development of writing

Development of Writing By: Caitlin Ankerich English 1101

Table of Contents

Analytical Cover Letter…………………...……………………………………………..page 1-2

Quality Comparison……………………………………………………………………...page 3

Least Successful Paper…………………………………………………………………page 4-5

Most Successful Paper…………………………………………………………………page 6-9

“What’s the Difference?” Short Essay……………………………………………………page 10

Revision Samples……………………………………………………………...………..page 11-17

Least Successful Paper(mark up)………………………….…………...………….……page 18-19

Least Successful Paper (final version)……………………………..……………...…..page 20-21

Most Successful Paper ( mark-up) ……………………....………….………………..page 22-25

Most Successful Paper (final version) …………..……………...………….………..page 26-29

Free Choice Essay (mark-up) ……......………………...………….………………….page 30-34

Free Choice Essay (final version) …….………………………...………….…………page 30-34

Caitlin Ankerich

Professor Redding/English 1101

December 5,2012

Dear Mrs. Redding,

I vividly remember coming into your class for the first time fresh out of high school. I

was scared out of my wits. I felt as if I were a horrible writer. When you gave us our first essay

assignment i was extremely nervous about it. When the grades came in, to my surprise, I made

an 81 on my first college paper. It was also one of the highest in the class, which made me feel a

little better about myself. As I looked over my essay I saw several grammatical errors along with

things such as PR25 or PR35, which meant I needed to refer to the infamous 38 Picky Rules for

that particular error. I also had a little difficulty when trying to conclude my essays.

After the first few weeks of class had passed, I was amazed at how much new information I

had learned. Before taking this course, I had never even heard of the 38 Picky Rules. I never

knew they even existed. They came in handy when writing essays and helped me use other

words instead of words I use in everyday sentences. Another important thing that I learned, was

that thesis statements are very important when writing a good paper. If you do not have a good

thesis statement, you will not have a good paper. I also learned more about siting which was very

useful and helpful.

After taking your English 1101 class, I feel more successful as a writer. I feel that my writing

skills have progressively improved over the semester, and I am able to be more thorough with

my essays and make them sound more professional. My papers are now able to flow more

smoothly and make sense throughout the entire paper.

I know for a fact that I am not perfect writer. There are still a few things that I need work on. I

feel I have been well prepared for any future college class that I may take, because you helped

me so much throughout this semester to become a better writer.

Sincerely,

Caitlin Ankerich

Quality Comparison

Throughout the semester we composed several different essays, each on a different topic.

The two essays that I chose to compare were my first essay about something I believe in and the

third which was about advertisement analysis. As I compared the mistakes made in both of the

essays the majority of them were the same.

Throughout my essays there were markings telling me to refer to the 38 pick rules. Other

similarities included changing words to make my paper sound more professional and rewording

things along with putting the similar things into separate paragraphs. Also throughout my essay

there were markings indicating that I had unnecessary words. Other markings indicated that I had

punctuation errors.

Both essays were thoroughly composed, but I feel that my first essay came together more

easily. I feel that it came together more easily because it was on a topic that I felt strongly about.

The third essay on the other hand was a little more difficult and required me to think about the

topic more. This essay helped me build up my writing skills and made me a more confident

writer.

Ankerich1

Ankerich2

Caitlin Ankerich

English 1101/Professor Redding

Composition 3

October 14, 2012

Advertisement Analysis

Have you ever popped the top of an ice cold refreshing Coke and felt the tingle of the

bubbles gliding down your throat? These days, Coke advertisers are aiming to get more people to

do so. Advertisers are using different slogans along with bright colors and images to intrigue

consumers to buy buy Coke products. This advertisement for Coke which aims to children and

non-Coke drinkers tries to make spring all about coke and the lifestyle created to go along with

it, and achieves its goal effectively because it mainly targets younger children and non-Coke-

Drinkers due to the bright, vivid colors and images that it displays.

This Coke advertisement was part of Coke’s campaign to make spring all about Coke

and the lifestyle created to go along with it, which was one of happiness and a care free attitude.

