Writing a revision

When I started writing the revision of my essay from lesson 1, it was hard to change from writing in 1st person to 3rd person. I started with mapping ideas and then did some brainstorming of Pros and Cons because statements. It helped to solidify what my key points were. From there I took each paragraph from the first essay and did a rewrite. This helped to keep my focus on what my thesis was.

I found it hard to look at my topic "persistence" from two views since the paper was suppose to be an argument, but I was only able to voice one view. Usually in an argument paper, both sides are viewed. This is why it is considered to be both a process and a product. The goal of an argument should involve an exchange of ideas and then choosing the best solution for all involved. It can be found in all aspects of our life. Some examples are: two lawyers involved in a legal case, present their sides and the judge or jury will make a final decision; children expressing their opposition of a rule to their parents; members of a community voicing their opinion at an assembly meeting. My essay focused on the ability to succeed through perseverance.

If I were to give a presentation or write a letter to the editor, I would want to include both sides of an argument. If I didn't, my paper wouldn't carry much weight. I need to be able to show why my opinion is the best by countering any opposition.

I like to get another person's opinion of my paper before I turn it in. I have found it helpful to discuss my paper with a family member or friend and visit the writing center on campus. They have checked my paper for errors, given ideas for revision, and explained rules of grammar. Each of these has helped me get a higher grade and better understand the process of writing an essay.

Previewing section of a book help me to pick out the important ideas and what the author is trying to tell me. Then I can decide what applies and what doesn't. This is very important in evaluating sources so time is not wasted on trying to find sources that are not very creditable.