Core value I: Understand that writing is a practice, which involves a multi- stage, recursive and social process.

Throughout this course I have come to realize and understand how writing is a practice, which involves a multi-stage, recursive and social process. When writing in this class we had to go through different stages in order to write a strong argument. Not only did we need to gain knowledge about the topic but we also had to apply it to the world socially and chose an opinion. When writing the paper there were certain steps that had to be taken such as reading, then drafting, reviewing and reflecting, responding to feedback, rereading, rewriting, revising, and editing before the final task of completing the paper. Without this multi-stage, recursive and social process the essay at hand would not be fitting as a strong argument. By finding and reading arguments, creating smaller arguments to support my larger overall idea, and writing a draft the first part of this process is complete. Next we must edit and use useful feedback to try to create a better paper. After that a final perfected draft is handed in to be graded. Many of my arguments had second and third drafts written. For example the definition and causal re writes both helped me increase my skills and accuracy. Not only did this better my work but made me that much more equipped as a writer.

Core value II: Understand that close and critical reading/ analysis allows writers to understand how and why texts create meaning.

When getting ready to write a paper we first had to read and understand articles that supported our argument. This allows us as writers to understand how the articles and counterintuitive’s have meaning. While reading I would pick out key points in each article that were relevant to the topic discussed in my paper, utilizing all the information it gave me in order to write a solid argument. This process allows us to see why and how the texts create meaning because by critically reading we gain a sense of if we agree or disagree with the argument at hand. Not only do we pick a side in the argument but it is understood why the text is being written, what purpose it serves the world and the people around us, and if we would like to dispute it, showing our argument and the way we think as opposed to the article at hand creating our own meaning and bringing new counterintuitive ideas to the table. In my proposal +10 I found sources that were credible and intellectual and gave short summaries and explanations of how i would use these sources in my final paper. Throughout my small arguments leading up to my big paper I incorporated each of these sources in one way or the other. Without the critical reading and understanding these sources by analyzation the reader would not understand why the text had meaning. Another example of this would be the critical reading activity on PTSD.

Core value III: Understand that writing is shaped by audience, purpose, and context.

Writing is shaped by audience, purpose, and context. When I was writing I had to think about the multiple factors that would lead me to a solid paper. I had to find my audience, the people I was trying to get my point across to, and make sure I was being clear enough for them to understand. Next I looked at the main purpose, why am I writing and what is its purpose to the world. Looking at the multiple arguments and deciding whether or not they relate to the topic can also help to develop purpose. When reading what the authors had to say I would decide if I agreed or disagreed with the point they were trying to make. If I agreed the purpose of my essay would be the build on this already strong counterintuitive many other authors have been involved in creating. If I disagreed the purpose of my essay would be trying to dispute the multiple arguments, looking at the counterintuitive from my own perspective. Using social connections I gave each paper a purpose, which was to win my argument by connecting it to the outside world and how it can relate to others. Finally the context is the last thing that shaped my writing, through reading the articles I had to reflect on ideas throughout it building on theses ideas to create an argument of my own. Your writing is shaped by the audience you approach along with purpose and context. This means the argument has to have a strong relatable purpose, content to back it up, and also be accessible and relatable to a specific audience. My definition and rebuttal argument incorporate all of these aspects. Both have strong purpose, to back up and ultimately win an argument. They also have content and sources that support it and different audiences that are being addressed or convinced. Without all of that the argument would not be possible to achieve.

Core value IV: Understand the role of information literacy in the practice of writing.

I utilized this core value by understanding that within each argument I could form my own argument and expand my ideas creating depth to my paper and my counterintuitive idea. I located the information online using things such as peer review journals. When reading each article, evaluated and selected my own opinion, and incorporated information that I found to be useful in my writing in order to expand the counterintuitive. There are all different ways to use the information being accessed and many different ways to find it. Within each article I read I found something I could either agree or disagree with. After finding that I could use the specific article in my essay as either support with quotes and statements, or to dispute a point. When disputing a point I would show the point the author way trying to make by quoting them, then I would disagree with that point and state my opinion. I would use facts and support from other authors to show why this was correct. This is an efficient way to understand the role of literacy in the practice of writing. Without it, there would be no way to have support of a disputing argument to help a person get their point across in a way that expresses exactly what is trying to be proven. One specific assignment I utilized this core value in would be my causal argument. Along with definitions and facts I was able to express my ideas and opinions and their relations to others.

Core value V: Understand the ethical dimensions of writing.

When writing, I understood the ethical dimensions, meaning I understood what is correct and incorrect to do within a paper. When writing it was necessary to evaluate the information in front of me and use it to build on with my own thoughts. By doing this not only did I have to cite and find ways to integrate the author into my paper but I also had to make sure my thoughts kept on the same track. My writing has been personal, public, and social. My personal opinions and thoughts are represented on the page, the public and how they will respond is kept in mind, thinking back to the articles the paper is based off of, and the social aspect comes into play when I discuss of argue how my point meshes with society and the ethics that surround us as people.An example of this would be my research position paper. After having a full semester to utilize feedback and learn to do’s and dont’s my research paper was completely ethical. It is a mixture of my thoughts and beliefs and the exemplary sources that back them up, keeping it fresh and on track.