This advertisement consists of many branches, flowers and butterflies all coming out of the top

of the Coke bottle. The Coke bottle in this particular advertisement seems to represents a tree

trunk. The whole scene is very colorful. All of the colors clearly contrasts with the red silhouette

of the Coke bottle. The white space around the advertisement is meant to represent the boring

life you will have if you are a non- Coke drinker. Along the bottom of the advertisement is the

slogan, “spring to the Coke side of life”. This was a rallying call to anyone that did not regularly

drink Coke. This advertisement delivers a clear, distinct message about Coke. Also it helps to

emphasize a carefree lifestyle, which is represented by the wide variety of colors that were used.

Ankerich3

In this advertisement the colors coming out of the top of the coke bottle are bright colors and

appear to have a childlike quality to them. In this advertisement, the advertisers try to persuade

the consumer that the joys of life are impossible to achieve without the help of Coke. The

advertisers are also trying to persuade the viewers to take up drinking Coke instead of another

soft drink; which leads to more business. It does this using certain text and imagery working

together, the slogan reads “spring into the Coke side of life”. “Spring” can implicate a number of

different things. Spring, the season, is seen as a period of change from the cold Winter to the

happiness of Spring and Summer. This implies that if you start drinking Coke your life will only

continue to get better and better. The imagery of the butterfly also helps to strengthen this point

as well because butterflies are not only a sign of the beginning of spring but are also an

international symbol of change as they grow through the different stages of their lives.

This Coke advertisement applies mainly to non-coke-drinkers and younger children

because of the bright colors that it has. The advertisement is urging non-Coke-drinkers, along

with younger children to take up drinking Coke. It helps urge them by using text imagery to

work together with the slogan. The advertisers of Coke are trying to persuade the non-Coke

drinkers that by switching to Coke they will be able to live their life to the fullest. The

advertisement is implying that if the consumer “Springs into the Coke Side of Life” by drinking

Coke, the consumer will live a happier fuller life. The slogan here is used to catch the

consumer’s attention and make them think, “Hey, I am not on the Coke side of life. Maybe I

should be there?”. As a result, the consumer will buy the ice cold Coke. The big butterflies along

with the colorful swirls and designs immediately catches the eyes of small children because they

are intrigued by colorful things flashing in front of them. This helps assume the same feeling the

consumer will attain when they try Coke for the very first time. Coke advertisers also succeed in

Ankerich4

persuading the younger children and non-Coke drinkers that a life full of joy is impossible to

achieve without the help of Coke.

This Coke advertisement aiming towards children and non-Coke drinkers tries to make

spring all about coke and the lifestyle created to go along with it. This advertisement achieves its

goal effectively because of its target consumers and the bright vibrant colors that it displays. It

proves the thesis statement because it tries to manipulate the way the human mind works and

tries to convince them to buy the product based on only what is seen.

I changed a few “theirs” here and there. changed a few verbs to make it sound better.

deleted a sentence or two that were unnecessary. replaced “person” with consumer in various

places. Reworded a few things.

Caitlin Ankerich

English 1101/Redding

Composition1: This I Believe...

31 August 2012

I Believe in True Love

Wow, there are so many things I believe in that it is hard to pick just one. I believe in

honesty, treating others with respect, God, family, forgiving others, and so many more. But, the

one belief that stands out from the rest is true love.

Two years ago, I went to eat at a restaurant with my family and friends. At the time, I had

no idea I would be meeting my future boyfriend. When I got to the restaurant every seat at the

table was taken except for one. The seat just so happened to be beside my mom’s friends son.

The moment I laid eyes on him, my heart began to race and butterflies instantly filled my

stomach. I thought to myself, “Oh my goodness, he is the most handsome boy I have ever seen”.

The closer I came to sitting in the chair the more my heart raced. Once I sat down he looked at

me with the most beautiful eyes in the world, smiled and said, “Hey, I’m Kyle.” From that very

moment, I felt an instant connection. When the night was over he and I said our goodbyes and

parted ways. At the time, I was unaware that I would see him again soon.

The following weekend Kyle’s dad had a cookout at his house. My mom received an

invite, and she brought me along. As soon as I arrived and found out Kyle was there too, my

heart filled with joy. As the night went on Kyle and I decided to sit on the couch and watch

television. At first it was awkward, because he sat on one end of the couch and I on the other.

