Q Our first set of readings looked at the purposes of college (note plural). The authors suggested a range of possibilities including developing your intellect, fostering democracy, and preparing for a career. Of course, many mentioned reading, thinking, and writing -- the basis of our course -- and these skills form one of their main beliefs: college prepares students for "lifelong learning" ("What is," Delbanco 31-34). Now that we're at the end of a core college course, it's time for reflection, with, as noted above, an eye for life both in and beyond the classroom. We turn to metacognition here (reflecting on your thinking) but this time the scale is much broader. Specifically, for this essay, you'll discuss the three most surprising, relevant, or helpful things you learned in this class. It could be about reading, thinking, writing, etc. The key here is the second item: think. Don't just jump to your first impressions: think deep. Thiede, Keith. "Learning to Learn and Metacognition." Encyclopedia of Education, edited by James W. Guthrie, 2nd ed., vol. 4, Macmillan Reference USA, 2002, pp. 1470-1472. Opposing Viewpoints in Context, link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX3403200371/OVIC?u=oceancc&xid=70f5a90. Accessed 16 Oct. 2017. Specific Assignment Write an essay that explains the specific ideas, skills, and/or philosophies you've developed in this course. This is a reflective essay that allows room for creativity but still requires research to support your ideas (most of which you have already completed). Requirements Meet reader expectations by including an introduction, a thesis and division statement, body paragraphs that develop your thesis and divisions and use examples, descriptions, and stories to prove that the thesis is valid, and a conclusion. Sources For this essay, you'll be pulling mostly from the material you've already read or produced. The readings for Essay 1 would work well here, as would the metacognition essay noted above, material from The Little Seagull Handbook and course site, and even your own work. The same cautions on sources from the open internet noted in previous assignments apply here: remember -- databases are your friends. Follow current MLA documenting guidelines when citing sources. Required number of sources? As many as your essay needs. Planning We’ve worked through several different methods of planning and revising essays. You have here an essay topic and requirements: what do you need to do write a competent essay? Need a reminder? Review directions for essays one through three and remember the two-part body paragraph development: connect your division to facts and then explain/argue why that division is applicable. Above all, think, research, think, plan, draft, think and revise. Continue reviewing comments from previous assignments: incorporate what worked and avoid what didn't. Continue, as well, using the course site for suggestions on planning, revision, and proofreading.