Ligart 1

Anna Ligart

Julia Baker

English 1301 280

4/13/2024

Reflective Essay 3

In Essay #1, I learned how to explore a topic thoroughly by providing examples and

analysis to support my points. This skill was useful in Essay #3 when discussing the research by

Rindflesch and colleagues on physical therapy outcomes.

Essay #2 taught me how to analyze visual elements like color and symbolism in a poster.

I applied this approach in Essay #3 to analyze the rhetorical strategies used in the research

article.

In Essay #1, I focused on describing physical spaces and historical exhibits to express

the significance of the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum. This descriptive approach was not

applicable to Essay #3, which centered on analyzing a research article rather than the function of

a physical location.

In Essay #2, I examined the use of symbolism and visual storytelling in a movie poster.

This skill was not directly applicable to Essay #3, as the focus was on textual analysis rather than

visual elements.

Essay #3 taught me how to critically analyze a research article and evaluate its

arguments. This skill can be applied to other courses involving academic texts, like literature or

political science.
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The detailed understanding of statistical analysis methods specifically to physical

therapy research may not be applicable to other classes outside of the healthcare or scientific

fields.

Analyzing research articles improves critical thinking, argumentation, and research skills,

which are handy in various academic and professional settings. It helps in using evidence,

building arguments, and explaining complex ideas effectively.

Strengths in Essay #3 include clear organization and strong analysis, while weaknesses

involve needing more detail in discussing statistical methods or rhetorical strategies. These may

differ from Essays #1 and #2 due to the different purposes.

The instructor provided feedback on the clarity of the analysis and using thesis

statements in Essay #3. Differences included more emphasis on technical aspects such as

statistical analysis and research design, while similarities included comments on organization,

argumentation, and use of evidence to support claims.

The most challenging aspect was to meet the essay's word count requirement. Analyzing

the writers' rhetorical strategies, which required more critical analysis and subjective

understanding, was the least difficult aspect.

This essay deepened my understanding of research methods and critical analysis, shaping

me into a more analytical and research-oriented writer, boosting confidence in dealing with

complex topics and communicating findings effectively.