The purpose of this essay is to explore and convey your journey as a writer and reader this semester.

This introductory paragraph should culminate into a thesis that makes a statement about the challenges you have encountered and overcome, as well as the writer you have, as a result, become.

The body of the reflection will support the thesis.  You will use specific examples from the semester – not just the essays but the actual writing and thinking processes.  The essay will detail how this semester has added to your experience with writing—just how have you changed as a writer? Are there things that are easier now, or have some things actually become more difficult? You could also comment on the expectations you had for this class and whether or not they were met. In the body of the reflection, you will also take one or two experiences from this semester and develop them into a more complete image of how you have grown as a writer. A strong reflection will incorporate specific examples of the work you completed this semester and make mention of specific moments, such as when you realized you had understood something or successfully finished an assignment or a revision. At least one of those specific examples should make a reference to the paper you have decided to include in your portfolio. You may quote yourself to help support and develop your ideas—be sure to apply what you have learned about source use. All of the pieces you are summarizing, paraphrasing, or quoting should be listed on a Works Cited page.

A conclusion should bring the reflection to a satisfying end.

Submit the Reflective Essay in the same folder as your revised essay.

For this Reflective Essay, all standards apply. That means you should carefully plan and structure your essay and pay attention to thesis, topic sentences, paragraph structure and organization, overall essay coherence, MLA format, and standard American English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

You must use Irving as a source and of course yourself.

Length: 2-3 pages