In English 150 I have learned new writing tactics that I can take with me for English 250. I have learned new things that have shaped my way of writing, making oral presentations, visuals and how to cite and use MLA format; all things I didn’t know how to correctly use before. Moving into 250, I wish to have better oral presentation skills, as well as written skills. I could use more work learning how to cite and English 150 has paved my path to correctly cite and paraphrase my work. I would like to be able to not stutter and fewer filler words when presenting, things I worked on in English 150 but could definitely keep working on. In my written skills, I have been able to master the terrible rough draft. Nevertheless, I still have trouble getting all the main points to wrap around the thesis statement. I have been able to create a visualizing introduction with good enough points but it can be much better with more practice. Moving into 250, I would enjoy being able to successfully write a research paper since that’s what I’ll mostly be doing in my next classes and furthermore, my career. Research is an important part of Psychology and knowing how to make a good research paper early in my career will help me greatly when trying to get my point across. Although I won’t be utilizing MLA format as much, it’s important to know the basis when writing a good essay for classes that do require it. I feel as though it’s important to be able to get my points across and demonstrate I’m a good writer in the outside world, not only education wise. In addition, it’s important to demonstrate to potential employers my ability to public speak with confidence. These are all important factors of daily life that everyone should know to better their learning and to be able to get the jobs they want in the near future.

To achieve these goals I would start off writing all of the things I learned from English 150 and what I could potentially better with practice and time dedication. Next, I could review my past assignments and go into English 250 I could compare how much I’ve grown since. What could I change my essay now? What would I add and what would I take off? Many people forget how much they grow as time passes, to only look back and realize how poorly you were doing and how much you’ve done now. After reviewing and evaluating your past essays you could reflect on how you got there and what else you can do to improve your learning. Since this is a required class, everyone has to take it but how do you utilize the time of class and how do you further your learning outside of the classroom? Knowing all of this I feel as though I could incorporate practicing more citations and writing those out. Identifying which type of citation it is and learning how to paraphrase correctly. In the oral perspective, I would take different steps. First, create a good oral presentation. Write part of the essay you want to make it and make sure you know the type of audience. That could change the whole voice of the presentation and influence your overall grade. Second, practice. People underestimate how important practicing is when it comes to presentations. Improvisation should work in some cases but not all of them and less when you’re being graded on it. Lastly, know your presentation. Practice as though an important politician was going to grade you. Overall, look confident. It’s easier said than done but when practicing a lot and know your material, it’ll be easier than it sounds.

In conclusion, English 150 has taught me many things that have helped me well but moving into English 250 I would have to get better on but with the things I’ve learned in this course, I believe I’m ready to better my writing abilities and aim for the perfect college essay.