Before completing Project 1, I was familiar with the basics of writing regarding grammar, structure, and style. I knew that text could be interpreted differently and play a significant role in how the reader perceives it versus how the author writes it. A writer’s intentions for their piece may not be precise enough, and the reader may understand it differently. I was able to consider that writing is not only about relaying information onto a paper, but also creating an experience where the reader is interested in what the author has to say. However, I never considered how personal experiences and cultural backgrounds influence a text.

Our upbringing and life experiences shape who we are. These experiences convey how we relate to a text by having a greater connection to the topic expressed, making it easier to understand the ideas. Based on my background, I know more about self-based writing and persuasive writing than reader-based prose and rhetorical situations. Because of this, going into Project 1 was a little more difficult as I had to approach the issue with a different approach. I had to drop any bias and consider all viewpoints to understand the message the author was trying to convey thoroughly and portray my argument straightforwardly. …show more content…
I was challenged to look at other texts that counter my personal experiences to argue that a single piece of text can be interpreted in various ways. Initially, I would have approached the issue with a strong bias, but that is different, as you must focus on creating an experience for the reader instead of writing down many inconsistent ideas that would only make sense to you. Project 1 tests your ability to generate a counterargument, as you have to make sure that your personal experience can further support the claims that you are