Core Value 1. My work demonstrates that I used a variety of social and interactive practices that involve recursive stages of exploration, discovery, conceptualization, and development.

In the beginning of this course, I acknowledged very quickly that writing counterintuitively is not one of my strongest points. I knew from our first writing assignment that this course was going to challenge me in ways I have not been challenged before. Although I took writing classes in high school, and a College Composition I class in the fall last year, I realized that College Composition II required thinking that reaches conclusions that go against common sense. Embracing failure is one of the most important things I learned in this course. In my Definition Argument Rewrite, I recognized that writing counterintuitively takes time, and it took perseverance to find sources that support the argument I have made. Understanding the topic/thesis I have chosen was broad and it was difficult to not be repetitive and find evidence that supports my thesis, I believe I found the right sources that substantiates my reasonings. 

Core Value 2. My work demonstrates that I read critically, and that I placed texts into conversation with one another to create meaning by synthesizing ideas from various discourse communities. 

During our time this semester in this course, I have learned the counterintuitive way of thinking, which gave me a different perspective on the word. In this course, I was actively engaged with the material provided. I provided notes from our daily discussions which allowed me to grasp a full understanding of counterintuitive thinking, especially from our daily riddles. I was able to attempt to approach my writings the same way Professor Hodges approached our discussions, evidently, counterintuitively. Although it was a way of writing I was not used to, the feedback I received was very helpful. By viewing different perspectives from various discourse communities, I built an argument that reflects the different viewpoints of a single discussion. For example, in my Rebuttal Argument Rewrite, reading different articles with multiple perspectives on my thesis allowed me to evolve ideas from work of others, and I was also able to add new ideas to my topic. 

Core Value 3. My work demonstrates that I rhetorically analyzed the purpose, audience, and contexts of my own writing and other texts and visual arguments.

My work demonstrates that I rhetorically analyzed the purpose, audience, and contexts of my own writing by showing that I was able to adjust my argument to achieve different objectives for the audience. This was used in my Rebuttal Argument Rewrite. While searching for different sources for my topic, I could tailor my message to a specific audience. I identified the main message I wanted to convey, and adjusted my approach based on the audience and situation. I believe I was very aware of my audience and made it clear on who I was targeting my writing to. I was able to reach a different perspective in my argument. Considering my topic was “cell phones ruin relationships,” I also considered the fact that it is also important to recognize that cell phones can enhance our relationships. Acknowledging different viewpoints of my audience is important in any writing. 

Core Value 4: My work demonstrates that I have met the expectations of academic writing by locating, evaluating, and incorporating illustrations and evidence to support my own ideas and interpretations.

In my Causal Argument Rewrite, I chose a combination of sources that I know will satisfy different target audiences that plays a distinct role in my paper. I was able to provide many relevant sources that were articles and evaluate them to show they support my thesis. I incorporated these illustrations into my writings ensuring that the evidence directly supports my arguments. This shows my ability to research and contribute to different academic positions. My topic discussion was “Cell phones ruin relationships’. I identified the fact that it is important to recognize that cell phones can have a positive impact on our relationships. I researched multiple sources that support both sides of my own ideas and interpretations. I believe I met academic writing expectations by finding credible sources, evaluating them, and incorporating them into my paper. 

Core Value 5. My work demonstrates that I respect my ethical responsibility to represent complex ideas fairly and to the sources of my information with appropriate citation. 

In my Causal Argument Rewrite, I made sure to make none of the common mistakes of paraphrasing the author from the different sources I provided. In my causal argument, I provided the sources I have reviewed to educate myself on my topic, while also reviewing the other perspectives on my topic. I properly cited my sources and presented my information in my research paper and other arguments. I believe I was very transparent while writing about my thesis and balanced viewpoints by presenting multiple perspectives on my thesis. By citing my sources, I allowed my audience to trace my research and verify any claims that I have made. I showed ethical responsibility by providing these traits to my causal argument.