Blog Post #6
Throughout the semester I have had the opportunity to get to know myself through writing, especially in blog posts. So far, my favorite reading has been chapter 3 in Understanding Rhetoric. This chapter is about writing identity. I enjoyed reading chapter 3 because I learned how writers can change their identity based on the audience. I don’t have a specific reading I do not like but, most of the chapters in “They Say, I Say,” are a little more boring compared to “Understanding Rhetoric”. Overall, the readings from this semester are all very useful when it comes to improving writing skills. Although I thought some of the readings were boring, I have used lots of the information from each chapter within in my writing. I feel like over the span of this semester my writing has improved. I have learned how to use APA format along with in-text citations. I do still feel as though my writing could use some improvement. I tend to repeat the same idea just with different words, which isn’t engaging for the reader. I also have an issue of going into too much detail with certain topics and I end up rambling. On the other hand, I feel as though I am good at getting my point across and backing up my statements with research. I have also improved on citations. In order to overcome my weaknesses in writing I plan on continuing to practice and asking for help from my professors and even the writing center. As of right now, I know a quite a bit about structure, language, and references. I know with each of the four disciplines have different structures. With the humanities discipline writers use MLA or CMS when writing. Using language in a humanities paper would be more academic but still engaging. Lastly, references in a humanity-based writing is going to include citations in the format of MLA style.
Dear Writer,
I also think that I have learned a lot about myself through the blogging assignments. I have never blogged before so learning to construct brief writing about my thoughts has been helpful. Learning about idnentiy in writing has also been cool to learn. I previously did not often think about who my audience was and only worried about staying on topic and backing my points.
I agree that the “They say I say” readings are more boring, but I do think the information in them is helpful. I like how they use bulleted lists often as I think it is easier to pick up information in that format. I think the Understanding Rhetoric readings are a little more engaging due to them being in a comic style. This allows the reader to follow along to a storyline or plot keeping them engaged.
As much as I have definitely improved my knowledge on APA, I also think my writing needs improvement. I think writing is a always evolving and improbable subject as well that will never be met. This is cool as it means there is always something to work on and grow within my writing.
To me the biggest struggle has been backing up my points with relevant research. Although there are thousands of articles on most topics I think I tend to make my topic too narrow which limits my options. Making broader topic choices would let me use more articles and give me a more solid point in my writing.
I have also utilized the writing center and think it is extremely helpful. It is nice that it is worked by fellow students as it limits the stress and judgment I sometimes feel when asking a qualified individual or professor for help. This is a problem I need to improve on as I know my professors are here to help me learn and improve my skills.
Lastly I think I have also improved my knowledge of the humanities. It has been helpful to learn about the different areas of writing so I can tailor my formatting and style to fit the correct audience. I enjoyed reading about your thoughts and am glad you think your writing has been improving in this class.
Take care,
Cullen