Date: February 27, 2008
To: Colleagues
From: Lindsey Burns
Subject: Over usage of the companys copy machine for personal copies.
The purpose of this memo is to alert all employees that the budget for the copy machine is several hundred dollars over budget and the solution to this problem.
Summary:
This memo is to alert employees that (1) the budget to the copy machine is way over the companys budget and (2) describes the solution for employees to fix this problem.
Discussion:
Lilly Ponds, the personal manager, has repeatedly told all employees of the Koller Construction Company to stop using the copy machine for personal use. This has lead to the copy machine budget consistently being over budget by several hundred dollars.
Lilly has asked me to formally inform all employees of the problem at hand and to come up with a brief, feasible plan that will slow the number of personal copies made on the photocopying machine. The plan I have come up with is that everyone will get a personal number that they enter in order to run the copy machine. Everyone will a have the same number of copies that they will be allowed each month. At the end of the month I will get a print out from the copy machine with your number and the number of copies you have made. If you are over your number, that amount will come out of your pay check.
Conclusion:
In conclusion due to the copying machine budget being over budget by several hundred dollars a new plan has been implemented to try to solve this problem. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or other possible ideas to fix this problem.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Revised English Assignment #2 - letter
3451 Broken Bow Ln.
Denton, Texas 79401
(417) 558- 8442
www.CompUSA.com
February 27, 2008
Mr. Buck Wheat
1356 Jefferson Rd.
Clover, TX 79402
Dear Mr. Wheat:
I apologize for the mistake we have made with your computer order here at CompUSA. I received your letter message regarding the computer you purchased recently without the software promised with the product and decided to accept your request about sending you the software.
I accept your request to send you the proper software to upload to your newly purchased computer. I already mailed the software to you, and it should reach you in three business days. This problem might have occurred due to the all the new software we have ordered and gotten and have had to up load to all the computers we already have along with all the new ones we have recently received. All the old computers and all the new computer might have gotten mixed up with ones that have been uploaded with the ones that have not been uploaded.
Your computer along with the other computers that were advertised will be uploaded with the software that was promised to come with the product in the advertisement. We apologize for the inconvenience and time that this has caused you. I appreciate your feedback and will work harder to make sure that this does not happen again. I hope you will continue your business with us again.
Yours Truly,
Lindsey Burns, Manager
Encl: Software to upgrade your computer.
Denton, Texas 79401
(417) 558- 8442
www.CompUSA.com
February 27, 2008
Mr. Buck Wheat
1356 Jefferson Rd.
Clover, TX 79402
Dear Mr. Wheat:
I apologize for the mistake we have made with your computer order here at CompUSA. I received your letter message regarding the computer you purchased recently without the software promised with the product and decided to accept your request about sending you the software.
I accept your request to send you the proper software to upload to your newly purchased computer. I already mailed the software to you, and it should reach you in three business days. This problem might have occurred due to the all the new software we have ordered and gotten and have had to up load to all the computers we already have along with all the new ones we have recently received. All the old computers and all the new computer might have gotten mixed up with ones that have been uploaded with the ones that have not been uploaded.
Your computer along with the other computers that were advertised will be uploaded with the software that was promised to come with the product in the advertisement. We apologize for the inconvenience and time that this has caused you. I appreciate your feedback and will work harder to make sure that this does not happen again. I hope you will continue your business with us again.
Yours Truly,
Lindsey Burns, Manager
Encl: Software to upgrade your computer.
Original job Application Letter
2202 Mac Davis Ln. Apt. 611C
Lubbock, TX 79401
713- 560-1116
Sweetie1473@aol.com
February 3, 2008
Mr. Goliath Staffelbach
Head of Staffelbach Design Assoc.
Staffelbach Design Associates
2525 Carlisle
Dallas, Texas 75201
Dear Mr. Staffelbach:
I recently came across the job opening for the position of Senior Project Designer to develop creative and functional design solutions. I would like to be considered for this position, and I hope that you find my experience thus far to be just what the job needs.
As you well know, Texas Tech is a FIDER accredited university. It has a wonderful group of professors who share their knowledge of interior design concepts and principles to students not only for college work, bur prepare them for the job market. The classes I have taken from Texas Tech have helped me to gain knowledge that I know would be useful and put to great use in this job position. My background in architecture as well as Communication and English classes also strengthens my qualifications in interior design even further.
I have worked with S. Burns Design before, throughout my college career, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my experience. I learned not only how to incorporate the present items in a clients home, but I learned the importance of working towards what the client wants, while also incorporating what will look best. Working on the commercial side of the field helped me to realize that I would love working mainly in commercial or hospitality.
I would love the chance to get to meet with you to discuss my application. At your convenience, please feel free to call me at (713) 560-1116, or feel free to email me at Sweetie1473@aol.com. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
________________________
Lindsey D. Burns
Enclosure (1)
Lubbock, TX 79401
713- 560-1116
Sweetie1473@aol.com
February 3, 2008
Mr. Goliath Staffelbach
Head of Staffelbach Design Assoc.
Staffelbach Design Associates
2525 Carlisle
Dallas, Texas 75201
Dear Mr. Staffelbach:
I recently came across the job opening for the position of Senior Project Designer to develop creative and functional design solutions. I would like to be considered for this position, and I hope that you find my experience thus far to be just what the job needs.
As you well know, Texas Tech is a FIDER accredited university. It has a wonderful group of professors who share their knowledge of interior design concepts and principles to students not only for college work, bur prepare them for the job market. The classes I have taken from Texas Tech have helped me to gain knowledge that I know would be useful and put to great use in this job position. My background in architecture as well as Communication and English classes also strengthens my qualifications in interior design even further.
I have worked with S. Burns Design before, throughout my college career, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my experience. I learned not only how to incorporate the present items in a clients home, but I learned the importance of working towards what the client wants, while also incorporating what will look best. Working on the commercial side of the field helped me to realize that I would love working mainly in commercial or hospitality.
I would love the chance to get to meet with you to discuss my application. At your convenience, please feel free to call me at (713) 560-1116, or feel free to email me at Sweetie1473@aol.com. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
________________________
Lindsey D. Burns
Enclosure (1)
Original Resume
Lindsey Danielle Burns
2202 Mac Davis Ln. 611 C
Lubbock, TX 79401
(c) 713-560-1116
Sweetie1473@aol.com 12111 Cobblestone Dr
Houston, TX 77024
(h) 713-984-2628
Objective Position in interior design or architecture
Education B.S. Major: Interior Design. Minor: Architecture
Texas Tech University. Lubbock, Texas
GPA: 3.6/4.0
Anticipated date of graduation: Spring 2009
Houston Christian High School: A Private College Preparatory School
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Skills Laboratory skills in Microsoft word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint software.
Sketch Up/ CAD
Written and oral communication
Speak some Spanish
Experience Lifeguard at Pine Forest Country Club (June 1, 2004 to August 30, 2004)
Certified in CPR and aquatics by Red Cross
Hostess at Ciro’s Restaurant (March 31, 2002 to August 30, 2003)
Escorted restaurant patrons to their tables, booked reservations, planned seating
arrangements, met customers’ needs, and answered telephone.
Babysitting for neighbor Mr. And Mrs. Robert Rhode ( June 1, 2007 to August 30, 2007)
Office clerical assistant for Dr. David Burns (June 1, 2006 to August 30, 2006)
Responsible for the proper filing of important medical records, postage, chart
preparation, and answered office phone.
Activities & Honors
Community Service
References Member of Delta Gamma Fraternity; attended weekly meetings and events, volunteer
work, responsible for recruiting new members, and in charge of proctoring study
sessions.
