Self-Assessment Essay

As I reflect on my journey throughout this semester, I recognize how much I’ve grown, not only as a writer, but also as a critical thinker. This course has pushed me to explore new approaches to writing, expand my understanding of different genres, and become more intentional in how i communicate with various audiences. Before taking this course, my writing was more focused on completing assignments. Now, I view writing as a process that involves creativity, analysis, and constant revision. I’ve learned a lot by working with different types of texts, collaborating with classmates, and refining my writing process. In this self-assessment paper, I’ll reflect on the five course learning outcomes I’ve achieved during the semester and discuss how I’ve developed in each of these areas.

1. Explore and analyze, in writing and reading, a variety of genres and rhetorical situations

At the beginning of the semester, I had a basic understanding of academic writing but hadn’t fully explored different genres or rhetorical strategies. Throughout the semester, I have learned to adapt my writing to different genres and rhetorical situations. The reading assignments introduced me to different writing techniques, each tailored for specific audiences and purposes.

One assignment that particularly helped me understand this concept was the rhetorical situation worksheet. By analyzing elements like genre, audience, and purpose, I gained insight into how the same subject can be approached through different lenses, each with a unique audience, genre, and purpose.

2. Develop strategies for reading, drafting, collaborating, revising, and editing

At the start of the semester, I had a habit of writing everything in one sitting and then
making small corrections afterwards. However, through the writing process assignments and
peer reviews, I learned that writing is more about revising and refining ideas than simply getting
it right the first try.

One of the biggest changes in my process occurred with the research essay. I started with a rough draft that was unfocused, but through revision and helpful feedback from my peers and professor, I was able to reshape it into a more coherent and effective piece.

I learned to separate my writing into stages: first focusing on developing ideas, then improving the structure, and finally polishing the grammar and style. The peer review sessions were particularly valuable because feedback from others allowed me to gain insights about my work. For example, after receiving the feedback from my professor on the second draft of my research essay, she pointed out that my introduction and conclusion were too shallow, so I rewrote them to make them more cohesive.

3. Recognize and practice key rhetorical terms and strategies when engaged in writing situations.

This course introduced me to key rhetorical strategies, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, and helped me understand their significance in effective communication. These rhetorical appeals are essential tools in persuading and engaging an audience. Before this course, I was vaguely familiar with these concepts, but i hadn’t fully grasped how to apply them to my own writing.

A clear example of applying these strategies was in my critical research essay. I understood the importance of addressing my audience on various levels, so I incorporated logical reasoning (LOGOS) by citing relevant sources, while also building my credibility (ETHOS) by carefully researching and citing my sources. This approach made my essay stronger, as I wasn’t presenting random facts, but i was also engaging my audience on a deeper level.

4. Understand and use print and digital technologies to address a range of audiences.

This semester has helped me become more comfortable using digital platforms to write and share my work. In today’s world, writing goes beyond ink and paper, it takes place online, through emails, blog posts, and social media.

For example, when we started creating the digital portfolio, i learned how to organize my work effectively while maintaining a clear structure. I also added images to make the content more engaging and appealing to readers. This experience showed me that writing is not just about words, it is also about how those words are presented and received by the audience.

5. Compose texts that integrate a stance with appropriate sources, using strategies such as summary, analysis, synthesis, and argumentation.

One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of this course was learning how to integrate sources effectively into my writing. At the beginning of the semester, I struggled to incorporate sources into my writing in a way that felt natural and supported my argument rather than overwhelming it. However, through the research paper, I developed a better understanding of how to use techniques like summary, analysis, and synthesis to integrate sources into my writing.

Overall, I believe i have made significant progress towards achieving the course learning outcomes this semester. I have gained a deeper understanding of how to analyze and engage with different genres and rhetorical situations, improved my writing process through drafting and revision, and learned how to use rhetorical strategies to make my arguments more effective. While there’s always room for improvement, i feel that this course gave me a strong foundation to continue growing as a writer.