ENGL 301

Self-Assessment Reflection

I was very excited to take ENGL 301 to improve my skills in writing business documents because I plan to apply for jobs next year. I learned so much more than just writing and composing business documents. I was introduced to the You-Attitude writing technique, peer reviews, and learned how to set up a Web Folio through different assignments throughout the course. The assignments have helped improve my technical writing skills which I believe will be very useful for my future career. However, I believe that my newly learned skills are just the beginning. I would like to constantly practice and hone these skills to write and communicate even better for years to come.

Like other courses I have taken in the past, ENGL 301 assignments helped expose my weaknesses and made me aware of my strengths in writing and other aspects.

Weaknesses

After the course introduced and became aware of the You-Attitude writing technique, I have tried writing with this method consciously for assignments. However, I still managed to write using a number of “I” and “you” in assignments. I believe it takes time and practice for the new notion of the You-Attitude to sink in and be used to incorporating it in technical writing.

Additionally, I tend to be wordy and use words in some parts of my assignments that are repetitive. I realized that very often, being wordy doesn’t really help clarify a message better. It may actually confuse the reader more and makes an article harder to comprehend. I need to practice writing concisely to address this weakness.

Strengths

I have put a good amount of effort in organizing my writing. I believe it is important because it makes my writing and articles easier to understand for readers. A less organized article risks confusing the reader and making the document less coherent. Additionally, being organized allows me to have good time management and be more productive by meeting tight deadlines.

I also believe that I quickly grasped the new concepts taught in this course. This allowed me to have more time to write and revise the assignments to meet course objectives and requirements. Having this strength would be beneficial in quickly adopting to new learning concepts.

Future

The skills I learned in this course will prove to be beneficial for me in the future. I am still improving in incorporating the concept of the You-Attitude in my technical writing as much as I can. By becoming more aware and consciously applying the You- Attitude to my writings, it will definitely improve the message that I want to communicate more effectively. Writing the application package and completing my LinkedIn profile also helped me learned new skills that will help me land a job in the future.

Overall, this is a great course for people trying to learn how to communicate more effectively, especially at work. Learning practical skills that can be used at work or even writing different articles is great to have. Consequently, I believe the new skills will serve me well in my future educational and professional career.

Web Folio Reflection

The process of creating a Web Folio allowed me to review the past works I have completed throughout the course. This involved multiple proofreading and revising on some of the assignments. By doing so, I was able to apply the overall skills I’ve learned in this course. Since I wasn’t able to fully incorporate the You-Attitude in some of the articles written in the beginning of the course, this was a chance to demonstrate this technique.

Some of the processes in creating the Web Folio seems like a reflection of what many writers do, to continuously improve and edit their work. One thing I learned in the process of creating a Web Folio was the importance of presenting my works. I want to provide potential employers and readers a glimpse of my technical writing skills. Through the Web Folio assignment, hopefully, I can demonstrate effective presentation and communication skills. Finally, incorporating a design that highlights my relevant skills to my career choice was very exciting as I did not anticipate designing a webpage before enrolling in this course.

I hope you enjoyed reading and navigating through my Web Folio. Please let me know how you feel by leaving me a comment in the section below. Thank you!

Writing and finishing the draft for the final report and peer reviewing a groupmate’s report were the major activities for unit 3. It was my first time writing a formal report with such scope and depth so I felt that it was the most challenging unit so far. A great amount of time was spent on researching about the topic and issues through interviews, surveys and secondary sources. I conducted interviews with a general manager of a restaurant and an account executive of company that supplies environmentally friendly take-out food containers. Additionally, I conducted quick surveys to gather all necessary information needed to write the report. Interpreting the data and information collected and presenting it in a clear and structured manner that would make sense to the reader took more time than I anticipated. Different viewpoints have to be considered so things can be evaluated more objectively. Writing the formal report was a good overall experience that I believe would be useful for other courses and my future job, especially during the editing phase and applying the You-Attitude. Considering the audience of the report to make it more reader-centered and organizing the details in an easy to understand and coherent manner were among other important things I learned when writing the formal report draft.

Peer Review

I reviewed Cynthia Li’s final report draft, “Studying and Increasing Information and Support Surrounding Homelessness in Communities such as The Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre (CDIRCS)”. I really thought that Cynthia’s paper touches on a very relevant issue, especially with the increasing homelessness in many areas and the current Covid-19 situation that has threatened to exacerbate the problem. Overall, Cynthia’s final report draft was written with a professional tone and a You-Attitude perspective. She did a great job writing a concise and informative report.

