3. Reflection example

3. Reflection example

●   Description of the experience

●   Feelings and thoughts about the experience

●   Evaluation of the experience, both good and bad

●   Analysis to make sense of the situation

●   Conclusion about what you learned and what you could have done differently

●   Action plan for how you would deal with similar situations in the future, or general changes you might find appropriate

Whilst creating my compositions for the Module C portfolio task, I experimented with various forms of writing, whilst gaining inspiration from a range of texts. I wrote an editorial for my persuasive text, that aims to persuade one to read the novel The Fault In Our Stars, by discussing the lessons that can be learnt from it regarding the dual nature of pain. For my imaginative text I wrote a letter from the perspective of the father in the poem Nightfall, exploring the themes of death and love as the father comes to terms with mortality. In my discursive article, I discuss what makes a good leader, that being one with compassion and love for others.

Whilst writing my editorial I was able to gain confidence in writing from a persuasive voice and using literary devices that effectively make a convincing argument. I gained a lot of inspiration from George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, particularly its significant use of paradoxes and dichotomies, such as the dichotomy of love and hate, evident during the two-minute hate as Winston’s “loathing” turns into “adoration” for Big Brother. This brings insight into the inconsistencies and paradoxes of the human experience, and thus I was inspired to discuss the dual nature of suffering in The Fault In Our Stars. Furthermore, Orwell often uses rhetorical questions in his writing, such as when Winston wonders “Was he, then, alone in the possession of a memory?” I utilised this in my editorial saying, “You might wonder: Why would I want to read about such pain?”, in order to make the reader curious as to my reasoning. I also ensured to use persuasive techniques such as emotive and high modality language that makes the reader feel invested in the message of the novel, with words used such as “heart-breaking”, and “an incredibly important message,’ that convey a definite opinion thus creating a more convincing argument.

For my imaginative piece, I wrote a letter from the perspective of the father in Gwen Harwood’s Nightfall. Whilst studying the poem, and comparing its two parts, I was inspired to talk about the meaning of death, with two very different experiences with death depicted in the two parts, the first one of the finality of death, whilst the second part comes to terms with it. I thus wanted the father to reassure the child that ‘Although death can be painful it shouldn’t be something to struggle against,’ in order to create a reassuring tone. Furthermore, I utilised the metaphor in the poem of fruit ripening to represent one aging and coming to the end of their life, saying, “My life having ripened like a sweet fruit and now going off in due time” in order to portray the message of the simplicity of death. By expressing his satisfaction regarding his life in this way, I portrayed the message that love and memories are stronger than mortality, using an isolated line at the end to emphasise this saying, ‘My hand will remain in yours’.

While writing my discursive article I explored multiple perspectives and opinions, and extended my knowledge on how to effectively incorporate anecdotes to suggest a point of view. I gained a lot of inspiration based on what we learnt about Gough and Pearson’s eulogy to him. In Pearson’s speech he showed great respect for Gough’s compassion for others, which inspired me to focus on compassion and love for others as what makes a great leader. I was also inspired by Pearson’s use of anecdotes at the beginning of his speech, leading to me beginning my article with the story of the incident at Nyange High School, as I wanted to gain attention from the reader by starting with a real-life event that would allow them to empathise with the message of ‘love and humanity’. I also used anaphoras and repetition of ‘who’, when talking of needing leaders ‘who have integrity and compassion,’ and ‘who value other’s lives.’ I did this in order to have a greater dramatic effect, and put emphasis on my opinion. I wanted the ending of my article to be impactful, so I referenced the Nyange High School motto at the end to create a cyclical structure, leaving the article somewhat open ended to allow the reader to interpret and consider it in their own way.

Through the Craft of Writing portfolio task, I have greatly developed my skills in various forms of writing that I previously had not practised often. I have developed a greater understanding of how I can effectively use other texts as stimulus for my own works, and incorporate complex ideas whilst expressing my own opinions, whether it be persuasively, creatively or discursive. Furthermore, whilst keeping a portfolio I have considered the importance of recording your progress, and drafting and revising works in order to improve. Overall, I feel as if I developed my writing skills and ability to express my own ideas to an audience.