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Brandon Neff Haskell

Sean M. George
English 1010.40
13 December 2015
My Experience During English 1010
In reading this letter, I sincerely hope that you will comprehend the materials included
within my portfolio. This portfolio contains four essays written for an English 1010.40:
Introductory to Writing class at Dixie State University. Each essay contains a different form of
writing. Including: A Literacy Narrative, Analysis of texts, Reporting Information, and Arguing a
Position. In writing these essays, my specific audiences were my peers and professor. I chose
these specific topics because I felt comfortable finding research, and informative information
about the topics. Below, I will describe the strengths and weaknesses within my essays. Also, I
will describe my strengths and weaknesses in writing.
In my Literacy Narrative, Disability or Not, I found it easy to explain my difficulties in
learning; especially, with reading and writing. The essay is straight forward and uses my personal
information in depth, but it lacks in academic vocabulary. Using better vocabulary, or better
words wouldve helped me explain my thoughts more efficiently. However, the topic was narrow
and I didnt need research, or outside sources because it is my life story. There are sentences in
this paper that are fragments; and needed more information than that which was included. I have
the ability to describe my thoughts in a productive way, but in this essay I had difficulty in
sentence structure, and grammar. Multiple things in grammar, structure, and word choice can be
changed to improve the quality of this essay.

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The Second essay, Analyzing texts, was Informative on the ads that were used, but
lacked in the descriptions. Better vocabulary helps describe the thoughts and perspective of the
person viewing these ads. I enjoyed the task of looking at the ads from a different view and
noticing things that we usually dont see. This essay describes the effectiveness in ads when seen
by consumers. It also, describes the words that are used in them, and the ability these words have
in drawing customer interests. It also describes the name used and background on the company;
implying an added incentive to purchase the vehicle by its standing in quality.
The Third essay, How Does War Effect Veterans? is to report the effect that war has on
soldiers. This essay describes in detail this chosen topic. This essay is meant to help the reader
learn more about the subject, and find new information on the topic. This report, like all reports,
is meant to give knowledge and interest to the reader. It explains the difficulty of PTSD on war
veterans and the effects they have because of it. The research found helped give validity to the
topic, and promising information to the reader. This essay was done well, but I noticed that I
shouldve expanded my research and found other evidence from a different source. Using
academic sources helps provide sound evidence, and support for the topic given.
The Fourth and final essay, Animal Rights, argues the point that animals are entitled to
the same rights as humans. This essay shows the difference between those who are against and
for animal rights. In the essay, its argued that humans dont care, or give interest in providing
animals with rights. It is implied that things need to be changed to help animals and keep them
from going extinct. The essay describes the importance of treating animals with respect and
giving them equality with humans.
English 1010, has helped me realize the importance of writing on a college level. This
class changed my way of thinking, and helped me have the desire to improve my writing. I have

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learned that I am a weak writer; and I have much to learn in order to improve. I have come to
understand the writing process, and my mistakes with fragments and run-on sentences. I know
that as I write and study the proper structure of sentences that my writing skills will be improved
for the future. I have realized the importance of using correct language to describe a topic, or
structure a paper correctly. Its my desire to become an excellent writer, contributing to the
writing community, and preparing me for my future career. Im thankful for the things I have
learned in this class and plan to continue learning more to master my mother tongue.