ENC 3250 Professional

Writing: Midterm Reflection

Emily Demurias

What did you learn?

This class has taught me an array of writing techniques and strategies

that will benefit me in becoming a more efficient writer.

In Chapter 1: The Writing Process, I learned more in depth about the

components of writing an essay, and which audiences I am writing to.

In Chapter 2: Workplace Technology, I learned about the technologies that

are essential in workplace writing and guidelines that will allow me to
effectively use them.

In Chapter 4: Correspondence, I learned about correspondence, whether

through email, letters, or memos for example, and how it will allow me
to establish positive working relationships with my readers.

In Chapter 7: Design and Visuals, I learned the many ways I can

incorporate visuals and designs in my text and still come across as clear
and effective.

In Chapter 10: Style and Clarity, I learned many writing techniques that
would assist in developing a style that is clear and effective to the
reader.

Chapter 1: The Writing Process

The assignment related to chapter 1 was Analysis Assignment 1 (AA1), in

which we had to analyze the effectiveness of instructions given to an
audience by understanding the intended purpose.

This was a great assignment and really made me pay attention to the way
instructions were being given, and anticipate the type of audience present.

Chapter 1 Continued

i.
.

Why is this important?

Questions like what? and why? will assist in achieving your purpose.
Life is full of communication and without a purpose, there is nothing.
I am able to use this information throughout my courses and every day life as
well. Being able to communicate a message to an audience is something that
everyone will encounter in their lifetime.

Chapter 4: Correspondence

The WA1 assignment directly correlated with the text in chapter 4.

The objective of the assignment was to rewrite a complaint letter.

Not only did I learn how to properly write a complaint letter without being
offensive, but I also learned the basic requirements of a normal business
letter.

Chapter 4 Continued

i.
ii.
iii.
.

Why is this important?

Utilized in the workplace.
Will allow you to develop proper writing skills.
Professional.
I will be able to use this at my future job and properly write letters of any
sort, whether it be an adjustment, complaint, or even normal business letter.

Chapter 2: Workplace Technology

Chapter 2 went hand in hand with the WA1 assignment.

This chapter gave us information on selecting the medium when

communicating, and deciding which way best suits the message you are trying
to convey.

For example:

i.

Email

ii.

Blogs and forums

iii.

Letters, memos, personal notes

Chapter 2 Continued

Why is this important?

i.

Communication is what keeps the world alive. Without communication, we

wouldnt have made discoveries, inventions, or even made progress.

ii.

This is used in the workplace, school, social media, etc.

Learning this information will benefit me in every aspect of my life.

Having good communication will give me a greater advantage than my

competitors.

Chapter 7: Design and Visuals

and
Chapter 10: Style and Clarity

Analysis Assignments 2 and 3 covered the material in both chapters 7 and 10.

AA2 required analyzing two websites and determining if the content

effectively met the audiences needs. AA3s purpose was to analyze the
content, layout, and design of a website.

It allowed me to:

i.

Take note of the quality and amount of content displayed.

ii.

Observe the layout, content, and design techniques used, and decide if they
were efficient.

Chapters 7 & 10 Continued

Why is this important?

i.

Will have to implement these skills at future jobs.

ii.

Future course work at the university.

iii.

Efficient way of portraying information.

I will make sure that the way I present my work is clear and effective for the
reader.
This is not what
the
reader
wants to feel
like! Clear and
effective is the
way to go!

Works Cited

Alred, Gerald J., Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter E. Oliu. The Business Writer's
Companion. Boston: Leasa Burton, 2014. Print.

"Google Images." Google Images. Web. 26 Feb. 2016.

<https://www.google.com/imghp?hl=en>.