Core Value I: My work demonstrates that I used a variety of social and interactive practices that involve recursive stages of exploration, discovery, conceptualization, and development.

This project helped me to understand that research and writing is most definitely a recursive process. It did not take me a day to find my sources. As I expected in the beginning of the course, I spent almost a month finding sources to use, reading the articles, and seeing how I would like to use the articles in my paper was a very tedious process. However, the sources were very helpful in making my research paper the best it can be. Conferencing and The White Paper has helped me move my research forward. The White Paper enabled me to have my sources listed for my convenience in case I wanted to use an article I had forgotten about. Conferencing with the Professor has given me great feedback on how to propel my research for my three arguments forward.

Core Value II: My work demonstrates that I read critically, and that I placed texts into conversation with one another to create meaning by synthesizing ideas from various discourse communities.

With any proposal argument, the writer has to be aware of the audience. The goal of the first sentence for any piece of work is to get the reader to read the next sentence. I think the major consideration for any strong proposal argument is to grab the readers’ attention. Starting off a piece, like my causal for example, “If I were to tell you I’ve had a pleasant conversation with an anthropomorphic cat about the weather and how my outfit choice is completely vile…you’d think I am insane.” If I were reading this for the first time, I’d want to read more to see what this person is talking about. To strengthen other arguments, start off with the information the readers want to know. One might be using it in the beginning, but that’s a gateway to find more “good stuff” to use further in your research.
Link to causal

Core Value III: My work demonstrates that I rhetorically analyzed the purpose, audience, and contexts of my own writing and other texts and visual arguments.

“We need social interaction. Even the introverts who can go days without it. We’ve found ways to entertain ourselves during lockdown by finding something creative to do, but perhaps we all felt the need to socialize with someone…ANYone.” This is from the first sentence of my definition argument that also opens my entire research paper. I have made my research on how Animal Crossing: New Horizons promotes healthy communication and improves social skills with people online. I believe that my opening provides the audience to instantly connect as we truly do need some form of social communication. Some people might need it in person, while others prefer to socially interact online. While we are no longer in the era when the pandemic first started, I’m sure that people could instantly connect with this opening as we felt we lost some form of communication in lockdown.

Core Value IV: My work demonstrates that I have met the expectations of academic writing by locating, evaluating, and incorporating illustrations and evidence to support my own ideas and interpretations.

I was surprised that so much research went into a video game such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game was very monumental in so many ways. One way is the fact it was released a few days after lockdown began and how it has many mechanics for interaction. The sources I found stated clearly that. Animal Crossing: New Horizons has many features for social interaction including communicating with your villagers that reside on your island, to Online Play, where seven other players can visit your island, and Nookazon, the website where plays can make online transactions with other players (it also allows players to make friends). Animal Crossing: New Horizons has many benefits for socially communicating with people, much like any form of online communication like Instagram or FaceBook. An article I found titled, “Animal Crossing-A New Social Media” precisely proved my point on the social aspect of New Horizons.

Core Value V: My work demonstrates that I respect my ethical responsibility to represent complex ideas fairly and to the sources of my information with appropriate citation.

The notion that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is an amazing platform for social communication and is, in fact, another form of social media is not indisputable. Anyone can doubt that this video game can be beneficial for them if they either 1) never played an Animal Crossing game, 2) Thinks another game better fits the category for amazing social communication online, and 3) Has played an Animal Crossing game and simply thinks it is not great. My conclusion for Animal Crossing: New Horizons being the best form of social communication (and fun while at it) can be argued. To me, each person’s research is usually for a certain group of people. Anyone can read it who is not in that group and disagree. Maybe Animal Crossing: New Horizons does not promote healthy social skills. To some, maybe it does. It could be inane to someone that a video game is being compared to social platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Perhaps, Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn’t a “social media” and this can be questionable to some.