Grace Hoggarth (Grade 10)

Judicial Group
Assignment/Activity Title-- Op-Ed Final Draft Year
Sophomore SkillWriting PortfolioCritical
Reasoning
For this assignment, Ms. Cullen had our class
continue to keep in mind the columnists that we
researched in prior classes. We were told that the goal of
the assignment was to write a successful Op-ed on a
topic that interested us. Because my columnist was
Nicholas Kristoff, I focused on a more humanitarian
involved article. I wrote about the Angolan government
and how while they are a very rich country, they have
no idea how to put their money to good use. There are
children in desperate need of food, clean water, and
medicine, yet, the government seems to find material
things to be more important. After completing this
assignment I became more aware of greed, and how
others really do have completely different lives and
experiences than I do; that I am extremely privileged.
Throughout the creation of this piece I had to print out
the article, heavily annotate it, and keep side notes to

ensure that I knew exactly what my side would be, and

how I would put it on paper. I had to analyze the
information I came across very carefully, and keep my
facts straight; this is why I placed it into the critical
thinking category. This piece encapsulates the sort of
world issues that Im interested in learning more about,
and the kind of career I might pursue in the field of
journalism. I feel as though because the aforementioned
is true, this piece is a good fit for my portfolio. I used
this final copy of my Op-ed because while it
encapsulates my world interests, it will also serve as a
basis for my future journalism pieces. When I look back
at this piece, I will realize how much I have improved
on my punctuation, and keeping information concise but
in good quality. When people read this Op-ed, I hope
and do believe that they will agree with my statements
and opinions about the Angolan government and the
actions that should be taken. Through this assignment I
realized my interest and possible focus if or when I
decide to become a journalist. Seeing that this is only
one of my first big assignments in this class, I believe I
will progress even further as the year goes on.
Student Signature

Date

Teacher Signature

Date

Advisor Signature

Date