Before taking this English course, my writing was pretty basic. I often struggled with APA formatting, and my essays did not always show deep analysis. The course was a game-changer for me, improving both my formatting skills and my ability to analyze and evaluate texts more effectively. Learning APA formatting was a major breakthrough. At first, the citation rules and formatting guidelines were confusing and a bit tedious. But as I practiced and received feedback, I became much more comfortable with it. This improvement made my papers look more professional and my arguments more apparent. Accurate formatting helped me present my sources correctly, which added credibility to my work.
One of the most valuable parts of the course was developing skills to analyze, interpret, and evaluate texts. For instance, in a Rhetorical Analysis project, I examined Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. I examined how the film’s depiction of a sudden and unexplained bird attack can be seen as a metaphor for modern fears and uncertainties, like environmental issues or social unrest. This analysis helped me understand how older texts can still be relevant and insightful when related to today’s issues. The writing assignments throughout the course were key to refining my skills. Each assignment built on the last, allowing me to gradually apply APA formatting and critical thinking. Drafting, getting feedback, and revising my work helped me become a more thoughtful and effective writer. I learned to make stronger arguments, use evidence better, and connect ideas more clearly.