About half way through the movie he scoots closer to me. Once again, my heart starts racing.

Then I look over at him and he looks back at me with his gorgeous eyes. The next thing I know

he is kissing me. At that moment so many things raced through my mind. When the three second

kiss ended I opened my eyes to see him smiling at me. It was the most amazing feeling in the

world.

The following day I went to my grandparent’s lake house. I invited Kyle to come along.

On that hot 11th day of July, Kyle gently held my hand and asked me,“Caitlin, will you be my

girlfriend?” I was so surprised that he asked me. I felt like the happiest girl in the world. I

quickly replied, “Yes!” From that day on Kyle and I became inseparable. Kyle and I wanted to

get to see each other as much as possible. Even though it was tough living so far apart and

neither of us had a car, our true love held us together.

I cannot begin to express how many arguments Kyle and I have gotten into over the past

2 years. But, every argument ends with either me or him crying, and hugging each other because

we hurt one another’s feelings. It absolutely breaks my heart when things like that happen. But, I

am so thankful I was lucky enough to find my true love, and for him to want to stay with me

even when times got tough. I believe if you are lucky enough to find your true love hold on to them. If

they have the same feelings, then it was meant to be. I truly believe that is what true love is. I believe

that true love has helped me along the way and has made me realize that all guys are not the

same. One day that special guy will come along and things will all fall into place. It just takes

time. "There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a

single flashing, throbbing moment."(Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever).

Ankerich1

Ankerich2

Caitlin Ankerich


Composition 3

October 14, 2012


Have you ever popped the top of an ice cold refreshing Coke and felt the tingle of the

bubbles gliding down your throat? These days, Coke advertisers are aiming to get more people to

do so. Advertisers are using different slogans along with bright colors and images to intrigue

consumers to buy buy Coke products. This advertisement for Coke which aims to children and

non-Coke drinkers tries to make spring all about coke and the lifestyle created to go along with

it, and achieves its goal effectively because it mainly targets younger children and non-Coke-

Drinkers due to the bright, vivid colors and images that it displays.

This Coke advertisement was part of Coke’s campaign to make spring all about Coke

and the lifestyle created to go along with it, which was one of happiness and a care free attitude.

This advertisement consists of many branches, flowers and butterflies all coming out of the top

of the Coke bottle. The Coke bottle in this particular advertisement seems to represents a tree

trunk. The whole scene is very colorful. All of the colors clearly contrasts with the red silhouette

of the Coke bottle. The white space around the advertisement is meant to represent the boring

life you will have if you are a non- Coke drinker. Along the bottom of the advertisement is the

slogan, “spring to the Coke side of life”. This was a rallying call to anyone that did not regularly

drink Coke. This advertisement delivers a clear, distinct message about Coke. Also it helps to

emphasize a carefree lifestyle, which is represented by the wide variety of colors that were used.

Comment [GSC1]: Reword into a statement rather than a question

Comment [GSC2]: Change to “consumers”

Comment [GSC3]: Change to “use”

Comment [GSC4]: Delete this word

Comment [GSC5]: Capitalize

Comment [GSC6]: Chang to “is”

Comment [GSC7]: Before this sentence say “As you notice in the more recent Coca- Cola advertisements, advertisers use Coke rather than Coca-Cola which was used in older advertisements.” “This advertisement tries to be hip and up to date by shortening the name.”

Comment [GSC8]: Change to “extremely”

Comment [GSC9]: Delete this word

Comment [GSC10]: Change to “the consumer is”

Comment [GSC11]: After this sentence state, “This connects to the advertisers message because ------------------. I Believe that this advertisement is very effective because -----------------------.

Comment [GSC12]: Make into three separate paragraphs.

Comment [GSC13]: Change to “The advertisement is”

Comment [GSC14]: Change to “cry”

Comment [GSC15]: Change to “consumers”

Comment [GSC16]: That consumers will not have a lifetime of happiness if they do not consume Coke.

