Read the article

Actively read the article. Figure out what works best for you and do it. Some strategies:
- Print the article out and mark it up
- Use an annotation app
- Take handwritten or digital notes as you read
As you read, make connections to your life, the world, other texts.
If you have trouble writing the reflection (“What should I write?”), it’s because you didn’t read and annotate carefully enough.
Look up words you don’t know. A wider vocabulary offers you greater access to the world.

Write the reflection

200 - 400 words
Standard, academic English
You may certainly use the word “I”
Proofread
The first sentence should include the name of the article in quotation marks, the name of the author, and the topic. (Example: The article “Bullies or Pushovers?” by author and Instagram influencer Tina Horton discusses the merits of owning pit bulls.)
The first paragraph of the reflection should show that you have understood the article. Focus on what you learned from the article. This part should generally be less than half the reflection.
The second paragraph of the reflection is your reaction to the author’s argument or the topic. Discuss what you agreed with, what surprised you, how you can relate this to a class, an experience, etc. This is the most important part.
You can use a short quotation if you want, but it's not necessary.
No conclusion is needed.
If you are finding the writing difficult, then you didn’t read closely enough. Go back to the article.
Comments such as, "I can't relate to this article because it's about people who like dogs and I don't like dogs," aren't particularly useful. It's rather odd to suggest that you can only have thoughts about an issue that matches your background/experience/identity

Grading

- 10 (Complete)
- 0 (Incomplete)
No late work is accepted for any reason, included excused absences.
Your lowest grade each semester is dropped. keep your "free" zero for an actual emergency.
Your reflection will be 100% your own work. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be completely yours.