Sunday, February 23, 2014
Reflection - Test #1 - Sec. 5 - March 5
Discuss your thoughts on taking Test #1. Were you prepared for it? If so, what strategies did you use as part of your preparation? If you were not prepared for it, what will you do next time to ensure that you do well on the test? In addition, discuss your thoughts of today's activities.
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I can honestly say that I was mentally prepared for Test #1, but I procrastinated on it for awhile so my paper was not as organised as I liked it to be even with the Writing Process Worksheet. So was I prepared for it? Yes and no. I used a lot of brainstorming
ReplyDeleteto put my essay together because it is about an event that happened a few years ago and trying to capture the sensory and factual parts of the event was a little challenging. I will make sure that I actually spend more time in putting my future essays together to make everything a lot easier for myself. Today's activity was fast and suspenseful for me being that it is a test day.
I can relate. I sort of procrastinated myself. I have some trouble with organizing exactly how I am going to write my paper but one thing that really helped me was the free writing process. I just let my hand write and once I was finished I started to organize my essay by completing the rough draft.
DeleteEveryone procrastinates no matter who they are and what their title is.Procrastination is inevitable.
DeleteIn all honesty, I tend to procrastinate especially from assignments like this. I usually push myself to the point that it must be done.
DeleteFor me, I do my assignments last minute or at least two days before the due date. It is very true that you get more ideas when it is last minute.
DeleteI used a lot of the brainstorming ideas as well. It's a lot easier to write ideas down without the pressure of having it be perfect.
DeleteI agree, I was a yes and no with my test #1 descriptive essay, just the whole printing part I missed..
DeleteI would say I was prepared for it. Some strategies I used was clustering and I'm not to good at it but I tried to use the outline method as well. I found it somehow better just free writing and then reorganizing my information when I was complete. I did however wait till last minute to type it out and I should of done that as soon as I was done with my rough draft.
ReplyDeleteI myself prefer free writing. Clustering is also a method i am not used to yet.
DeletePeople have their ways to make an unique essay presentable to their readers. To me, I prefer outlining and brainstorming (listing and 6?'s). I always go off topic when it comes to free writing.
DeleteClustering is very easy and simple. I enjoy free writing because it has that free flow to it. I can write down what I'm brainstorming in my head.
DeleteClustering is a very helpful way to organize your thoughts. I personally prefer outlining, but all that matters is if it helps you write your essay.
DeleteThe outline took me forever to make. Next essay, I plan on just clustering ideas together or just free writing to get ideas flowing.
DeleteOh gosh! Same here. I should have stuck to it all the way until I was finished. I'm now counting on how well I did on the in-class essay.
DeleteI agree, I did free writing although clustering is a much more effective way to write an essay but since I was brain shock I just did the free writing on my writing worksheet
DeleteI see what you're saying! Some people like free writing, whereas some people like clustering better. It is all about what is easier for you as a writer!
DeleteTest #1 was a an easy write for me because there was a topic given that i knew a lot about.To be honest in my eyes i was prepared but not as prepared when it came to turning it in. Next time i will make a checklist of what i have and have not completed to ensure that everything is complete when it comes time to turn it in. Todays activity was okay my fellow students discussed what their topic and thesis statment was and some were pretty interesting.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this test is easy especially when it is a topic that you experience. Preparation is key to any assignment. Making a check-list is a great way to be prepared.
DeleteI couldn't have said it better myself! Preparation is always essential for every assignment you have. Because of it, finishing the task can run more smoothly.
DeletePrepare, read, reread if you must. For less headache DO NOT do it last minute. Yes, it is very important.
DeleteYup, good job I agree. I think next time you shouldn't rush things.
DeleteGreat! lot of topics we get to choose from also makes it even more easier for us to choose from one and to talk about
DeleteThere were pretty interesting topics I agree. My favourite one was the Ice Cream one, It was pretty funny the way he expressed it. And making a checklist is a great idea! I will probably do that as well.
DeleteI agree. A checklist would be a smart thing to do. In that way you wont forget anything. Also knowing the order in which the papers are supposed to be turned in as well would be a smart idea.
DeleteTest # 1 was definitely an easy test for me. Like most people, I procrastinated on it for a while, but I finally buckled down and finished it. I was prepared for the test because I studied all three steps of the writing process. The writing process helped in organizing all my unorganized ideas. Today went really well because we I got to hear my fellow classmates' topics. My favorite topic i heard today was Christian's own about icecream.
ReplyDeleteThe writing process definitely helps us organize our information and ideas. I loved Christian's topic about ice cream too. It is a deep topic for ice cream lovers.
DeleteI agree that the writing process worksheet does help tremendously. This method always keeps me organize on my topic. I also like the ice cream topic. It is a very deep topic.
DeleteThank you Deion! I hope one day I could take the top spot as your favorite teacher! I will instill one lesson before this semester ends I promise you! The writing is most definitely helpful in a writing your essay, it has personally got me through my tough writer block phase.
