Expository Writing 2014-15

Final Exam Assignment

Congratulations! You have written four college-prep essays, one annotated
bibliography, improved your writing skills, and gained confidence in moving
on to college-level work. Here is your final assignment:
Create a blog portfolio consisting of three essays from this course and one

other piece of writing of your own choosing (written outside this course) to
submit to a board of college writing instructors. Each essay should have a
separate page with a reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of the
writing, and the topic of the writing.
Then, on an introductory page, write a reflective essay, addressed to college
writing teachers, that introduces you and your portfolio. Thoughtfully
analyze both your writing and yourself as a writer. Consider your strengths
as a writer, and areas you wish to improve.
You MUST discuss the following important choices in creating this portfolio:

Why you selected these particular pieces

What you like about each piece
What process you used in writing each piece
What you learned from writing each piece

You should also evaluate how well you accomplished the outcomes of the
course listed below. Use examples (excerpts) from your writing to help you do
so.
I can create a strong thesis that introduces the counterclaim and my
claim.
I can effectively use research to help prove my claim.
I can analyze research to create new ideas and connect them to the
claim.
I can refute the counterargument.
I can revise and edit my essay.

I can create organization throughout my essay with the use of

transitions.
I can organize my thoughts and research in a logical way.
I can conclude an essay that summarizes main points while leaving the
reader thinking.
I can use correct MLA citations and in-text citations to avoid
plagiarism.
I can use appropriate conventions such as: avoiding comma splices,
title formation, parallel structure, quote formatting, avoiding run-ons
and fragments, etc.

You should also explain the place of writing in your life, chronicle your
development as a writer, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your
writing, or combine these topics as they relate to your own personal growth in
writing.
Your blog should not mechanically address these questions, but demonstrate
a creative, analytical approach to your development as a writer. Design your
own thesis and develop it with major points and support. Thus you will
introduce the topic, develop it according to the principles of essay writing, and
briefly conclude it. A typical essay should be two- four pages in length.
Your blog must include the final drafts only of the four portfolio pieces, and
the brainstorming, rough drafts, and final draft of your reflective essay.
Please email Miss Engel the link when you have completed the blog. Be
creative, add images, and make your blog a place to showcase you as a writer.
The final project is due on or before
Your reflective essay and your portfolio should demonstrate good
organization, thoughtful construction, and some creativity. The combination
of these will constitute your final project grade.
Best wishes for a successful end to your high school career, and all the steps
you take from here, may it be college or any of the challenges that lie ahead.

Sincerely,
Miss Engel