Essay 4: Final Reflection Essay
Due date: Week 14
(see syllabus and schedule of assignments)
Length: 2-3 pages
50 points (5% of course grade)
Assignment
Reflect on the work you have done this semester: the readings, activities, discussions, informal discussion assignments, essays, etc. Review the course syllabus and course goals, and use the following questions to prewrite and generate ideas for writing
a short reflection essay in which you describe what you have learned in this course throughout the semester
and explain how well you think you have mastered the learning goals of the course as stated in the syllabus.
As you prepare to write, consider some of the following questions to help you prewrite and plan for the essay:
What concepts related to reading, writing, and research have you learned the most about from this course?
What new ideas have you been introduced to, if any? How are they useful?
Have you made any changes in the way you approach writing tasks and the writing process?
Do you feel that you are a more conscious writer? A more conscious reader?
How well do you feel you have met the goals of the course, as outlined in the syllabus?
What have you learned in this course that you will take with you in the future and that you may use outside of this class?
What is your feeling about the course readings and assignments? Were they useful? Why or why not?
* Please note: these questions are meant to help you think; simply answering the questions will not result in a coherent, organized paper.
Essay Requirements
Your essay should demonstrate the following:
A clear and focused thesis that states 2-4 concepts or skills you have learned from this course.
Support: include specific explanations and examples to support your points and illustrate HOW you have learned these things.
Effective organization: an engaging and specific introduction, body paragraphs, and an appropriate conclusion.
Consideration of audience, purpose, rhetorical appeals, and tone.
Careful proofreading to avoid grammar, style, and mechanics errors.
Proofread and edit carefully before submitting the essay. While preparing, review your previous graded essays, being careful not to repeat earlier mistakes. This will be one of the last pieces of written work that I will see from you this semester, and for that reason it is very important.
Grading
Like other essays, this essay will be graded based on your focus, thesis, support and development, introduction, body, conclusion, organization, and style, mechanics, and grammar. You can find the grading criteria in Canvas.