DeleteThe three stages of writing definitely helped while writing this essay. And the Writing Process Worksheet helped me stay on track. If only my essay was as deep as Christian's! Next time. Next time.
DeleteYeah, ice cream is deep like falling in love like Christian said. It was nice to hear a little of everyone's topic because it helps with ideas. Yes, that was pretty funny Christian.
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DeleteGood job man, prepare before execution! next time ill do that to avoid having to do another essay.
DeleteChristians discussion on his topic was pretty funny. It was my first laugh of the day. Thanks for that.
DeleteThe writing process definitely helped me prepare for my essays. I never knew there were so many ways to organize an essay. Christians topic was pretty funny.
DeleteI think I had the same problem with the procrastination. I too, had to get focused and finally finish.
DeleteWithout a doubt, I was somewhat prepared for test 1. For my descriptive essay, I followed the writing process worksheet. It is still a learning experience for me. However, I can say that it is very beneficial for writing essays. Sometimes, I go off-track during the process. Usually, I would take a break and reflect on what I want my readers to visualize. Overall, I learned the benefits of preparation, and organization. As for today's class activity, it has been an enjoyable time listening to what everyone wrote. We have our laughs and smiles to the ones presenting their essay.
ReplyDeleteI do get off track as well when writing, but I always go back to check for the main points of my essay. I tried to make my essay as descriptive as possible. I really want to aim for that visual image for whoever reads my essay.
DeleteI agree. I tend to get off track from my topic and I end up jumping around but the three stages definitely helped with organization.
DeleteI was a little prepared while taking test #1. It was easy because I wrote about a topic that I was interested in writing. The strategies I used was the writing process. For stage one, I clustered my ideas. I did each step to prepare myself for my final draft. It was nice hearing others people's topics, thesis, and what they learned after writing it. Some topics were pretty emotional.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Certain measures, such as clustering, should be made in order to prepare for writing your essay.
DeleteI really enjoy clustering as well! It makes it much for easier to organize my ideas. I definitely agree, it was nice hearing other people's topics.
DeleteI also felt as if the writing process really helped me prepare for Test #1.
DeleteFor the Test #1, I actually was prepared to take it. In fact, I have learned so much from my EN-085 class last semester and I gained my knowledge of writing an essay. To be honest, I wasn't able to write an essay in 45 minutes. I would run out of words and stuck at the same time. I would get frustrated and get tire. As of right now, I've learned so much from the stages, 1,2, and 3. It is very important to know the stages because it would be more easier for you to write an essay fast.
ReplyDeleteToday's activities was fun. We get to learned someone's experiencing of writing their essay. It always good to share ones thoughts so it could help others to do their essay better. I learned so much about thesis statement and it help me to write an awesome essay.
You GO GIRL!!! Even I was not able to write an essay in 45 minutes. It was stressful not being able to come up with ideas and new words quick enough. Mrs. Terry Perez pushed us and help us a great deal. What an awesome woman! It really benefit me a lot today.
DeleteI agree that it is important to know the stages.
DeleteSo true. I was not able to write 5 paragraph essay in 45 minutes. EN085 did teach us to be a good writer and help us with some techniques.
DeleteI had the exact same problem! I've always had trouble producing quality work in the confines of a time period, so i can sympathize with you.
DeleteI agree. You should be able to know the stages especially when writing a 45 minute essay in-class. It will help you stay organized.
DeleteFor Test #1, I wasn't as prepared as I thought I was. When it came down to collecting my thoughts I thought it would be easy because I already knew my topic and what exactly I would discuss. When it came down to organizing it and writing it, more and more obstacles stood in my way. For the next test, I intend to organize my thoughts so that way when it comes to the writing part everything is already good to go. Today's activities were very interesting, because of them I was able to hear different kinds of topic sentences and the different strategies people took in writing their essays.
ReplyDeleteSame here. Even if I wasn't ready I was able to finish my essay. I learned so much from this class from my EN-085 class last semester. You got this!!!
DeleteFor the next test, you should definitely study the writing process much more! It really did help me on with my essay, and made me a better writer. You're topic for your essay was amazing!
DeleteI would say that I was prepared for this Test #1. Taking the test at home was a lot easier because I could take as long as I wanted. I sure did take up a good majority of the time procrastinating but I had a lot of ideas on how I wanted to approach my topic.The hardest part about writing this essay was how I wanted to lure the reader and how I would maintain their attention. For the next test, I'm definitely going to start earlier and use the time given to make the essay the best it can be.
ReplyDeleteI agree that taking it home does give you more time instead of being rushed to finish it in class.
DeleteIntroduction is the hardest for me too. I always have to google GOOD example thesis statements to help me out lol.
DeleteYes, I was prepared to take test #1 because I had gone through the syllabus to prepare for what was expected of me. Although, I was not prepared with a typed out essay along with a peer review. To better prepare for test #2 I need to focus and stay on top of things. Also to ensure that this does not happen again is reread and go back to something I may have over looked.
