Reflective Essay

Over the course of this English class, I have experienced meaningful growth in my writing skills, especially in structure, analysis, and clarity. When I compare my first diagnostic and early essays with my final assignments, I can clearly see how far I’ve come. This course has helped me not only strengthen my writing abilities but also develop the critical thinking and academic habits needed to express myself professionally and effectively. In this essay, I will reflect on my progress by analyzing my work on the Argument Essay, Comparative Analysis, and Rhetorical Analysis projects. Each assignment challenged me in new ways and helped me refine key writing strategies.

Before taking this course, I struggled with developing a strong thesis and organizing my essays effectively. My early writing often lacked clear topic sentences and logical transitions, which made my ideas feel disjointed. For example, in my Diagnostic Essay, I remember simply listing reasons without fully connecting them back to the thesis. However, by the time I wrote the Argument Essay, I had learned to create a focused thesis and use structured body paragraphs that followed the Point-Evidence-Explanation (PEE) format. In that essay, I argued against school dress codes by using peer-reviewed articles and student interviews. My thesis was clear, and each paragraph built on the last, making my argument much more convincing. This assignment taught me the value of planning and outlining before writing.

Another major area of improvement was learning how to analyze evidence rather than just presenting it. In my earlier essays, I would quote a source but not explain its significance. The Rhetorical Analysis project helped me change that. I practiced breaking down rhetorical strategies like ethos, pathos, and logos. I didn’t just identify the strategies; I also evaluated how they influenced the audience and supported the speaker’s message. This helped me move beyond summary and into real interpretation, which is a key skill in academic writing.

One of the more technical skills I learned was proper MLA formatting. At the start of the semester, I often forget small details like hanging indents, italicizing titles, or including in-text citations. But by the time I completed the Comparative Analysis Essay, I was confident in applying MLA 9 guidelines. That essay compared two articles on social media’s impact on mental health, and I made sure every quote was properly embedded, every citation accurate, and the Works Cited page followed the required structure. I also paid close attention to grammar, making sure to avoid run-ons and using transitions to maintain a smooth flow between ideas. These improvements made my writing more credible and professional.

Peer workshopping was another valuable part of this class. At first, I was hesitant to critique my classmates’ work or share my own. But after a few sessions, I realized how helpful it was to get another perspective. For example, a peer pointed out that one of my paragraphs in the Argument Essay lacked evidence, which I hadn’t noticed. Their feedback helped me revise and strengthen my claims. Giving feedback also helped me become more critical of my own writing. It was through this process that I learned how important clarity and logic are in communicating with a reader.

This course pushed me in ways I didn’t expect. It required discipline, attention to detail, and a willingness to revise. But more importantly, it helped me become a more confident writer. I now approach essays with a plan and a purpose, rather than just writing whatever comes to mind. I’ve learned to think about my audience, use credible sources, and organize my ideas so they have the strongest impact. These skills won’t just help me in future English classes—they’ll also be useful in my business major and future career.

Reflecting on my writing journey this semester, I can say without hesitation that I’ve grown significantly. My essays now show stronger organization, deeper analysis, and better technical accuracy. Each assignment taught me something new, and through practice and feedback, I was able to improve. While I know there is always room to grow, I now feel equipped with the tools to write persuasively, clearly, and professionally. This class has laid a strong foundation for the rest of my academic and professional writing.