Member of Drug and Alcohol safety for campus council
Member of Texas Tech club tennis team
Tennis, racquetball, volleyball, camping, and playing the piano
National Charity League-Bayou City Chapter Newsletter Chairman (August 2003 to May 2004)
National Charity League-Bayou City Chapter Historian (August 2002 to May 2003)
Volunteer at The Briarwood School (June 2002, day counselor of 5 year old class)
Volunteer at the Museum of Natural Science (April 2002, assisted with dinosaur exhibit)
David Burns Pine Forest Country Club Ciro’s Italian Grill
902 Frostwood Suite 1803 Clay Rd. 1000 Cambell Rd.
Houston, Tx 77024 Houston, Tx 77084-3909 Houston, Tx 77024
713-467-7704 281-463-0900 713-467-9336
2202 Mac Davis Ln. 611 C
Lubbock, TX 79401
(c) 713-560-1116
Sweetie1473@aol.com 12111 Cobblestone Dr
Houston, TX 77024
(h) 713-984-2628
Objective Position in interior design or architecture
Education B.S. Major: Interior Design. Minor: Architecture
Texas Tech University. Lubbock, Texas
GPA: 3.6/4.0
Anticipated date of graduation: Spring 2009
Houston Christian High School: A Private College Preparatory School
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Skills Laboratory skills in Microsoft word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint software.
Sketch Up/ CAD
Written and oral communication
Speak some Spanish
Experience Lifeguard at Pine Forest Country Club (June 1, 2004 to August 30, 2004)
Certified in CPR and aquatics by Red Cross
Hostess at Ciro’s Restaurant (March 31, 2002 to August 30, 2003)
Escorted restaurant patrons to their tables, booked reservations, planned seating
arrangements, met customers’ needs, and answered telephone.
Babysitting for neighbor Mr. And Mrs. Robert Rhode ( June 1, 2007 to August 30, 2007)
Office clerical assistant for Dr. David Burns (June 1, 2006 to August 30, 2006)
Responsible for the proper filing of important medical records, postage, chart
preparation, and answered office phone.
Activities & Honors
Community Service
References Member of Delta Gamma Fraternity; attended weekly meetings and events, volunteer
work, responsible for recruiting new members, and in charge of proctoring study
sessions.
Member of Drug and Alcohol safety for campus council
Member of Texas Tech club tennis team
Tennis, racquetball, volleyball, camping, and playing the piano
National Charity League-Bayou City Chapter Newsletter Chairman (August 2003 to May 2004)
National Charity League-Bayou City Chapter Historian (August 2002 to May 2003)
Volunteer at The Briarwood School (June 2002, day counselor of 5 year old class)
Volunteer at the Museum of Natural Science (April 2002, assisted with dinosaur exhibit)
David Burns Pine Forest Country Club Ciro’s Italian Grill
902 Frostwood Suite 1803 Clay Rd. 1000 Cambell Rd.
Houston, Tx 77024 Houston, Tx 77084-3909 Houston, Tx 77024
713-467-7704 281-463-0900 713-467-9336
Instruction Sets Reflection
Lindsey Burns
ENGL 2311-003/008
Dr. Liu
March 26, 2008
Assignment Reflection 3
Reflecting on my work from this assignment; Instructions, I had to identify my audience and an appropriate content level for my audience. I identifies a goal or purpose for the set of instructions I had to clearly give with an appropriate amount of information, not too long, but not too vague. An important part was to identify the safety and warning issues associated with the goal of my instructions, and end with an identifiable conclusion and any trouble shooting instructions that might happen. The Design of the document was another important part of this assignments work. Visual graphics, spacing or white space on the page, a professional looking document of alignment, contrast; bold, italics, colored font, and repetition to get a point across to the reader.
My invention process for this assignment was to first come up with a conclusion, and possible warnings the reader should know, the materials or items the reader would need, the progressive steps to follow to safely and successfully make a grilled cheese sandwich.
How I determined if my topic functioned more successfully as an instructions set is I went and read back over my instructions document, checked the tone, font, color, graphics and if they were appropriate and went well with the instructions, the quality of the graphics, and the chunking of the instructions.
How my audience influenced the rhetorical and visual design of my assignment is that I had to consider the different types of audiences; the language they might speak and what they might all ready know, and along with the kind of tone I would write my instructions in.
The course goals that I feel I encountered in completing this assignment were analyzing communication contexts rhetorically by understanding audiences, purposes, and situations. This was shown through my understanding of the kind of audience my instructions were intended for. This was also achieved through the type of tone in which I wrote my instructions. I also encountered the goal of creating technical documents that solve problems and improve situations through communication. This was shown by the troubleshooting part of the document. I also included warnings, suggestions, and notes to make the reader aware of and avoid the problems that could go wrong. The last goal I encountered was to design convincing and usable documents and communicating effectively, in this case, through written communication, with diverse audiences in this assignment. I had to consider the audience and the visual aids that were used to help communicate to the reader what the instructions were saying.
ENGL 2311-003/008
Dr. Liu
March 26, 2008
Assignment Reflection 3
Reflecting on my work from this assignment; Instructions, I had to identify my audience and an appropriate content level for my audience. I identifies a goal or purpose for the set of instructions I had to clearly give with an appropriate amount of information, not too long, but not too vague. An important part was to identify the safety and warning issues associated with the goal of my instructions, and end with an identifiable conclusion and any trouble shooting instructions that might happen. The Design of the document was another important part of this assignments work. Visual graphics, spacing or white space on the page, a professional looking document of alignment, contrast; bold, italics, colored font, and repetition to get a point across to the reader.
My invention process for this assignment was to first come up with a conclusion, and possible warnings the reader should know, the materials or items the reader would need, the progressive steps to follow to safely and successfully make a grilled cheese sandwich.
How I determined if my topic functioned more successfully as an instructions set is I went and read back over my instructions document, checked the tone, font, color, graphics and if they were appropriate and went well with the instructions, the quality of the graphics, and the chunking of the instructions.
How my audience influenced the rhetorical and visual design of my assignment is that I had to consider the different types of audiences; the language they might speak and what they might all ready know, and along with the kind of tone I would write my instructions in.
The course goals that I feel I encountered in completing this assignment were analyzing communication contexts rhetorically by understanding audiences, purposes, and situations. This was shown through my understanding of the kind of audience my instructions were intended for. This was also achieved through the type of tone in which I wrote my instructions. I also encountered the goal of creating technical documents that solve problems and improve situations through communication. This was shown by the troubleshooting part of the document. I also included warnings, suggestions, and notes to make the reader aware of and avoid the problems that could go wrong. The last goal I encountered was to design convincing and usable documents and communicating effectively, in this case, through written communication, with diverse audiences in this assignment. I had to consider the audience and the visual aids that were used to help communicate to the reader what the instructions were saying.
Instruction Sets
How to Make a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Introduction
These instructions will allow you to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich with ease and safely.
Caution: Do not wear loose articles of clothing while operating stove top. This could result in you and your clothes to catch on fire.
You Will Need ...
1. 2 Slices of bread, whatever your preference.
2. Cheese, whatever your preference.
3. Margarine, butter, or canola oil
4. 1 Plate
5. 1 Knife
6. Cooking/ frying pan
7. Stove
8. Spatula
9. A Glass of Milk or water
Precautions
Always turn pan handles inwards, away from the edge of the cooking area.
Avoid too much cheese because the bread will be toasted before the cheese has thoroughly melted.
DO NOT add items to the sandwich such as any raw meat or fish.
The hot cheese can severely burn your mouth if you don't let it cool a little before eating.
Directions
1. Place all of your items and cooking ingredients on a table or counter in the area in which you are cooking.
2. Turn your stove top over head fan on before starting or open a window to avoid setting off your smoke detector.
3. Put your pan on the stove and preheat it on the lowest setting of the stove top, and put about 1 Tablespoon of butter, margarine, or canola oil into the pan.
4. While your pan is preheating take the pieces of bread and lay them flat on a clean counter surface or plate.
5. Slice or cut enough of your preferred choice of cheese in thin slices to cover both pieces of bread.
6. Once you have your cheese sliced, layer the cheese evenly on one slice of bread, then place the other piece of bread on top.
7. Place your sandwich in the pan and turn the heat setting up to medium
- Note: Don’t cook your sandwich on high because you will toast the bread
before the cheese is done melting.
8. Occasionally flip the sandwich over with the spatula to evenly cook both sides. After each flip use your spatula to press down on the sandwich while it is cooking to get an even amount of cheese throughout the sandwich.
9. Once both sides of the sandwich are light brown, use the tip of your spatula to cut the sandwich in half to make sure the cheese is melted.
