As I complete this semester of English Composition, I’ve taken a few moments to think about how my writing and communication skills have developed—specifically in the realms of communicating with different audiences, researching, and responsibly integrating that research into my writing. 

 One of the most robust skills that I developed this semester was being able to communicate effectively using digital media with different audiences. Through discussion boards, group Google Docs, and peer review sessions using Canvas, I realized that tone, language, and formatting need to shift according to whom I’m writing to. For example, writing a blog-type entry for the masses led me to attempt to be concise and engaging, while academic essays required me to be more formal and formalized. I’ve come to enjoy the manner in which electronic resources not only enable sharing but also necessitate a higher degree of awareness regarding purpose and audience. 

 Another of the largest focuses this semester was research source finding and analysis. I relied heavily on Google at first, and sometimes ended up with articles that weren’t very credible. Through working with databases at the library like JSTOR and EBSCOhost, I felt much more at ease with acquiring scholarly sources that offered real value to my arguments. We also learned how to evaluate websites according to the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose), which I now apply unconsciously each time I look something up for academic purposes. 

 It has also become easier to integrate source material into my work. I used to either quote too much or struggle with paraphrasing. With drafts and revision, I was able to figure out how to wed my own voice with that of the authorities—using sources as an addition rather than a support. This was especially true of my final research paper, where I used a combination of quotes, paraphrases, and summaries to build a more nuanced conversation of my topic. 

 Lastly, I’ve achieved a good understanding of MLA citation conventions. Initially, in the first part of the semester, the formatting seemed to be time-consuming and baffling, but now I appreciate its significance in crediting and upholding scholarly integrity. Having a Works Cited page now seems to be a standard procedure, and I know how to conduct in-text citations adequately—even when working with more than one resource or unexpected material. 

Overall, I am a better writer and able to think critically, conduct responsible research, and communicate well for academic and public use due to this semester. I am far more confident in the kind of writing I will be doing in future courses and in professional life.