Christopher Lancaster

2071 San Antonio Avenue

Alameda, CA, 94501
(510)332-2695
Dear Mrs. Little,
This semester I have gained a lot of writing and reading experience
from English 1A. Examples of my learning include being able to cite quotes in
MLA format from the web and from books. Another example is reading and
analyzing The Giver through the Thought Quests assignments. I have been
able to improve on my writing immensely based on the school work this
semester and the repetition of citing sources helped me to write stronger
papers in the Writing Cycle assignments. Due to these assignments, I have
been able to reach and accomplish my goals that I set earlier this semester
of being able to improve on reading comprehension and solidify my writing
with integrated quotes from web and book sources to support my thesis in
each essay. I gained a fresh perspective by proofreading other classmates
essays this semester as well which helped me obtain insight on how to
improve on my writing such as transitions to another paragraph or how to
introduce a quote as well.
In addition, English 1A has helped me become prepared for the next
level of reading and composition to English 1B or English 5. The Exit Skills for
1A that I have obtained have been writing comprehensive essays that rage
between 600-1000 words. I have written 4 essays this semester where I have
had to include an essay type such as an argument, comparison, analysis and
classification. I have learned from the modules how to approach each essay
and effectively map out a blue print for each one by creating an outline in
the assignments. This has allowed me to generate a roadmap for writing an
effective essay and being able to stay relevant within the writing. I have
been able to gauge on identify what a good and bad thesis consist of which
has enable me to pick strong topic sentences for each Writing Cycle. English
1A has given the tools needed to dissect and breakdown an essay and
familiarize myself with each section of an essay from the introductory, body
and conclusion paragraph. This has helped me understand how to deliver
strong writing and introduce ideas at the proper stage in an essay. The
foundation of writing is important and has helped me with creating a strong
Research Paper, that includes citing sources and solidifying my thesis. I am
grateful that I have gone through this class. It was a productive semester
and I have the skill set to advance to the next level because of English 1 A