Growing Writer

Dear Reader,
In this portfolio you will find two of my argumentative essays from my ENGL 114B
course. The first essay included in this portfolio is my Essay #2 "Family Affairs: Marriage in
Flux. For this essay we discussed and viewed the different marriages and family dynamics
outside the notions of tradition. Then we further analyzed and considered the media's portrayal of
these nontraditional dynamics. And from our perspective and understanding of the media's
portrayal we created an argument. I have included this work in my portfolio because I felt more
engaged and familiar with the topic than I did with the others. I also enjoyed exploring and
researching information about nontraditional marriage and family. The second essay that Ive
included is Essay #3 Research Paper: Engaging With a Social Issue." For this essay weve
discussed some of the social issues included in our readings. Then we were further asked to do a
research paper regarding an issue and create an argument. The social issue in which I chose to
address was rape. Ive included this essay reason being is that I felt good writing about a current
and important social issue and I feel that Ive presented a strong stance towards it.
I have found strengths in each of my essays. For my first essay that I've included,
Modern Age, Modern Family, I have responded properly to the essay prompt and have fulfilled
the essays requirements. I also believe that I have made a clear thesis and claims followed by
evidence that effectively support my argument. I feel that my essay flows well, is well focussed,
and that each paragraph has a good place. As for my second essay, "Rape, The Act of Control, I
feel that I contribute to the larger implication of the conversation. I also feel that I have an
interesting conclusion that is something to think about, or perhaps consider, therefore I have
included it.

Though I hold some strengths in writing, there are still areas of my writing that I need to
work on. A persistent writing problem of mine is being repetitive with some words. This happens
frequently because I tend to find a word that bests describes a subject, so I use it continuously.
My sessions with tutors in the Learning Resource Center has helped recognized some of my
writing problems. For instance, Ive also noticed that on occasions when I quote a statement or
cite information, I immediately state what the text suggests rather than analyzing it first. Another
problem, that has brought up to my attention by my professor, is that I am not specific in some
sections of my work, when I should be. To prevent this problem I've avoided using pronouns. I
understand that being specific is very important, especially when the reader is not fully aware of
the topic. I have considered these weaknesses of mine. I am aware of them, therefore I try to
avoid making the same writing mistakes.
I came into English 114B feeling better in writing than I did in 114A. I wasn't confident
in my writing in my first semester of college, but I can surely say I have grown out that low-self
esteem state. I took so much knowledge with me from English 114A that I've applied in this
second course. I learned the basic skills to writing a good paper in the first section of English
114. For instance how to organize an argumentative essay, how to analyze a source, and how to
properly cite a passage/work. This is all important information and knowledge that is needed to
write a successful paper. Knowing the basics has made it easier for me to write an argument
driven paper. Id recommend other students that are going to take ENGL 114 to do all the
progressions and actually try doing a good job on them in part A because the skills used/gained
in the progressions will be useful to apply in other work. This second course to ENGL 114 has
allowed me to practice and continue to expand my writing. I enjoyed both parts to this course. I
believe it has helped me be more critical with everything I come across and write. I have a more

positive outlook on my writing. I have improved since the beginning of the year and I look
forward to getting better and expand my writing abilities even more. I believe writing is a
process. I can always get better.

Sincerely,
Vanessa Alvarado