Firstly, through this activity, I acknowledge that thesis not only should be stated right, but also should be stated in the right place. Presenting thesis in different places results in different effects. In my case, the thesis is presented after an introductory description paragraph, and it works to some extent. However, the convention for American writers is to place the thesis in the first paragraph. Attentions should be paid in my future writing concerning with what kind of essays I’m dealing with and then which strategy should I decide to use to achieve the intended effect.     

   Secondly, I realize how much they care about the use of articles and some other words. I used to underestimate the importance of the articles, so I have often misused them. As to the wording, I really think that it’s not the limit of vocabulary that hinders Chinese students from writing well, but that which words to choose and how to use them appropriately. So word choosing is crucial.

Last but not least, I’m again aware of the significance of the examples or illustrations used in the essay. Examples not only help to develop the essay, but to clarify and support the ideas effectively, so that the ideas become clear and convincing to readers. Important as they are, they should be relevantly and effectively employed.

The Cross-Pacific Exchange program has offered me different perspectives to examine the essay and directions of improvement in writing. I really appreciate that and feel happy to be a part of that.