The research essay was the biggest assignment yet, however because it was up to us to choose the topic I found it extremely engaging. During this phase we learned how to use specific rhetoric strategies like synthesis or rhetoric precis. In my opinion this phase not only contributed to our improvement in writing but also gave exact guidelines on how to write specific part of the essays like intro, or conclusion. And I think it is beneficial for us, especially as the freshmen who are going to write a lot of essays in the future, not only research essays.