Writing Skills of a Stident of English Course - Assignment Example

Self-Evaluation Insert Insert English 102 has greatly influenced my writing skills. As the semester begun, I had a hard time adjusting to the course requirements, the goals and objectives. With time, I have found the course more interesting and a necessity to me. My writing skills were nothing close to good but with intense practice given by my tutor, I have improved. I have mastered a number of writing styles so far, and I am using them extensively well when writing my blogs for posting on the internet. Through the internet, I have also learned ways to perfect my writing skills (Reiss, 2008). As an English student in 102 Class Spring 2015, I have learned quite a lot. The course has improved my academic writing skills and professional writing. I have more knowledge of how to use internet programs. Consistent contact with internet programs for viewing PDF files since text and course materials are online have given me the chance to learn this art. My argument skills have been sharpened through this course. In case an argument arises, I have required tactics to tackle it (Reiss, 2008). The internet skills have enabled me write from sources when required to. Investigative paper development skills have been heightened through the course. My research techniques have improved a lot, and I am now capable of doing a comprehensive research by myself. I have acquired skills of development, inquiry, analysis and synthesis for the production of the meaningful research document. I am now capable of choosing the correct writing style, and I can choose the genre to apply to a given writing. Both professional and academic writing have a different style of writing and genre platform. The correct choice of genre and style will give out the correct message conveyed. I have learned that, the purpose of the writing and the targeted audience greatly determines the source and the quality of information to write. Before writing, I must analyze and critically evaluate the source of my writing. I have amassed knowledge on how to use source materials in my academic writing; research writing and professional writings.Proper referencing using the correct referencing styles was put in practice, and I am now capable of using source materials well documented with in-text citations and source referencing (Young, 1984). English 102 course has improved my communication skills; I can effectively choose a paper or an essay according to the intended audience and purpose that contains appropriate language and style. I can edit a document to serve an intended audience and using the right documentation style. My ability to access information in print, electronic or live sources has been enhanced. Internet skills acquired has enabled me serve the internet and get diverse information for my academic and professional writing. Skills on retrieval of information from print and electronic sources, as well as the live source, has enabled me write the best assignments, essays for classwork and blogs for my friends (Young, 1984). The course eventually taught me how to organize data retrieved from sources into meaningful information like articles, essays, and comprehensive research document. My reading skills have improved over time; persistent practice of reading several items and books in print and electronic media has helped me understand different cultures. The ability to control my reading speed according to the specified audience; children, the youths or the old. Children would love slow reading pace with less complex texts for easy understanding. Youths would enjoy fast reading while the old would go for moderate reading speed. Reading speed can be determined by the complexity of the article. I have learned that complex texts need good reading and good pronunciation ability. This will enable the targeted audience understand what you mean word-by-word (Young, 1984). Where there is a need to stress a point, it must be identified through the pronunciation. The good reading skills I have acquired in the course has enabled me point out main ideas in a document and summarize or paraphrase information into required number of words. Choice of words according to the field of specialization is emphasized. English 102 course have given me knowledge to understand correct words or text to be used when writing essays, projects or research documents in specific fields like real estate, science, and engineering. Real estate academic and professional writing, for example, has a specific word like “balloon mortgage” which can be understood by realtors and not ordinary people (Project 1). Negotiation is another aspect of English language I learned. Negotiation involves good speaking, ability to convince a buyer to buy at your stated price or a seller to give you the items at your price. Your ability to reach an agreement is nature through negotiation. Sales agents need negotiation skills (Reiss, 2008). I also learned that good language choice will enable a person achieve his/her target. To make sales, you must use a persuasive language, to instruct a child you must use command language and to stop criminals you must use a harsh language. My critical thinking ability was enhanced through extensive reading and writing of essays, research projects, and research papers as a course requirement. Ability to create words and analyze text was developed through research and critical writing. Greater research on vocabulary and cultural codes has enabled me improve my argument capacity. I can now get into an intense argument with my fellow mates without fear of using the wrong wordings and vocabulary, I have the ability to understand text requirement. At least I can argue and freely express my augments unlike when I had not joined English 102 class. Discussion groups created by our English tutor and assignments on discussion has enabled me practice my discussion skills and improve on them (Reiss, 2008). This was meant to shape us and enable us handle large discussions which I can now manage at this stage. Research writing on academic and professional backgrounds has enabled me to practice the writing skills I acquired in class. The correct choice of words based on the field of research in nursing or the real estate has been put into practice in writing of such projects (Project 1). Generally, English 102 class has enabled me improve on writing, reading and speaking good English. I can confidently put the skills taught in real use now. References Reiss, J. (2008). 102 content strategies for English language learners. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Merrill/Prentice Hall. Young, D. (1984). Introducing English grammar. London: Hutchinson. Read More