I started AP lang as a struggling writer who didn’t even know what I was writing most of

the time. After some time in the class, I realized just how good I could get in such a short amount

of time. I now can classify myself as an average writer instead of a mediocre writer. While I am

better than I was before, I am neither a phenomenal writer, nor a bad one either. This class has

taught me masses of valuable information like rhetoric and literary devices that I use everyday.

One of the ways we started the semester was with learning about complex rhetoric. I

didn’t think I would ever need to use it, but caught myself using the language skills that very

same day. For instance, we read the book ‘​Thank You For Arguing’​ and learned about the art

form of rhetoric. Because of rhetoric, I have had more productive debates and amazing

arguments with my parents, which lead to an increase in winnings. These skills define me as a

scholar by presenting me with more formality and respect.

I have started using more complex literary devices in my writing to show complex

emotions and appeals. One of these devices is a fallacy, which we learned about earlier this year.

A fallacy is a very unique device with very specific uses. Using this device adds depth to my

writing and makes me appear more sophisticated. They also allow me to write complex

argumentative papers that I could never have written before.

Lastly, I have a better understanding for the introduction of a paper. I have always

struggled writing introductions for my papers. While they aren’t perfect, they are better than they

used to be. I now understand correct and interesting ways to introduce a topic, such as “give a
backstory” and use a “definition to describe the topic.” These allow me to write phenomenal

arguments, as well as get readers interested in reading what I have to offer.