March 3, 2017

Dear Scott,
This quarter as a whole has been a learning process in regards to writing. Self awareness as a
writer has contributed the most to the process of rewriting and revision. Being aware of how
others perceive your writing and how they interpret the claims being put forth has helped
significantly in creating improved pieces of writing. Discussion workshops and peer reviews in
class have aided in understanding the reader's perspective, which ultimately makes for a better
writer. In continuing to further improve myself as a writer, I would like to learn more about
additional ways that I can make my writing more engaging for the reader. Towards the end of the
quarter, I feel I significantly improved upon this through focusing on incorporating transition
sentences and phrases that improve the organizational content and flow of the writing. In the
future, I would like to incorporate new techniques I can keep my audience interested throughout
my writing.
In compiling the final writing portfolio, I revised Writing Project 1 and Writing Project 3; I felt
these writing projects allowed the most room for improvement. For Writing Project 1, I
broadened my thesis to include all blogs in general rather than specifying to fitness blogs only. I
also used more examples of my genres pertaining to the topic of fitness that I chose. The two
genres I chose were blogs and news articles; I completely revised my writing on news articles,
and used entirely new examples specifically pertaining to fitness. I also added two paragraphs
regarding context; initially, my writing on context did not explain the actual real world
application of this convention. For Writing Project 1, I feel I most exemplified the course goal
regarding rhetorical analysis, in applying the analysis of purpose, context, and audience of the
genres. With the addition of two paragraphs focused on context, my analysis regarding the three
conventions listened above was tied together and made clear for the reader.
In regards to Writing Project 3, I took my meta-analysis into a much deeper analysis of the
genres I exemplified. I also modified the organization and structure of meta-analysis to appear as
a formal essay. When I first wrote the analysis for Writing Project 3, it exemplified a cover letter
more than a conventional essay. Overall, I feel I have significantly improved both writing
projects as I tried my hardest improve the content of the writing, as well as enhance the
organization and flow to the pieces. In Writing Project 3, I feel I exemplified the course goal
regarding analysis of genres by incorporating a critical analysis of the genres I chose in the
project. I feel I also achieved the course objective of Writing Process, Revision, and Reflection
as I changed the format of the meta-analysis from an informal and limited approach to a formal
format that went into much further analysis.
The work in this portfolio reflects what I have learned in writing this quarter through my
improvement of sentence structure, incorporation of transitional phrases, and engaging the
reader. I most significantly changed as a writer in terms of being more aware of how I am

conveying my message and in being more specific. Previously, I felt I was being "obvious" or
specific with my writing, but I have learned that is not only the case. Through multiple peer
reviews and feedback from you, I have found that a sentence that seems too specific actually aids
the reader in understanding the claims being made and serves as justifiable evidence, therefore
enhancing the credibility. All of these improvements have helped me communicate more
effectively to the intended audience.
Another improvement that has strengthened me as a writer is learning to be more open-minded
throughout the writing process. This idea has been the most significant in furthering myself as a
writer and is what I will take into account when approaching writing projects in the future.
Writing is most definitely a process of rewriting and revision and it is important to keep this in
mind when writing any piece of work. In order to create a better writing project, it is essential to
change your way of thinking at times. When stuck in a particular mindset, it is difficult to change
your frame of mind, but being open minded to new ways of thinking and writing ultimately
strengthens your work and furthers the revision process. From a larger perspective, this class has
been extremely helpful in recognizing my weaknesses as a writer, addressing them, and
improving upon them for any type of future writing project.

Sincerely,
Erica Keamy