Writing Homework Help

Consider your experience as a transfer student, so far. What are some topics that seem pertinent to your time at UCSB? You might consider the challenges of making the transition to a research university, basic needs such as housing insecurity, academic challenges, the re-transition to in-person learning, or something related to your new major or a group or club you’ve joined. 

Find a text that relates to this topic. This text should be from a reputable source (The New York Times, Chronicle of Higher Ed, The Atlantic, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, an academic blog, etc.). If you’re not sure if your text is “reputable,” consult a member of the teaching team!

Pick a paragraph or short section from the text that resonated with you. Quote the paragraph and give a citation. 

• Think about the Critical Thinking Initiative Podcast that you listened to this week in which they discuss how the goal of higher education is critical thinking, not knowledge. 
• Use your critical thinking skills to analyze the paragraph or section you’ve selected. What do you think about the text? Is it interesting? Is it true? What limitations do you see? Where is the writer getting their information from? What questions do you have? Be sure you’re clear in stating your own opinions and backing it up with evidence from your reading.