Dr.

Leslie Bruce
University Hall room 435
800 N. State College Boulevard
Fullerton, CA 92831
Dear Dr. Bruce,
Entering this class for the fall semester, my goal was to improve my writing skills. At the
beginning of the semester, you gave us a list of six student learning outcomes (SLOs) that we
would accomplish by the end of the semester. I have created a portfolio compiled with pieces
that I believe have proven that I have achieved the six SLOs.
The cover letter shows my understanding of rhetorical focus (SLO 1) by using formal
language while addressing a professor by starting the letter with Dear Dr. Bruce. This cover
letter helps show organization (SLO 4) by stating which articles are included in this portfolio and
their purpose.
The first document that is included in my portfolio along with this cover letter is my
editorial. In my editorial, I have shown that I am able to write in a persuasive manner (SLO 3).
This editorial also shows that I able to organize my thoughts in a manner that I am able to
support my viewpoint while presenting a counterargument. I provide supporting ideas that prove
why this research should continue and how it can change the way medicine is studied for people
who are sick. Due to stem cell research being highly controversial from a religious aspect, I was
able to discuss this in my editorial and show my understanding of writing towards an audience
that could have religious differences to the way that stem cell research is conducted (SLO 5).
For the second choice, I decided to include my editorial with my peer review. The
editorial with the peer review showed that I was able to collaborate with another student and use
their critiquing to my advantage to improve my writing (SLO 6). The peer review showed that I
was able to use rhetorical focus by using informal language while collaborating with a peer.
The third document included is my revised editorial which shows my understanding of
ethical citation (SLO 2) by including sources that help prove the points that are addressed in the
editorial. Throughout the editorial, there are supporting ideas and counterarguments that are
included that needs to be supported by outside sources that are credible. I have cited sources
appropriately and given credit to authors and researchers when necessary.
The last document included is a peer review from me to a peer. The reason that I included
this document was because it shows that I am able to collaborate with someone but I am also to
critique someone elses work by using rhetorical focus by using informal language. I was able to
use a rubric to help show my peer what they needed to improve and leave comments suggesting
how to better their writing.

I am very certain that this course has helped me improve my writing skills. These
documents show my comprehension of the six student learning outcomes and how to apply them
in my writing skills. I now believe that I have improved writing skills due to this course.
Sincerely,
Somrennah Lok