Comment [GSC17]: Change to “represents”

Ankerich3

In this advertisement the colors coming out of the top of the coke bottle are bright colors and

appear to have a childlike quality to them. In this advertisement, the advertisers try to persuade

the consumer that the joys of life are impossible to achieve without the help of Coke. The

advertisers are also trying to persuade the viewers to take up drinking Coke instead of another

soft drink; which leads to more business. It does this using certain text, and imagery working

together, the slogan reads “spring into the Coke side of life”. “Spring” can implicate a number of

different things. Spring, the season, is seen as a period of change from the cold Winter to the

happiness of Spring and Summer. This implies that if you start drinking Coke your life will only

continue to get better and better. The imagery of the butterfly also helps to strengthen this point

as well because butterflies are not only a sign of the beginning of spring but are also an

international symbol of change as they grow through the different stages of their lives.


because of the bright colors that it has. The advertisement is urging non-Coke-drinkers, along

with younger children to take up drinking Coke. It helps urge them by using text imagery to

work together with the slogan. The advertisers of Coke are trying to persuade the non-Coke

drinkers that by switching to Coke they will be able to live their life to the fullest. The

advertisement is implying that if the consumer “Springs into the Coke Side of Life” by drinking

Coke, the consumer will live a happier fuller life. The slogan here is used to catch the

consumer’s attention and make them think, “Hey, I am not on the Coke side of life. Maybe I

should be there?” As a result, the consumer will buy the ice cold Coke. The big butterflies along

with the colorful swirls and designs immediately catches the eyes of small children because they

are intrigued by colorful things flashing in front of them. This helps assume the same feeling the

consumer will attain when they try Coke for the very first time. Coke advertisers also succeed in

Comment [GSC18]: After this sentence say,”The reason for the advertisers using elements that are colorful and bright and the reason they used butterflies was to imply that they were referring to Spring when the advertisers were creating the advertisement.

Comment [GSC19]: Which includes the slogan

Comment [GSC20]: Which includes the picture of the Coke bottle.

Comment [GSC21]: Delete this

Comment [GSC22]: Change to “the consumer”

Comment [GSC23]: Reword and make it flow with rest of paragraph

Comment [GSC24]: delete

Ankerich4

persuading the younger children and non-Coke drinkers that a life full of joy is impossible to

achieve without the help of Coke.






I changed a few “theirs” here and there. changed a few verbs to make it sound better.

deleted a sentence or two that were unnecessary. replaced “person” with consumer in various

places. Reworded a few things.

Comment [GSC25]: delete this before butting into final

Ankerich1

Ankerich2

Caitlin Ankerich


Composition 3

October 14, 2012


Imagine popping the top of an ice cold refreshing Coke on a hot summer day and feeling

the tingle of the bubbles gliding down your throat. These days, Coke advertisers are aiming to

get more consumers to do so. Advertisers use different slogans along with bright colors and

images to intrigue consumers to buy Coke products. This advertisement for Coke which aims to

children and non-Coke drinkers tries to make spring all about coke and the lifestyle created to go

along with it, and achieves its goal effectively because it mainly targets younger children and

non-Coke-Drinkers due to the bright, vivid colors and images that it displays.

This Coke advertisement is part of Coke’s campaign to make spring all about Coke and

the lifestyle created to go along with it, which was one of happiness and a care free attitude. As

you notice in the more recent Coca- Cola advertisements, advertisers use Coke rather than Coca-

Cola which was used in older advertisements. This advertisement tries to be hip and up to date

by shortening the name. This advertisement consists of many branches, flowers and butterflies

all coming out of the top of the Coke bottle. The Coke bottle in this particular advertisement

seems to represents a tree trunk. The whole scene is extremely colorful. All of the colors

contrasts with the red silhouette of the Coke bottle.

Ankerich3

The white space around the advertisement is meant to represent the boring life you will

have if you are a non- Coke drinker. Advertisers are trying to convince the consumers that their

life will be boring and blank if they are not regular Coke drinkers.

Along the bottom of the advertisement is the slogan, “spring to the Coke side of life”.

