Category: Unit 1

Unit One Reflection

When I started this blog one month ago, I wrote on my home page that I was looking to create a robust strategy I could use to approach formal communications in an almost formulaic way. I believe through the writing exercises involving the technical definitions, peer review, and revision process, I have taken my first step along that path.

During the definition process, I initially found myself with all sorts of concerns regarding assumed base level of knowledge the common person would have about my term, and even field in general. However, after I consulted the course text on the expanded definition techniques I became more sure of the route I was going to take. With techniques ranging from historical analysis, compare and contrast, and examples, it is almost a guarantee that the majority of your audience will be able to find at least one part of your writing relatable to them. In particular, compare and contrast and examples stand out to me, as I am more of the visual and kinesthetic – ‘work through it yourself’ type of learner.

Luckily, it seemed that the techniques I employed mostly worked for Elton Kok as well. Although he had some issues understanding my term from the sentence definition and some aspects of my writing raised unresolved questions, he was able to understand ‘Accrual Accounting’ in the context of my defined situation. In particular, he mentioned that the visual I provided and comparison were useful in clearing up some of the questions he had. Similarly, as I peer reviewed Elton’s work, it was insightful to see how similar expansion techniques could be applied to a term from a completely different field. Although he had chosen some different techniques, the diversity allowed a non-natural science reader like myself to understand the term with little difficulty. I believe these are good examples of how employing multiple expansion techniques ensures the greatest chance of successfully delivering your message to your audience.

In revising my work based on Elton’s feedback, I was able to specifically identify blind spots I initially missed from the perspective of the non-technical audience. Areas that I thought I had initially covered, including questions raised from the compare and contrast, were revisited to emphasis the benefits of using ‘Accrual Accounting’ versus ‘Cash Accounting’. While the comparison was made as an aid to relate the more familiar topic to readers (cash accounting), I learned that any aid employed should not raise more questions than it answers. In balancing explanations that are brief, I must also ensure that they are comprehensive enough to leave curious readers satisfied of any anticipated questions.

Thanks for reading,

Richard

Revised Definition: https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-99a-2020wa/2020/10/06/assignment-13-revised-definition-of-accrual-accounting/

Peer review by Elton Kok: https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-99a-2020wa/2020/10/04/assignment-13-peer-review-of-definition-of-a-accrual-accounting/

 

 

To: Aleem Tariq, aleemtariq19@gmail.com 
From: Richard Chen, rchen2@student.ubc.ca 
Date: September 22, 2020
Subject: RE: ENGL 301 Writing Team Invitation

Hello Aleem,

Thank you for your email inviting me to the professional writing team. I am always happy to connect with another Bachelor of Computer Science student given the variety in backgrounds that we come from. While reviewing your biography and qualifications, I could not help but relate to your motivation to pursue computing science in order to explore the possibilities in our respective former degree. I believe having that mutual understanding will enable us to work well together, and your analytical approach to writing will certainly be an asset to the team.

I also appreciate that you acknowledge your weakness in writing, and have taken steps to address that by enrolling into this class. Having that self-awareness will surely benefit the team when the course reaches the stage of peer-review.

With that said, I happily accept your invitation to join the ENGL 301 professional writing team, and hope to work together soon.

Thank you,
Richard Chen
301 Richard Chen Application letter

To: Syed Ahmed, syedw@student.ubc.ca
From: Richard Chen, rchen2@student.ubc.ca 
Date: September 22, 2020
Subject: RE: ENGL 301 Writing Team Invitation

Hello Syed,

Thank you for your email inviting me to the professional writing team. On my review of your background, I was really impressed by the magnitude, and number of your achievements directly attributed to writing. I have no doubt in my mind that a published author of scientific articles, as well as theses, would make you a leading asset in the team. Combined with your healthy appreciation of criticism and self-review, I am grateful that a well-balanced individual such as yourself has extended me this offer.

As such, I happily accept your invitation to join the ENGL 301 professional writing team, and hope to work together soon.