I recommended including a clear problem statement that would help convey a more effective message to the reader on why the report is important. Additionally, I also suggested that the Analysis of Findings and Summary of Findings sections be completed because they would help justify the recommendations that are presented.

I believe that this information will make the report more relevant, coherent, and persuasive. Overall, Cynthia’s report flowed well, making it easy for the reader to understand the information presented. Hopefully, my peer review will be helpful for her report’s final version. After having done several peer reviews in this course, it is the first time I peer reviewed a longer and more complex article while incorporating a You-Attitude perspective. Doing this gave me a better perspective on how to edit my final report. Improving my peer review skills can help me produce more effective articles and letters.

Formal Report Draft: 301 Joanna Yu Final Report draft

Unit 2 required creating a LinkedIn profile, brainstorming and preparing for a Formal Report proposal and outline, and peer reviewing a groupmate’s work. Unit 2 was definitely more challenging than the first unit.

LinkedIn Profile
I never had the chance to join LinkedIn up till now. The assignment was a good reason for me to finally join the platform. It took me some time to fill up the required sections for this assignment. The research assignment concerning best practices for professional networking on LinkedIn was very useful in learning how to make a professional profile for my intended audience. In doing this assignment, I also learned the strengths and weaknesses of my professional profile. While it took me some time to explore the website and get used to the platform, I believe it was well worth it as this may help me land a job. Now that I have a better understanding of how to use the platform, I look forward to using LinkedIn to grow and develop my professional network.

Formal Report Proposal and Outline
I felt that the formal report proposal was the most challenging part for unit 2 because I have never written one prior to this course. Coming up with a topic to report on wasn’t easy and it took me some time to decide on one. Since I have witnessed how Shota Sushi uses Styrofoam take-out containers as a part-time server, I decided to do a feasibility study on how to improve the company’s choice of take-out food containers. This assignment helped give a clearer direction on how to proceed and which areas I should focus on. The textbook was also a very helpful resource by detailing as to what elements are needed and what a feasibility report should contain. In terms of my progress for this assignment, I have submitted a survey questionnaire, two sets of interview questions and report outline. In the next few days, I plan to conduct my interviews and quick surveys while practicing social distancing. I hope that the data I will collect will allow me to start writing a coherent formal report.

Peer Review of My Groupmate’s Proposal
I reviewed Zainab Rauf Tramboo’s proposal for increasing student voter turnout for UBC AMS general elections. As a student, I would like to have the opinions of every fellow student heard. I believe he has a great topic and is certainly a meaningful effort to write and propose a solution in increasing voter turnout. I also learned a couple of things while peer reviewing Zainab’s work. It is important to mention in the proposal why the identified problem is a concern to highlight the importance of the issue to the reader. Second, I also learned that a strong convincing conclusion is very important for a closing. After peer reviewing Zainab’s work, I revisited my peer reviewed assignment to see where I can improve based on what I have learned.

Peer Review Process
I was very excited to read the different topics that my peers chose for their formal reports. I was impressed with the skills my groupmates showed in their peer reviews. Additionally, reading the different peer reviews and reports of my group taught me the importance of knowing your audience because it is a perspective that is different from the writer. Considering multiple perspectives while writing an article can help a writer write more effectively.

Edited Formal Report Proposal: 301 Joanna Yu Revised Formal Report Proposal

Peer review of Joanna Yu’s Formal Report Proposal: https://blogs.ubc.ca/engl301-98a-2020sa/2020/06/22/peer-review-for-joanna-yu-research-proposal/

Original Writing
Technical terms and jargons are often used when defining another technical term in Economics courses I have taken in UBC. Thus, I found it quite challenging to define a technical term that is commonly used in the field of Economics using plain English. After choosing to define the term “Guaranteed Income Certificates”, I wrote and revised the assignment a few times to make it easier for my target audience to comprehend. During the process, I realized that writing coherent definitions wasn’t easy, especially with my target audience I have in mind. I substituted technical descriptors with simpler terms while trying to maintain the clarity and accuracy of my definitions. Despite my effort, my groupmate who peer reviewed my work pointed out a couple of jargons that were present in my assignment. I assumed that readers would understand terms such as “interest” and “savings account” intuitively, but it seemed not to be the case. Being accustomed in using the terms led me to overlook revising those words into simpler terms.

