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Paola Adriana Flores Gutierez

Oscar Martinez

English 1301-110

19 November 2023

Reflection Essay

Writing the third essay module with the peer-reviewed article “Heavens Gate: A Study of

Religious Obedience” has been a productive learning experience. Writing it has not only elevated

the quality of the current essay but has also heightened my sensitivity to essential elements

crucial for future triumphs in diverse writing scenarios. This introspective analysis underscores

the perpetual evolution of writing skills, recognizing the diverse and nuanced abilities and

strategies that contribute to effective communication in academic and professional settings. The

essay has bestowed me with valuable skills in analyzing rhetoric, drafting, and revising, but it

has also nurtured a profound grasp of the enduring significance of collaborative efforts, feedback

loops, and meticulous editing within the writing process.

In the third essay unit, I gained valuable insights into peer-reviewed journal articles and

the rhetorical situation. Understanding the rhetorical analysis, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, of

an academic situation is a skill that transcends this course, proving beneficial in various writing

scenarios. For instance, the ability to critically evaluate the purpose, audience, and context of

academic writing equips me to navigate diverse writing assignments in other courses, like social

sciences. The concept of rhetorical analysis becomes a versatile tool for deciphering the

underlying structures and intentions of different pieces of writing.

Building upon my knowledge of the drafting and revision process has been integral to

this essay unit. The concepts of brainstorming, prewriting, drafting, and revision are not isolated
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to this assignment but extend to other courses and writing situations. For example, the

brainstorming phase allowed me to explore diverse ideas related to the Heaven's Gate cult,

ensuring a rich and multifaceted analysis. The drafting and revision processes, honed during this

unit, now serve as a foundation for approaching writing tasks in the future. These fundamental

writing skills are transferable and provide a structured approach to producing well-crafted pieces.

Conferencing with and receiving feedback from my instructor played a crucial role in

refining my rhetorical analysis essay. Through instructor feedback, I identified areas for

improvement, such as the need for more in-depth analysis of certain elements. Specifically, I

revised sections where I lacked clarity in explaining the cult's behaviors, ensuring a more

comprehensive and cohesive argument. Additionally, my instructor helped me with my thesis

statement, so that i would include the crucial parts that were on the rubric. This interaction with

my instructor fostered a deeper understanding of the rhetorical elements crucial to effective

writing.

Peer review with my classmates also contributed significantly to the improvement of my

essay. One key change based on peer feedback involved refining the emotional engagement

section and adding quotes. The peer review process highlighted areas where the emotional

impact could be intensified for a more compelling narrative. My peers also suggested that I add

evidence to my body paragraphs so that my topic sentence would be backed up with evidence.

By incorporating my peers' suggestions, I enhanced the emotive connection between the readers

and the tragic events of the Heaven's Gate cult.

The editing and proofreading of my rhetorical analysis essay revealed crucial areas

requiring attention. Identifying missing connections between ideas and unclear expressions

prompted a realization of the importance of ensuring a logical flow and coherence in my writing.
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Notable revisions involved strategically modifying the organization of paragraphs to enhance

overall clarity and narrative flow. These adjustments not only improved the present essay but

also heightened my awareness of potential fails in future writing assignments. Examining

language clarity during the editing process honed my word choice and sentence structure skills,

contributing to the overall polish of the rhetorical analysis. This heightened awareness of

effective writing now positions me to approach future assignments with a discerning and critical

eye, understanding that refining one's writing is an ongoing journey of self-improvement.

The most challenging part of this essay assignment was navigating the delicate balance

between emotional engagement and logical reasoning. I attempted to overcome this challenge by

carefully structuring my arguments to maintain a rational analysis while evoking empathy from

the reader. Consultation of course materials and additional resources on effective rhetorical

strategies proved helpful in finding this equilibrium. Recognizing this challenge prepares me to

approach future assignments with a heightened awareness of the need for balance in persuasive

writing.

The least challenging part of this essay assignment was establishing the credibility of the

source material. Winston Davis's academic background and research in Religious Studies at

Stanford University provided a strong foundation for his analysis. This credibility was evident in

his detailed research and fair perspective, making it easier for me to build upon a reliable source

for my own analysis.

In conclusion, the third essay unit has not only equipped me with valuable skills in

rhetorical analysis, drafting, and revision but has also fostered a deeper understanding of the

importance of ongoing collaboration, feedback, and meticulous editing in the writing process.

The ability to critically assess peer-reviewed articles, coupled with a refined understanding of the
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writing process, ensures a versatile set of tools for future writing endeavors. Engaging with

instructor and peer feedback, as well as meticulous editing, has not only enhanced the current

essay but has also heightened my awareness of crucial elements for future success in various

writing situations. This reflective analysis underscores the ongoing nature of writing

development, acknowledging the multifaceted skills and strategies that contribute to effective

communication in academic and professional contexts.