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Introduction

Hi and welcome to my English 21003 e-portfolio. This website will represents all efforts that I’ve done and completed during the semester. When I first started this class, I wasn’t entirely confident in my writing. I often struggled with organizing my ideas clearly, supporting my arguments with credible sources, and writing in different academic genres. However, through the projects we completed in this course and the feedback that I’ve got from professors Caitlin Geoghan, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how to use writing as a tool for research, persuasion, and self-expression.

One of the most memorable assignments for me this semester was the IMRaD research project, where I conducted a breaching experiment to explore how people react when social norms are violated. For my experiment, I chose to sit next to strangers on an empty subway , something that goes against the unspoken rule of giving others personal space in public settings. This experience was not only interesting from a psychological and sociological perspective, but it also pushed me out of my comfort zone. I had to be brave enough to step into awkward social situations, observe people’s reactions, and reflect on what those reactions say about our society.

Writing the IMRaD report was a new challenge because it followed a scientific structure I wasn’t used to which was Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. At first, I found it difficult to stick to the formal tone and precise formatting required for a research report. However, by breaking it down into sections and using feedback from my peers and instructor, I was able to write a clear, organized paper based on original data. This project helped me build research and analytical skills that I know will be useful in other classes and in my future career. I’m proud of how it turned out, especially because it reflects both academic research and personal growth.

Another assignment that had a strong impact on me was the Op-Ed Response we wrote early in the semester. We read and responded to an op-ed about the dangers of concussions in sports, especially for young athletes. This topic really stood out to me because of how relevant and serious it is, not just in professional sports but also in schools. Writing this piece helped me think critically about how persuasive writing works , how authors use emotional appeals, statistics, expert opinions, and tone to convince their audience.

For my response, I focused on the responsibility of schools, coaches, and sports organizations to protect young athletes. I argued that while physical fitness and team sports are important, we also need stronger policies and more education about the long-term effects of repeated head injuries. This assignment taught me how to enter an ongoing conversation and make my voice heard in a respectful but firm way. It also showed me the power of writing to bring attention to real world issues that matter to people’s lives.

Throughout the course, we also worked on several smaller but important assignments, such as the genre analysis, source reports, reverse outlines, and the APA-style outline for the IMRaD paper. These tasks may have seemed like small steps at the time, but they helped build the foundation for my larger projects. For example, the genre analysis taught me how different types of writing serve different purposes and audiences. The source reports helped me evaluate the credibility and usefulness of sources, which improved the quality of my research. The reverse outline was especially helpful in improving the structure of my drafts. By going back and outlining what I had already written, I could see where my ideas weren’t flowing logically or where I needed stronger transitions.

Looking back, I can honestly say that I’ve grown as a writer in multiple ways. I’ve learned how to write more clearly , how to organize my thoughts more effectively, and how to revise my work to make it stronger. I’ve also learned how to approach writing as a process, rather than something I have to get perfect on the first try. Feedback, peer review, and reflection were all important parts of that process, and they helped me gain confidence in my abilities.

Overall, this portfolio is more than just a collection of assignments it’s a reflection of my journey through English 21003. It shows the skills I’ve learned, the risks I’ve taken, and the progress I’ve made. I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and I’m excited to carry these skills with me into other classes and beyond. Whether I’m writing a research paper, a personal essay, or a professional email, I now feel more prepared to communicate effectively and think critically about the world around me.

Lastly , thanks for this class for giving me the opportunity to meet such an amazing professor and get to know new smart students . Thank you for taking the time to view my work I hope it gives you a clear picture of my growth as a student.