The Portfolio Plan

1. What will I change in my research paper?

First of all, I need to make sure that my fonts, font size and line spacing is correct.  I should not trust the computer's default.

Placing commas and using parenthesis correctly.

The thesis in my research paper is good, but could be stronger. I need to address the thesis more directly and stick to one idea.  For example I am talking about how GMO's can have adverse effect on health (which is my F.P) but then I mention the pro's and con's of GMO's in our society.  I need to stick with my first F.P and not branch out.  Sometimes there is so much information on one topic that I need to filter it down and not get to excited writing random bits and pieces of information!

I will make sure that I do not address the public with YOU, US, WE and still make it persuasive.

There are some quotes I included that should be in block quote.

Joining certain paragraphs and avoiding the repetition or words or phrases.

Some of my cites may have been correctly misplaced, I need to make sure that all the information corresponds to the proper cites.

I would like to delve a little more on personal take.

Proper MLA citations and image should be in MLA caption.

I want to spend a little more time mentioning statistics and include more research on the labeling of GMO's.

More specific details on history of health and financial benefits or not of GMO's.


2. News report on reflective essay

F.P: Citations, MLA formats, block quotes and thesis's were unknown in my world.  These words were intimidating as well as mysterious. What are they and how are they used? After a semester with Jen Zuko, it all seems clear, for the most part.  The information I received in English 121 has not only helped me become a better writer, but I actually understand the steps involved to writing correctly.  I can put my words in order, find a main idea and support it correctly with detailed information.  After all, writing in my journal and spilling out words is not the same as academic writing.  These traits will help me in my career and become more professional with my words.

I will put some examples of previous work I have done and how I have been able to correct my mistakes.  I am still not a perfect writer, but I understand the structure better.

One mistake a peer noticed that I do, is I become to metaphorical and almost poem like in my writing.  I think this is because of spending years reading Spanish novels and most of them are like a sung story.  I will avoid doing so as it distracts my readers and does not seem academic.


3. Which essay I chose to add and why?

The essay I feel the most comfortable with is "Success without Formal Education."  I chose this essay as part of my portfolio because it is the paper that I can see the most improvement as a writer.  With this paper I learned to be more organized and it gave me a sense of how to write logically.  I made mistakes and was able to successfully correct them with the teachers guidance and my peers.

I have to make a few changes similar to the changes I will make in my research paper.