Our Goal: Portfolio Success! Some Final Comments on Pulling Together your Portfolio! Spring 2013

What needs to be included? One Cover Letter AND Two Revised Essays

Cover Letter Remarks Think of this like a job application letter If you use terms like “thesis” or “comma splice,” make it clear to your readers that you understand these words/ terms. Introduce yourself as a writer: what does writing mean to you? Strengths? Weaknesses? Introduce your two essays – perhaps a one sentence summary and then explain what you revised to make each of the essays better. Aim for two pages +

Two Revised Essays Give each essay an interesting title Does each essay have an established focus/ thesis/ purpose? Is there enough description and support? Can your readers “see” what you are talking about? Carefully proofread and edited? Aim for two pages +

Gather into a folder! A paper folder is the best (pick your favorite color but no Justin Bieber, cute puppies, or beach scenes – think professional! No slippery folders (why waste the money, right?) It is okay to reuse a folder but make sure it doesn’t look like a truck ran over it! No writing on the folder – I will provide a sticker for you to use!

Common Mistakes Not revising your cover letter and/ or essays to the best of your abilities (think about all the feedback you have gotten from me and the other folks in this room – use it!) Not proofreading or editing (I know this is difficult – keep pushing at improving this skill!) Not using 12 size font (and a professional style) Not using a folder Not meeting with me post-portfolio assessment to discuss the results!

Portfolio Help Come and see me in my office (Room 205) – check our class syllabus for my office schedule! me: Visit the fabulous Success Center at the front of the building – see the English Specialists or writing tutors to ask for their help. Use OWL (access via your eSTORM account!) Did I mention stopping by my office?

Portfolio Due: Wednesday, May 8 at 10:00 AM Portfolio Assessment takes place on the BC on Saturday, May 11 Portfolio Meetings: Come by our classroom anytime on Monday, May 13 between 9:30 – 11:00, the time of our final.