(2)
10. Once the cheese is melted, turn off your stove top.
WARNING: Do NOT use hands or fingers to take sandwich out of pan. You could severely burn yourself.
12. Now take your spatula and slide it under the sandwich and to transfer to your plate.
- Note: Allow a few seconds to cool before eating.
Conclusion
Now that you have made your sandwich, enjoy!
Suggestions
- If you are really hungry you could also make tomato soup to go along with your grilled cheese sandwich.
- You can also add different ingredients into your sandwich; tomatoes, bacon, grilled ham, etc.
Bread and Cheese Combination Suggestions
Wheat Bread
Pepper Jack Cheese
Monterey Cheese
White Bread American Cheese
Rye Bread Swiss Cheese
Sourdough Bread Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Works/ Pictures Cited:
1. http://www.pocanticohills.org/rollman/00/nshowto.htm
2. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Grilled-Cheese-Sandwich
3. Clip Art – Microsoft Office Online
Created by: Lindsey Burns
ENGL 2311-003/008
Dr. Liu
March 26, 2008
Introduction
These instructions will allow you to make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich with ease and safely.
Caution: Do not wear loose articles of clothing while operating stove top. This could result in you and your clothes to catch on fire.
You Will Need ...
1. 2 Slices of bread, whatever your preference.
2. Cheese, whatever your preference.
3. Margarine, butter, or canola oil
4. 1 Plate
5. 1 Knife
6. Cooking/ frying pan
7. Stove
8. Spatula
9. A Glass of Milk or water
Precautions
Always turn pan handles inwards, away from the edge of the cooking area.
Avoid too much cheese because the bread will be toasted before the cheese has thoroughly melted.
DO NOT add items to the sandwich such as any raw meat or fish.
The hot cheese can severely burn your mouth if you don't let it cool a little before eating.
Directions
1. Place all of your items and cooking ingredients on a table or counter in the area in which you are cooking.
2. Turn your stove top over head fan on before starting or open a window to avoid setting off your smoke detector.
3. Put your pan on the stove and preheat it on the lowest setting of the stove top, and put about 1 Tablespoon of butter, margarine, or canola oil into the pan.
4. While your pan is preheating take the pieces of bread and lay them flat on a clean counter surface or plate.
5. Slice or cut enough of your preferred choice of cheese in thin slices to cover both pieces of bread.
6. Once you have your cheese sliced, layer the cheese evenly on one slice of bread, then place the other piece of bread on top.
7. Place your sandwich in the pan and turn the heat setting up to medium
- Note: Don’t cook your sandwich on high because you will toast the bread
before the cheese is done melting.
8. Occasionally flip the sandwich over with the spatula to evenly cook both sides. After each flip use your spatula to press down on the sandwich while it is cooking to get an even amount of cheese throughout the sandwich.
9. Once both sides of the sandwich are light brown, use the tip of your spatula to cut the sandwich in half to make sure the cheese is melted.
(2)
10. Once the cheese is melted, turn off your stove top.
WARNING: Do NOT use hands or fingers to take sandwich out of pan. You could severely burn yourself.
12. Now take your spatula and slide it under the sandwich and to transfer to your plate.
- Note: Allow a few seconds to cool before eating.
Conclusion
Now that you have made your sandwich, enjoy!
Suggestions
- If you are really hungry you could also make tomato soup to go along with your grilled cheese sandwich.
- You can also add different ingredients into your sandwich; tomatoes, bacon, grilled ham, etc.
Bread and Cheese Combination Suggestions
Wheat Bread
Pepper Jack Cheese
Monterey Cheese
White Bread American Cheese
Rye Bread Swiss Cheese
Sourdough Bread Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Works/ Pictures Cited:
1. http://www.pocanticohills.org/rollman/00/nshowto.htm
2. http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Grilled-Cheese-Sandwich
3. Clip Art – Microsoft Office Online
Created by: Lindsey Burns
ENGL 2311-003/008
Dr. Liu
March 26, 2008
Revised In class assignment on MLA and APA Styles
Lindsey Burns
Dr. Y. Liu
April 9, 2008
In -Class Assignment on MLA & APA Style
Part I:
1. What is MLA style? A main aspect of the MLA Style is that the bibliography section is called works cited. MLA stands for the modern Language Association and is the most commonly used method of writing and citing resources used in ones document. This style also gives a system to writers to cite their reverences in parenthesis as a form of citation in their documents and Works Cited Page. Through the usage of proper MLA writing, writers build their credentials by showing that they know how to write in the MLA style. This style also gives protection to writers from plagiarism which is a serious offense and also to keep their credibility of the essay
2. Write a 150-200 word paragraph on a topic chosen from the following topics:
Topic: Document design in technical communication
The document design of writing in MLA format is an organized to display ones information in a document. According to McMoris, there is a typical structure that one follows when writing a document or an essay (McMoris). There is a thesis sentence that starts out the introduction paragraph, main body paragraphs about the topic introduced in the introduction paragraph, and then a conclusion over the subject at hand. The intro should be the topic you are writing about the body paragraphs should be descriptions or different point of views of the topic. You need to keep in mind your audience and content when writing your document or essay. If you are using a quote, direct sentence or paragraph, you need to be sure to always cite where you got the information from (Markel 581).
Works Cited
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.
The Purdue OWL. 26 Aug. 2008. The Writing Lab and OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. 23 April 2008 McMorris, Allison. Repetition and Contrast. Nov. 13, 2006 . .
Part II:
1. What is APA style? According to Markel, “APA style consists of two elements: the citation in the text and the list of references at the end of the document. (p. 582)
According to McMoris (2006), APA (American Psychological Association) is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences.
2. In the same paragraph you have just finished in Part I , now please change all your in-text citation from MLA style to APA style.
The document design of writing in MLA format is an organized to display ones information in a document. According to Mc McMoris (2006), there is a typical structure that one follows when writing a document or an essay (McMoris 2006). There is a thesis sentence that starts out the introduction paragraph, main body paragraphs about the topic introduced in the introduction paragraph, and then a conclusion over the subject at hand. The intro should be the topic you are writing about the body paragraphs should be descriptions or different point of views of the topic. You need to keep in mind your audience and content when writing your document or essay. If you are using a quote, direct sentence or paragraph, you need to be sure to always cite where you got the information from. (Markel p.582 )
References
Markel, M. (2007) Technical communication. (8th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
McMorris, A. Repetition and contrast. Retrieved April 9, 2008, from http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/articles/Designprin2/start.htm
Dr. Y. Liu
April 9, 2008
In -Class Assignment on MLA & APA Style
Part I:
1. What is MLA style? A main aspect of the MLA Style is that the bibliography section is called works cited. MLA stands for the modern Language Association and is the most commonly used method of writing and citing resources used in ones document. This style also gives a system to writers to cite their reverences in parenthesis as a form of citation in their documents and Works Cited Page. Through the usage of proper MLA writing, writers build their credentials by showing that they know how to write in the MLA style. This style also gives protection to writers from plagiarism which is a serious offense and also to keep their credibility of the essay
2. Write a 150-200 word paragraph on a topic chosen from the following topics:
Topic: Document design in technical communication
The document design of writing in MLA format is an organized to display ones information in a document. According to McMoris, there is a typical structure that one follows when writing a document or an essay (McMoris). There is a thesis sentence that starts out the introduction paragraph, main body paragraphs about the topic introduced in the introduction paragraph, and then a conclusion over the subject at hand. The intro should be the topic you are writing about the body paragraphs should be descriptions or different point of views of the topic. You need to keep in mind your audience and content when writing your document or essay. If you are using a quote, direct sentence or paragraph, you need to be sure to always cite where you got the information from (Markel 581).
Works Cited
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.
The Purdue OWL. 26 Aug. 2008. The Writing Lab and OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. 23 April 2008 McMorris, Allison. Repetition and Contrast. Nov. 13, 2006 . .
Part II:
1. What is APA style? According to Markel, “APA style consists of two elements: the citation in the text and the list of references at the end of the document. (p. 582)
According to McMoris (2006), APA (American Psychological Association) is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences.
2. In the same paragraph you have just finished in Part I , now please change all your in-text citation from MLA style to APA style.
