Reflection on Learning from Revision
It was not until I registered for this class that I realized the actual meaning of revision through writing experience in English. Studying in different countries denied me the chance to realize the importance of the concept ‘revision in writing’ in my academic studies. Initially, I perceived the term revision differently from what I currently understand it. For example, the revision was to get me ready in areas not covered before a test or end term exams. Moreover, once I had written a paper and go through the process of proofreading, that was all about revision for me. However, after enrolling in this class, I have been able to change my perception of the term ‘revision in writing’ to another different perspective. As for now, the term revision refers to effective improvement of my entire paper in terms of grammatical errors, format-wise, content discussion, and academic tone and other necessary errors. One crucial aspect of revision is that the more I revise the paper each time with my teachers’ comments, I am improving the final state of my paper. Hence, this is to say that indeed practice makes perfection. Therefore, I have come to realize that revision in a vital aspect that allows room for improvement and learning. Besides, through revision one can produce an academically excellent paper in any subject. Teacher’s comments and correction comes into play in revision as it exposes us to errors that we might not able to realize on our own. Despite my failure to realize the importance and real meaning of revision, I am now confident that I have learned to utilize it in improving my errors and producing an excellent academic paper. This paper seeks to illustrate my personal experience of learning through revisions and mistakes, practice, and hard work that improves and makes my grammar better.
Revision on Improper Quotation, Reading, and Writing Techniques
This semester has played a significant role in my writing career as I have been able to master various concepts, skills, and experience that will enable me to elevate my skills English language. Through writing essay assignments, error logs, and teacher’s comments through revision, I have learned a lot on how to present a more elaborate introduction with a precise thesis and concluding effectively. Furthermore, essay writing formed the basis of my effective reading, critical thinking, and writing effectively. For example, critically analyzing, and summarizing it in my own words, I have been able to explore my mind in various concepts such as paraphrasing, proper capitalization, proper sentence structures, and others. While summarizing the essay, ‘Smartness in Disguise’, I was able to make corrections based on my teacher’s comments on areas such as proper capitalization and punctuation. For instance, ‘SMARTNESS IN DISGUISE’ instead of ‘Smartness in Disguise’, ‘to take their nonacademic interest as…’ instead of ‘to take their non-academic interests as…’, ‘School and college might be…’ instead of ‘school and college might be…’, ‘Graff compares the capabilities sports, and …’ instead of ‘Graff compares sports and …’ among others in proper punctuation and capitalization. Besides, my summarization and quotation of text have improved, as I have learned to be more precise. For example, summarizing Graff’s arguments with the right active voice something that was a challenge in the past. Moreover, I have improved in the use of proper tenses and the ability to avoid grammatical errors, for example, the use of present simple tense to apply facts to affirm a point in arguments. For instance, ‘he concludes that a person who has perfected in the sport is an intellectual in his own means’.
Revision Critical Thinking and Argumentation
Initially, I was not good at critical thinking and argumentation in essay writing. However, through revisions, I was able to develop the art of argument. Initially, I was not quite familiar with the format of argumentative essays. When I started to write draft 1 of my argumentative essay, I thought that I was arguing against the authors of my essays. However, I later realized all this was wrong. Through revisions and my teacher’s comments, I realized that the authors are not my opponents. Rather, people with contradictory views are my opponents. Similarly, the type of sentences I wrote sounded as if I was informing rather than arguing. In my draft 1, I wrote, “Graff believed that….” I changed such as in draft 1 of paper 3, my teacher got confused with arguments and counter-arguments. My words made her think which part belonged to the supporters of education and which part belonged to the opponents of education. For example, in my counter-argument of draft 1 of paper 3 I wrote, “Graff believed that….” However, I revised it in draft 3 by using phrases such as, “to counter-argue, to contradict, my opinions are not the same as Graff’s view, supporters of education overlook the fact, and many more.” These helped my essay sound more like an argument and not like an informative essay. Not only this, but these phrases helped to give a clear understanding of what the argument is about and what the supporters and opponents of education believe. As a result, I was able to learn the art of argument by making different mistakes and correcting them through many revisions.
Furthermore, through constant revision, I have been able to learn the application of preposition for proper expression in grammar. For example, ‘…knowledge on staying healthy.’ Instead of ‘knowledge about staying healthy.’. Additionally, I have learned how to best formulate a thesis statement and how to be more precise with the use of words to be clarity for my readers. In the argumentation essay, College title, and its benefits in life in general, through corrections from my teacher’s comments, I was able to come up with a logical thesis statement. For instance, previously, my thesis statement failed precision and clarity as seen in the sentence, ‘everyone should not go to college because it does not directly translate to higher earnings due to influence by school type and career.’; however, later I was able to formulate a more elaborate and clear thesis, ‘everyone should go to college because individual would make more money, get more opportunities, and live a better life.’. Therefore, through these experiences and practices, I have become more motivated and convinced that my grammar, as well as writing techniques, have tremendously improved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I am really happy to notice my improvement and tremendous progress in proper grammar and mastery in skills such as effective reading and writing, summarization and quotation of facts, effective argumentation, logical use, and manipulation of various skills in English. The various essays completed in my class assignment have played a significant role in upgrading and bettering my English skills and proficiency. Besides, this has played a vital role in motivating me more while tackling my next higher English classes in the future. Therefore, as a result of this experience, I can boldly attest that I am ready and focused to face my future English classes. Besides, I am now more effective and efficient in the manner of expressing facts and opinions through borrowed resources. As a result, it has played an important impact in other areas of my life as it will be able to guide me in expressing myself through writings. Hence, generally, it will play a role in ensuring I achieve and accomplish success in pursuing my career. Finally, it has imparted the realization that it is through constant and consistent practice on a certain matter that will result in perfection and mastery of the skill or expertise.