TOW #27 - TOW Reflection

         Throughout my past TOWs, particularly one from each marking period I notice a significant change in style of writing between them. In the first TOW, I am very disorganized and the entire essay is just one paragraph. It is obvious that I didn't know how to effectively organize and split up the points I wanted to make. However, in the second and especially third TOW the organizational skills steadily increase. I started to create a solid thesis statement and then create paragraphs based on it. By the last TOW, my organizational skills had greatly improved.
        This TOW experience has helped me master thesis statements and the ability to write about the effect of rhetorical devices. Prior to writing TOWs, my thesis statements were flimsy and did not provide enough structure to help develop solid paragraphs. However, as I wrote more TOWs I realized the importance of a strong thesis statement and I worked to ensure I had one in every TOW. I also mastered the art of analyzing rhetorical devices (not completely but I started out totally lost). Before writing TOWs this year, I found it extremely difficult to write about the effect of rhetorical devices because the concept seemed very foreign. However, as the year progressed, I became more comfortable and even confident in writing my TOWs.
         I still strive to improve my knowledge of rhetorical devices and ability to stay focused throughout an entire TOW. I only know of names of rhetorical devices and find it difficult to phrase the device or strategy an author uses to achieve his purpose. Also, I have a tendency to write my TOWs without prewriting and this affects my ability to remain on topic throughout a TOW.
         I greatly benefitted from these assignments because it helped me write analysis essays with great confidence and ease. These TOWs are a really great practice for the analysis essay. However, TOWs would be more helpful (to me) if instead of only analysis every other cycle or so we did a mini-synthesis and argument, just to keep all three essay styles fresh in the students minds and make them more comfortable with these styles.