The first three weeks of English 301 has been a nice introduction to the course. We started off by composing\u00a0specific documents such as letters, memos, and emails. Before this course, I rarely paid attention to the wording and organization of such documents. Being expected to meet certain criteria required me to write more critically.<\/p>\n
Personally, the most challenging assignment this unit is the Definitions Assignment, where we had to define a technical term using different methods. In my writing of the definition for Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/em>, I found myself struggling to compose explanations using simplified scientific terms. At times, I would be unsure about whether or not my definition is too technical for readers with no background knowledge of the topic to understand.<\/p>\n Despite the challenge of the assignment, Hendson\u2019s peer review of my work provided me with valuable feedback for areas of improvement. Because he was unfamiliar with the topic, he was able to comment on\u00a0the technicality of my writing. For example, because \u201cdown-regulation\u201d was a self-explanatory term in my field, I did not put much thought into using the term to explain the concept of the disorder. However, Hendson pointed out that the term does not provide sufficient context to unfamiliar readers.<\/p>\n With Hendson\u2019s helpful suggestions, I was able to revisit and improve my assignment. Because his feedback was clear and concise, I was able to edit my assignment without any difficulties. Instead of using \u201cdown-regulation\u201d as an explanatory term, I instead used the phrase \u201cdecrease in the number\u201d, which would make more sense to non-technical readers. If I had not received Hendson\u2019s peer review, I would have stayed oblivious to my errors.<\/p>\n Overall, unit one has prepared me to write professionally and critically. Knowing that my work is available on the web for public viewing\u00a0encourages me to put in extra effort to ensure that my assignments are of acceptable quality. I am happy\u00a0to be a part of this course, and look forward to improving my writing through different challenges in the next few months.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To see Hendson\u2019s peer review of my Definitions Assignment, please click here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n