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Elijah Chavez
Professor Maya Alapin
English 220-023
9 December 2015
Reflective Letter
Gathering information for an essay is done through brainstorming. A well-written
persuasive summary, requires balancing what the original author is saying with the writers own
focus. When constructing an argument, there are three extremely important factors to include. In
the introduction, a writer must always include a clear central thesis directed towards a specific
audience. Second, the structure of the body paragraphs need to be organized, supported, and
balanced with logical facts, evidence, and convincing explanations. Third, an argument must
always include a strong conclusion, which briefly reiterates the central thesis and key points.
When summarizing others arguments, there are three extremely important factors to
include. First, to accurately gain a full understanding of an original text a writer needs to
carefully read, outline, and identify the authors original thesis, purpose, and main points.
Second, when supporting a claim a writer always needs to properly cite and source, use relevant
direct quotes, and paraphrase (in your own words) examples. Third, writers must never interject
their own personal opinions or interpretations when summarizing others arguments.
When properly quoting others arguments, there are three extremely important factors to
include. First, writers must always select wisely chosen quotations that strongly support their
claims. The meaning of the quotation must be obvious, thoroughly explained, and easily

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interpreted to their readers and specific audiences. Second, a writer must always use and include
correct punctuation, indents, and citations. Third, effective quotations must always be adequately
introduced, framed, and provide comprehensive explanatory sentences with the use of vivid and
precise signal verbs.
The objective and purpose of Expository writing is about sharing information to inform,
explain, and present a topic by providing relevant details, information, and facts. Expository
writing introduces topics, explains content, makes connections, and gives context. Successful
arguments need to be organized and structured. Arguments study, analyze, and annotate
information. There must be a detailed topic, thesis, and strong main ideas. We need to elaborate
supporting details to have a greater understanding of the context. Every expository essay has two
main components, a thesis and evidence. Writing a good expository essay requires knowledge of
the topic (by research). A good expository essay also requires the writer to know the chosen
audience well. This means the writer needs to be specific and choose information the audience
will value. Language is powerful, engaging, and enlightening.
Rhetorical Situations analyze, compose, and reflect on arguments in a variety of genres.
Rhetorical Situations consider strategies, claims, evidence, and various mediums and
technologies that are appropriate to the rhetorical situation. A Rhetorical Analysis examines the
elements that make an argument effective. By practicing the principles of a Rhetorical Analysis,
the goal is to articulate how the writer communicates to their audience. I have learned various
methods on how a good Rhetorical Analysis should be done. When it comes to a Rhetorical
Analysis, though its important to recognize the meaning of a text, this is not the objective of a
Rhetorical analysis. Its imperative that when you do this type of analysis that you should clearly
identify the speakers intentions, motives, and the different types of strategies he or she is using

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to achieve their goal. By critical interpretation and examination of a piece of text, this goes
beyond merely being influenced by a considerable amount of noteworthy facts. Its questioning
and searching how the text achieved its desirable effects.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) focus primarily on a student learning perspective.
SLOs observe, guide, and measure academic growth, performance, and learning. SLOs have
clear educational goals, learning objectives, and guidelines to follow. Student Learning
Outcomes reflect and define the curriculum expectations of a course. The main purpose of
Student Learning Outcomes is to achieve, evaluate, and demonstrate the appropriate learning
skills, knowledge, and values obtained in the course. The goal of SLOs is to improve, expand,
and apply critical thinking, intelligence, and communication.
1. Analyze Rhetorical Situations: Students will analyze the subject, purpose, audience, and
constraints that influence and determine what kind of document (genre) they will write.
Project 1: Research Paper
Research, or Latin word Investigatio meaning to investigate is a type of writing genre that
argues, describes, and questions a topic. It makes connections and uses primary/secondary
sources. I was successfully able to analyze and interpret the meaning of enlightenment by critical
thinking and close examination. I presented major concepts and expanded on main ideas. I stated
how Plato described and questioned the meaning, nature, and forms of truth, justice, leadership,
and government.
Project 2: Argument
Argument, or Latin word Arguerre meaning to "make clear" is a specific genre of writing that
requires a full set of knowledge about all positions taken on the topic. I was successfully able to

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argue that fast food is a detriment to the human body by stating and explaining the dangerous
side effects of eating fast foods. I clearly stated fast food restaurants have taken a toll on
consumers health with outrageous rising rates in obesity. I also mentioned how fast foods are
filled with unnatural compounds of artificial ingredients, preservatives, additives, and chemicals.
Project 3: Proposal Genre
Report, or Latin word Reportare meaning to "bring back" information, is a type of genre defined
as, the controversial practice of covert operations and determine by criteria which you decide
whether the overall enterprise is a success or a failure. What's more, a Report/Proposal Analysis
is not simply a summary of an article it's a formal statement of results of an investigation. I was
successfully able to proposal and report my food source manifesto by stating the importance of
knowledge and education of food. I defined nutrition as the science of food and how our bodies
use the nutrients in food. I also mentioned how education of food provides knowledge of the
types of food to eat and nutritional facts.
2. Find and Evaluate Information: Students will develop research strategies for their
rhetorical situation, and then gather information from primary and secondary sources;
they will evaluate the sources for quality, validity, and appropriateness for the rhetorical
situation.
Project 1: Research Paper
When it comes to reading and writing a Research Paper its all about communication.
Communication is key to being able to influence an audience whether it be to persuade,
entertain, or perform. Being able to influence people by emotion, logic, and credibility is very
important in any sort of debate. I was successfully able to find and evaluate evidence by