The document design of writing in MLA format is an organized to display ones information in a document. According to Mc McMoris (2006), there is a typical structure that one follows when writing a document or an essay (McMoris 2006). There is a thesis sentence that starts out the introduction paragraph, main body paragraphs about the topic introduced in the introduction paragraph, and then a conclusion over the subject at hand. The intro should be the topic you are writing about the body paragraphs should be descriptions or different point of views of the topic. You need to keep in mind your audience and content when writing your document or essay. If you are using a quote, direct sentence or paragraph, you need to be sure to always cite where you got the information from. (Markel p.582 )
References
Markel, M. (2007) Technical communication. (8th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
McMorris, A. Repetition and contrast. Retrieved April 9, 2008, from http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/articles/Designprin2/start.htm
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
ENGL Assignment 4 - Proposal and Reflection
Adding a Satellite
Student Union Building
to the Texas Tech Campus
Purple Cobras
Josh Frost, Lindsey Burns, Dana Medford, Thomas Bonds
Introduction
Texas Tech’s campus is rapidly changing with all the new construction. Many changes are being made. New buildings are going up around campus, like the Business Administration building and the additions to the Law School. Also, the new highway being built through Lubbock is creating some new and modified entrances to the campus. One of these new entrances is on the west side of the campus near satellite parking. The number of students and faculty in that area of campus will only increase.
Texas Tech only has one Student Union Building. For some students and faculty, its location is just not convenient, especially those who frequently use the west side of campus. Those students and faculty are missing out on all of the luxuries and conveniences of a Student Union Building. Building a new satellite Student Union Building would benefit those who are too far away from the current Student Union Building.
To solve this problem, we propose building a satellite Student Union Building. The new Student Union Building will be located on 19th and Indiana across from the Law School. This new building will give all those who frequently use the west side of the campus a chance to enjoy the conveniences of a Student Union Building. They would be able to get something to eat at the food court or just take a break between classes to study or relax. A new building would also generate new income for the university from the food court. Overall, a new satellite Student Union Building would be beneficial to students and faculty, as well as Texas Tech University.
Statement of Problem
These days many students don’t have the option of eating in between classes because they only have thirty minutes and cannot get food and eat it in time at our busy Student Union Building. Also with the future plans of enrollment increases students living off campus will also increase. There is always a need for more parking and eating facilities. Chancellor Kent Hance has stressed recruitment these past couple years and as a result we are going to see an enrollment increase resulting in a much more crowded campus. The student union building is already extremely crowded during the lunch time. The current building is not sufficient for the amount of students and we must look into other options for students.
In order to show the importance of an additional student union building we surveyed students on their thoughts and feelings regarding the current situation and if they would use an additional sub. The idea is to add another SUB somewhere on campus to cater to students who commute to school. The location we had chosen for the purpose of the survey was at 19th and Indiana. We randomly surveyed 100 students while they were in the student union building either eating or passing through.
From the information we collected in the survey, we were able to determine that a significant number of students would eat at another location if it was convenient and provided good food. When speaking with students we also found that a large number of law students and students living in the Tech Terrace area would use the SUB if it were convenient.
There are several other people who have recognized a growing need for additional facilities for students. The Daily Toreador did a 5-part periodical on Chancellor Hance’s idea of 40,000 students by 2020 and what that means for our facilities and university in general. The external vice-president of the Student Government Association as well a committee has been looking into additional parking lots and buildings as well. The need for additional eating facilities is also evident to any student who has eaten at the SUB between 12 and 2.
Proposed Solution
With Texas Tech University growing each semester, the community areas will become even more crowded than they are this semester. We would like to see a new Student Union Building to be built on campus in order to help stimulate campus life and stop the overcrowding of the current Student Union Building. The new student union would be placed on 19th Street and Indiana Ave., and would cover all those who park in west commuter, the law school, as well as the United Spirit Arena. By placing it in this location many students who also have classes on the west side of campus would have a shorter walk in order to reach the services provided by a new student union. The student union could be a center for entertainment, studying, refreshments, food, and other services. A new bookstore and other retail stores would be added in order to provide more opportunities for students to support their university and supply discounted products to students. The student union is also a meeting place for many people and provides groups a place to hold their events. In many cases large events need to happen at the same time and an additional student union building would solve this problem.
Scope
If all of Texas Tech Universities’ strategies to expand student enrollment goes as planned, new student oriented facilities will need to be expanded and improved. It is very important to provide students with a satisfactory campus life in order to keep the student body happy and generate more interest for prospective students. With the increase in the number of students at Texas Tech University comes increased spending to provide them with the amenities that are expected from a large university.
A new Student Union Building would boost the university economy by providing jobs for residents of Lubbock and students alike. It would also bring in more revenue to the university through the student unions stores and restaurants. It would also cater to the students who currently are not able to take advantage of the popular eating facilities on campus. Having this additional SUB will aid to the Law school students as well as people located south of campus.
From the research we have done, we feel that it would be economically feasible and even generate revenue over time and allow for students to have an alternative place to eat. It would reduce the congestion in the current Student Union as well.
Methods
For our proposal, we used two different methods of research. First, we conducted internet research to strengthen our proposal. Second, we surveyed Texas Tech students at the current Student Union Building over a two-day period. We asked them question about building a satellite Student Union Building.
Through the internet, we researched the recent renovation cost of the current Student Union Building and the size we would suggest for the new Student Union Building. We also found a location for the new building in our internet research.
After completing the survey, we found that 75% of students thought an additional Student Union Building would be useful and effective. Also, many students said that they would use the new building for its choice of dining and parking convenience.
Qualifications
While preparing this proposal our group discovered that the four of us have a vast and varied amount of qualifications that have enabled us to write and complete this proposal. Dana Medford is a senior, human development and family studies major with a minor in psychology. She has taken a research methods class and statistics class which helped with the survey and budget. Lindsey Burns is also a senior, she is an Architecture and Interior Design minor and major, and has taken statistics and English courses. Her experience with her class work helped to plan what the building would include. Thomas Bonds is a junior and has worked at NWTSBDC for three years as a student technician. During his work experience he has written multiple purchasing proposals for computers and other technology equipment while working as a student. Josh Frost is a sophomore, involved in the Student Government Association and President’s Select. As a student leader he has had the opportunity to hear about many of the future plans for Tech as well as attend meetings regarding facilities. Although diverse, our group contained qualified people to address the different needs of this complex proposal.
Project Schedule
Due to the complexity of the project, an exact project schedule is near impossible to adhere to. From presenting to both the SGA and Chancellor Hance to Construction many variables lay in the way to halt the progress temporarily. Large scale constructions are almost never completed on time, but we have provided a project schedule that is feasible for the project.
Present Proposal to SGA April 2008
Present to Chancellor Hance May 2008
Obtain Funding Spring 2009
Construction Begins Summer 2009
Estimated Completion Date Summer 2012
Budget
Since it is so early on a lot of our budget is simply an estimated cost. Once approved, the budget would become much more concrete and we would be able to send out bids for the actual construction. We looked into the costs of the recent remodeling of the Student Union Building to come up with most of our budget. We also looked into the costs of other buildings around campus including the recent English, Philosophy and Education complex. Our estimated budget includes the costs of construction of the building as well as everything that would go inside of it including staffing the Satellite SUB although that doesn’t come out of the initial budget. We also considered the price of a parking lot as that would be required with the new SUB.
The basic breakdown for costs would be the construction, the furnishing and the stocking. There would also be small costs associated with staffing and initial training as well as the cost of the new parking lot. We tried to take into consideration and estimate costs for every part included in the new building although some items are hard to predict for especially with a construction market that is currently going through some economically difficult times.
According to the Texas Tech Bricks and Mortar report of 2005 the cost of the remodeling of the SUB was approximately 38 million dollars. The price of the new English, Philosophy and Education complex was approximately 46 million dollars. Due to the complexity and size of these two buildings we estimated the cost of the new SUB to be about 40 million dollars. Since a lot of the remodeling in the SUB is the same type of thing that will go into the new SUB we estimated that the costs would be about the same.
