Throughout the year, we were assigned a lot of assignments, many that I completed and received a fair grade on. The only assignment I did have trouble with though, was the Kaffir Boy essay. After reading the autobiographical book, we were told to write an essay on it. This troubled me a lot because I didn�t understand most of what I had read in the book. The only way I feel I can write a complete and thoughtful essay is when I can connect, in some way, to what I�m writing about. I felt that I didn�t have that connection with that book. However, I was very proud of my essay written of Bless Me, Ultima. I enjoyed reading the book, and since I made connections and good analysis, I was able to write a successful essay. The only thing we didn�t cover this year that I wish we had was poetry. During my freshman year, I learned how to analyze pieces from Shakespeare, and I was looking forward to doing more of that this year, but we didn�t.
In comparison to the beginning of the year, I still feel the same about reading and writing. I love reading, but I don�t like writing. I prefer to discuss and argue about a subject because arguing is one of my strong points, and I know that I am very good at it. It seems that when I write, I cannot complete describe my thoughts, so I haven�t really been satisfied with my writing pieces from the year. The only other way that I feel will help me write better is to take many thorough notes during class discussions. This way, I have a better understanding of the subject or characters we are asked to write about.
As this year ends, I realize that I now have to set new goals and expectations for myself as a student in junior English. I�m hoping that next year will be challenging, but not so much as to the point where it is difficult. Since I�m taking an AP (Advanced Placement) English class, I know that in order to succeed, I will have to work very hard. A lot harder than I did this year.
