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.

• Throughout this course, I demonstrated an interactive and recursive writing process as I began developing my topic of using expressive writing as a tool for stress relief. To begin this process, I created my proposal +5 to begin the start of my thesis. After developing my thesis and the topic of my writing, I found resources that would help support these ideas. Along with this, my proposal +5 has summaries of each resource and an explanation of how each resource will be used within my writing. This allowed me to draft and revise these sources as I began to research more on this topic.

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.

• While researching the benefits of expressive writing, I engaged in both critical reading and synthesis. When creating my annotated bibliography, I pieced together thirteen resources, all on the topic of expressive writing. I studied scholarly sources with research done on the topic, proving the effects of reducing stress and anxiety. I used these sources and compared them with real-life situations involving stress relief and mindfulness tools. By piecing together these diverse resources, I was able to compile meaningful information for my research paper.

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.

• When writing my rebuttal argument, I tailored my information to my intended audience; those who need a productive form of stress relief, such as college students. Within my rebuttal, I emphasize how expressive writing is universal to anyone who may need it. For example, I highlighted the affordability of expressive writing, as it does not cost anything, especially compared to certain therapy services. Along with this, I explain that expressive writing can be done at any time and in any way the individual feels will be most beneficial. There are sources within this rebuttal that also prove the success rates of college students’ mental health after participating in mindfulness practice. This allowed me to have a clear argument, compelling readers that expressive writing is one of the best tools to relieve stress.

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.

• While I do have experience in the use of expressive writing as a tool to manage stress, I used credible evidence and research to support the claims made within my work. For example, I incorporated a study done specifically with college students, emphasizing the beneficial results found after practicing expressive writing. I also included broader research, such as other mindfulness techniques such as meditation, to further highlight the mental health benefits. By selecting this evidence, I successfully met the expectations of academic writing to support my ideas.

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 citations.

• Throughout my writing process, I used both my own opinions and experiences on the topic of expressive writing, as well as scholarly sources. I believe by creating a rebuttal to the topic being written, you are representing these ideas fairly as you are providing the reader with information that disputes your purpose of writing. Along with this, I properly paraphrased and summarized the ideas and research without changing what was written within the scholarly sources and research. Providing proper citations and references after my writing also demonstrates my ethical responsibility to represent these ideas fairly.