Taking Stock of your Writing

1.        How did you go about analyzing the text? What methods did you use—and which ones were most helpful?

           First, I picked out my advertisements online. Then, I carefully noted all of the factors that made up the advertisement, including images and facts and the design or format. I began with the first advertisement, describing it, then telling what the advertisement is trying to do and how it is doing so. I also explained who the advertisement was aimed toward. Next , I did the same with the other two advertisements and ended my essay with a conclusion paragraph. In my conclusion paragraph I summed up everything I had learned from analyzing the advertisements and tied it all together.

2.       How did you go about drafting your essay?

           I honestly just started typing one of my body paragraph, about my first advertisement. Then I wrote my other two body paragraphs, and last I wrote an introduction and a conclusion. I had began with a little brainstorming, but I ended up getting too excited and began my essay mid-way through.

3.       How well did you organize your written analysis? What, if anything, could you do to make it easier to read?

           I'm hoping my essay is successfully organized. My essay could possibly be easier to read if I didn't include the images of the advertisements in between the paragraphs but i think it really helps the reader understand my analysis.

4.       Did you provide sufficient evidence to support your analysis?

           I believe I provided sufficient evidence to support my analysis. I went into detail, describing the advertisements.

5.       What did you do especially well?

     One of the stronger aspects of my paper is probably how deeply I described the advertisements, to make the image come alive in the readers' mind.

6.       What could still be improved?

           I feel that my conclusion paragraph could use some imporovement, but I just couldn't figure out how to word what i was trying to  say. I feel as if it  doesn't "flow" nicely.

7.       Did you use any visuals, and if so, what did they add? Could you have shown the same thing with words?

           I did add visuals after my rough draft was edited and someone had suggested I  add them to my analysis. I feel like the visuals will help the reader understand my analysis better. I described the advertisements as well  which could be helpful because one of the advertisements is slightly blurry.

8.       How did other readers' responses influence your writing?

           The readers' responses helped me by letting me know how to improve my analysis. I added visuals of the advertisements as well thanks to one of my peers edit.

9.       What would you do differently next time?

            Next time, I might choose advertisements that weren't directly related. While it was interesting, I feel like I was constantly repeating myself. Also, the first time I chose my advertisements I didn't check to see where they came from so  when I went to analyze them, I had no idea where  they came from and I had to restart. So, next time I would make sure I knew who had published the advertisements.

10.   Are you pleased with your analysis? What did it teach you about the text you analyzed? Did it make you want to study more works by the same writer or artist?

           I am pleased with my essay, but not so much with my conclusion paragraph. Analyzing these advertisements taught me that there are many different techniques that advertisers use to  get their point across.

11.   What are the transferrable  skills you can take from this into other writing situations?

            After writing this analysis, I have learned that I should really plan out my writing instead of just beginning with no plans. I feel like I should keep this in mind whenever I am writing, so I am successful.