Reflection is an essential part of the learning process. It encourages us to become more self-aware about our knowledge or lack of it; it helps us remember what we have learned so we can make improvements. When we reflect, it allows us to see our growth and check our progress, which can lead to a sense of accomplishment. The journey through reflection helps to make evident what is needed to continue to grow and learn.
Reflective Writing Tips
Assignment Focus:
What is your mindset? How can you put that knowledge to use in this class?
Instructions:
Step 1. Self-Assessment: What is your current mindset?
Now that you have learned what a growth mindset and a fixed mindset are, take one of these online quizzes:
· at https://www.idrlabs.com/growth-mindset-fixed-mindset/test.php ( move the slider to answer each question, then click Next)
· or https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/fixed-mindset-vs-growth-mindset-quiz
· or https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/administrative/women/mindset-quiz.pdf
to see what mindset you currently have.
Take a screenshot or an image of the results and upload it here to receive credit.
Step 2. Write and Reflect: How can you use a growth mindset in this course?
Write (in a Microsoft Word document using MLA layout) and submit a four-sentence paragraph that has a very specific structure using what you have learned by watching the videos, taking the self-assessment and quiz, and reading the articles about growth mindset; summarize and show critical thinking and comprehension skills about what you have read, seen, and heard about growth mindset.
Sentence 1: Give a short definition of a growth mindset. Use your own words. Do not copy it from anywhere.
Sentence 2: Tell me which mindset you have currently. Sentence 3: Give an example of something you have said or done that gives evidence of the mindset you claimed in Sentence 2.
Sentence 4: Describe one thing that you can do this semester to show growth, no matter which mindset you currently have. Use one of these suggestions from https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/general/develop-growth-mindset to help guide your ideas.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Engl 045 part 2
ASSIGNMENT 3.1: Outlining to Write Body Paragraphs
Using Outlines to Plan Body Paragraphs Assignment
Body paragraphs are an essential part of writing an essay. Let’s practice planning and creating some, and use this opportunity to showcase your writing skills!
Body Paragraphs – 7-9 sentences minimum
· Topic Sentence – states the topic, purpose, and point of the paragraph; the controlling idea.
· Supporting Details (2-3 supporting ideas minimum) – explain, develop, illustrate; provide evidence and examples – with transitions to show the connections in your organization
· Conclusion Sentence – summarize your point and transition to the next paragraph.
AI Reminder: Review the English department’s AI policy located in the syllabus and at the top of the Content area of Blackboard. AI should not be used to write any part of this assignment — I want your own thoughts.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Complete the narrative body paragraph example and one other of your choice.
You will complete two (2) body paragraphs to submit in an MLA-formatted Word document.
Example Completed Paragraph
A. Compare/Contrast Paragraph
Purpose: to show the similarities or differences between 2 things; to inform
Step 1: Choose your topics to compare or contrast.
· TOPIC OPTIONS: 2 video games, 2 book genres, 2 music styles or artists, 2 sports or teams, or 2 superheroes
Step 2: Write a topic sentence that includes both topics, your purpose (comparison or contrast), and your point about them.
Step 3: Create an outline to plan your paragraph. List all similarities or differences between the two; add specific details, potential examples, data, evidence, and explanations.
Step 4: Write a draft of your paragraph. Use a logical order and confirm that the details are relevant and specific. Make sure that you include transitions to show the relationships between your details, like similarly, like, both, however, although, or unlike. The conclusion should restate the significance of your point.
Step 5: Include a photo or image that relates to the point of your paragraph.
B. Cause/Effect Paragraph
Purpose: to show the reasons or results of an event; to inform
Step 1: Choose your topic.
· TOPIC OPTIONS: the reasons or results of buying a car, moving to a new place, beginning a new job, traveling to a specific place, or playing or watching a sport.
Step 2: Write a topic sentence that includes the topic, the purpose, and your point about it.
Step 3: Create an outline to plan your paragraph. List all potential reasons, results, motives, impacts, consequences, or intentions; add specific details, expert opinions, potential examples, evidence, and explanations.
Step 4: Write a draft of your paragraph. Make certain that your explanations clearly link reasons and results and include sufficient specific details explain in detail. Include transitions to show the relationships between your details, like because, since, as a result, therefore, or consequently. The conclusion should emphasize your point.
