Final Reflection

    Over the course of the semester I feel like I have grown significantly as a writer. I think that the 2 most important things I took away from ENGLISH 21003 was how to use online databases to find sources for my projects. I think that I was able to effectively use ‘Academic Search Complete’ and ‘Opposing Views in Context’ in order to access peer reviewed sources for my assignments. More specifically I would like to highlight my final research project where I used ‘Academic Search Complete’ to find 5 academic peer reviewed sources that I used in my essay. I have used databases for other classes however, she taught us that we should be as specific as possible to narrow down our options for articles and practicing this skill was very helpful.
    Another important skill that I took away from this class was how I used sources (how to properly quote, paraphrase, and cite sources). Before I took this class I had no idea what a block quote was and now I know what it is and how to use it. I also know how to properly cite a block quote which I used in my final research project. I also learned how to make reference to images and other external sources in my writings. I would like to highlight my personal memorandum where I used an external source and referred the reader to the external source.
    Overall, This class was a very informative one where I learned a lot and improved on things which I already knew. Moreover, this class gave me an outlet to write about topics that I find really interesting like the private sale of fossils and the permian extinction. I know that I can take everything Professor Matyakuboya discussed in class and apply it to my life even after this class is over. I feel like I have refined my skills and refreshed my memory on how to write with proper MLA citations.