My Understanding as a Writer - Essay Example

The supportive arguments should be facts from credible sources. Then, there is a need to acknowledge counterarguments from opponents which would then be factually refuted to support the thesis (Axelrod and Cooper 201). This convinces the audience of the argument. I have applied this understanding, not just in writing argumentative essays, but also in leisure writing. I have strived to back up all my writing works with credible evidence. I now appreciate that I write best in a quiet environment and when I have adequate time. Quietness enables me to understand the arguments I would want to raise and pass across such arguments in written form. The need for adequate time is informed by the need to proofread and appropriately revise the given work. As such, I have a better understanding of writing.

Furthermore, the course made me more aware of critical writing aspects. First, I have gained knowledge on how to effectively support my ideas. Whereas I could have ideas, effective writing would require that I support such ideas with evidence from other sources. Among the many possible sources, the credibility of such sources would directly impact the credibility of my writing hence the need to support my arguments with evidence from credible sources. Scholarly sources are credible. Such evidence could be borrowed word for word from the source of evidence. This would require such evidence to be under quotes if not more than forty words. If more than forty words, then it would be cited in block form and indented without quotation marks (Axelrod and Cooper 433). Of importance is to attribute it to the author(s) and indicate the page from which such was borrowed. Even when paraphrasing, it is important to indicate the author and the page from which the information was borrowed. Acquiring this knowledge has made me more aware of academic writing.

To become a better and more effective writer, I seek to continue honing my writing skills. During my leisure, I intend to pick random topics to write about. I could send such articles for publication in magazines or on blogs. This will make me more used to writing thus making me comfortable with writing. As I continue with my education, I also seek to give effective written works, be it during examinations, research studies, or otherwise. This would particularly improve my understanding of evidence-based writing where arguments have to be supported with credible evidence. Finally, writing at work for purposes of organizational communication would equip me with the appropriate skills to give understandable writings. To me, writing would be a continuous learning process with the aim of continuous improvement.

Therefore, this course has improved my understanding as a writer. It has made me more aware of the critical aspects of academic writing. As I seek to continuously improve my writing skills, I intend to apply these skills for my education, leisure, and even career life. Indeed, writing skills traverse all aspects of life to enhance effective communication.