Writing Goals
- Goal #1: Strengthen transitions: Although my content and arguments are strong, I struggle with connecting the dots. An example of this is in my Honors Essay, when comparing two texts, I jump from one paragraph to the next without any smooth/obvious transition. This is the final sentence of one paragraph and the first of the next: "The underlying layer of each author’s argument demonstrates how collectively, our citizens are lacking the motivation, or even avoiding it, needed to solve the issues they so passionately despise.
As reported by both authors, when taking a closer look at the motivational issues we face, the most dangerous consequence they present is the avoidance of controversy." Despite the huge topic change, I don't guide the reader in a logical way to the next point, making my essay overall choppy and hard to understand/recognize the main point of the piece. I think I can help smooth out my writing by adding transitions, either built into the topic sentences or into the final sentence of each paragraph. - Goal #2: Analysis of evidence: I do a good job of using evidence in my writing, however I usually leave it alone in the text without explaining how it supports my reasoning. An example of this is found in my honors essay: "If we are incapable of exploring the complexities and uncertainties of things or acquire a “looser sense of self” as Solnit says, we will be forever locked in this cycle of dismay and according to Sullivan, “begrudgingly accept the (current) circumstances.”" After this quote, I add in another quote, failing to go a little deeper into the points the quotes raise and how it circles back to my topic sentence. I think it would be wise to revise each paragraph ensuring that all parts of the TEA format are strong and help connects ideas.
- Goal #3: Direct and focused thesis statements: My thesis addresses the prom, but in a wordy and non-straightforward way. I need to make sure my thesis is clear and direct to give a solid understanding to the reader the purpose of my writing. My thesis for my honors essay dove into direct thoughts from the authors instead of generalizing the main idea: "Whether this dilemma is due to the media’s misuse of irony (Sullivan) or our tendency to result to naive cynicism (Solnit), both texts powerfully display the consequences of perhaps the willful consent of the predicament we find ourselves in today." An example of possible refinement for this thesis would be changing it to something like this: "While the underlying causes of our difficulties are explained very differently, ultimately both texts illuminate the same trends and dangerous mindsets." This refined version (although not an official correction) makes the argument very clear and concise, just what the reader needs to understand the purpose of the text. Overall, I think I can reach this goal by playing around with wording and word choices to ensure my thesis statements not only answer the prompt, but also do so in a direct and focused way.