Final Reflection

Final Reflection
Alicia Tena Rosales
Salt Lake Community College
ENG 1010: Intro to Writing
Deon Martineau
April 24, 2024

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 Final Reflection

Final Reflection
I have been exposed to various writing methods over the years, but my perspective on writing
underwent a significant shift upon participating in this course. Traditionally, I have encountered
different threshold concepts about writing, such as the idea that language and writing serve as
resources for accomplishing tasks, embodying identities, and creating artifacts in the world.
Additionally, I have learned that writing evolves through continuous engagement with literate
practices and through the process of revision. Other concepts, such as viewing writing as a
deliberate process, employing rhetoric as a method, understanding writing as an active endeavor,
and recognizing its contingency, have also enriched my understanding. These concepts have not
only enhanced my learning and writing skills but have also impacted various aspects of my life.
Through this course, I will evaluate my preconceptions about writing and reflect on how they
have evolved. I will articulate the changes in my assumptions, discuss the insights I have gained
from these concepts, and demonstrate how the skills acquired can be applied to other areas of my
life.

During Unit One, one notable experience was our Flash Narrative, which you can find in the
portfolio. The key threshold concept that resonated with me was "Writing is a Resource." It
emphasized the multifaceted nature of writing, serving as a tool to educate, evoke emotions, or
provide an escape from reality. To achieve these goals, I had to make deliberate choices and
employ specific moves and strategies in my writing. Two articles, "Why Fiction?" and "Is That a
True Story," played a significant role in shaping my approach to storytelling. They exposed me to
different perspectives on narrative writing and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone,
particularly in engaging with fictional works. Understanding that “Literate Practices and
Processes” are integral to writing further reinforced this concept for me. I came to realize that
language permeates every aspect of life, and dialogue itself can be a narrative. Throughout the
Flash Narrative assignment, I engaged in various processes to gather material. This included
drawing inspiration from music, TV shows, movies, and books. Additionally, I delved into
reading resources that offered insights on effective writing techniques and creating stories that
resonate with readers. These experiences underscored the importance of actively practicing and
refining my writing skills to achieve my intended goals.

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In Unit Two, one notable assignment was our Rhetorical Analysis, which you can access in the
portfolio. The pivotal threshold concept that resonated with me was "Rhetoric," particularly in
discerning the purpose behind the article. This involved understanding why the writer felt
compelled to craft their piece. By adopting this perspective, I was able to immerse myself in the
reader's mindset, striving to comprehend the motivations driving the author's discourse.
Exploring rhetoric and its utilization of language as a persuasive tool prompted me to scrutinize
the language employed and assess how effectively it conveyed the writer's message. Annotating
articles such as "The Declaration of Independence" and "Farewell to Baseball Address" provided
valuable insights into language as a tool of persuasion. For instance, in "The Declaration of
Independence," the Founding Fathers employed potent language to sway readers to their cause.
Each grievance against the King was phrased emphatically, beginning with words like
"dissolved," "refused," and "forbidden." This level of analysis was something I had not
previously considered. Throughout various assignments, we were tasked with discerning the
underlying purpose behind the author's words. Consequently, my writing process underwent a
significant transformation. From the article "Language Matters: A Rhetorical Look at Writing," I
gained a newfound perspective on comprehending text and tailoring my writing to appeal to my
audience. Prior to this course, I had never delved into considering the intended audience,
purpose, and contextual factors. Overall, grasping the concept of rhetoric has fundamentally
altered my approach to textual analysis, enriching my understanding of written material.

In Unit Three, we encountered two significant assignments: our Research Journal and Viewpoint
Synthesis. The threshold concept that particularly stood out to me was the importance of
"Context." Throughout this unit, our tasks revolved around gathering extensive information from
diverse sources, including articles, statistics, and research studies. Subsequently, as we delved
into thorough analysis, it became evident that understanding the context of each resource was
crucial for meaningful interpretation. Additionally, the concept of "Action" resonated with me,
especially during our Viewpoint Synthesis. In this assignment, we were tasked with responding
to various viewpoints, regardless of our personal agreement. This engagement with differing
perspectives has the potential to drive meaningful change in the world. However, I must admit
that I am still grappling with the concept of "Choices." At times, I find it challenging to discern

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the most effective moves or strategies to employ while writing, which can lead to a perceived
complexity in the writing process.

In conclusion, the knowledge and skills gained throughout this course have had a profound
impact on my writing. The exploration of threshold concepts has not only shifted my perspective
on writing but has also provided me with valuable insights into effectively communicating with
my audience. As a result, I now feel more confident and adaptable in approaching writing tasks
in my everyday life.

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