The advertisement is a rallying cry to consumers that did not regularly drink Coke. This

advertisement delivers a clear, distinct message that consumers will not have a lifetime of

happiness if they do not consume Coke. Also it helps to emphasize a carefree lifestyle, which

represents the wide variety of colors that were used. In this advertisement the colors coming out

of the top of the coke bottle are bright colors and appear to have a childlike quality to them. In

this advertisement, the advertisers try to persuade the consumer that the joys of life are

impossible to achieve without the help of Coke. The advertisers are also trying to persuade the

viewers to take up drinking Coke instead of another soft drink; which leads to more business.

It does this using certain text and imagery working together, the slogan reads “spring into

the Coke side of life”. “Spring” can implicate a number of different things. Spring, the season, is

seen as a period of change from the cold Winter to the happiness of Spring and Summer. This

implies that if you start drinking Coke your life will only continue to get better and better.


because of the bright colors that it has. The reason for the advertisers using elements that are

colorful and bright and the reason they used butterflies was to imply that they were referring to

Spring when the advertisers were creating the advertisement. The advertisement is urging non-

Coke-drinkers, along with younger children to take up drinking Coke. It helps urge them by

using text imagery to work together with the slogan, “Spring into the Coke side of life”. The

advertisers of Coke are trying to persuade the non-Coke drinkers that by switching to Coke they

Ankerich4

will be able to live their life to the fullest. The advertisement is implying that if the consumer

“Springs into the Coke Side of Life” by drinking Coke, the consumer will live a happier fuller

life. The slogan here is used to catch the consumer’s attention and make them think, “Hey, I am

not on the Coke side of life. Maybe I should be there?” As a result, the consumer will buy the ice

cold Coke.

The big butterflies along with the colorful swirls and designs immediately catches the

eyes of small children because they are intrigued by colorful things flashing in front of them.

This helps assume the same feeling the consumer will attain when they try Coke for the very first

time. Coke advertisers also succeed in persuading the younger children and non-Coke drinkers

that a life full of joy is impossible to achieve without the help of Coke. The imagery of the

butterfly also helps to strengthen this point as well because butterflies are not only a sign of the

beginning of spring but are also an international symbol of change as they grow through the

different stages of their lives.






Caitlin Ankerich



31 August 2012













parted ways. Although, I was unaware that I would see him again soon.

The following weekend Kyle’s dad had a cookout at his house. My mom got invited and

she brought me along. When I got there and found out Kyle was there too, my heart filled with

joy. As the night went on Kyle and I decided to sit on the couch and watch tv. At first it was

awkward, because he sat on one end of the couch and I on the other. About half way through the

movie he scoots closer to me. Once again, my heart starts racing. Then I look over at him and he

looks back at me with his gorgeous eyes. The next thing I know he is kissing me. At that moment

Comment [GSC1]: Change to at the time

Comment [GSC2]: change to “received an invite”

Comment [GSC3]: change to “as soon as I arrived”

Comment [GSC4]: Change to “television”

so many things began running through my head. When the three second kiss ended I opened my

eyes to see him smiling at me. It was the most amazing feeling in the world.





get to see each other as much as possible. Although it was very troublesome since we lived an

hour away from each other, and neither of us had a car at the time.



we hurt one another’s feelings. It absolutely breaks my heart when things like that happen. But ,I


even when times got tough. I truly believe that is what true love is. "There is never a time or

place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing

moment"(Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever).

Precis

thesis- I believe in true love.

What do I believe in? Two years ago, I went to eat at a restaurant with my family and friends.

The next thing I know we’re kissing. On that hot 11th day of July, Kyle gently held my hand and

asked my to be his girlfriend. I truly believe that is what true love is.

Comment [GSC5]: Change to “raced”

Comment [GSC6]: Change to “mind”

Comment [GSC7]: Change to “even though it was tough living so far apart and neither of us had a car, our true love held us together.”

Comment [GSC8]: After this sentence state, “I believe if you are lucky enough to find your true love hold on to them. If they have the same feelings, then it was meant to be.”

Comment [GSC9]: I believe that true love has helped me along the way and has made me realize that all guys are not the same. One day that special guy will come along and things will all fall into place. It just takes time.

Caitlin Ankerich



31 August 2012













parted ways. Although, I was unaware that I would see him again soon.

