group interaction responses

first classmate :

1. What did you learn in this unit?

In this unit, I have learnt how to write a plausible persuasive research essay and making an argument. An argument is a spoken or written form of defense for a given point of view. Usually, arguments do not focus on personal opinion and address a variety of issues such as capital punishment, abortion, gun control, stem cell research, GM foods, vaccines, etc. Unlike in a report, an argument usually takes a stance that it seeks to substantiate. Various people can choose to agree or disagree with an argument.  

I have also learnt that academic arguments normally expresses an opinion which is supported through good reasoning and adequate facts, statistics, authenticated quotations, and other forms of evidence with objectivity. An argument aims at making a claim and supporting it with credible evidence and without being ambiguous, helping the reader understand my stance, and ensuring that the claim is taken seriously. This ensures that the claims made are not fabricated but facts which can be verified. An argument consists of an introduction with background and thesis statement which states the claim, the reasons to back up the thesis, a counterargument, and a conclusion.

2. How did you learn it? What techniques or strategies did you find most helpful? Have those techniques changed from previous units?

            I used various study methods. First, I wrote down all the important points to be covered in the course of the unit and prepared a timetable. Next, I studied the topics one by one while making short notes. While reading, I realized that I had little understanding in some areas, thus I dedicated more time to these. On completion of the unit material, I put down the main points and tried to memorize them. I also discussed with my classmates in a brainstorming environment. All these learning techniques were very useful. They are the same ones I have been using throughout the course. 

3. What else would you like to learn related to the topics covered in this unit?

Regarding the topics covered in the unit, I am currently comfortable with what I have learnt.

4. Do you have any questions or concerns about anything related to the course?

 I would like to know if the skills learnt in this unit can be used in other subjects, or do they apply only in this course.

2. second classmate:

1. I learned how to do sand witch quotation, this involves an explanation of the concept, followed by a quote from an authority in the subject being discussed and this is then followed by a more in-depth description and drawing of a conclusion. I also learned how to paraphrase works by other authors and scholars and how to do an argumentative essay by taking the views of different scholars and coming up with a general conclusion on the topics and how to come up with a thesis statement that illustrates the content of my work.

2. I learned the skills by doing essays on chosen topics and how to format the essay. That included paraphrasing and the use of sand witch quotation. And critiquing others students work and allowing them to critique mine through peer review and group interaction were the most helpful strategies that have changed from previous units and have become more advanced. 

3. I would like to learn in details the difference between summary and paraphrasing of articles by other authors.

4. I wish to know if all essays follow the given formats or if there are other formats? 

third classmate:

During this unit I have been learning the details of an argument essay. I have been practicing on writing a decent thesis. I find it hard to come up with a thesis because I overthink the perfection of the sentence. Hopefully for this last essay I can get it together. I ended up turning my paper into pro and con comparison, but I learned that is not what an argument essay is. Therefore, I will have to reconstruct my essay to make it more of an argument. I also learned, during the grammar lesson, how to start replacing small words with those of the same meaning to shorten the original sentence, but all make the sentence more sophisticated. I practiced how to do that with the practice quizzes that were provided in unit five. I could use more practice on bettering my sentences; I still tend to use a lot of small words and don’t want my essay turning into no formal essay. I gained my knowledge on these subjects by reading and rereading the instruction. I have written down examples and use them when working on an assignment. I still have a lot of work to do on my argument and plan to have several people double check my work. I would like to even take my paper to an English study lab at school. This is an assignment I cannot do on my own.  

One of my questions is: What are some good ideas to help writing your argument essay other than an outline and multiple sources? Also, was it hard for you to choose a side in your argument.  My issue, I am having trouble deciding on a side, because I see both sides as a reliable argument. I guess I will just have to buckle down and choose one.