I have learned how to write an essay for a reason this semester. When I started out writing the reflective essay about happiness I thought it was easy. When we revised it for the midterm portfolio I had changed it so much from techniques learned in class. I learned that you write an essay sometimes to make a contribution. It is like talking in a conversation. You have to bring up a new point of view and not repeat what everyone else is going to say. This has helped me find my voice in my essays. Also I learned who I am writing to, who my audience is, which I had never thought of before when writing essays. Knowing who your audience makes planning an essay easier. The thing I learned that was most valuable though was how to really expand my mind and wallow in complexity. I still think that is something that I need to work on. To really wallow in complexity shows a lot of points of view that don’t come to mind unless there is deep thought involved. While wallowing in complexity I strengthened my reflective essay on happiness, because it changed my perspective on what happiness was to me. I feel like after writing that particular essay I have a new definition of happiness and that is what I apply to my life now. From wallowing in complexity I have learned what happiness is too me. I will continue to carry this definition with me though out life and when I am having rough times, I will apply what I learned about happiness. All of these lessons I have learned are being applied to my essays and making them stronger essays. This is just a little of what I have learned this semester. I have really enjoyed this course and enjoyed Mr. Brown teaching it. I really respect his teaching style and I know this class will stick with me throughout my writing career.
I agree with many of the items you mention to have learned, in a particular wallowing in complexity. I have found this to be quite important when attempting to create original material. Without this concept you end up just spitting back up what someone else told you and this might be great on a test - but is boring writing.
ReplyDeleteI agree most with the wallowing in complexity. I feel as if that is the biggest thing I learned in this class. I also learned a lot about happiness. I agree that the teaching style of Mr. Brown has kept me involved and will also stick with me.
ReplyDeleteYou did a fantastic job of demonstrating how much class time has actually helped you by allowing you to write a meaningful essay that is for a specific audience. Wallowing in complexity is a great strategy to have and i too will carry it throughout my life. I think everyone has learned a lot from Mr. Brown and we can all agree with what you are saying simply because you are right.
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