Peer Review Process
The peer review process gave me a chance to try something new. Having never written a peer review before, it taught me how to organize and practice writing an appropriate one. By following the proper guidelines outlined in the textbook, the peer review process taught me how to write suggestions that are both constructive and effective, analyze the relevance of supporting materials and its connection to the paper’s thesis, and evaluate the effectiveness that the visual lends to the understanding of the definition. Furthermore, this experience taught me to pay extra attention in using technical terms to explain another technical term because it may not help clarify the definition but rather cause more questions than answers.

Editing Process
Editing my assignment taught me that substituting as much plain English as possible for technical or more complex terms helped make my article more understandable for my target audience. Another thing I learned was that choosing the appropriate visual can help make the understanding of my Definitions assignment easier for my target audience. The visual examples I found in the internet incorporated some degree of technicality that may confuse the reader. In the end, I decided to create a visual myself which I believe is easier to understand than the ones I found. Incorporating the appropriate visual also made my assignment more enticing for my target audience to read.

Revised Definition Assignment: 301 Joanna Yu Definitions Assignment – Revised

Link to Cynthia Li’s Peer Review of My Assignment 

My Peer Review of Cynthia Li’s Assignment

To: jiajie.xu@hotmail.com
From: joannayu9710@gmail.com
Date: May 23, 2020
Subject: Re: Application Letter
Attachment: 301 Joanna Yu Application Letter

Dear Jiaje Xu,

I am writing this letter to express my interest to be a member of your writing team for ENGL 301. I am very interested in joining and contributing my skills to your writing team. With my strong work ethic and knowledge of different writing styles that I have developed from my other courses, I am sure I can be an asset to any team.

I am in my third year of studies at the University of British Columbia. In April 2021, I expect to graduate from the faculty of arts with a major in economics. Over the course of my studies, I had a chance to take several courses which required writing academic essays and research papers. I also have some experience in writing economic reports from my Economics courses. These experiences significantly helped me develop important skills in writing effectively.

Influenced by my studies in Economics, I have developed an interest in the banking industry. After I graduate, I hope to work as a financial advisor which will allow me to offer sound financial advice to my clients. My good leadership skills and ability to effectively communicate will allow me to excel in this role. Apart from my strengths, a weakness I am trying to improve on is my technical writing skills. I believe that by taking ENGL 301, it can help me improve write better business letters.

For my learning philosophy, it is important for me to be able to use my knowledge in my everyday life. This motivates me to ask deeper questions on topics that interests me which allows me to connect them to practical applications.

When I am not occupied with studying, I like to read and listen to the financial news. This helps me develop my insights and have up-to-date information about what is trending in the financial markets. This also allows me to improve my writing about financial articles.

Thank you for taking the time to read my application letter. Please email me at joannayu9710@gmail.com if you believe I can contribute positively to your team. I look forward to hearing from you and joining your writing team.

Sincerely,

Joanna Yu

______________________________________________________________

To: jiesu169@gmail.com
From: joannayu9710@gmail.com
Date: May 23, 2020
Subject: Re: Application Letter
Attachment: 301 Joanna Yu Application Letter

Dear Jie Su,

I am writing this letter to express my interest to be a member of your writing team for ENGL 301. I am very interested in joining and contributing my skills to your writing team. With my strong work ethic and knowledge of different writing styles that I have developed from my other courses, I am sure I can be an asset to any team.

I am in my third year of studies at the University of British Columbia. In April 2021, I expect to graduate from the faculty of arts with a major in economics. Over the course of my studies, I had a chance to take several courses which required writing academic essays and research papers. I also have some experience in writing economic reports from my Economics courses. These experiences significantly helped me develop important skills in writing effectively.

Influenced by my studies in Economics, I have developed an interest in the banking industry. After I graduate, I hope to work as a financial advisor which will allow me to offer sound financial advice to my clients. My good leadership skills and ability to effectively communicate will allow me to excel in this role. Apart from my strengths, a weakness I am trying to improve on is my technical writing skills. I believe that by taking ENGL 301, it can help me improve write better business letters.

For my learning philosophy, it is important for me to be able to use my knowledge in my everyday life. This motivates me to ask deeper questions on topics that interests me which allows me to connect them to practical applications.

