Sarah Reyner

ENG 102
December 12, 2012
Dear Chris Brunt,
One of my main goals of this semester was to improve my writing skills. I wanted
to learn how to improve providing quality supporting material for my claims. I chose the
critical analysis assignment on James Baldwins article First Avenue North: A Letter
From Harlem to revise primarily because it was the first assigned and would allow me
to observe the progress I have made throughout the semester.
As each assignment required careful analyzation of one or more sources, I
gradually improved on analyzing texts and applying ideas to my own argument. Before
this class, I had never compared and contrasted similar or opposing arguments to such
a great extent. The annotated bibliography reinforced these lessons as I was required
to find my own sources and determine how each are relevant to my topic. Conducting
my own research introduced me to several types of sources including reports, journal
articles, studies, and even social media. With practice I became able to fully engage in
a source and determine the relevance of its information to my topic.
I learn best by example. This does not include mimicry or imitation, however. I
found that the sample essays presented in class adhered to my learning strategies; they
were highly beneficial. By observing several contrasting writing styles and methods, I
was able to form my own ideas on how I want to present my topic effectively. In
addition, the discussion that coincided the presented materials offered multiple
viewpoints which taught me the importance of a counter argument.
One of the main critiques that I received on my assignments was not fully
developing my ideas. I often assume the reader has preconceived knowledge of my
topic and therefor fail to fully explain my thoughts. This failure of a fully supported claim
became apparent when looking back on my fist assignment. On my revised essay, I
located the areas pointed out as vague and incorporated a further explanation to better
develop my claim. For example in my Baldwin essay, I mention how Baldwin brings to
life the story that has been harped to us since elementary school without explaining
what that story is and what this story means to the audience. I ignored the ideas of the
audience. In my final revision, I fully explained my intentions for this claim and
addressed the audience by explaining what this story is and what it means to the reader.

Through analyzing a multitude of texts, comparing writing technique, and even

deciphering the poems at the beginning of class, I have gained the ability to see past
the surface of a claim by acknowledging that there is a deeper thought hidden in its
meaning. I recognized this enhanced thought process upon revising my Baldwin essay.
In my original draft, I discussed a claim that I believed to be highly influential and
powerful, yet I could not place my finger on why it was effective. My essay suffered as a
consequence, as I summarized the quote instead of analyzing and interpreting it. As I
re-read the essay, I was able to point out that Baldwin uses imagery to invoke this
response, which caused me to interpret the quote differently. In my revised version, I
describe what Baldwin is trying to portray to the reader in place of merely defining it.
As a result of this class, I feel that I have accomplished my goal of improving my
writing. I have gained many essential skills that will enhance my future academic
career. I now have a deeper understanding of analyzation and have improved on
deciphering the meaning and relevance of a written work. As a result of these acquired
abilities I will now be able to use these skills as an aid in my future studies.
Sincerely,
Sarah Reyner