Narrative Synthesis and Skills in Critical Thinking - Essay Example

As a final requirement of the course, the current essay hereby aims to present a narrative synthesis of one’s personal reflection on the academic progress in terms of achieving the defined course objectives.

Enhancing Rhetorical Knowledge

            Through the first writing assignment that requires writing an observation essay, one’s rhetorical knowledge was aptly developed through analyzing a particular advertisement that was specifically designed to create audience appeal and to entice the target market to purchase the advertised product. The advertisement used was Nissan Dualis as the company promoted its 360° view. One thereby recognized that to effectively use rhetorical elements of logos, pathos, and ethos, the advertiser (or literary writer) should first determine the target audience and subsequently design strategies that would cater to the audience’s specific needs. Likewise, one recognized that the credibility of the writer was needed to be firmly established to ensure that the arguments promoted are validly supported, in conjunction with other ingredients which would assist in convincing the audience of the veracity of the assertions.

Skills In Critical Thinking

            The skills in critical thinking were recognized to have been amply improved through the second writing project which was an argumentative essay about the letter of Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) while he was incarcerated in Birmingham jail. It was actually a challenging experience since reading the letter was tedious, not only because of it being lengthy; but also due to the style of writing of MLK. Further, the requirement of the writing project, to argue about a topic that was not evidently obvious was also a trying experience that necessitated looking at various perspectives and thinking outside the box to come up with a most plausible written discourse.

Appreciating Writing as a Process, Developing Knowledge of Writing Conventions, and Composing in Electronic Environments

            By the time that the third essay was assigned, which focused on a political rhetorical essay through an analysis of Mitt Romney’s speech, one has already gained enough confidence to practice skills in critical thinking, as well as using the knowledge of rhetorical elements. Also since the speech had to be searched through the electronic medium, one’s research skills were also enhanced. Practicing how one would effectively write the thesis statement still stirs reflective thinking in terms of using appropriate words to establish the personal contentions or objectives of the essay.

Using this writing experience, the rhetorical strategies used were evaluated, identified, and appropriately supported by citing relevant portions of the speech. Aside from knowledge of rhetorical elements and strategies, the concepts surrounding the presence of propaganda framework and the presence of doublespeak were also required to be addressed. The process was challenging in terms of the need to differentiate between these two political frameworks and be able to support one’s arguments based on linking the concepts with applications shown within the speech. A lot of critical thinking, preparation of the draft, revising, paraphrasing, adherence to grammatical rules, conformity to rules of citations and referencing, as well as adherence to the prescribed writing style, were needed and applied.

Conclusion

            Overall, one firmly believes that through the written projects that were submitted and complied with which all attest adherence to the requirements stipulated in the respective essay instructions, one was able to prove that the course objectives were effectively achieved. In addition to the first three writing projects, the current narrative synthesis essay provided the opportunity for personal reflection and to effectively integrate, as well as put into writing what one perceived has been the progress in the development of personal skills requiring composition and rhetorical analysis of various literary genres. Through the experience and writing projects required from this course, one gained the necessary writing skills to objectively interpret, analyze, and share to the selected audience what one has read and learned; and what one aims to apply in future endeavors. One hereby learned that although writing could be a tedious and challenging endeavor, in the end, as skills were appropriately honed, it could actually be a rewarding and productive experience.