Learning Outcome #2

           In my chosen work sample, I used three sources to convey the thesis of my essay. Two of those sources were my peer’s narratives, and the third was a narrative from the 1918 flu pandemic. Being able to integrate all of these sources around the central theme of my essay demonstrates development from my first paper. In my second essay, I struggled with balancing more than one source, and relating them both to my main ideas and thesis. Since it was difficult for me to find a balance, it was hard to pin down my exact thesis. I took a different approach when integrating sources in my third essay. I found this approach to be easier and I felt it made my paper easier to follow. Instead of trying to integrate each source into all of my paragraphs like I did in my second essay, I analyzed my sources in separate paragraphs and brought them all together for a large analysis just before my conclusion. This way, I was able to introduce my reader to each source in my paper, and then provide evidence for how they all related to my thesis and supported the main points of my essay.

            I also developed my skills in analysis of quotations over the semester. In my first paper, I introduced each quote, but sometimes left empty space where there could have been a deeper analysis. In my chosen work sample, instead of focusing all of my attention on introducing the quote I focused more on how I was going to analyze each quote. I asked myself the typical why and how questions as I edited my essay, which I think really helped me convey what I was trying to say. I also used paraphrasing more in my chosen work samples than my first essay. I used paraphrasing in all paragraphs of my chosen work sample to connect my sources to my own thoughts, and even other sources. Without paraphrasing, my ideas wouldn’t have been conveyed as clearly as they could’ve been.

          One specific example of my analysis from my chosen work sample was when I introduced this quote from Jess’s narrative in my essay: “being on my own, making my own choices, having freedom, not having a pair of eyes–or six– looking over my shoulder every minute, that was the most “me” I have ever felt” (Minieri). After introducing this quote, I went on to explain how much I agreed with Jess because college had made a lasting impact on my life. I also explained how I feared not being able to attend college in person would limit my independence and ability to grow as a person. This kind of self-analysis was something that wasn’t as strong in my first essay but I have worked on developing throughout this course.