Summary & Analysis Reflection

The current paper on the Summary and Analysis helped me learn quite a lot about how I used to write argumentative essays. When I first began writing arguments, I would write strictly based on a specific format. This format included an introductions, arguments, a counterargument, and a conclusion. However, with this paper, there is no specific template. Instead, it includes summarizing, discussing whether you agree with the author, and analyzing the author's thoughts. This essay is different from traditional argumentative essays. With the current essay, I am able to think deeper and analyze the writing by bits whereas before, I would choose a few quotes from the entire reading and just focus on those. The summary and analysis paper encourages me to think outside the box and be more specific. I feel that it really has improved my writing skills for argumentative essays.

Google Docs Opinion

I feel that using Google Docs throughout was very helpful. I liked the idea of not having to worry about printing out my papers each time we would revise in class. I was able to store every draft inside a folder rather than having piles and piles of papers. Having all my papers on Google Docs helped me stay organized and save time looking for different documents. It was also beneficial because I did not have to worry about saving the drafts because they would automatically be saved each time you make a change. Therefore, unlike Microsoft Word, I did not have to worry about clicking save every minute to make sure the paper saves in case connection is lost or my computer restarts. Furthermore, I feel like it made it easier to share documents with others to peer review. Overall, I enjoyed using Google Docs and would like to continue using it for future classes, too.

Multimodal Project

Unsupportive Claims

Trump's Accusations

After losing by 3 million votes, Trump repeatedly claims that many people voted illegally causing him to lose popular vote. There is no study showing that there were votes being cast illegally. Although he has been shown evidence that voter fraud was not the case, he maintains his belief. He tweeted,"In addition to winning the electoral college by a landslide, I won the popular vote if you deduct the millions of people who voted illegally." However, where is the evidence to prove that's the case? Furthermore, Trump and his workers have said that they will release proof when "the time is right." If he wants to be right, then wouldn't he have released evidence of voter fraud already? If Trump wants America to believe that voter fraud really did happen, then he needs proof to back it up. However, Trump has no proof and is probably just angry that he was not able to win the popular vote.

Hustwit's Trilogies

Hustwit's trilogy of documentaries focus on problems and how they were solved or are being solved. I thought his way of explaining actually opened my mind and made me think unlike other documentaries where they just inform you. I feel his documentaries will definitely educate the public as they educated me. His explanations and stories gave me more thought to urbanization. In on of his films, "Urbanized", he talks about transportation and how it still needs to be changed. I agree. Our transportation could be better. Furthermore, he explains that building more sidewalks and bike trails could make everyone socially equal. I feel this would especially benefit in the poorer areas where most people bike or walk to their destination. There should be more sidewalks there. Overall, I thought Hustwit's thoughts were interesting and definitely raise awareness on how we can improve our society.

Freewrite

While writing this microtheme, I realized that as a writer, I tend to try to add a lot of detail. I found writing the microtheme to be sort of challenging since I have to compress all of my writing to fit onto just one page. It seems difficult to find what to keep and what to leave out of the paper. However, I was able to realize that if I actually try and put my mind to it, I can do it. I also learned I tend to like doing everything the easy way. I do not like writing new things. I rather write something I have already done before and that I am used to. Writing the microtheme made me step out of my writing comfort zone and explore new ways to write.

Microtheme Draft Reflection

My microtheme is on why people choose to eat fast food. I was able to come with reasons super quickly for the problem. However, what I find challenging is the conclusion. It s difficult trying to end the essay without trying to give out solutions or adding extra information. I am going to look at the other samples and try to see how others ended their essay.