In my first semester at Baruch, I was able to improve my writing in many different aspects. Specifically, I began identifying and engaging with credible sources and multiple perspectives within my writing. By accessing Baruch’s vast database system, I was able to discover peer review articles for the first time and realize the importance of credible sources. In my research-based argumentative essay, I was able to synthesis multiple perspectives to build upon my thesis. Additionally, I was able to refine my citations skills by ethically acknowledging others’ work and using citation styles appropriate to my audience and purpose. 

When gathering sources for my research-based argumentative essay, I went through a class workshop that went through Baruch’s library database. During this workshop, I learned about peer-review articles and the importance of having credible sources within my writing. By choosing the article “From Appropriation to Translation: Localizing Rap Music to Finland” by Mervi Tervo, I was able to add an analytical tone to my writing. Rather than using solely subjective information, peer review articles enabled me to create a more credible argument. After gathering my sources, I grew to learn how to use multiple perspectives within my writing. I was able to use these different points of view to synthesis them by showing their similarities. I used the articles “Donald Glover’s ‘This Is America’ Is a Nightmare We Can’t Afford to Look Away From” and “Is This The End For ‘Urban’ Music?”  to show how both articles prove that outside culture’s use African American entertainment through the means of cultural appropriation to benefit themselves. By using more than one source to prove my claim, I was able to justify my argument through different perspectives. Additionally, within my essay, I was more confident in my ability to ethically credit others’ work. Having multiple sources allowed me to think of different ways of presenting outside information into my work. Using the new techniques of summary and analysis that I learned, I was able to distinguish the ideas of others while drawing up new ones to prove my argument. 

Overall, by learning the importance of credible sources and adding multiple perspectives, I was able to significantly advance my writing skills. I was able to express my improvement through my research-based argumentative essay where I used peer-reviewed articles and other sources to synthesize them and build my argument off of them. Throughout this essay, I used citation styles appropriate to my audience and purpose. I will continue to study these strategizes to advance my writing skills and build more concrete ideas.