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investigating, researching, and defining the path to enlightenment. I used specific references such
as the Allegory of the Cave, by Plato and compared it the, Analogy of the Divided Line, by Plato.
I also mentioned and described how Plato believes there are four levels to approach and obtain
true knowledge, intellect, and spiritual enlightenment.
Project 2: Argument
I have learned that when it comes to editing and composing essays, when you want to make a
clear perspective or a point of view you want to back up all your information with evidence,
statistics, and proof that they should agree with you instead of just stating "I'm right, youre
wrong." I was successfully able to find and evaluate evidence by using and referencing
informative movie documentaries such as Super Size Me and Food, Inc. I also used scientific
reports and compelling data/research statistics to support my claim. I stated facts such as how
obesity links to more than 60 chronic diseases, destroys confidence, and leads to serious health
problems. I also stated how excessive consumption of fast food directly leads to addiction,
obesity, diabetes, depression, and cancer.
Project 3: Proposal Genre
You should present all your facts according to the construction of how a Report/Proposal should
be written consisting of both good and bad statistics. If not, this can make your argument seem
bias, misleading, and not fully outweighed. I was successfully able to find and evaluate evidence
by providing insight to proper nutrition. I stated proper nutrition is incredibly important because
it fully optimizes our energy level. I also mentioned how proper nutrition repairs the body and
prevents dangerous diseases.

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3. Compose Documents: Students will develop strategies for generating content, organizing
it into a logical structure, and otherwise shaping it to address the needs of their audience
within particular disciplines.
Project 1: Research Paper
Investigating, Composing, and researching requires outlining and evaluating main ideas, sources,
and references of a topic. Proper Researching reinforces learning and needs clarification and
organization. I was successfully able to develop a well-written research essay by analyzing and
integrating key points with clear structure. I included direct and specific information. I stated
how true education values freedom of expression, choice, and simply being.
Project 2: Argument
When it comes to debating and writing effectively in the form of an argument, we must sound
professional by clearly expressing your viewpoint in context to other similar ideas. Effective
arguments demonstrate how your concise thesis is better by the use of words, thoughts, and facts.
I was successfully able to develop a strategic argument by using specific examples to support my
claim that eating fast food is a growing crisis and epidemic that needs to be changed. I stated
how fast foods contain extremely high amounts of Trans fat, calories, salt, and sugar which
significantly lowers our immune system. I also mentioned how fast foods are low in antioxidants,
and have very little of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals we need to have a healthy life.
Project 3: Proposal Genre
A reports/proposals purpose and goal is basically to persuade the audience to successfully agree
with you. The more compelling the evidence is the more likely you'll have more people agreeing
with your statements. I was successfully able to develop a convincing report/proposal by stating

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and evaluating important evidence and facts. For instance, I stated how proper nutrition allows us
to give our bodies all the vitamins and minerals it needs to effectively live, grow, and function. I
also mentioned how real fresh food is organic and free from any artificial ingredients and
preservatives.
4. Present Documents: Students will edit and revise their writing to provide clear meaning
and coherent structure; they will use effective document and paragraph structure,
documentation and genre conventions, and document design to create a rhetorically
complete presentation.
Project 1: Research Paper
It's essential we encompass the whole meaning of how to read and write text. You must always
keep your eyes and mind open to different perspectives of people from other cultures. I was
successfully able to present and introduce my research paper by clear analogies, examples, and
steps to become spiritually enlightened. I interpreted, compared, and illustrated the effects of
education on human nature, reality, and consciousness.
Project 2: Argument
As important as the facts are when it comes to writing and public speaking, always keeping in
mind how the reader would feel if hearing or reading my words is probably the most compelling
part when trying to sound believable. I was successfully able to present and introduce my
argumentative essay by clear illustrations and establishing a strong position that fast food causes
immediate damages to the human body. I stated how we must consciously realize the importance
of our physical well-being because it affects our daily lives. I also mentioned how we have to be
motivated to become healthy.

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Project 3: Proposal Genre
A successful Proposal underlines the importance of evaluations and effectiveness of
speech/dialect. The main purpose of a report is to research and provide proper information stepby-step about the topic so that it's easy for the reader to follow. I was successfully able to
propose my food manifesto by defining and basing it upon knowledge of pure nutrition. I stated
that my food manifesto goal is to become a vegetarian and gave convincing reasons and
evidence. I stated and explained how a healthy vegetarian diet preserves our natural
environment, protects animals, and heals our body.
5. Reflection: In reflecting on major writing assignments, students will be able to explain
course outcomes and how they have achieved them.
For my first major writing assignment I was successfully able to illustrate my main concepts by
clearly identifying the main purpose, thesis, and audience. My research paper included
meaningful explanations, convincing sources, and relevant research information. Lastly, my
thesis and audience was clear and direct. I was able to influence my audience by my use of logic,
emotion, and credibility.
For my second major writing assignment I was successfully able to present and introduce my
argumentative essay by clear illustrations and providing effective counter-arguments. My
argumentative essay evaluated information, researched facts, and established a strong position.
My main argument was organized, outlined, and structured well. I was able to influence my
audience by reasons, claims, and evidence.
For my third major writing assignment I was successfully able to describe my food source
manifesto by defining nutrition and food. My proposal essay supported my claim by addressing

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issues, offering alternative ideas, and analyzing sources. My proposal essay has a clear thesis and
clear point of view.