The 38 million dollars spent on the renovations for the SUB included all new tables, chairs, lights, and outside patio furniture as well as many other things. Architecturally it would be similar to all the other buildings on campus with the Spanish Renaissance design. The new SUB would also include the same style furnishings as t he current Student Union Building. It would also contain several fast food type restaurants similar to the current SUB which is included in the price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have found that building a satellite Student Union Building would be very beneficial to students, faculty, and Texas Tech University. Our research shows that students are in favor of building a new Student Union Building and would use the new building. For those students and faculty who frequently use the west side of campus, a satellite Student Union Building would need to be built so that they too can enjoy the conveniences of an eating facility and parking lot closer to their homes. We have researched the potential cost, size and location of a satellite Student Union Building and feel that the overall outcome, although pricey, is still very beneficial.
Works Cited
Texas Tech University. Brick and Mortar Report. Retrieved April 10, 2008 from, www.texastech.edu
Lubbock Central Appraisal District. 2007 Certified Values Report. Retrieved April 12, 2008 from, www.lubbockcad.org
Various Writers. Various articles in archives. Student Union Building Expansion and 40,000 by 2020. Retrieved April 9,2008 from, www.dailytoreador.com
Appendicies
TTU Student Union Building
Please circle one of the following answers for each question…
1. Do you eat most of your meals on campus? Yes / No
2. If so, do you eat most of your meals at the SUB (Student Union Building)? Yes / No
3. Do you feel that it is overcrowded? Yes / No
4. If you had the option of eating another place like the SUB would you? Yes / No
5. Do you like the idea of TTU building another Student Union Building that you could park at instead of waiting after 5:30 p.m. to park? Yes / No
6. If you could park at the SUB anytime would you eat more of your meals there?
Yes / No
7. If it were the same price as a commuter parking spot would you be willing to pay for a years permit to a parking space at the new Student Union Building if it was located at Indiana and 19th street? Yes / No
8. If so how often would you park there? 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 Times a Week
9. Name one restaurant or type of food you would like to have at the new Student Union Building.
____________________________
10. Do you drive, take the bus, or walk to school? Bus / Drive / Walk
Comments or suggestions:
• Question #8 - If so how often would you park there?
7 / 6 / 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 Times a Week
o This question was based on students who answered yes to buying a parking pass for the new lot. Of those people, the average was approximately 4 times a week.
• Question #9 - Name one restaurant or type of food you would like to have at the new Student Union Building.
o American includes common fast food restaurants including McDonalds, Wendy’s and Burger King.
• Question #10 - Do you drive, take the bus, or walk to school?
Satellite Student Union Building
Survey Data Results
Lindsey Burns
ENGL 2311-003/008
Dr. Liu
April 16, 2008
Assignment Reflection 4
Reflecting on my work for this ENGL 2311 assignment #4, which was a group project, and was very rewarding when the project was completed. The proposals decision to be carried out or not would be decided by the chancellor and board of region.
I believe our group proposal is feasible because it is firstly a good idea that many students, as well as myself, believe is one that should be carried out. All the data that was obtained for a new Student Union Building was very supportive in the decision on whether to build one or not. The whole document that is to be turned in is well thought out and the format of the entire proposal is a very professional one.
The collaboration of my group helped the progress of this assignment because since there were four people instead of one, we were able to cover more grounds in researching material and preparing the final proposal document to hand in. There were eleven parts to the process of developing, researching, and drafting the proposal; The Introduction, which states the problem, which in my group project was proposing to build another Student Union Building along with some of the problem with the current Student Union Building. The second is the statement of the Problem including the primary and secondary research to frame the problem. Proposing the solution, scope, methods, and qualifications are the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth. The last seven through 11; project schedule indicates how the project will be carried out in a time limit, budget, conclusion, references, and the appendices.
The specific tasks I did in my group project were the statement of problem, the appendices; the survey, and the four graphs reflecting the data collected from the survey given to the Texas Tech University students. I also helped hand out surveys to the Tech students. The way I benefited from doing my part of the task is that it allowed the rest of my group members to write their assigned parts of the project and to calculate and report the results and data the resulted from the survey to be added in their sections completed.
The course goals I feel I encountered in completing this assignment were designing a convincing and usable document, analyzing communication contexts rhetorically by understanding audiences, purposes, and situations, writing an effective technical proposal, analyzing and applying the ethical responsibilities involved in technical communication, creating technical documents that solve problems and improve situations through communication, and collaborate on communication projects. Overall I enjoyed and appreciated this assignment because it was good practice for the proper formatting and information to include in a proposal.
Student Union Building
to the Texas Tech Campus
Purple Cobras
Josh Frost, Lindsey Burns, Dana Medford, Thomas Bonds
Introduction
Texas Tech’s campus is rapidly changing with all the new construction. Many changes are being made. New buildings are going up around campus, like the Business Administration building and the additions to the Law School. Also, the new highway being built through Lubbock is creating some new and modified entrances to the campus. One of these new entrances is on the west side of the campus near satellite parking. The number of students and faculty in that area of campus will only increase.
Texas Tech only has one Student Union Building. For some students and faculty, its location is just not convenient, especially those who frequently use the west side of campus. Those students and faculty are missing out on all of the luxuries and conveniences of a Student Union Building. Building a new satellite Student Union Building would benefit those who are too far away from the current Student Union Building.
To solve this problem, we propose building a satellite Student Union Building. The new Student Union Building will be located on 19th and Indiana across from the Law School. This new building will give all those who frequently use the west side of the campus a chance to enjoy the conveniences of a Student Union Building. They would be able to get something to eat at the food court or just take a break between classes to study or relax. A new building would also generate new income for the university from the food court. Overall, a new satellite Student Union Building would be beneficial to students and faculty, as well as Texas Tech University.
Statement of Problem
These days many students don’t have the option of eating in between classes because they only have thirty minutes and cannot get food and eat it in time at our busy Student Union Building. Also with the future plans of enrollment increases students living off campus will also increase. There is always a need for more parking and eating facilities. Chancellor Kent Hance has stressed recruitment these past couple years and as a result we are going to see an enrollment increase resulting in a much more crowded campus. The student union building is already extremely crowded during the lunch time. The current building is not sufficient for the amount of students and we must look into other options for students.
In order to show the importance of an additional student union building we surveyed students on their thoughts and feelings regarding the current situation and if they would use an additional sub. The idea is to add another SUB somewhere on campus to cater to students who commute to school. The location we had chosen for the purpose of the survey was at 19th and Indiana. We randomly surveyed 100 students while they were in the student union building either eating or passing through.
From the information we collected in the survey, we were able to determine that a significant number of students would eat at another location if it was convenient and provided good food. When speaking with students we also found that a large number of law students and students living in the Tech Terrace area would use the SUB if it were convenient.
There are several other people who have recognized a growing need for additional facilities for students. The Daily Toreador did a 5-part periodical on Chancellor Hance’s idea of 40,000 students by 2020 and what that means for our facilities and university in general. The external vice-president of the Student Government Association as well a committee has been looking into additional parking lots and buildings as well. The need for additional eating facilities is also evident to any student who has eaten at the SUB between 12 and 2.
Proposed Solution
With Texas Tech University growing each semester, the community areas will become even more crowded than they are this semester. We would like to see a new Student Union Building to be built on campus in order to help stimulate campus life and stop the overcrowding of the current Student Union Building. The new student union would be placed on 19th Street and Indiana Ave., and would cover all those who park in west commuter, the law school, as well as the United Spirit Arena. By placing it in this location many students who also have classes on the west side of campus would have a shorter walk in order to reach the services provided by a new student union. The student union could be a center for entertainment, studying, refreshments, food, and other services. A new bookstore and other retail stores would be added in order to provide more opportunities for students to support their university and supply discounted products to students. The student union is also a meeting place for many people and provides groups a place to hold their events. In many cases large events need to happen at the same time and an additional student union building would solve this problem.
Scope
If all of Texas Tech Universities’ strategies to expand student enrollment goes as planned, new student oriented facilities will need to be expanded and improved. It is very important to provide students with a satisfactory campus life in order to keep the student body happy and generate more interest for prospective students. With the increase in the number of students at Texas Tech University comes increased spending to provide them with the amenities that are expected from a large university.
