Before this class, when I was assigned a research paper, I would simply find a few sources, and copy down some random facts and that was about it. There was no interaction between the sources and I. It seemed as if I was simply providing a summary of whatever I had stumbled upon. I am proud to say that this semester I had the opportunity to come up with my own research question and find out some results on my own. I felt that I had the freedom to do a project on something I am genuinely interested in.
Coming up with a research question and finding my own answers through focus groups, and several journals and articles was a truly liberating experience. I felt as if I had an actual purpose for writing this paper as opposed to doing as I was told. I utilized the library databases as much as I could, and also used the students here at UCF in order to attain the information I needed. I feel as if I have a better understanding of how to incorporate secondary research with primary research. Before, this semester, I had never done my own research so this was a very different experience for me. It was definitely a learning experience and I can only improve.
In addition to utilizing library databases and focus groups with the students here at UCF, I also took advantage of office hours and the Writing Center. Both of these are fantastic resources to participate in. If I was ever lacking inspiration, or stuck in a rut, office hours always gave me several ideas to improve my writing. Not only have these resources helped me greatly this semester, they are resources I can continue to take advantage of throughout my time here at UCF.
One major aspect of my writing that this class has helped me fix is my ability to write effectively. I am still slowly learning how to build context and make smooth transitions between different sources. It hasn't been easy, but you can clearly see the constant progress from my first drafts to my last ones. I also have a very clear understanding of rhetoric that I had not had prior to his class. I now understand that I must consider aspects such as who my audience is, and what my purpose is. Another aspect of rhetoric I had never really thought about was the author of the articles that I use for my research papers. I had never considered that if an author is bias, there is a large possibility that their bias can skew the truthfulness of the article. I have become more careful with what sources I use, and I look into who the author is to make sure they are credible.
There is always room for improvement, and I fully intend on continuing to polish my writing skills. I have learned so many new things, and I have a new understanding of how writing should be done. This class has given me the foundations to excel in whatever writing class I choose to tackle, and I'm sure that my writing will only get better from here.
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