OWL Website

While looking through the Purdue OWL website that was designed for writing students, I saw that it could be an extremely helpful tool for anyone with their writing. There were few sections that would be really helpful for the GSR 102-01 class because it covered what we are learning now with a better description than that Lunsford et al. 2008 provides; structuring arguments, thesis, rhetorical analysis, and evidence. There also was English as a Second Language section which would be very helpful for students that are struggling with written English.

The website provides clear instructions and examples. For example, the thesis section is especially made to help writers make a strong, not feeble thesis for their writings. There are examples of typical mistakes writers make. What I really like about this is there are examples for each kind of mistakes, not just one general mistake. The explanations are clear, not too complicated. These are useful for me because making a strong, clear thesis is not one of my strengths. I might find myself visiting that certain section occasionally to improve my thesis.
The rhetorical analysis section explains the use of pathos, ethos, and logos in arguments. Lunsford et al. 2008 explains the importance of pathos, ethos, and logos but not as clear as OWL does. OWL explains more in depth, along with examples of dos and don’ts.

The research and evidence section was really important in my opinion. It showed the importance of the source of evidence, using evidence that best suits your audience. Evidence is based on the credibility of the source. OWL warns the use of Wikipedia on the internet, which is a popular source, for it is open to change by general viewers so it is not as accurate as sources from credible companies and writers. I personally tend to go to Wikipedia for sources. Now that I’ve read this, I will be trying to find other better sources.

The article I appreciated the most was the ESL (English as a Second Language) because I do struggle some with the grammar structure in writing. I was born almost profoundly deaf so sign language was my first language. English came later with my parent’s encouragement. This section provides grammar lessons that could improve understanding of the grammar structure for anyone, especially deaf people with sign language as their first language.

The OWL website in general would help Gallaudet students write their papers based on the Gallaudet University writing rubric because the main points of the rubric are citations, grammar, critical thinking, organization of ideas, and audience awareness. The OWL includes all these important points with a simple, depth explanation instead of the basics. This is why I recommend this website, it is very useful for this GSR 102-01 class and possibly for any papers that needs to be written in the future.