7 May 2015

Jason McCoy
4054 Via Encinas, Cypress CA 90630
(714) 321-9964
Dear Dr. Bruce,
I am writing this letter in order to demonstrate how far I have come as a writer in this class
through my efforts to satisfy the student learning outcomes that were presented to me. I will also
comment on and analyze the two essays that I have included into my class portfolio, and I will explain
how I have improved as a writer and have overcome various learning challenges to exceed my own
expectations while completing class-learning objectives.
Throughout this class, I have completed various assignments, conducted research on a variety of
topics, and have written papers that synthesized the information I found during my research into my own
thoughts and ideas on the topics or prompts that were given to me. Throughout this process I have written
both formal and informal papers and assignments, both in and out of class, for a variety of purposes and
audiences. I have found and evaluated several different sources for my papers, and I have selected said
sources based on their reliability and authority in relation to the topic at hand. When presenting the
information found in these sources in my paper, I have utilized proper MLA or APA formatting and have
properly cited these sources in an ethical effort to give credit to the authors of these sources. When
presenting information that I found through my sources in my papers, I have either paraphrased that
information or have quoted the information in order to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the work of
others. In the course of the work I have completed in this class, I have compared and evaluated the
arguments and appeals made by a variety of speakers, writers, and other sources. After evaluating such
sources, I have synthesized the information that was being presented to me, following which I objectively,
carefully, and persuasively communicated the merits of said arguments, assumptions, and cultural values,
along with their alternatives and opposing arguments. Throughout this class, I have focused and organized
my thoughts on a variety of topics and rhetorical situations, and I have effectively and clearly
communicated my thoughts on each topic. I have also used excellent control of the English language
while writing my assignments, while also using proper and effective diction, sentence variety, and a
respect for gender and cultural differences.
The two items that I have included in my portfolio are The Effectiveness of the Clean Water Act
in 1972 and War for Water. I included the first item because it demonstrates my ability to successfully
investigate a topic, in this case the Clean Water Act of 1972, and based on my research, draw my own
conclusions as to the merits of the Act, along with its pros and cons. Throughout this item, I analyzed the
various components of the act and how it has or has not lived up to the expectations that came along with
its passage. In the paper, I was able to conclude that the act had improved water quality across the United
States, but had still left several sources of water in danger of being contaminated due to industrial activity.
In the second item, I sought to analyze an ad that appealed to the emotions of individuals over the
looming threat of a water war. I presented evidence that pushed home the reality of water scarcity, and
then I provided an analysis of the ad and how it was effective in promoting its message. For both items, I
had to exercise proper use of formatting styles, effectively present and cite information I had obtained
from sources, and expertly synthesize my ideas and thoughts on each topic that communicated my
conclusions in regards to each topic.

I believe the course work that I have completed in this class, along with the skills and knowledge
that I have gained in regards to becoming a better writer and researcher, have enabled me to satisfy my
student learning outcomes. I look forward to continuing to use the skills I have obtained in this class in
my future educational and career related endeavors. I appreciate the knowledge that I have gained in this
class, and I look forward to you reviewing the contents of my portfolio.

Sincerely,

Jason McCoy