Portfolio Reader

English Department
Cal State Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330

13 December 2018

Dear Portfolio Reader:

Throughout the work one will find in this portfolio, I hope you are able to see how English 113A
has developed my capabilities of relating all points to the thesis as well as my essay structure.
My first essay, “Is a Relationship with The United States Worth Keeping? ”goes over the JCPOA
deal and how it benefits Iran. My second essay, “Is This All The World Will See?”, talks of
Iranian stereotypes relating to freedom, identity, and religion. My next two assignments are my
progressive exercises in which I talk about how the related image describes Marjane Satrapi,
author of Persepolis 2, characteristics throughout the book described. The second is a letter
written to a friend about a story in which I relate one’s experience to the addressee.

Throughout my essays, I feel as though my strong points consist of my organization and the
amount of supporting evidence I provide. I attempt to outline as much as possible therefore I can
organize my writing into different subjects relating to the thesis in order to make clear
arguments. Supporting evidence is important when writing a piece of literature because it gives
credibility on the subject, therefore, one will take another’s view into consideration regarding the
appointed subject. I feel as though my essays were clear when responding to the assignments
subjects and requirements, therefore, it will not be hard to accumulate the topic of said essays.

When it comes to writing, I must admit I lack correct grammar, useful mechanics and strong
driven thesis points. My most persistent problems would point to my incorrect grammar and
mechanics. Upon meeting an angelic tutor from the Chicano/a writing center, I was able to play
with word choices and mechanic which further help me write a strong thesis. After reading over
my essays, Mr.Kane, my English 113A professor, recommended me awesome word choices and
advised me on writing in an academic voice. Kisa Schultz, English SI leader, went beyond to
ensure certain mechanics were embedded into our brains which further refined my assignments
enclosed. Without the help of the three spoken above, I’m unsure of the outcome in which my
writing stands after these short delightful months.
After an exciting first semester of writing, there’s quite a bit of information I must remember to
become a successful writer. It’s important to remember to stay organized through an essay. Every
point made should reflect your general thesis of the literature. Ones paragraph structure must be
consistent when relating back to referenced worked. For future English 113A students, as long as
you show up to class and absorb all techniques taught by your professor, you will have the basis
to write a strong essay. Another useful tool when refining your work would be to visit any of the
tutoring labs, such as the LRC , or making office hour appointments with your professor to
ensure the said subject is correctly portrayed in your work. These tutoring opportunities are paid
by you in the tuition bill, you better get your money’s worth. In a sum, English 113A will give
you many useful tools to continuously right successful papers. If you like creative writing, one
will enjoy professor Kane’s class, for he pushes your, out of the box knowledge to fun limits. I
hope you find joy in attaining lifelong writing knowledge!

Sincerely,
Alyssa Acedo