Dr.

Leslie Bruce

Gordon Hall, Room 435

800 North State College Boulevard

Fullerton, California 92831

Dear Dr. Bruce,

Throughout the semester, my goal has been to improve my writing abilities and become a
more analytical writer. Provided for us were six student learning outcomes (SLOs) to measure
our improvements. I believe I have greatly improved during my time in your class and have
chosen select documents which exemplify this within my portfolio.

One of the documents I have included a revised annotated bibliography to represent my

understanding of ethical research (SLO #2), organization and focus (SLO #4), persuasive
arguments (SLO #3), and collaboration (SLO #6). This is demonstrated through the following of
Springer’s Coral Reefs journal guidelines of APA style citation and the clear flow of thoughts
from one topic to the next. Additionally, the use of summary and synthesis demonstrate
improved skill in persuasion. Lastly, since this document provided assistance to a group project
and the incorporation of constructive criticism in this revision, it shows my ability to improve
and collaborate.

The second document I have chosen to include is a scholar’s notebook entry from
October 30, 2019. I feel this entry demonstrates my understanding of rhetorical focus (SLO #1),
academic language and design (SLO #5), and persuasive arguments (SLO #3). Similarly, to the
previously mentioned article, this scholar’s notebook provides an example of my comparison and
evaluation skills. It also provides context and thoughtfulness of language needed to reach an
audience for another assignment.

The last document I have chosen to include is another scholar’s notebook entry, this time
from November 13, 2019. This additional entry provides further evidence of my understanding
of collaboration (SLO #6), academic language and design (SLO #5), and rhetorical focus (SLO
#3). I believe this entry provides further evidence because of its revisional nature. I incorporated
strategies learned within the class to improve upon my writing abilities. The revision also makes
the paragraph in question easier to follow and understand, which shows sensitivity to my reader.

I hope to use the skills I have learned in your class to further my academic and
professional careers in the future. As a biology major, my newly honed skill of synthesis and
ability to take into account any audience will be incredibly valuable. I also hope to continue
improving with each new challenge.
Sincerely,

Madison Lavecchia