Composition 1
Portfolio Presentation
By: Neil Ostlund
December 2000
Introduction
I consider myself as an average and unusual kind of a
writer. Sometimes I may write a very good paper. And
the next moment I may write the worst paper. But all
poets and writers are like that I suppose. I have
discovered how to write different types of essays in
Comp 1. I also learned that writing can be fun when
you are able to choose the topics of your choice. And I
feel I have received more confidence to do so from this
class.
Changes in my Writing this Semester
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I have learned to write an effective summary.
I know how to cite sources correctly in my
writing.
I have learned four ways to organize essays.
I know the essential features of a good thesis
statement.
I have learned to exclude the second person, the
“you”.
I have learned to stick with the subject more and
not drift off onto another direction.
Conclusion
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In Composition 1, I have learned to become a complete
writer. If it has to do with removing little detailed ideas
like the “you” and not drifting off, then that is it. I feel I
am capable of writing good papers now when I need to. I
feel I have accomplished the things I need to make my
paper a very distinct piece or writing. I have learned the
different types of writing that I could use, such as
persuasive and compare/contrast. I feel I have traveled a
long way to make my writing very productive. All anyone
needs to do is work hard at it and be willing to correct
there mistakes. And the only place from there is to get
better. And I feel I have been getting there.
I have learned to write an effective
summary.
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I have learned that a summary will help you
express your points toward a story in very few
words. But it stills gets the point across to your
audience. A summary will eliminate all the little
details that the author has put into there writing
and lay out the main point on the table.
Click here for an example of a summary
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I know how to cite sources correctly
in my writing.
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The reason for citing sources in your paper is that
you got the ideas from someone else and they are
not yours. So to show respect for others findings
and ideas is to cite your sources and let the other
person be recognized also.
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I have learned four ways to organize
essays.
Compare/Contrast
 Narrative/Description
 Division/Analysis
 Persuasive
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Persuasive
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This type of essay is way of distinguishing what
side you are on for a specific subject. For
example: Abortion, are you for or against it. This
essay would describe what side you are on. It is a
good way to let readers know what opinions you
have on a certain topic.
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I know the essential features of a good
thesis statement
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The thesis statement is the most crucial part of the
paper in my thoughts. It lets the reader know what
you are going to express from the beginning. It
shows the main idea and you try to grab the
reader’s attention right from the beginning with
the thesis statement.
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Thesis Statement
It was the game of the year. It was what the bears have been waiting
for their whole season. The Pine-River Backus Tigers came to town to
take on the Bears of Bertha-Hewitt. It was the two powerhouses of the
Park Region Conference. This was the game to determine the
conference title. The bears knew they would have a tough game to
play, as the tigers come to town being ranked in class 2A while the
bears are unranked in class 1A. The bears were just hoping to keep it
close and come away with the win in the end.
I feel that this is a good thesis statement. It grabs the audiences
attention and lets them know what is to come.
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I Have Learned To Remove the
Second Person
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Before coming to the VCSU Composition 1 class, I had a
tendency to use the word you and the second person approach
in my writing. I realized that I need to express my paper to
everyone instead towards just one person. I finally started
making this approach towards the end of semester, in which I
feel I was writing my better papers. It has been a great thing
for me to remove from my paper. It has made my papers
more effective and better structured.
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I Have Learned To Stick With
The Subject And Not Drift Off
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In my writings I would start out with a fairly good thesis
statement and then get to a point of my writing and then
happen to change the subject a little. Making the reader
get lost. I happened to relate all my ideas to the subject so
I would not drift off and still keep the paper very effective.
It has helped me become a better writer and keep the
audience interested throughout the whole paper.
Click here to see an example of not changing the subject
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