ENGL 110 College of San Mateo Week 1 Life Before Covid 19 Reflection Paper Q1:Having read several texts and analyzed them for their detail, it is now time

ENGL 110 College of San Mateo Week 1 Life Before Covid 19 Reflection Paper Q1:Having read several texts and analyzed them for their detail, it is now time to practice incorporating detail into your own writing with this exercise:

a) Consider a standard day in your life before COVID-19. Every little thing–when you woke up, what you ate, what you thought about, what your concerns were, what you avoided, what you looked forward to, what you loved. Write 2-3 paragraphs describing this with vivid, sensory detail (make me feel as if I am there with you).

b) Now consider a standard day in your life during COVID-19. Every little thing, and spend 2-3 paragraphs describing this with vivid, sensory detail (make me feel as if I am there with you).

Spend a decent amount of time on this, as you might be able to use it in your essay!

Q2:The Covid Chronicles

It’s difficult to understate the impact COVID-19 has had on life as we know (or should I say, once knew) it. The pandemic is global and non-discriminatory. Beyond the toll on human health, it has wreaked havoc on all facets of society–economically, socially, just to name a few. (Think about right now: you’re about to take an all online class, with pre-recorded lectures and little to no social interaction). This week we’ve read a few different texts, both fiction and nonfiction, showing an array of effects of COVID-19 on the human experience.

For this essay, in the spirit of the texts we’ve read, I’d like you to attempt to process COVID-19’s effects on you. Consider your biggest adjustments, and sacrifices. Consider the different ways you have changed emotionally, philosophically. Has your perspective or outlook on life changed? How about your plans for the future?

Your task

In a 2-3 page paper, I’d like you to spend some time exploring your experience with COVID-19, and how it has impacted you personally, and your community at large.

What to consider

-This is a personal narrative.

As such, I am not as concerned with the conventions of academic writing, such as an academic thesis statement, or outside research. What’s more important to me is getting to know you– your personality, your passions, your values, your lifestyle– as much as possible, through your response to this prompt.

– Include vivid detail and specific description.

Don’t say “I miss my friends.” Tell me who you miss, what it is about them you miss. Don’t say “The world is hella changed and different now.” Explain, and be specific. In other words, don’t leave your reader wondering “why?” or “how?”

– Utilize memories, and anecdotes.

These are great ways to get to know a subject. The phrase “I remember one time when…” is a great way to give special insight into your life.

– Proofread.

While my aim is to get to know you as a person, it’s also to get to know you as a writing skills. Please be sure to read your essay over several times to ensure that a) it’s not missing anything that could enhance it b) there are no sloppy mistakes!