Ethan Klemons 03/13/2014 English 1102-093 Ms.

Douglas, Throughout this semester, we have gone over a wide variety of topics. Most of this has been recorded in our daybooks. It is very difficult for me to grade myself on how well I have done on these daybook entries but if I was to compare my work to the work of the rest of the class, I would be willing to say that it is above average material. Again, I do not know exactly how they compare to your standards but I have spent a lot of time on these entries and put a lot of effort into each of them. I would probably give myself either a high B or an A on my daybook. As far as participation goes, I think that performance has also been above average. Although, I do not usually speak much during class discussions, I participate heavily in small group work and always come to class prepared. I would give myself a B in class participation. Despite the fact that I do not speak a lot during the large class discussions, I am always engaged and have never missed a class. For my line of inquiry, I have chosen my topic: effects of raising the minimum wage on everyone. I have begun my research and gathered a few sources to direct me. Currently, I have created my own bias on the issue and am trying to look for more statements to use for my opposing viewpoint. I have become increasingly knowledgeable on the issue but simply need to try to become more aware of the other side. That has been probably the biggest struggle thus far for me. Overall, I would be willing to say that I am deserving of an A. My participation deserves at least a B and I would be willing to consider my other work to be A quality. I am hoping to get an A by the end of this semester. I believe this is very manageable for me if I start engaging more in class discussions. I have always devoted a lot of time in my school work so I think anything lower than a B in this is unacceptable for me. For my daybook entries, I have selected my line of inquiry journal; my miss representation response; Chapter 7.2; and the assignment from 1/23/2014 which answered questions on hate groups, our official language, and ethics for celebrities. Below, I have written short reflections on each of these. Entry 1I chose my line of inquiry journal primarily because it introduced the topic that I will be studying for the rest of the semester. I put a lot of thought into this assignment because I believe it could be used as a foundation of what I intend to research. In this entry, I tried to write everything that I knew about the topic and it allowed me to discover what I need to learn. Minimum wage is a huge issue in our society that affects all of us. Entry 2-

I chose my response to the Miss. Representation documentary because this paper demonstrated critical thinking within a short period of time to write. I liked this journal because it allowed me to think closely about the issue and examine both sides. Even though I was critical of the film, I felt that it introduced a topic that is very real in our society. This is why this entry stood out to me. I definitely learned a lot from both this video and determining my own perspective on the matter. Entry 3In chapter 7.2, I did a free write about my line of inquiry. In the free write, I pretty much wrote whatever I could think of about my topic. This exercise was especially useful for me to develop ideas and a general thought process. I believe that this helped to tell me what I already know and what I should look for in my research. Through my free write, I was able to incorporate personal examples which in my opinion show my engagement in critical thinking. Entry 4I am not completely sure of the exact title of this assignment but it was basically answering questions on how I felt about certain issues. One question asked me if I believed hate groups had the right to distribute material on a public campus. Another question was whether or not I think English should be made the official language. And the last question was if I think celebrities are obligated to act ethically for young people. With this assignment, I tried really hard to incorporate my opinions on each of these issues and did not take the activity lightly. These questions helped me in improving my argument skills. By introducing, these controversial issues, it allowed me to think critically and examine both sides to finally pick a position. Overall, I think that I have done a pretty good job this semester. There are definitely things that I need to work on and I will do whatever I can to succeed in this class.

Thanks, Ethan Klemons