A Reflection on The English Course

I’ve never enjoyed any type of writing, whether it is narrative, expository, descriptive or persuasive. Being a student who easily manipulates numbers, I was eager to have this english course of Foundation 1013 over and done with. This course consisted of many different interesting topics that were engaging, however due to my eagerness to complete the course, I was keen on the challenges each assignment had to offer. Due to my aversion of writing, I was less inspired and lacked the motivation in undertaking each assignment and this proved more challenging. Ultimately, I gained the confidence and momentum needed in finishing this course. To begin with, the possibility of a last examination would've been all the more difficult, be that as it may, I was given a severe shock as the semester proceeded.

Throughout the semester, I have gained new knowledge on various composition techniques, how to discover and genuinely use particular sources and different kinds of APA referencing. Through class lectures and seminars, we learned to adequately formulate different types of papers. In spite of these additional skills, my writing capacity was still in need of a few enhancements; incorporating word choice and in-text citation referencing. During the course, students were given the task of constructing a critical response to sources essay, formulate groups in devising a documented essay, a collaborative presentation and revision and submission of the initial documented essay.

The first essay required, critical response to sources, was challenging as it required each student to peruse three articles in discovering the similarities and contrast in the common idea brought forward. Exercises such as group presentations, peer review workshops, collaborative research assignments, all supported the learning process, providing students with the fundamental information in becoming more engaged towards writing and enhancing one’s writing skills. Through these engagements, it enabled me to get additional opinions and knowledge, improving my proficiency in formulating the final assignment required, the documented essay. This assignment was the longest paper (1200 words) discussing the impact of U.S. intervention in Jamaica and the country’s response. In the initial draft, I had an understanding of the topic however, poor construction and analysis of the paper led to a less than desired outcome. After collecting the first draft of the documented essay and peer reviews, it was evident that improvement was needed, including utilizing sources correctly, adjusting the narrowed topic as it lacked context and appropriately using in-text citations as the paragraphs did not convincingly depict the main points. After much deliberation on how to maximize on the remaining marks, it was decided the topic had to be changed the impacts of United States (U.S.) Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) intervention in the political affairs of Latin American countries between 1952-1980, the case of Guatemala. In doing so, this allowed us to focus on the corrective measures provided by the lecturer in tailor-making an essay within the required parameters for grading.

Upon completing this course, I think my enthusiasm in writing and overall composition skills has been enhanced. In successfully completing each assignment brought to the table, I emphatically trust this course has set me up, as well as pushed me in tolerating the test of handling other future written work assignments within my profession.