Abbygail Brown

Writing and Rhetoric- English 170

Professor Elizabeth Guthrie

Reflective cover letter

During my experience in my writing and rhetoric – English 170, I feel that I have expanded my understanding as well as my skill in this particular branch of knowledge. Before taking this class, I felt as if I had a fair handle on writing essays, and analyzing texts due to general love for the subject, as well as my experience in an advanced placement English class in high school. Writing and Rhetoric broadened my horizons, by advancing my skills and teaching me to think outside of what is traditionally taught.

The primary aspect of the course I took away from the class, was the various ways you can organize an essay. Typically, I just use a thesis and topic sentences and build my essay around those ideas; but in this course I learned about subtopics. Initially, I struggled with stepping out of my comfort zone and writing with subtopics, but in the end, I find that it added to my writing. Before subtopics, I didn’t really provide a background for my argument I just went with what I wanted to say without considering the audience, I was more focused on convincing them instead of making sure they truly understood my ideas. With subtopics, my audience gets a background of my argument making my claims more valid, and strengthening my essay overall.

Though I am a history and black studies major, these skills can be easily transferred to my future work in those courses. By now knowing how to provide a proper background for my argument, I can push my stance on certain historical systems and critique them, all while continuing to validate my argument.