The following weekend Kyle’s dad had a cookout at his house. My mom got invited and

she brought me along. When I got there and found out Kyle was there too, my heart filled with

joy. As the night went on Kyle and I decided to sit on the couch and watch tv. At first it was

awkward, because he sat on one end of the couch and I on the other. About half way through the

movie he scoots closer to me. Once again, my heart starts racing. Then I look over at him and he

looks back at me with his gorgeous eyes. The next thing I know he is kissing me. At that moment

so many things began running through my head. When the three second kiss ended I opened my

eyes to see him smiling at me. It was the most amazing feeling in the world.





get to see each other as much as possible. Although it was very troublesome since we lived an

hour away from each other, and neither of us had a car at the time.



we hurt one another’s feelings. It absolutely breaks my heart when things like that happen. But ,I


even when times got tough. I truly believe that is what true love is. "There is never a time or

place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing

moment"(Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever).

Precis

thesis- I believe in true love.

What do I believe in? Two years ago, I went to eat at a restaurant with my family and friends.

The next thing I know we’re kissing. On that hot 11th day of July, Kyle gently held my hand and

asked my to be his girlfriend. I truly believe that is what true love is.

Caitlin Ankerich

The Life of Elizabeth I

Professor Rickman

November 5, 2012

Caitlin Ankerich

Professor Rickman

History 1112

November 5, 2012


Summary

The Life of Elizabeth I is a biography about Elizabeth I, and it focuses on her personal life

rather than her political life. As the reader reads they gain insight into her personality and details

that she accomplished in her everyday life. Also, as the book follows her throughout her life we

learn that she was not just a queen, but a very sophisticated lady. Queen Elizabeth I lead England

into the Golden Ages by emphasizing the importance of education becoming the Virgin Queen

and, letting parliament get involved in the government.

Elizabeth Tudor, born in 1533, was born to King Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn. At the

time of her birth, her father was very upset that his wife was unable to conceive a boy child. He

wanted a son in order to take his place on the throne. At the age of two Elizabeth’s father killed

her mother, Ann Boleyn, for not having a boy child. Elizabeth was traumatized by this. He was

also the murderer of his other wives. Years later King Henry VIII did receive a son but he died at

a very young age. In 1533, after his death, Elizabeth’s older sister Mary I came to the throne.

While on the throne, Mary converted religion from Protestantism to Catholicism. She was also

Comment [GSC1]: No need for this since there is cover page.

responsible for sending her sister Elizabeth to the Tower of London. She was sent there because

Sir Thomas Wyat threatened to end Mary’s rule, and she believed that Elizabeth was involved

with this act. Elizabeth was able to survive the situation and became queen when Mary died in

1558.

Once she was on the throne, she converted religion from Protestantism back to Catholicism. She

was also responsible for passing the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity. The Acts of Supremacy,

also known as the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, was passed in 1558 and under Queen

Elizabeth I of England. Her father issued the first act but it was later replaced with her act. Both

of their acts placed English Monarch at the head of the head of the church. The Act of

Uniformity, also established in 1558, created the Elizabethan Religious Settlement. She was also

responsible for the making of the Book of Common Prayer; which was the official book of

worship.

Queen Elizabeth was also known as the “Virgin Queen” because she never married. People also

knew her as “Elizabeth the Great” because she was such an outstanding queen to her country.

She was able to rule her country ably and initiated an era of prosperity. Throughout her reign,

she was said to have been in scandalous romance with Robert Dudley. He was a childhood

schoolmate of the Queen’s. Robert was very unpopular amongst other countries, but not to

Queen Elizabeth I. Robert meant a lot to the Queen and he could not leave her side without

leaving her in great pain.

Throughout Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, there were many attempts to get her thrown off

the throne. Most of these attempts included replacing her with Mary Queen of Scots. Mary

Queen of Scots, was the Catholic heiress to Scotland's throne. She was closely related to the

Comment [GSC2]: Capitalize

Comment [GSC3]: Indent here

Comment [GSC4]: Indent here

Comment [GSC5]: Delete comma after this

Tudor line of royalty, and had some claim to the throne. Many Catholic people throughout

Europe believed that Mary Queen of Scots should have been on the throne instead of Elizabeth.