When I am not occupied with studying, I like to read and listen to the financial news. This helps me develop my insights and have up-to-date information about what is trending in the financial markets. This also allows me to improve my writing about financial articles.

Thank you for taking the time to read my application letter. Please email me at joannayu9710@gmail.com if you believe I can contribute positively to your team. I look forward to hearing from you and joining your writing team.

Sincerely,

Joanna Yu

______________________________________________________________

To: meerapatel049@gmail.com
From: joannayu9710@gmail.com
Date: May 23, 2020
Subject: Re: Application Letter
Attachment: 301 Joanna Yu Application Letter

Dear Meera Patel,

I am writing this letter to express my interest to be a member of your writing team for ENGL 301. I am very interested in joining and contributing my skills to your writing team. With my strong work ethic and knowledge of different writing styles that I have developed from my other courses, I am sure I can be an asset to any team.

I am in my third year of studies at the University of British Columbia. In April 2021, I expect to graduate from the faculty of arts with a major in economics. Over the course of my studies, I had a chance to take several courses which required writing academic essays and research papers. I also have some experience in writing economic reports from my Economics courses. These experiences significantly helped me develop important skills in writing effectively.

Influenced by my studies in Economics, I have developed an interest in the banking industry. After I graduate, I hope to work as a financial advisor which will allow me to offer sound financial advice to my clients. My good leadership skills and ability to effectively communicate will allow me to excel in this role. Apart from my strengths, a weakness I am trying to improve on is my technical writing skills. I believe that by taking ENGL 301, it can help me improve write better business letters.

For my learning philosophy, it is important for me to be able to use my knowledge in my everyday life. This motivates me to ask deeper questions on topics that interests me which allows me to connect them to practical applications.

When I am not occupied with studying, I like to read and listen to the financial news. This helps me develop my insights and have up-to-date information about what is trending in the financial markets. This also allows me to improve my writing about financial articles.

Thank you for taking the time to read my application letter. Please email me at joannayu9710@gmail.com if you believe I can contribute positively to your team. I look forward to hearing from you and joining your writing team.

Sincerely,

Joanna Yu

MEMORANDUM

To: Professor Erika Paterson, Sessional Lecturer
From: Joanna Yu, ENGL 301 Student
Date: May 22, 2020
Subject: Application Letter Notice

Based on week 2’s course instructions for ENGL 301, I would like to inform you that I have posted my application letter on my blog. Attached with this memo is a word file containing my application letter.

My application letter contains my following background information:

• Professional interests
• Academic achievements
• Writing skills (both strengths and weaknesses)
• Work habits (both strengths and weaknesses)
• Learning philosophy

Please let me know if you have any further questions. Thank you.

Enclosure: 301 Joanna Yu Application Letter

123 W 15th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5S 2A5

May 22, 2020

ENGL 301
University of British Columbia
2329 West Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4

Dear ENGL 301 Students,

I am writing this letter to express my interest to be a member of your writing team for ENGL 301. I am very interested in joining and contributing my skills to your writing team. With my strong work ethic and knowledge of different writing styles that I have developed from my other courses, I am sure I can be an asset to any team.

I am in my third year of studies at the University of British Columbia. In April 2021, I expect to graduate from the faculty of arts with a major in economics. Over the course of my studies, I had a chance to take several courses which required writing academic essays and research papers. I also have some experience in writing economic reports from my Economics courses. These experiences significantly helped me develop important skills in writing effectively.

Influenced by my studies in Economics, I have developed an interest in the banking industry. After I graduate, I hope to work as a financial advisor which will allow me to offer sound financial advice to my clients. My good leadership skills and ability to effectively communicate will allow me to excel in this role. Apart from my strengths, a weakness I am trying to improve on is my technical writing skills. I believe that by taking ENGL 301, it can help me improve write better business letters.

For my learning philosophy, it is important for me to be able to use my knowledge in my everyday life. This motivates me to ask deeper questions on topics that interests me which allows me to connect them to practical applications.

When I am not occupied with studying, I like to read and listen to the financial news. This helps me develop my insights and have up-to-date information about what is trending in the financial markets. This also allows me to improve my writing about financial articles.

Thank you for taking the time to read my application letter. Please email me at joannayu9710@gmail.com if you believe I can contribute positively to your team. I look forward to hearing from you and joining your writing team.

Sincerely,

Joanna Yu

301 Joanna Yu Application Letter