TOW 28

My TOWS from September into March have become completely different in focus, style, and approach. In August, prior to entering the course, my TOWs were simple observations. They took tons of time and required much thought. I attempted to match the fanciful words on my rhetorical strategy list with patterns I found in the texts. There was little to no analysis of the effects of the devices used and as I reread my words, I had no recollection of what some of my "analyzed" rhetorical devices did. Moving through the year, I focused more on  the strategies' effects. I still was spending a lot of time trying to figure it all out, it didn't come easily yet. However by the end of the year, completing a TOW took little time and the piece I would create was much better than anything I'd had written in September. Eventually, I even moved away from rhetorical analysis and used TOWs to practice writing argumentatively.

Given my newfound comfort level and ease with rhetorical analysis, it feels like a mastered skill. Of course, there is always room for improvement. But the ability to closely read a piece of work and determine what the author wants us to know; how they get us to know it, is something I feel very comfortable with.

What is not entirely sufficient isn't exactly a traditional TOW. When I began working with the argument unit, and was finding it difficult to finagle my approach to success, I used a couple of TOWs to hone my skills. The argumentative side of writing isn't necessarily a huge issue for me, but comes with less comfort.

The TOW assignments helped me become proficient in rhetorical analysis. By midyear, I was learning less from each article I analyzed as I had found my groove and didn't need to work as much at the skill. Once the assignment was amended so I could work on something I was struggling with (argumentation), I began benefiting from the assignment again. The TOWs achieve their purpose, especially towards the beginning of the year, as they give time for you to practice the new techniques. My rhetorical essays and ways of thinking were improved due to the early TOWs, and my argumentation improved by the end.