A new Student Union Building would boost the university economy by providing jobs for residents of Lubbock and students alike. It would also bring in more revenue to the university through the student unions stores and restaurants. It would also cater to the students who currently are not able to take advantage of the popular eating facilities on campus. Having this additional SUB will aid to the Law school students as well as people located south of campus.
From the research we have done, we feel that it would be economically feasible and even generate revenue over time and allow for students to have an alternative place to eat. It would reduce the congestion in the current Student Union as well.
Methods
For our proposal, we used two different methods of research. First, we conducted internet research to strengthen our proposal. Second, we surveyed Texas Tech students at the current Student Union Building over a two-day period. We asked them question about building a satellite Student Union Building.
Through the internet, we researched the recent renovation cost of the current Student Union Building and the size we would suggest for the new Student Union Building. We also found a location for the new building in our internet research.
After completing the survey, we found that 75% of students thought an additional Student Union Building would be useful and effective. Also, many students said that they would use the new building for its choice of dining and parking convenience.
Qualifications
While preparing this proposal our group discovered that the four of us have a vast and varied amount of qualifications that have enabled us to write and complete this proposal. Dana Medford is a senior, human development and family studies major with a minor in psychology. She has taken a research methods class and statistics class which helped with the survey and budget. Lindsey Burns is also a senior, she is an Architecture and Interior Design minor and major, and has taken statistics and English courses. Her experience with her class work helped to plan what the building would include. Thomas Bonds is a junior and has worked at NWTSBDC for three years as a student technician. During his work experience he has written multiple purchasing proposals for computers and other technology equipment while working as a student. Josh Frost is a sophomore, involved in the Student Government Association and President’s Select. As a student leader he has had the opportunity to hear about many of the future plans for Tech as well as attend meetings regarding facilities. Although diverse, our group contained qualified people to address the different needs of this complex proposal.
Project Schedule
Due to the complexity of the project, an exact project schedule is near impossible to adhere to. From presenting to both the SGA and Chancellor Hance to Construction many variables lay in the way to halt the progress temporarily. Large scale constructions are almost never completed on time, but we have provided a project schedule that is feasible for the project.
Present Proposal to SGA April 2008
Present to Chancellor Hance May 2008
Obtain Funding Spring 2009
Construction Begins Summer 2009
Estimated Completion Date Summer 2012
Budget
Since it is so early on a lot of our budget is simply an estimated cost. Once approved, the budget would become much more concrete and we would be able to send out bids for the actual construction. We looked into the costs of the recent remodeling of the Student Union Building to come up with most of our budget. We also looked into the costs of other buildings around campus including the recent English, Philosophy and Education complex. Our estimated budget includes the costs of construction of the building as well as everything that would go inside of it including staffing the Satellite SUB although that doesn’t come out of the initial budget. We also considered the price of a parking lot as that would be required with the new SUB.
The basic breakdown for costs would be the construction, the furnishing and the stocking. There would also be small costs associated with staffing and initial training as well as the cost of the new parking lot. We tried to take into consideration and estimate costs for every part included in the new building although some items are hard to predict for especially with a construction market that is currently going through some economically difficult times.
According to the Texas Tech Bricks and Mortar report of 2005 the cost of the remodeling of the SUB was approximately 38 million dollars. The price of the new English, Philosophy and Education complex was approximately 46 million dollars. Due to the complexity and size of these two buildings we estimated the cost of the new SUB to be about 40 million dollars. Since a lot of the remodeling in the SUB is the same type of thing that will go into the new SUB we estimated that the costs would be about the same.
The 38 million dollars spent on the renovations for the SUB included all new tables, chairs, lights, and outside patio furniture as well as many other things. Architecturally it would be similar to all the other buildings on campus with the Spanish Renaissance design. The new SUB would also include the same style furnishings as t he current Student Union Building. It would also contain several fast food type restaurants similar to the current SUB which is included in the price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have found that building a satellite Student Union Building would be very beneficial to students, faculty, and Texas Tech University. Our research shows that students are in favor of building a new Student Union Building and would use the new building. For those students and faculty who frequently use the west side of campus, a satellite Student Union Building would need to be built so that they too can enjoy the conveniences of an eating facility and parking lot closer to their homes. We have researched the potential cost, size and location of a satellite Student Union Building and feel that the overall outcome, although pricey, is still very beneficial.
Works Cited
Texas Tech University. Brick and Mortar Report. Retrieved April 10, 2008 from, www.texastech.edu
Lubbock Central Appraisal District. 2007 Certified Values Report. Retrieved April 12, 2008 from, www.lubbockcad.org
Various Writers. Various articles in archives. Student Union Building Expansion and 40,000 by 2020. Retrieved April 9,2008 from, www.dailytoreador.com
Appendicies
TTU Student Union Building
Please circle one of the following answers for each question…
1. Do you eat most of your meals on campus? Yes / No
2. If so, do you eat most of your meals at the SUB (Student Union Building)? Yes / No
3. Do you feel that it is overcrowded? Yes / No
4. If you had the option of eating another place like the SUB would you? Yes / No
5. Do you like the idea of TTU building another Student Union Building that you could park at instead of waiting after 5:30 p.m. to park? Yes / No
6. If you could park at the SUB anytime would you eat more of your meals there?
Yes / No
7. If it were the same price as a commuter parking spot would you be willing to pay for a years permit to a parking space at the new Student Union Building if it was located at Indiana and 19th street? Yes / No
8. If so how often would you park there? 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 Times a Week
9. Name one restaurant or type of food you would like to have at the new Student Union Building.
____________________________
10. Do you drive, take the bus, or walk to school? Bus / Drive / Walk
Comments or suggestions:
• Question #8 - If so how often would you park there?
7 / 6 / 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1 Times a Week
o This question was based on students who answered yes to buying a parking pass for the new lot. Of those people, the average was approximately 4 times a week.
• Question #9 - Name one restaurant or type of food you would like to have at the new Student Union Building.
o American includes common fast food restaurants including McDonalds, Wendy’s and Burger King.
• Question #10 - Do you drive, take the bus, or walk to school?
Satellite Student Union Building
Survey Data Results
Lindsey Burns
ENGL 2311-003/008
Dr. Liu
April 16, 2008
Assignment Reflection 4
Reflecting on my work for this ENGL 2311 assignment #4, which was a group project, and was very rewarding when the project was completed. The proposals decision to be carried out or not would be decided by the chancellor and board of region.
I believe our group proposal is feasible because it is firstly a good idea that many students, as well as myself, believe is one that should be carried out. All the data that was obtained for a new Student Union Building was very supportive in the decision on whether to build one or not. The whole document that is to be turned in is well thought out and the format of the entire proposal is a very professional one.
The collaboration of my group helped the progress of this assignment because since there were four people instead of one, we were able to cover more grounds in researching material and preparing the final proposal document to hand in. There were eleven parts to the process of developing, researching, and drafting the proposal; The Introduction, which states the problem, which in my group project was proposing to build another Student Union Building along with some of the problem with the current Student Union Building. The second is the statement of the Problem including the primary and secondary research to frame the problem. Proposing the solution, scope, methods, and qualifications are the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth. The last seven through 11; project schedule indicates how the project will be carried out in a time limit, budget, conclusion, references, and the appendices.
The specific tasks I did in my group project were the statement of problem, the appendices; the survey, and the four graphs reflecting the data collected from the survey given to the Texas Tech University students. I also helped hand out surveys to the Tech students. The way I benefited from doing my part of the task is that it allowed the rest of my group members to write their assigned parts of the project and to calculate and report the results and data the resulted from the survey to be added in their sections completed.
The course goals I feel I encountered in completing this assignment were designing a convincing and usable document, analyzing communication contexts rhetorically by understanding audiences, purposes, and situations, writing an effective technical proposal, analyzing and applying the ethical responsibilities involved in technical communication, creating technical documents that solve problems and improve situations through communication, and collaborate on communication projects. Overall I enjoyed and appreciated this assignment because it was good practice for the proper formatting and information to include in a proposal.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Class Acyivity 20
• What is the identified problem that the sample proposal deals with?