By 1590, most of Queen Elizabeth I’s most trusted advisors began dying. Her favorite advisor

however, was Robert Devereux, also known as Earl of Essex. Earl of Essex was sent by Queen

Elizabeth to summon her army. He disobeyed her orders and was banished. Due to his

banishment he attempted to raise a rebellion. He was later executed in 1601 by the orders of the

queen.

As Queen Elizabeth entered her final years, she was still very popular. While her old age

brought her reverence it also brought her a great amount of loneliness. She outlived all of her

friends as well as advisors. As Queen Elizabeth’s life began to come to an end England’s

economy began to decline. Her many years of prosperity lead to rapid inflation. As the Queen’s

last few years approached, she began to show signs of senility. At the time though, no one was

up and willing to correct the mistakes made by the Queen. Later on in 1603, with her old age and

health problems, the Queen passed on. Her passing was very sad, but she was able to rule her

country with great wisdom and skill for nearly half a century.

Purpose

The Life of Elizabeth I, written by Alison Weir, was written to inform people about the life

experiences of Queen Elizabeth. This book follows the Queen during her early years from her

birth in 1533, until her death in 1603. She has also written many other books such as this one. All

of her books seem to take place during the same time period which is around the time of Queen

Elizabeth and her reign.

Comment [GSC6]: Change to including

Historiography

Many scholars have done previous research on the topic of Queen Elizabeth before this book

was published. Such works include Behind the Mask: The Life of Queen Elizabeth I. In this

book, as well as The Life of Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth is portrayed as a very successful

monarch to many people. In both books she was able to establish and successfully maintain her

power on the throne. Also, in the book, Elizabeth the I: Her Life in Letters, although the book is

strictly just letters, the Queen is still portrayed as a high successful authority figure to the people

of England. Also in many other books it is mentioned how she had a dysfunctional family and a

traumatized home life. Weir also gives her readers a refreshing view of Elizabeth as a Queen and

her motives.

Views about the book

Although this was my first time reading this book, I found it quite interesting. Another thing

that I found interesting was, how much I did not know about Queen Elizabeth before she became

Queen. Throughout the entire book Alison Weir’s writing had great clarity. She also writes about

her topics as if she were actually there experiencing these events with the people. Alison Weir

also does a good job of using vivid details to help the reader create a picture in their mind of

what a person looked like or how the weather was etc. The medieval history of the monarchy of

England was also another interesting concept throughout the book. Throughout the book Weir

has a good argument on her views about the queen. In her book Weir portrays Elizabeth as a

successful Queen. Also, it is very apparent that Weir has done research on this topic in order to

Comment [GSC7]: Good historiography

write a biography about Queen Elizabeth I. The Life of Elizabeth I was a very effective book

because it provided good evidence about what events were going on during this time period.

Viewers say that Weir’s books are very engaging and take you back in time to experience these

events.

Caitlin Ankerich


Professor Rickman

November 5, 2012

Caitlin Ankerich

Professor Rickman

History 1112

November 5, 2012


Summary

The Life of Elizabeth I is a biography about Elizabeth I and it focuses on her personal life

rather than her political life. As the reader reads they gain insight into her personality and details

that she accomplished in her everyday life. Also, as the book follows her throughout her life we

learn that she was not just a queen, but a very sophisticated lady. Queen Elizabeth I lead England

into the Golden Ages by emphasizing the importance of education becoming the Virgin Queen

and, letting parliament get involved in the government.

Elizabeth Tudor, born in 1533, was born to King Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn. At the

time of her birth, her father was very upset that his wife was unable to conceive a boy child. He

wanted a son in order to take his place on the throne. At the age of two Elizabeth’s father killed

her mother, Ann Boleyn, for not having a boy child. Elizabeth was traumatized by this. He was

also the murderer of his other wives. Years later King Henry VIII did receive a son but he died at

a very young age. In 1533, after his death, Elizabeth’s older sister Mary I came to the throne.

While on the throne, Mary converted religion from Protestantism to Catholicism. She was also

responsible for sending her sister Elizabeth to the Tower of London. She was sent there because

Sir Thomas Wyatt threatened to end Mary’s rule, and she believed that Elizabeth was involved

with this act. Elizabeth was able to survive the situation and became Queen when Mary died in

1558.