Step 5: Include a photo or image that relates to the point of your paragraph.
C. Argument Paragraph
Purpose: to make a point and take a stand; to persuade
Step 1: Choose your topic.
· TOPIC OPTIONS: your opinion on… cell phones in theaters, banned books, violence in video games or movies, reinstating the draft, or mandatory volunteer hours for high schoolers
Step 2: Write a topic sentence that states the subject and takes a stand (your claim).
Step 3: Create an outline to plan your paragraph. List all possible supporting evidence: specific points, potential reasons, valid motives, impacts, or consequences; add specific details, potential examples, evidence, and explanations.
Step 4: Write a draft of your paragraph. Make sure to include any necessary explanations of the problem being argued, all serious or obvious reasons, and sufficient specific details. Links between your reasons and details should be clear and logical; include transitions to show the relationships between your details, like for example, in addition, clearly shows, or furthermore. Your concluding sentence should stress the reasoning for why your point is important (your warrant).
Step 5: Include a photo or image that relates to the point of your paragraph.
D. Narrative Paragraph
Purpose: move the story forward and deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters and themes.
Step 1: Choose your topic.
· TOPIC OPTIONS: a unique event from your life that has a lesson, your most exciting outing/trip/night, a time you were lost but found your way, the first time you attempted something new, your experience with a family tradition, a time you went camping, a time you traveled to a new place
Step 2: Write a topic sentence that introduces the main idea or event of the paragraph and connects to the purpose of the narrative.
Step 3: Create an outline to plan your paragraph. List all possible supporting details: specific points in time, sensory descriptions (sight, sound, touch, smell), emotions or feelings, or dialogue; add potential examples, evidence, and explanations.
Step 4: Write a draft of your paragraph. Be sure to provide any necessary background information or a brief transition from the previous paragraph to help the reader understand time, place, or changes in the scene. Give the event or action details that describe what happens in the story and provide vivid and specific sensory details to show rather than tell. Add any dialogue if necessary. Any inner thoughts and feelings should reveal the narrator’s or character’s emotions and reactions. Maybe offer insight into the significance or meaning of this event. Make sure that you include transitions to show the relationships between your details, like later, next, then, meanwhile, after, before, or as. Your concluding sentence should wrap up the paragraph and may hint at what’s coming next.
Step 5: Include a photo or image that relates to the point of your paragraph.
Body paragraphs are an essential part of writing an essay. Let’s practice planning and creating some, and use this opportunity to showcase your writing skills!
Part 3
Thesis Statement Assignment
Thesis statements are like movie, video game, and television series trailers; they give the viewer an insight into the film, video game, or television series and its main points and themes. A strong thesis is like a roadmap. It gives direction, has a clear point, and offers insight about the trailer’s message or theme. Thinking like a trailer editor helps you identify the main argument of a story and summarize it concisely for an audience. Use the trailers in the document below to practice writing strong thesis statements based on visual, thematic, and narrative evidence from the media.
AI Reminder: Review the English department’s AI policy located in the syllabus and at the top of the Content area of Blackboard. AI should not be used to write any part of this assignment — I want your own thoughts.
Step 1: Practice Writing Thesis Statements Using Trailers
Create thesis statements for two (2) of the following trailers. In the attached document, use the Guiding Questions in the document below to assist your viewing and notetaking. You will want to watch each trailer at least twice to get all the important information you will need to write your thesis statements.
045 Thesis Statement_Trailer_Analysis Assignment Revised.docx
Step 2: Reflection on Your Work
Write a short paragraph (150-200 words) about your strongest thesis statement. Answer the following questions in your paragraph.
· Which trailer did you watch for this thesis statement? Why did you choose this one?
· Have you seen the film, game, or series before? How did that help or hinder you?
· Why do you feel this is your strongest thesis statement of the 3 you wrote?
· What evidence from the trailer did you use to craft your thesis statement? (visuals, audio, dialogue, etc.) Be specific and clearly explain your reasoning.
· Use the Developing Thesis Statements Handout section “How will I know if my thesis statement works?” from the module to help you justify your thesis statement.
Developing a Thesis Statement Handout.docx
Submit BOTH your 3 thesis statements and reflection paragraph in the same MLA-formatted Word document.