Reflective Essay

            After taking the ENGLCOM course this term, I realized so many different things about academic reading and writing. First, I learned that there are many different methods in order to improve both reading and writing skills and to make it easier to read or write under pressure. Second, I learned how both reading and writing complement each other. It is good to excel in both in order to further develop personal skills. Lastly, I learned that having a wide vocabulary and a wide knowledge on grammar does not necessarily mean that one can write well. Different aspects such as transitional devices, conjunctions, essay format, etc. also determine one’s ability to write well. In writing the extended definition and argumentative essays, I had a difficulty thinking outside the box and following the specific format that was given to me in class. I was so used to writing freely, the way I did in high school, so I did not notice the other writing styles required to be used depending on what is asked to be written. There were also times when I had quite a hard time accepting the revisions of both my peers and my professors because I was not used to their way of writing but eventually, I learned from their revisions and used their comments to improve my essays. Based on my entry and exit essays, I improved on my writing skills as well as my choice of words and the content of my work. I’ve also learned to use references to support my stand and to further prove my point. My exit essay appears to be more formal than my entry essay and from that, it shows that I was able to apply what I have learned in class. In my opinion, I’ve given my best in everything I had to accomplish for this ENGLCOM course because I’ve been able to think deeper about my topics for each essay. I enjoyed writing because what I learned in class made it easier to come up with concrete and well-thought of essays.