ReplyDeleteToday's activities were short and simple until the in-class test was when it became difficult to gather ideas, thoughts to organize my essay correctly to deliver a good essay. I hope I did well and had all that was required.
I'm sure you did well for your in class test :)
DeleteSame here:) I was being prepared and I got it:)
DeleteSame here ...I was ready to take the test and I pull it off:)
DeleteYeah so true sister Patty. It came to the point that I rushed myself to get it done. i mean for the ideas and to put them together.
DeleteI think I will also use your plan for Test #2!
DeleteTest #1! man was I not so prepared for it, I mean I had done it but my listening skills just need to improve some more, Writing the descriptive essay for test #1 I had it down, my steps, my thesis, and outline all done, but when it came down to the actual presenting, I was not prepared.. Next time for sure though I will improve my listening skills and have everything with out missing any format or form in which it is suppose to be turned in. Todays activities was simply just about descriptive essays and hearing about peoples own, which was quite interesting. Sadly their was no brain stretcher so when I had to do the in class test even though I did do the take home test but not print it, man did that really freak out my brain! lol above all good session today..
ReplyDeleteMe too! I seriously need to improve my listening skills as well.
DeleteBryant, next time LISTEN to your fellow classmates when they tell you to DO YOUR WORK ahead of time. If you listened you wouldn't have been in this situation. PEACE!
Deletehey, I know the feeling of having your brain scrambled. Not all of us were on our A-game today, but now we can just cut our losses and blow the next test out of the water.
DeleteSeriously! Sometimes I feel like my ears are not attached to my body and the class is so fast paced I feel like I do not know what I am doing half the time. I thought today's session was a good one too.
DeleteI enjoyed test one because I learned a lot from it. I learned how to write a well organized essay by using the writing process worksheet. I enjoyed it because it helped me plan everything out and know exactly what to say in my essay. Today's activities were enjoyable because I loved hearing everyone's essay topics and what they learned from writing their essays.
ReplyDeleteSo true. I enjoyed it too. It was nice to hear what everyone did on their essays.
DeleteI think that today, you also showcased a proper format in presenting your essays. I think that the people who did the in class test could use your presentations as a rubric if they opted to do the take home for the next test.
DeleteThe Writing Process worksheet definitely helped me prepare for test # 1 as well! I think it was really nice hearing everyone's topic and thesis.
DeleteI agree. I liked hearing all the topics everybody else chose.
DeleteMy experience from taking test #1 is that it was a bit challenging for me. Honestly, i was not prepared well to take it in class. I thought that going to class for that test day we will choose whether we want to take it in class or take home test. Unfortunately, i was wrong. I had no choice but to take the in class test because the take home was also due on that day. Although, the in class essay was challenging because we need to make it done using 45 minutes yet it was a little bit easy because we already discuss in class the stages of writing so i had a little understanding about it. I enjoyed during the class and I also learned that i have to pay more attention to detail so that i will be prepared for the next test.
ReplyDeleteI was not prepared as well. But we learn from our mistakes. Even though we took the in-class test we still got to learn a little bit about writing. It was a good practice.
DeleteI honestly was not prepared for test #1, but as i went over the writing process worksheet I felt confident. Although we had only 45 minutes to complete the in class test, the writing process worksheet made it alot easier. Stage 1,2 and 3 are useful when writing your essay. It will help to guide you so that your essay is organized. Today's activity was a great learning experience. I have definitely improved my writing skills this semester.
ReplyDeleteI was also unprepared for the test, but you live and you learn.
DeleteFrom my experience in taking the first test of our semester i learned a very valuable lesson. This lesson is: procrastinating is a terrible thing, and staying up trying to study the night before will only hurt you the day after. I was extremely disappointed with myself today as I've come to realize that running on four hours of sleep is not good for writing an essay. from this experienced I learned that time management and responsibility are traits I have to work on, and for the future tests that i will be taking I'll always remember to organize my schedules, both sleeping and studying, a lot better.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Time management is very important in college. This was the reason why I took the in-class test. We should definitely use time wisely.
DeleteI prepared for today's exam, but I got mistakes that I did not bring my listing paper and freewrite paper. Even if I completed stage one and two in the class, I could arrange my essay again. I listed what I would write for essay in stage one, and I considered some ideas for supporting a main idea in stage two. From today's activities, I could learn about all stages again. Also, I could get some feedback from classmates about essays. It was a meaningful day.
ReplyDeleteI think we should all make a checklist as Chelsey had suggested for herself that way we will all be better organised next time. I thought today was very meaningful as well :)
DeleteForm my experience, Test#1 was difficult. It wasn't difficult because of the topic, but it also was. It was difficult for me because I don't really like talking about myself and the things I've gone through. I really don't like being the center of attention, so that's why it was difficult for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I like keeping things private especially if it is about myself. But this will become a good learning experience.
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