Reflection

I have gained so much knowledge about writing and what it means to create good writing this year in AP Lang. Timed writings have been a major factor in teaching me about my personal writing style. Although it is still considered a draft, having to write a complete essay in a given period of time has taught me about being concientious of my writing as I do it. The main difference, although I still struggle, that I've seen in my writing is sentence format. I tend to write simple, subject-verb sentences. After reading my timed writings and journals, I've realized how dull that sounds. Pairing these assignments with class discussions and comparison to other writing has provided me with ways to make sure I add variation to keep the reader engaged and interested. I know that I've improved because I am able to recognize the good and bad points in things that I read from other authors. Having to pay such close attention to writing for the AP exam essays has made me subconciously pick it out in books that I read, which I believe allows me to enjoy them even more.

The journal assignment last semester has been helpful in proving I have a consistent voice. This was both good and bad in that I was able to recognize my pattern, yet I realized bad habits that needed to be changed (ultimately good because it makes me a better writer!). Reading and analyzing good writing, especially now at the end of the year with this accumulated knowledge, has helped me to distinguish how I can effectively use techniques in my own writing. I enjoyed being able to read things in class and have discussions without being graded. I felt that that gave me a more open-minded approach and I felt more engaged in the class' "groovy discussions."

I will definitely remember creating the children's story book; that project was challenging, yet very fun! I enjoyed having small-scale discussion circles. I am very shy and am always intimidated by class discussions, especially whole-class socratic seminars. However, being in a group of about 4 other students who actually want to talk about the book is very helpful. I feel like I can share my opinions with them without judgement, whereas I'm too scared to speak up in front of the whole class. The only drawback would be students who don't care about or are too lazy to get anything meaningful from the discussion.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this class and am so happy that I decided to take it! Thank you, Mrs. Smith for a wonderful year!