Once she was on the throne, she converted religion from Protestantism back to

Catholicism. She was also responsible for passing the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity. The

Acts of Supremacy, also known as the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, was passed in 1558 and

under Queen Elizabeth I of England. Her father issued the first act but it was later replaced with

her act. Both of their acts placed English Monarch at the head of the head of the church. The Act

of Uniformity, also established in 1558, created the Elizabethan Religious Settlement. She was

also responsible for the making of the Book of Common Prayer; which was the official book of

worship.

Queen Elizabeth was also known as the “Virgin Queen” because she never married.

People also knew her as “Elizabeth the Great” because she was such an outstanding queen to her

country. She was able to rule her country ably and initiated an era of prosperity. Throughout her

reign, she was said to have been in scandalous romance with Robert Dudley. He was a childhood

schoolmate of the Queen’s. Robert was very unpopular amongst other countries, but not to

Queen Elizabeth I. Robert meant a lot to the Queen and he could not leave her side without

leaving her in great pain.

Throughout Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, there were many attempts to get her thrown off

the throne. Most of these attempts included replacing her with Mary Queen of Scots. Mary

Queen of Scots was the Catholic heiress to Scotland's throne. She was closely related to the

Tudor line of royalty, and had some claim to the throne. Many Catholic people throughout

Europe believed that Mary Queen of Scots should have been on the throne instead of Elizabeth.

By 1590, most of Queen Elizabeth I’s most trusted advisors began dying. Her favorite

advisor however, was Robert Devereux, also known as Earl of Essex. Earl of Essex was sent by

Queen Elizabeth to summon her army. He disobeyed her orders and was banished. Due to his

banishment he attempted to raise a rebellion. He was later executed in 1601 by the orders of the

queen.

As Queen Elizabeth entered her final years, she was still very popular. While her old age

brought her reverence it also brought her a great amount of loneliness. She outlived all of her

friends as well as advisors. As Queen Elizabeth’s life began to come to an end England’s

economy began to decline. Her many years of prosperity lead to rapid inflation. As the Queen’s

last few years approached, she began to show signs of senility. At the time though, no one was

up and willing to correct the mistakes made by the Queen. Later on in 1603, with her old age and

health problems, the Queen passed on. Her passing was very sad, but she was able to rule her

country with great wisdom and skill for nearly half a century.

Purpose

The Life of Elizabeth I, written by Alison Weir, was written to inform people about the life

experiences of Queen Elizabeth. This book follows the Queen during her early years from her

birth in 1533, until her death in 1603. She has also written many other including this one. All of

her books seem to take place during the same time period which is around the time of Queen

Elizabeth and her reign.

Historiography

Many scholars have done previous research on the topic of Queen Elizabeth before this book

was published. Such works include Behind the Mask: The Life of Queen Elizabeth I. In this

book, as well as The Life of Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth is portrayed as a very successful

monarch to many people. In both books she was able to establish and successfully maintain her

power on the throne. Also, in the book, Elizabeth the I: Her Life in Letters, although the book is

strictly just letters, the Queen is still portrayed as a high successful authority figure to the people

of England. Also in many other books it is mentioned how she had a dysfunctional family and a

traumatized home life. Weir also gives her readers a refreshing view of Elizabeth as a Queen and

her motives.

Views about the book

Although this was my first time reading this book, I found it quite interesting. Another thing

that I found interesting was how much I did not know about Queen Elizabeth before she became

Queen. Throughout the entire book Alison Weir’s writing had great clarity. She also writes about

her topics as if she were actually there experiencing these events with the people. Alison Weir

also does a good job of using vivid details to help the reader create a picture in their mind of

what a person looked like or how the weather was etc. The medieval history of the monarchy of

England was also another interesting concept throughout the book. Throughout the book Weir

has a good argument on her views about the queen. In her book Weir portrays Elizabeth as a

successful Queen. Also, it is very apparent that Weir has done research on this topic in order to

write a biography about Queen Elizabeth I. The Life of Elizabeth I was a very effective book

because it provided good evidence about what events were going on during this time period.

Viewers say that Weir’s books are very engaging and take you back in time to experience these

events.

development of writing

Documents