During my original writing of the definitions assignment, it was difficult to self-edit and notice where improvements could be made. While writing about a subject that I deal with every day, it was too easy to over-complicate my descriptions and fill them full of technical jargon. I wanted to clearly convey the basic premise of my definition, but I should have made it more easily understood instead of having an in-depth scientific definition. I tried to keep my original definitions concise with a few tangential subjects or descriptions attached as possible as to not distract the reader from my main point. Overall I was content with my first attempt at a set of definition for a fairly complex term. I learned that I am far more capable of this style of writing than I first thought I was.
When self-editing, I find it difficult to find mistakes immediately after I finish an assignment, and think I would benefit from reviewing my work at a later time or day. Especially if these mistakes are not spelling or grammar related. It is difficult for me to see if my work is too full of technical terms or if it is missing background or necessary external information. After having read comments of a review it is much easier to see your own mistakes. I found that there are a few areas where I could significantly improve. The first is the format in which I wrote my original work in. The second is my use of technical terminology, and I need to find a way to make my point without it. Lastly, I learned that I need to find better references, of a peer-reviewed nature for my works.
When reviewing I like to be as concise as possible to not have my points misinterpreted. I found that without a proper understanding of a subject I find it difficult to review it in terms of content. I really had to read, re-read, and read the assignment again to fully understand the definition. This is no fault of the writer but simply the way I read, and pull information from someone’s work. With that being said, things like, grammar, visuals, flow or work, and finding small areas where informative bits can be added is something I pride myself on. I learned that I need to work on picking up on things like the voice of the writer, and how it is being portrayed to the audience. I can also improve on recognizing whether the terminology that is used is appropriate for the audience. I definitely learn more about what I know about writing from reviewing the work of others and comparing it with my own, than self-editing.
Edited 1:3 Assignment: 301 Kai Corley-Jory Definitions – Edited
Link to Review of 1:3 Assignment:
https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-99a/2018/10/01/review-of-assignment-1-3-definitions-end-member-phase-2/