Thank you,
Richard Chen
301 Richard Chen Application letter

To: Elton Kok, kokelton@student.ubc.ca 
From: Richard Chen, rchen2@student.ubc.ca 
Date: September 22, 2020
Subject: RE: ENGL 301 Writing Team Invitation

Hello Elton,

Thank you for your email inviting me to the professional writing team. I certainly agree that the alignment in our background as Bachelor of Computer Science students would contribute towards a strong basis for team dynamic in our writing team. I greatly appreciate your detail in the review of my application letter, as well as your kind words.

Likewise, I find your experience in writing scientific reports to be a valuable asset, and your willingness to be versatile despite the situation will surely complement our team well.

As such, I happily accept your invitation to join the ENGL 301 professional writing team, and hope to work together soon.

Thank you,
Richard Chen
301 Richard Chen Application letter

 

To: Dr. Erika Paterson, Erika.Paterson@ubc.ca
From: Richard Chen, rchen2@student.ubc.ca
Date: September 17, 2020

Subject: Letter of Application

Greetings Dr. Paterson,

My name is Richard Chen, I am a student in your ENGL 301 class for the Winter 2020 Term 1 semester. This emails serves to inform you that I have posted my letter of application for a professional writing team on my blog. I have also attached my letter in Microsoft Word format to this email for your convenience, and provided a brief summary below.

Key points:
• I am an Accounting graduate from the University of Alberta, and currently a Bachelors of Computer Science student at the University of British Columbia
• My writing experience stems from the legal and accounting industry 
• I enjoy working within a team, and I am used to meeting deadlines under pressure
• I strive to provide constructive and actionable feedback, and I reflect critically on the feedback received in return

If you would like to discuss my letter of application in detail, please feel free to contact me in response to this email.

Thank you,

Richard Chen

301 Richard Chen Application letter

6911 Number 3 Rd
Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1

September 17, 2020

Course colleagues
2329 West Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4

Greetings course colleagues,

My name is Richard Chen, I am writing to establish myself as a potential candidate for your professional writing team this semester. Beginning with my background, I am a graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelors of Commerce (Accounting). Subsequent to my graduation in 2018, I went on to work for two professional firms, Parlee McLaws LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. In early 2020, I was accepted into the Bachelors of Computer Science program at the University of British Columbia, where I aim to graduate into a software engineering position in the technology industry.

I am a promising choice for your writing team because of the following three reasons:

1. I have extensive experience writing in the legal and accounting industry with respected professionals as my audience.
2. I am used to working within a team to meet deadlines under pressure.
3. I am experienced in reviewing work and providing feedback for junior and senior colleagues.

During my time at Parlee McLaws, I was entrusted with conducting case law research and writing concise briefs as a result of my research to inform my supervising lawyer and associated firm partners. At PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, I underwent formal training to write professional analyses of accounting issues in accordance with the standards set by various accounting governing bodies. These professional briefs and analyses have been incorporated into the end product of court trials, and audit opinions issued by the respective professional firms.

At PwC, many stages of work go into delivering a product to the client. Having been part of teams ranging from two to twenty, each person is responsible for delivering a part of the deliverable that goes to the client. In many circumstances, one individual’s work will become the basis for another colleague’s work. During my time at PwC, I have consistently delivered my work on time, and assisted my colleagues wherever I could. As a testament to my reliability, in the reference letters required for admission to the Bachelor of Computer Science program, one of my managers has been quoted to say that I have a “positive attitude and natural inclination to teamwork … result[ing] in strong team cohesion and synergies”. I can assure you that as part of a team, I will commit to completing my deliverables on time and communicate effectively with my team around any issues that may arise.

As part of the teamwork mentioned, I am also experienced in providing feedback tailored to the individuals I am working with. In providing feedback, I take into account the experience level of the individual I am reviewing related to the task at hand, and try to incorporate two positives and a specific, actionable piece of advice the individual can use in the future. In receiving feedback, I keep an open mind of what I can change. I believe that regardless of who is offering the critique, there is always something to be learned. With respect to writing, I recognize that I tend to use a passive voice rather than an active one, and I am striving to be more conscious of self-improvement in that regard.

In closing, I would like to thank you for your consideration, and I hope to find teammates with diverse experience that can help each other grow as professional writers. If you would like to reach out to me, please feel free to contact me by email: rchen2@student.ubc.ca.

Warm regards,

Richard Chen

301 Richard Chen Application letter