The problem is the number of cyclist head injuries in the state and the solutions to lower the number of injuries.
• What kind of research methods does the writer use to collect the data in order to describe the problem?
The research method the writer uses to collect the data to describe the problem is statistical data records from recent injuries, medical records, and interviewing those in cycling organizations the cyclers who have suffered from head injuries.
• Are you convinced as a reader that there does exist a problem about the bicycle head injuries?
Yes, I am convinced as a reader that there is a problem among cyclists injuries through the various examples of injuries that have occurred.
• Please describe in detail HOW the writer has successfully persuaded you about the existence of the problem.
How in detail the writer has successfully persuaded me about the existence of the problem. He mentions that he has been researching this problem for over six years and that he himself is also a bicyclist.
The problem is the number of cyclist head injuries in the state and the solutions to lower the number of injuries.
• What kind of research methods does the writer use to collect the data in order to describe the problem?
The research method the writer uses to collect the data to describe the problem is statistical data records from recent injuries, medical records, and interviewing those in cycling organizations the cyclers who have suffered from head injuries.
• Are you convinced as a reader that there does exist a problem about the bicycle head injuries?
Yes, I am convinced as a reader that there is a problem among cyclists injuries through the various examples of injuries that have occurred.
• Please describe in detail HOW the writer has successfully persuaded you about the existence of the problem.
How in detail the writer has successfully persuaded me about the existence of the problem. He mentions that he has been researching this problem for over six years and that he himself is also a bicyclist.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
In class assignment on MLA and APA Styles
Lindsey Burns
Dr. Y. Liu
April 9, 2008
In -Class Assignment on MLA & APA Style
Part I:
1. What is MLA style? A main aspect of the MLA Style is that the bibliography section is called works cited. MLA stands for the modern Language Association and is the most commonly used method of writing and citing resources used in ones document. This style also gives a system to writers to cite their reverences in parenthesis as a form of citation in their documents and Works Cited Page. Through the usage of proper MLA writing, writers build their credentials by showing that they know how to write in the MLA style. This style also gives protection to writers from plagiarism which is a serious offense and also to keep their credibility of the essay
2. Write a 150-200 word paragraph on a topic chosen from the following topics:
Topic: Document design in technical communication
The document design of writing in MLA format is an organized to display ones information in a document. According to Mc McMoris, there is a typical structure that one follows when writing a document or an essay. There is a thesis sentence that starts out the introduction paragraph, main body paragraphs about the topic introduced in the introduction paragraph, and then a conclusion over the subject at hand. The intro should be the topic you are writing about the body paragraphs should be descriptions or different point of views of the topic. You need to keep in mind your audience and content when writing your document or essay. If you are using a quote, direct sentence or paragraph, you need to be sure to always cite where you got the information from. (Markel p. 581 )
Works Cited
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.
The Purdue OWL. 26 Aug. 2008. The Writing Lab and OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. 23 April 2008 McMorris, Allison. Repetition and Contrast. Nov. 13, 2006 ..
Part II:
1. What is APA style? According to Markel, “APA style consists of two elements: the citation in the text and the list of references at the end of the document. (p. 582)
According to McMoris (2006), APA (American Psychological Association) is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences.
2. In the same paragraph you have just finished in Part I , now please change all your in-text citation from MLA style to APA style.
The document design of writing in MLA format is an organized to display ones information in a document. According to Mc McMoris (2006), there is a typical structure that one follows when writing a document or an essay. There is a thesis sentence that starts out the introduction paragraph, main body paragraphs about the topic introduced in the introduction paragraph, and then a conclusion over the subject at hand. The intro should be the topic you are writing about the body paragraphs should be descriptions or different point of views of the topic. You need to keep in mind your audience and content when writing your document or essay. If you are using a quote, direct sentence or paragraph, you need to be sure to always cite where you got the information from. Markel (2007 )
References
Markel, M. (2007) Technical communication. (8th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
McMorris, A. Repetition and contrast. Retrieved April 9, 2008, from http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/articles/Designprin2/start.htm
Dr. Y. Liu
April 9, 2008
In -Class Assignment on MLA & APA Style
Part I:
1. What is MLA style? A main aspect of the MLA Style is that the bibliography section is called works cited. MLA stands for the modern Language Association and is the most commonly used method of writing and citing resources used in ones document. This style also gives a system to writers to cite their reverences in parenthesis as a form of citation in their documents and Works Cited Page. Through the usage of proper MLA writing, writers build their credentials by showing that they know how to write in the MLA style. This style also gives protection to writers from plagiarism which is a serious offense and also to keep their credibility of the essay
2. Write a 150-200 word paragraph on a topic chosen from the following topics:
Topic: Document design in technical communication
The document design of writing in MLA format is an organized to display ones information in a document. According to Mc McMoris, there is a typical structure that one follows when writing a document or an essay. There is a thesis sentence that starts out the introduction paragraph, main body paragraphs about the topic introduced in the introduction paragraph, and then a conclusion over the subject at hand. The intro should be the topic you are writing about the body paragraphs should be descriptions or different point of views of the topic. You need to keep in mind your audience and content when writing your document or essay. If you are using a quote, direct sentence or paragraph, you need to be sure to always cite where you got the information from. (Markel p. 581 )
Works Cited
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2007.
The Purdue OWL. 26 Aug. 2008. The Writing Lab and OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. 23 April 2008 McMorris, Allison. Repetition and Contrast. Nov. 13, 2006 .
Part II:
1. What is APA style? According to Markel, “APA style consists of two elements: the citation in the text and the list of references at the end of the document. (p. 582)
According to McMoris (2006), APA (American Psychological Association) is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences.
2. In the same paragraph you have just finished in Part I , now please change all your in-text citation from MLA style to APA style.
The document design of writing in MLA format is an organized to display ones information in a document. According to Mc McMoris (2006), there is a typical structure that one follows when writing a document or an essay. There is a thesis sentence that starts out the introduction paragraph, main body paragraphs about the topic introduced in the introduction paragraph, and then a conclusion over the subject at hand. The intro should be the topic you are writing about the body paragraphs should be descriptions or different point of views of the topic. You need to keep in mind your audience and content when writing your document or essay. If you are using a quote, direct sentence or paragraph, you need to be sure to always cite where you got the information from. Markel (2007 )
References
Markel, M. (2007) Technical communication. (8th ed.). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
McMorris, A. Repetition and contrast. Retrieved April 9, 2008, from http://coe.sdsu.edu/eet/articles/Designprin2/start.htm
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
In-Class Assignment on Plain English
In-Class Assignment on Plain English
Lindsey Burns
March 12, 2008
2. Read what is Plain English carefully and quickly. Try to focus on the following aspects of your reading:
a) Write a short reflection on how you think what you read on plain English will help you write effective technical documents in the future.
How I think what I read on plain English will help me write effective technical documents in the future by not trying to complicate my documents with big words or elaborate sentences. It is also faster to read, write, and I can get my message across to the reader a lot clearer, easier, and a friendlier way. Basically to avoid confusion.
b) Then write a short paragraph as your practice of using plain English. Be sure you will create or imagine a rhetorical context in which you need to use plain English to communicate your idea/message effectively.
Keep sentences short, use active verbs, good use of passives, using the pronouns you and me, appropriate words for the reader, not being afraid to give instructions, avoid nominalization, and to remember to mix writing long sentences with short ones. Basically plain English helped me written with the reader in mind and with the right tone, that is clear and concise. To also make sure I include the agent (which is the person,, group, or thing that is doing the action), noun or object (what the action is doing or done to), and a verb (the action word in the sentence).
I also learned that using an
- Action verb the order in which it appears in a sentence is the agent, verb, then
object.
- Using a passive verb, the order is switched; object, verb, then agent. And to use
words was and by.
And the uses of active and passive sentences.
Lindsey Burns
March 12, 2008
2. Read what is Plain English carefully and quickly. Try to focus on the following aspects of your reading:
a) Write a short reflection on how you think what you read on plain English will help you write effective technical documents in the future.
