Blog # 16
Reflect on the process of creating your research paper and answer the following questions. You will later expand on these in your portfolio cover letter: 1) What assignment/document was most useful to you during this proces? Explain your answer. 2) What was the most helpful feedback you received at any stage – why was it helpful? 3) What was most difficult for you during the drafting process? Easiest? WHY? 4) Where does your final essay best show your ability as a writer?
The most helpful assignment to me during the writing process was the shitty first drafts assignment. We were assigned to read an article about shitty first drafts and soon after write a first draft of our introduction. This benefitted me because I am something of a perfectionist, and always underestimate my own abilities as a writer. The idea that I just needed to get something, anything, down on paper was a big one for me.
My most helpful feedback was from Andrew, who told me about how my opening helped him to immerse himself in my paper. This told me that my writing style and voice was doing its job pulling in my readers and putting them at ease with my subject matter.
The easiest thing for me in the writing process was to just sit and write my paper. I have so many ideas concerning my subject that the act of writing itself was natural and easy for me. The hardest part is yet to come: reducing my final paper to fifteen pages or less.
My final paper shows my ability to create a scientific research document in my chosen field (human sexuality). It showcases my creativity in its ability to appeal to a wide readership and generate interest in my topic as well as my ability to present evidence in a compelling way that supports my thesis.
