Writing Reflection

            Throughout the semester, I have written many essays based upon various types of writing styles. The accumulation of skills built upon these types of writing allows me to adapt to many different formats. Bringing these learned writing qualities into the real world application will be easier because of the practice I have had in adapting to each of the writing structures. The most common types of writings that I have learned the most from and will carry with me are writing an argument, a personal statement, and a proposal.

            It is important to know how to write an argument. This can be applied to future debates in what someone believes in. That in itself can be translated into other writing formats, like proposals and personal statements. One argues a point or a belief by creating an argumentative analysis, which consists of a claim and an explanation to how or why what you believe it is important. To support the claim, using information that clearly exemplifies the claim is crucial. Use statistics, testimonials, and expert opinions to clearly support the argument. Lastly, end with a restatement of your position, with your strongest argument for last, leaving an impression on the reader.

            The second writing tool that is most commonly used is a personal statement. High school seniors writing for college applications mostly first encounter this. That is when the writer, similar to an argument, shows a single belief, philosophy, decision, or conclusion. This is stated either at the beginning or the end of the essay. The examples used to support the writer’s beliefs reveal part of the writer’s background, establishing insight into the writer’s accomplishments, beliefs, or conclusions. Then to end the essay memorably, it is best to show enlightenment. Then the reader can see a full spectrum from a scene in the writer’s life.

            Lastly, writing proposals are key to know in future careers. Proposals are used when someone wants to fix a problem by presenting an idea or concept. The proposal consists of a concept, backed up on how the concept will fix said problem and the benefits from it. It is essential to focus mostly on the benefits of the solution rather than just the solution itself because the reader is listening to know how it will help them. Conclude with how important it is to fix supposed problem with the solution proposed.

            With all of the writing topics learned over the semester, it is these three that I believe encompass all the others and will be the most significant to know moving on in the future with possible careers and job interviews.

Standardized Testing Should be Altered

Everyone in the public school system has taken multiple standardized tests. From MCAS, or the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System, to the SATs, or standardized testing that evaluates student’s admission into college, both are discriminating and unfair.

What is most unfair about MCAS is its inability to fit everyone’s testing needs. Scott Lang, Mayor of New Bedford in 2008, wrote an article in the Common Wealth magazine, “Ed Reform Must Move Beyond MCAS”. In this article, he describes how students, excluding the high school dropouts, that are well rounded and have a steady foundation are denied a high school diploma because they couldn’t pass the MCAS test. Lang goes on to explain that theoretically, the MCAS testing is in place to make sure students are reaching “the appropriate level of achievement” in education to graduate high school, but universities and colleges don’t consider MCAS scores when considering student admission.

            In an online U.S. News report written in 2013 by Thomas Robinson, a former GRE testing executive director, similar to the SATs, and now currently the president of Ithaca College, Robinson agrees that SATs don’t generate accurate results. He states that, “some potential students are deterred from applying to colleges that require a test score, because they are not comfortable with standardized tests.” He supports that eliminating SATs as a requirement would allow and encourage many more students to apply to college.

            It would be beneficial if the education system rethought the SATs. There should include various types of testing for people with learning disabilities or those who do better academically than on tests. Kelsey Page wrote an article on December 2^nd of 2014, “I Am More Than a Number: The Case Against SAT Scores in College Admissions” in “The Stanford Daily”. Her writing included this alternate SAT testing theory. She advised that eliminating the test completely would be detrimental, but altering it would generate better results as a whole.

            If altered standardized testing were to happen, more high school students would take the test, and scores would become more accurate. The best way to execute this is by petitioning and getting the attention of the SAT bored members.

            Sam Kauffmenn had already started to do so by her documented video “ACT Out Against SAT”. She had a petition signing that did not reach the expected goal, but started a movement. If it was better filmed and commercialized, the petition could have altered standardized testing for good.