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Crystal Conde English 1101 Ingram Midterm 1. My first blog post was written on August 29th. I did not think my questions would be answered so quickly. I asked the question Is there a wrong way to edit a paper? We read an essay from our textbook Responding -Really Responding to other students work by Richard Straub that discussed all the dos and donts of peer editing. This essay really helped me to answer this question. As peers our job is to offer advice on areas that need improvement; to focus on content before immediately jumping to grammar and punctuation. When we are editing we, as students, do not want to change the paper to be our own because we must remember it is not. We also have to remember we are not the teacher. We should try not to write all over the paper and keep the comments in the margins. We should offer advice but be encouraging at the same time. I have learned that the only way to wrongly edit is when it does not offer suggestions, advice or improvements. A paper can always be better so there is always an opportunity to continue revising. There is no explicit formula when it comes to editing but there are a few things to keep in mind, many which Straub covers in his text. 2. What are the differences between high school competency and college success? The intensity of high school does not begin to compare to college. In high school we were confined to formulas, ideas and told what to do step by step. At the time high school was easy and we thought we knew so much but it was simply a platform to step to higher learning. The standards

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for success were set much lower giving us a boost of confidence. College is all based on decisions you make, a choice to study, a choice to edit a paper to get a better grade, a choice to turn in assignments. In order to be successful in college extra time outside of class is required. The biggest difference by far is studying. In high school we learned basic skills but in college we research in depth and go beyond what is asked. Chemistry opened my eyes to these differences. We learn skills and different ways to apply then, manipulations and master the concept itself in college. That is how to be successful. In high school we spit it back verbatim in what we, as students, have mistaken for success. There is more to success, and college so far has taught me to strive for success at a higher level. College peaks interests that make you want to inquire as strive to learn. 3. Dear high school student, College is not a bad place. Adapting to actual college life happens quickly. The lecture halls are a big difference coming from high school. The professors dont know who you are so take the time to introduce yourself. They want to help even if it does not always come out that way. In big lecture halls some professors do not take attendance but that should not be a reason as to not attend class. It is important that while making the transition from high school to college to be humble, learning is a process. Dont stress yourself out. It may seem like there is no time for anything but there is time. There is time to complete all assignments and even extra time to have fun believe it or not. You just have to prioritize. Remember to be confident in your work. Also, I know studying in high school was not needed but it is important that you pick up some study habits in college. College is difficult but set a goal in mind, all the hard parts will be worth it later.

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4. I think I am engaging most in the critical thinking. Throughout the writing process we have to think about what is important to write then think about how to present that information depending on the intended audience. Every step of the writing process involves critical thinking. Not only have I used critical thinking in writing but also in revision. We have to think of what part of the paper needs the most improvement and give proper feedback accordingly. Our feedback requires critical thinking due to limited space and on what part of the paper we are focused. Critical thinking is involved in all aspects of this course and has been the most engaging of the key concepts for me. When we do our reading for homework and have a group discussion in class I think critically about what to say, and while doing the reading think critically to excite inquiry. Critical thinking is present in answering blog post questions and even right now for the midterm. I have practiced my critical skills more and have become very engaged in them based on class assignments and discussions. 5. A key concept I am struggling in is providing and receiving feedback. We did the peer edits on our literacy narrative in class that helped to improve my skills. Straub gave pointers and insight when it came to the "do's and don'ts of editing". His suggestions were very helpful along with the practice from class. I feel as though I have a hard time giving people feedback that will improve their paper to the level they want it to be. I give them suggestions but I don't know what more to say to help. I can come up with one or two things easily but more than that becomes difficult for me. When it comes to receiving feedback I do well in that aspect. If someone offers suggestions on how I can better improve my paper I take it into consideration. I make changes in order to make the paper better. I like when others offer extensive feedback rather than "It was good". I am going to work to improve the feedback I give others in their paper. In the second half

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of the semester I plan to practice my feedback skills by editing my own papers thoroughly as if it were being work shopped. This way I can see the paper holistically. As I keep practicing throughout the semester I will learn to pick up on grammar mistakes and run on sentences as well. Improvements will come with practice and time. 6. My answers from the previous questions are closely related. In my answers a common theme is talking about the writing process. I talk about thinking critically during the process, revising and editing. Writing is a big part of college. Writing starts from the moment a thought develops. We brainstorm an idea then get it down on paper in what we call a first draft. After the first draft we revise in order to get closer to a final product. Each step involves critical thinking. The revision is a mixture of both giving and receiving feedback. For the most part, my answers are linked in the aspect that they all deal with writing and the writing process. Those answers that do not directly deal with writing are about the difference between high school and college life. I discuss the major differences. I talk about transiting from high school to college, as well as some pointers that may help those who are transitioning. 7. I dont have many questions left about this course. At the beginning of this course we asked our questions on Weebly and now come mid-semester I am able to answer them. The questions that arise I seem to answer them myself as we engage deeper into the course. I am interested in seeing what the rest of the semester has to offer. I am curious to know how we will see our writing mature. I am curious about what our next big writing assignment will be as well.