, similes, and metaphors, are easier to insert than I thought. After reading it I've done my best to add more to make my paper flow.

Ironically enough, I learned from Natalie's paper to stay in present tense. I don't really pay attention to that rule but I always manage to follow it. I read through Natalie's essays looking for a good example of lesson that I could learn in them. Natalie has the problem of going to past tense. Therefore the main thing I saw in essays were Mrs. Turner's notes "make sure you stay in present tense." A constant reminder for future essays.

In Meredith A.'s essays I learned that you can use different voices when writing. Meredith has a very sarcastic tone in her essays. It adds humor and makes the experience more enjoyable.

These things are important to include in writing. They make the essay come to life.