Arguing for the Unknown was a project assigned earlier on in my Art History I class. The assignment required students to select an ancient artifact whose function is unknown and develop a claim regarding the purpose it may have served, explaining and justifying this claim through a two-page minimum paper. My project lightly explores the meaning and possible function of the Nebra Sky Disk, the “oldest known illustration of the sky.” After thoroughly introducing the disk, my paper examines my claim with the help of evidential support, and lastly, finishes with a concise summary. 

 

My first goal was to select an artifact that I previously knew nothing about. I wanted to use this project as a chance to reflect my abilities in quickly mastering new ideas, especially within my discipline, well enough to produce proficient writing and sensible claims while under a tight deadline. Right away, I knew how I was going to achieve this goal, so I wasted no time in beginning my rigorous research process. For me, the key was to examine several sources, and not base all of my information upon just one. While still narrowing my influence to exclusively scholarly sites, I managed to find about 3-4 websites from which I meticulously studied and used to understand the Nebra Sky Disk over the course of several days. I knew I’d exceeded my goal when I could draft my paper with ease, exercising my newfound knowledge by creating a comprehensive yet concise writing.

 

My second goal was to maintain a cohesive writing. This meant that before I could draft my paper, I needed to organize my points and create an outline. Organization is the basis of my work ethic, so it was not difficult for me to utilize this method in developing and assembling my writing. I also made sure that my introductory and concluding paragraphs unified the composition by strongly summarizing the ideas discussed, clarifying the essay’s focus. Things like correct spelling and grammar, consistent MLA format, and visual aids additionally helped establish cohesion and gave reassurance that I’d achieved this goal. 

 

Reflecting on these approaches and achievements, I realize that intentional research and organization facilitated the means for this project. Keeping a focus on these particular elements strengthened my overall argument and message. While various factors become responsible for effective writing, my ambitions, wanting to proficiently grasp new ideas while maintaining a cohesive paper, allowed me to purposefully strategize.