Even though I have not yet received feedback on the midterm, I truly believe that my plan helped me with success on the midterm. When I first read the three writing prompts, I immediately eliminated the topics that I did not feel confident writing about. After doing so, that led me to writing about a budget plan, which came pretty natural. First, I wrote down my thesis statement and each of the points that I would be writing about in the body paragraphs. I used my editing checklist to go over my thesis and make sure I had three well written points while also checking for any grammatical errors throughout the essay. Often, I get in a hurry and miss simple mistakes causing points to be deducted. At the moment, there are no changes that I want to make to my testing plan for the course final. Of course, that could change when I receive the midterm results. I believe that there is always room for improvement. I hope that my writing keeps improving, so that my course final is better than my midterm. Writing timed essays and untimed essays call for different writing techniques. Timed essays, you really only get the chance to perfect one final draft. When the essays are not timed, you are able to have a rough draft and receive feedback before completing the final draft. Overall, I liked untimed essays better, however, I feel that 90 minutes is plenty of time to write a 500 word essay.

Being that our midterm is a written essay just like the WSPT, there are many ways to plan effectively for success. I will complete the test in a very quiet environment. I am unsure if the midterm is completed in class with our own computers or on the school’s computer. However, regardless, I will be sure that I am in a quiet environment with minimal distractions. I will use my time effectively by writing my thesis statement and topic sentences as soon as the writing prompt is given to me. This will help with organization, as I will know what information each body paragraph will consist of. For me to perform the best to my ability, I always must have breakfast before completing a major task, such as a midterm exam. I will use my Editing Checklist during the midterm to check over my writing after I complete it. I will go through each paragraph carefully looking for any possible mistakes such as, a mistake with my thesis statement or grammatical errors. I do not believe that my Editing Checklist needs to be revised at all. For the most part, I believe that my writing is strengthening as the semester progresses. I feel that the practice with thesis statements has really helped me in my writing. Overall, I think that I am prepared for the midterm exam.

Thesis Statement: Classes at Old Dominion University should have been cancelled on February 18th due to commuter students and faculty and staff having to travel on icy conditions, as well, as students/staff risking their safety by walking to class on icy sidewalks.

Topic Sentence #1: One reason classes should have been cancelled is because of the amount of commuter students traveling on icy conditions.

Topic #2: A second reason is the number of faculty and staff who would have to commute to school, as well.

Topic #3: A third reason is the risk that both students and staff would be taking by walking to class on icy sidewalks.

I really enjoyed completing Essay 2. It helped me learn more about my learning style, and myself as well. I am definitely a visual learner. I learn by drawing diagrams, highlighting, and organizing the information by written outlines. I use visual learning in college by high lighting during lectures and drawing diagrams. After class, I will look over my notes and the diagrams, which helps me prepare for quizzes and exams. I specifically used visual learning while writing Essay 2 by drawing an outline of the information that I wanted to cover in my essay and in each paragraph. I found it really helpful, as my essay was more organized and planned. Drawing an outline helped organize my thoughts more clearly. Drawing diagrams and outlining information makes essays a lot easier. I have found myself being able to write more due to the information in my outlines, rather than just going off of the top of my head. At times, being a visual learner can make it difficult to write essays. If the essay pertains to information in a book or information that a professor has talked about, it makes it hard. Unfortunately, it takes me a few tries to grasp the information in a book or the information that a professor taught unless I am writing it down. During those times, I struggle, however I am able to make it through it. As a visual learner, Essay 2 was less complicated than Essay 1, as I feel that I am already improving in the writing process.

https://docs.google.com/a/odu.edu/document/d/1oDSIB9A9-xIio1z6P-75Vg54TFsUoEK2UQNR2I5IGNM/edit

Editing Checklist

• Grammar ____
• Commas   ____
• Thesis Statement ___

After reading over the comments of the from my peers from Essay #2, I really need to double check my essay for grammar errors, commas, and an effective thesis statement. Each of these are very important in the writing process. It seems as though, I rush through double checking my essay and that is when I do not notice the grammatical errors that could have been avoided. An editing checklist will help when writing future essays, as, I know my areas of weakness and will be able to check off after reading my essay. I can improve these areas with reading more closely through before submitting my final draft of an essay. I hope that I will improve with my writing as the semester continues.

https://docs.google.com/a/odu.edu/document/d/1oDSIB9A9-xIio1z6P-75Vg54TFsUoEK2UQNR2I5IGNM/edit

So far, the Oral Group Presentation Project has gone really well. Choosing a facility to present about was an easy decision for our group as we are all commuters who face challenges with the parking garages. We all agreed instantly that the parking garages would be the best option to discuss during our group presentation. In the past, I have disliked group projects as a whole. I used to get extremely nervous for presentations, however, after taking public speaking I have learned to face the fact that speaking in front of people is inevitable. Often, it is difficult for each group member to contribute equally, which causes controversy and frustration for those members doing the majority of the work. However, for the most part, each of my group members has contributed to the group project. Although, I was not present during the class where we discussed a location to discuss, I was okay with the decision that my group members made. Our group has worked very well together, so far. We have all exchanged information and kept in contact with each other so that our presentation will go smoothly and end successfully.

https://docs.google.com/a/odu.edu/document/d/1TZxjVpoz8rRhmsY1znXCCqQTmMdxIAio-jIlNxw-Xlo/edit

https://docs.google.com/a/odu.edu/document/d/1c2JfPxWdL0v4cyUe8JEIjADyxBFg-EmzWJJzJUwCszk/edit