Dr.

Leslie Bruce
800 N. State College Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92831

Dear Dr. Bruce,

Throughout the course of this semester, I have learned the skills and techniques necessary to
effectively communicate scientific information and initiate myself into the “discourse community”
of scientists and researchers. The purpose of this portfolio is to provide evidence of my success in
achieving each of the six student learning outcomes (SLO). As you read through this cover letter
and navigate the pages of my website, you will hopefully understand better why I feel as though I
have grown as a writer and a conveyer of scientific information.

The main assignment that I chose to include in my portfolio is the definition because it satisfies
most of the SLOs, and thoroughly showcases my learning this semester. Upon your initial review
of my definition assignment, you explained that my explanations and organization were clear and
meaningful. However, you suggested that I revise the document to include aspects that pay more
attention to non-bio science readers. Thus, in my revision, you will notice more rhetorical focus
(SLO 1) in order to reach a larger audience. To illustrate my ability to conduct ethical research
(SLO 2), you will notice that I utilized the number system to appropriately cite my sources.
Organization and focus (SLO 4) are shown throughout the document through my use of columns
to separate text and figures. I also made use of “chunking” as an organizational writing technique
to break down the text into more manageable pieces. Furthermore, to remain objective in my
synthesis of information, I recognized and employed features of academic language and design
(SLO 5) to effectively convey meaning and conform to other models we reviewed.

I have also included my group’s review of the literature grid to illustrate my ability to assess and
improve on my own and other’s work (SLO 6). Highlighted in green is my contribution to the grid
based on articles that I read in preparation for our own review. In the column titled “Relation to
review topic & other articles,” I acknowledge how my articles can be compared to the articles that
my peer’s read and thus, explain how we can collaborate to synthesize a wholistic review of the
topic. This document further demonstrates my understanding of persuasive arguments (SLO 3) as
shown in the “Study Questions/Purpose” and “Conclusions or Findings” columns, and rhetorical
focus (SLO 1) by writing informally as a pre-writing technique to the overall greater assignment.

I have included the Eliminating Unnecessary Prepositions worksheet because it was a valuable
lesson that demonstrates my growth and learning, while also showcasing my ability to write
informally (SLO 1) as I learned new strategies. To emphasize my knowledge of persuasive
arguments (SLO 3), I refer you to this cover letter that you are currently reading. My hope is that
as you read through this letter and reference the writing samples that I have included, you will
agree with and support the affirmation that I have expanded my repertoire as a scientific writer.

I believe that this portfolio is a strong indication of the valuable lessons and writing strategies that
I have learned this semester. I am thankful for your knowledge and guidance throughout this
semester and appreciate your contribution to my growth and pursuit as a future member of the
scientific community.

With gratitude,

Yasmine Alam