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Taylor Kirk

Artifact Reflection #2

For this artifact, I was asked to write an essay based on an AP prompt used in 2001. I

read the directions and specificities of what the prompt asked for in the essay then, read an article

by Susan Sontag on the limitations of photography. I was then responsible for writing at a least

600 words on this topic. I was to learn and practice the conventions of MLA format and the

structure of an argumentative paper. I had to learn to choose a side and defend it using the source

provided and outside examples. To complete this assignment, I needed to read the article by

Susan Sontag to understand her point of view. I then needed to decide if I agreed, disagreed, or

qualified her position as thesis for my essay. I planned what points I would make and how I

would incorporate real-world examples. Finally, I compiled all of it into a paper.

This artifact represents the argument category which is defined as advancing and

supporting a position among competing positions. In this assignment, I had to understand the

author’s opinions on photography and afterwards decide on my own whether I agreed,

disagreed,or qualified. I decided to disagree with Sontag so, I had to bring forth information as to

why I believed differently. Not only did I need to use the source provided, I had to use examples

outside of the source. It did not have to be from the internet but simply from photography that

advanced and supported my disagreement with Susan Sontag. When writing my paper, I

demonstrated the Advanced Skills PAMA SLO. The Advanced Skills SLO is defined as

demonstrating accomplished skills in reading, writing, math, critical thinking, technology, and

creativity. The majority of this paper consisted of high level writing and critical thinking skills.

Although this is not the best paper I have written, I showed major growth in my writing. I had

begun to change my middle school level writing to more of an AP level. I showed my ability to
think outside of what I was given such as the article and Sontag’s position. Using critical

thinking and creativity, I provided examples to support my position and correlated them to points

Sontag made in her article.

Now, I have made sure to gain as much knowledge from each academic subject I pursue

because I may need them for examples to support a position in a paper or another project. I have

learned that having strong, supportive evidence can support any position I may have even outside

of school. I will definitely need these skills to write college level papers and to prepare me for

higher education such as writing a thesis for graduate school. The most difficult challenge was

the wording of my paper which is typically a weakness of mine. I found it hard to put what I

wanted to make point of into words. It was also difficult to find persuasive examples that related

directly to my position and to explain them. I strongly demonstrated my understanding of Susan

Sontag’s position and I had a well written introduction. I need to work on my style of writing.

My writing was not as well organized and thought out as it could have been. My thoughts were a

redundant, informal, and indefinite. This was the beginning of my first AP class so I quickly got

better in my writing and composition. Fortunately, I am determined to improve my writing

everyday and am constantly striving to become an advanced writer.

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