Critical

I have been taking an English 103 class for critical thinking skills, for a few weeks now and my writing doesn’t seem to be getting in better. I took English 101 a little over a year ago and had no problems with my English essays but doing critical thinking essays, they have become nothing more than just stressful.  There are lots of different writing actives we do in this class that can be fun and not stressful but some are very hard and stressful. I remain hopeful that my writing will get to where it needs to be at.

Critical thinking is very hard compared to research papers which I am used to doing. Research papers are simple, just write down what other people have said or did but critical thinking papers are very different. When doing critical thinking one you don’t chose sides of an essay, book, report or speech, two you analyze what was said and did and three I haven’t had to use MLA Format in awhile and now I feel a little lost with the new up-dates, because most of my research papers are APA Format.

As the weeks go by my blogs are getting easier to write and I don’t think so much about putting them on the web for everyone to see.  I think this my favorite part of the class as the weeks go on.  I don’t have to think about using MLA Format or about citrating correctly.  I use the blogs to warm up my writing now and before I was just looking to make sure I have the word count. Also enjoy reading other peoples blog to see what they thought about the same type or why they did a different type then mine.

Discussion board has been getting easier for me as well. I think the discussion board is the only place where I feel like I am gaining critical thinking skills. I enjoy reading other people thought and the question they ask. I think the discussion board is a more comfortable place where I feel more open.  While read other peoples post, I feel like I am gaining different way to be critical and how to go about it.  

Worst part for me in the whole class is the group actives. Mostly because I do work a few days here and there, have a kid to take care of and go to school full-time, so I feel really bad when I am running late on posting my group answers. I also feel like I don’t take as much time going the actives as everyone else in my group does. I think that they get mad because my answers are usually half ass.   But hopefully the next group active I will be less stressed to do a great job and take my time.

I know my writing is a work in progress and it takes time to be a great writer. I just hope it gets there before the semester comes to an end. I know what I need to work, like taking my time and reread my work. If I need help understanding the assignments then ask for it. I will continue to try my hardest and work on taking my time to make sure my essays are well thought out.