English 104 Portfolio Reflection

 

I am a experienced with analyzing literature. So I think my strength is found in my ability to identify theme. I can read a section of text and look between the lines to uncover the hidden message. This enabled me to identify several messages hidden in the novel, The Color Purple. I was able to get more of the novel see how it applied to me, which made reading it more enjoyable. Furthermore, I am proficient in writing about theme. my weakness when it comes to writing essays of this nature is that I tend to add too much information. When you write an analysis paper, less is more; it is more effective to fully analyze  a few excerpts from several angles instead of overwhelming the reader with too many quotations and little to no explanation. In this course, I was able to learn how to reign in my impulse and give a well-rounded analysis of The Color Purple.

 

I have been told that I am a strong writer that used detailed descriptions. I think that I was able to demonstrate that in my writing this year. Of course, I need more practice to be a strong writer overall, but this course gave me the opportunity to use higher level vocabulary and push myself and my comfort zone.

 

Another one of my strengths would be supporting my thesis in my essay. I am not a perfect writer, but for the most part I try to provide enough support for my thesis in my essay. In the literary essay it was very important to analyze the theme of the novel The Color Purple and finding enough support within the essay to do that. I hope that I accomplished that in my essay; however, Ms. Struyk-Bonn gave my a lot of tips and criticism that I am sure will help me fine-tune my writing.

 

One of the biggest things that I improved upon this year was my use of quotes. I did know how to use quotes within paragraphs before this course, but I was not very comfortable with it. This course forced me to confront my inexperience and gave me the chance to practice this major skill.

 

I need to learn how to maintain a very cohesive transitions between the paragraphs of my essays. I think think that reading and analyzing transitions in newspapers and non-fiction books could help me with this.