Reflection Paper - 10 Principles learned so far - Essay Example

Reflection Paper on the 10 Principles Learned So Far Narrative I have understood narrative essays through the story en d “Perfect Picture” written by James Alexander Thom. The approach used was basically telling the story of a horrific accident where the grandfather’s vehicle inadvertently ran over his granddaughter who, he did not know, was on the driveway, that eventually killed her. The details and the clearly structured sequence of events that depict incident were so vivid, effectively illustrating the scenes, the emotions felt, the commotion, and even the respect accorded by the author, who was the narrator and the police officer supposedly tasked to take a ‘perfect picture’ to report the crime.

I learned that a narrative essay’s aim is to tell a story in a clear and structured fashion to assist the readers in understanding and in empathizing with the characters in the story. Descriptive From the descriptive essay entitled “The Loneliness of Rose” written by Jon Katz, I realized that this kind of literary work focuses on providing detailed illustration of the topic being discussed – in this essay, a border collie named Rose. The author went on great lengths to provide details of Rose’s skills, traits, the work being done, competencies as a work dog.

Another essay, “Traffic Jams” also provide descriptive information on a routine back home from work, travelling the Manhattan to Brooklyn plight. The traffic jam situation could ordinarily be viewed as an uncomfortable test of one’s patience but the vast amount of details provide replete amounts of descriptive details worthy of the reflective time. Persuasive The abovementioned essays under the descriptive principle have elements of persuasive details. In “Perfect Picture” through narration, the author likewise persuades the readers for the need to discern appropriate judgment in determining options and alternatives presented in particular situations.

By choosing to forgo an opportunity to take a perfect picture in lieu of respecting the remorse of the grandfather for his granddaughter, the picture left in the author’s memory was deemed more precious. Likewise, in the essay “Better to have loved”, one’s experience of loving and losing it has been proven to be better than not having loved at all. The benefits of sharing the special bond and experiences with a young love persuaded the readers of the advantages of opening oneself to opportunities of happiness, camaraderie and the determination to realize that real love is still to come.

Describing a Process and Examples The principles of describing a process were manifested through the essay “Junk food” as one took time to find out intricate details that go through the production of potato chips, as an example. The essay on “Couple Lies” which required responses to identified questions exemplified the principles of examples where a list of examples of couple lies accorded me with opportunities to reflect on citing ways by which the author creatively thought of ways to illustrate the scenario.

Comparison and Contrast The principle of comparison and contrast was clearly understood through the essay “Two household chores” where I explored, compared (found similarities) and contrasted (found differences) between cleaning out the garage and cleaning out the closet. I realized that despite differences or similarities, both experiences provided memories worth cherishing. Cause and Effect The essay on “Why I Quit the Company” by Tomoyuki Iwashita was a clear illustration manifesting the principle of cause and effect.

I learned more on a cause and effect scenario when the author explained the cause for opting to leave his job as the working environment was designed solely to serve organizational purpose and to neglect personal goals. The effect of course is choosing to leave the company to pursue other opportunities that would provide more options for personal growth. Division and Classification The principles of division and classification were learned more profoundly through the essays “Attitudes toward sex” and “Mother-in-law” where different classifications were noted depending on diversities in perspectives and points of views.

The topic on sex, for example, is still a controversial subject in other cultures and its discussion is either restrained or encouraged depending on values, views and preferences of ethnical origin. In “Mother-in-law”, I learned of different types provided in humorous terms, such as “The Hot Tamale”, “No One’s Good Enough For My Son”, among other classifications based on personalities and traits. Definition The essays entitled “The Real Thing” by Frankie Germany and “Cheap Thrills” by Patricia Volk, both exemplify the principle of definition where the authors aimed to detail crucial information to define the topics.

For “The Real Thing”, the definition given focused on true meaning about love; “Cheap Thrills”, on the other hand, provided illustrative details on thrifty and spending wisely. Argumentation Finally, the principles of argumentation were learned through the essay that contented that celibacy requirement for the Roman Catholic priesthood should be eliminated. I realized that argumentative essays need to establish a particular support for a point of view and therefore provide validating statements for and against the contention.

In the end, after weighing two sides of the argument, the writer would clearly conclude one’s choice as supported by the given information, in this case, that there is a need for the Catholic Church to reconsider its principle of celibacy and possible allow priests to be married to prevent committing violations due from humans’ natural feelings and inclinations.