Journal One - Juan Rodriguez

What is writing?
Writing in an extremely simple sense is the task of physicalizing ideas and thoughts. Writing can obviously be performed by hand-written text, typed text on a computer or abstract expressions of ideas that can be interpreted. Successful writing is writing that can be interpreted and appreciated by its readers. If the author was able to convey his idea properly and in a way that the reader would understand and enjoy, that is a successful work. I see myself as a non-fictional writer. When the text is based on research instead of fictional thoughts I am able to physicalize my ideas in a more effective manner. Writing can be defined by a few words including:

1. Understanding
2. Physical
3. Ideas
4. Facts
5. Imagination

Reading
What is the major argument that you see these authors making?
The major argument in this reading is that the focus on plagiarism in today's educational system is impeding students from using their creativity to its full potential.

What did you learn about writing from this text?
I learned that the best way of assessing a student when it comes to a writing assignment may not only be a research paper where plagiarism is an extremely important and stressful issue, they could use other assignments such as a assemblage to focus on other aspects such as creativity and details.

Is this article "successful" in the criteria you defined earlier? If so, how? If not, why not?
I do believe this article is successful because it clearly conveys its idea of plagiarism and it does not bore the reader with pointless facts, rather it keeps things interesting with opinions and examples.

Has your understanding of writing changed as a result of engaging with Johnson-Eilola and Selber's article? Why or why not?
My understanding of writing has not changed, it has been enhanced because this gives me a better understanding of different techniques of practicing and executing writing.

Do you want to revise your key terms based on this reading? Explain what you would revise (or not) and why (not).
I do believe I need to revise or change my key terms because my understanding of writing has not changed it has only been added to.