Though required writing is often not easily produced, the best writing arguably comes
from a topic of interest. I found this most obvious when writing on the current Ukraine-Russia
conflict, despite the obvious trouble with arguing about developing issues. When forming this
paper, it became apparent how much the previous prompt types affected my writing; I found
myself referring to each (exploratory, rhetorical analysis, annotated bibliography) through my
writing process, sourcing information, phrases, or strategy from them. This is not merely a
characteristic of an argumentative piece, but a result of forming different style pieces around the
same topic. The “Ukraine Crisis” is a subject of extreme interest, for it is the largest land conflict
in Europe since World War II and, as explained in the essay, takes a toll on both Ukrainians and
westerners like me. By setting an essay topic of interest thought formation feels much smoother,
perhaps due to the perspective, and thus opinion, it appeals to. Additionally, because of this,
there are fewer obstacles in the writing process, thus more easily understood by an audience.
Admittedly, the timeline to form my argument was easily long enough to produce a more
thorough effort, and likely, if given enough time, could have led my interviewee to answer
from a topic of interest. I found this most obvious when writing on the current Ukraine-Russia
conflict, despite the obvious trouble with arguing about developing issues. When forming this
paper, it became apparent how much the previous prompt types affected my writing; I found
myself referring to each (exploratory, rhetorical analysis, annotated bibliography) through my
writing process, sourcing information, phrases, or strategy from them. This is not merely a
characteristic of an argumentative piece, but a result of forming different style pieces around the
same topic. The “Ukraine Crisis” is a subject of extreme interest, for it is the largest land conflict
in Europe since World War II and, as explained in the essay, takes a toll on both Ukrainians and
westerners like me. By setting an essay topic of interest thought formation feels much smoother,
perhaps due to the perspective, and thus opinion, it appeals to. Additionally, because of this,
there are fewer obstacles in the writing process, thus more easily understood by an audience.
Admittedly, the timeline to form my argument was easily long enough to produce a more
thorough effort, and likely, if given enough time, could have led my interviewee to answer
adequately. Instead, I found my expert advice elsewhere and took a day extra to publish. This
“thoroughness” could be improved upon with deeper thinking guided by the intended expert, as
well as longer time spent contemplating my own stance, as it is a complex issue. Though not as
thorough, however, I still feel my argument of Russia’s impacts on Ukraine and the West is as
valid as it is well-communicated; the piece is organized by subject, led by a thesis and
supplemented with discussion of necessary disclaimers (assumptions, warrants, et cetera).
“thoroughness” could be improved upon with deeper thinking guided by the intended expert, as
well as longer time spent contemplating my own stance, as it is a complex issue. Though not as
thorough, however, I still feel my argument of Russia’s impacts on Ukraine and the West is as
valid as it is well-communicated; the piece is organized by subject, led by a thesis and
supplemented with discussion of necessary disclaimers (assumptions, warrants, et cetera).