Core Value 1. My work demonstrates that I used a variety of social and interactive practices that involve recursive stages of exploration, discovery, conceptualization, and development.

Throughout the semester we had many assignments. All of these assignments required drafting, posting and rewriting. After each draft was posted, I would request specific feedback on my work directly from my professor. After feedback was given, I would have to reimagine each idea in my paper and edit my draft. A prime example of this Core Value is my definition rewrite. Initially I struggled grasping the proper method of writing this paper. Through a conference with my professor and feedback on my post directly I was able to rewrite the argument and make significant improvements. Additionally, to create a stronger argument I spoke with my family to gauge their views on my topic and see where I could determine a flaw in my papers reasoning. After finding the flaws in my argument from verbally discussing the work I was able to again edit my paper to create a more sound essay.

Core Value 2. My work demonstrates that I read critically, and that I placed texts into conversation with one another to create meaning by synthesizing ideas from various discourse communities. 

A specific work where I exemplified this core value is my Rebuttal Rewrite. For this specific essay we were asked to find a specific article or source, analyze it, present the ideas fairly, and then point out the flaws. In this writing we took the responsibility to fairly represent an opposing argument. When forced to do this, I was able to gather a complete understanding of multiple view points which furthered my own education on my topic. I then presented the two sides and let my sources and my words argue. To create a strong argument, it was vital to find a specific audience to target. If we write to everyone, we are writing to no one. That is why I believe I demonstrated Core Value 2 in my Rebuttal Rewrite.

Core Value 3. My work demonstrates that I rhetorically analyzed the purpose, audience, and contexts of my own writing and other texts and visual arguments.

I exemplified Core Value 3 in my Visual Rhetoric piece. For this paper we were tasked with analyzing a 30 second ad. I was able to take a 30 second ad regarding buzzed driving and illustrate the scenes on paper. To write a paper describing an ad that my reader did not see forced me to use very descriptive language to allow my readers to imagine what I watched. In my piece I had three different scenarios and I was able to accurately describe each scene while relaying the directors message. Another important note about this piece of writing was we were not able to hear the ad, we just watched it. Without the use of sound I was able to demonstrate Core Value 3 by illustrating a 30 second ad to convey an accurate depiction of the dangers of buzzed driving.

Core Value 4: My work demonstrates that I have met the expectations of academic writing by locating, evaluating, and incorporating illustrations and evidence to support my own ideas and interpretations.

Core Value 4 was illustrated in my Causal Argument. In this paper I created an effective cause and effect chain through using various academic sources. An interesting way I did this was comparing two scenarios where minimal action is taken to prevent a crime or injury. I was able to find accurate statistics regarding stopping a robbery by placing a security system sign in a yard and successfully comparing this to how fighters in hockey keep the game safe. Throughout this piece I needed not only my own ideas to write a strong argument but supporting sources. Since my thesis is somewhat abstract, I had to work through multiple databases to find information regarding fighting in hockey. After reading these works and summarizing them, I was able to incorporate the strongest throughout my Causal Argument.

Core Value 5. My work demonstrates that I respect my ethical responsibility to represent complex ideas fairly and to the sources of my information with appropriate citation. 

As a semester long task, I was able to accumulate various sources from multiple databases to create a complete Research Paper which included supporting and opposing opinions relating to my thesis. In this 3,000 word essay I illustrated Core Value 5 by analyzing numerous academic journal and scientific studies to strengthen my argument that fighting in hockey make the game safer. Throughout the paper I used proper citations to accompany my own thoughts to refute my opposition. By analyzing opposing opinions, I was able to gather a more complete understanding of my thesis. Additionally, reading opposing opinions helped me accurately pick a target audience in my writing. Through the use of fair representation of opposing ideas, I was able to present a counter opinion accurately and refute it properly.