How I think what I read on plain English will help me write effective technical documents in the future by not trying to complicate my documents with big words or elaborate sentences. It is also faster to read, write, and I can get my message across to the reader a lot clearer, easier, and a friendlier way. Basically to avoid confusion.
b) Then write a short paragraph as your practice of using plain English. Be sure you will create or imagine a rhetorical context in which you need to use plain English to communicate your idea/message effectively.
Keep sentences short, use active verbs, good use of passives, using the pronouns you and me, appropriate words for the reader, not being afraid to give instructions, avoid nominalization, and to remember to mix writing long sentences with short ones. Basically plain English helped me written with the reader in mind and with the right tone, that is clear and concise. To also make sure I include the agent (which is the person,, group, or thing that is doing the action), noun or object (what the action is doing or done to), and a verb (the action word in the sentence).
I also learned that using an
- Action verb the order in which it appears in a sentence is the agent, verb, then
object.
- Using a passive verb, the order is switched; object, verb, then agent. And to use
words was and by.
And the uses of active and passive sentences.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Revised English Assignment: Business Letter
3451 Broken Bow Ln.
Denton, Texas 79401
(417) 558- 8442
www.CompUSA.com
February 27, 2008
Mr. Buck Wheat
1356 Jefferson Rd.
Clover, TX 79402
Dear Mr. Wheat:
I apologize for the mistake we have made with your computer order here at CompUSA. I received your letter message regarding the computer you purchased recently without the software promised with the product and decided to accept your request about sending you the software.
I accept your request to send you the proper software to upload to your newly purchased computer. This problem might have occurred due to the all the new software we have ordered and gotten and have had to up load to all the computers we already have along with all the new ones we have recently received. All the old computers and all the new computer might have gotten mixed up with ones that have been uploaded with the ones that have not been uploaded.
Your computer along with the other computers that were advertised will be uploaded with the software that was promised to come with the product in the advertisement. We apologize for the inconvenience and time that this has caused you. I appreciate your feedback and will work harder to make sure that this does not happen again. I hope you will continue your business with us again.
Yours Truly,
Lindsey Burns, Manager
Encl: Software to upgrade your computer.
Denton, Texas 79401
(417) 558- 8442
www.CompUSA.com
February 27, 2008
Mr. Buck Wheat
1356 Jefferson Rd.
Clover, TX 79402
Dear Mr. Wheat:
I apologize for the mistake we have made with your computer order here at CompUSA. I received your letter message regarding the computer you purchased recently without the software promised with the product and decided to accept your request about sending you the software.
I accept your request to send you the proper software to upload to your newly purchased computer. This problem might have occurred due to the all the new software we have ordered and gotten and have had to up load to all the computers we already have along with all the new ones we have recently received. All the old computers and all the new computer might have gotten mixed up with ones that have been uploaded with the ones that have not been uploaded.
Your computer along with the other computers that were advertised will be uploaded with the software that was promised to come with the product in the advertisement. We apologize for the inconvenience and time that this has caused you. I appreciate your feedback and will work harder to make sure that this does not happen again. I hope you will continue your business with us again.
Yours Truly,
Lindsey Burns, Manager
Encl: Software to upgrade your computer.
Revised English Assignment: Memo
Memo
Date: February 27, 2008
To: Colleagues
From: Lindsey Burns
Subject: Over usage of the companys copy machine for personal copies.
The purpose of this memo is to alert all employees that the budget for the copy machine is several hundred dollars over budget and the solution to this problem.
Summary:
This memo is to alert employees that (1) the budget to the copy machine is way over the companys budget and (2) describes the solution for employees to fix this problem.
Discussion:
Lilly Ponds, the personal manager, has repeatedly told all employees of the Koller Construction Company to stop using the copy machine for personal use. This has lead to the copy machine budget consistently being over budget by several hundred dollars.
Lilly has asked me to formally inform all employees of the problem at hand and to come up with a brief, feasible plan that will slow the number of personal copies made on the photocopying machine. The plan I have come up with is that everyone will get a personal number that they enter in order to run the copy machine. Everyone will a have the same number of copies that they will be allowed each month. At the end of the month I will get a print out from the copy machine with your number and the number of copies you have made. If you are over your number, that amount will come out of your pay check.
Conclusion:
In conclusion due to the copying machine budget being over budget by several hundred dollars a new plan has been implemented to try to solve this problem. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or other possible ideas to fix this problem.
Date: February 27, 2008
To: Colleagues
From: Lindsey Burns
Subject: Over usage of the companys copy machine for personal copies.
The purpose of this memo is to alert all employees that the budget for the copy machine is several hundred dollars over budget and the solution to this problem.
Summary:
This memo is to alert employees that (1) the budget to the copy machine is way over the companys budget and (2) describes the solution for employees to fix this problem.
Discussion:
Lilly Ponds, the personal manager, has repeatedly told all employees of the Koller Construction Company to stop using the copy machine for personal use. This has lead to the copy machine budget consistently being over budget by several hundred dollars.
Lilly has asked me to formally inform all employees of the problem at hand and to come up with a brief, feasible plan that will slow the number of personal copies made on the photocopying machine. The plan I have come up with is that everyone will get a personal number that they enter in order to run the copy machine. Everyone will a have the same number of copies that they will be allowed each month. At the end of the month I will get a print out from the copy machine with your number and the number of copies you have made. If you are over your number, that amount will come out of your pay check.
Conclusion:
In conclusion due to the copying machine budget being over budget by several hundred dollars a new plan has been implemented to try to solve this problem. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or other possible ideas to fix this problem.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Class Activity 14
Name: Lindsey Burns
Date: March 5, 2008
Topic: Instructions on How to Cook a Turkey Dinner
- My topic will be introduced by my title
- The elements will include the introduction of the topic
1. What materials and tools does your reader need?
Turkey Oven
Seasoning Timer or watch
Onions Stuffing
Water String
18 x 20 tin pan
White bread
2. Are there any special terms your reader will need to learn and understand?
Salmonella – which can make you sick if you touch anything raw and don’t wash your hands.
3. What safety information should you include in the instructions?
Be sure to wash your hands after handling the raw turkey
Use oven mitts
Make sure you cut away from your self
4. What kind of graphics would help your reader to carry out this task? What are the major steps in the task?
Chart of the different turkey weights and how long to cook it for and how long you need to thaw it.
Picture of where to stuff the turkey
The temperature set at which the turkey needs to be at to fully cook the turkey
S-T-E-P-S
I. If your turkey is already thawed then you skip to step……….
II. If your turkey is frozen place it in the refrigerator and refer to the below table for how long to let your turkey thaw.
Table for weight, thawing, and cooking time
Thawing Time Cooking time
Weight
III. The stuffing is done the day before the turkey
IV. Get a pan and your loaf of white bread
V. Place your pan in front of you and start pinching off pieces of the bread and place them in the pan.
VI. Do not include crust, just the middle of the bread.
VII. One finished put aside the pan of bread pieces to sit out of the way on the kitchen counter.
VIII. The next day
1. Once you have your turkey and ingredients then you can start on your stuffing and the other preparations.
2. Pre-heat the over
5. At what point in your instructions might a reader become confused or uncertain? How can you address that confusion or uncertainty?
Get the reader to go over the instruction from the beginning and make sure they didn’t leave anything out.
6. Can the task be carried out in the classroom? Why or why not?
No, the task cannot be carried out in the classroom 1, because a turkey is very heavy, and 2, an uncooked turkey with the salmonella could endanger my classmates.
7. How would you conclude this set of instructions?
Now that you have cooked you turkey you can enjoy a wonderful meal!!!
Date: March 5, 2008
Topic: Instructions on How to Cook a Turkey Dinner
- My topic will be introduced by my title
- The elements will include the introduction of the topic
1. What materials and tools does your reader need?
Turkey Oven
Seasoning Timer or watch
Onions Stuffing
Water String
18 x 20 tin pan
White bread
2. Are there any special terms your reader will need to learn and understand?
Salmonella – which can make you sick if you touch anything raw and don’t wash your hands.
3. What safety information should you include in the instructions?
Be sure to wash your hands after handling the raw turkey
Use oven mitts
Make sure you cut away from your self
4. What kind of graphics would help your reader to carry out this task? What are the major steps in the task?
Chart of the different turkey weights and how long to cook it for and how long you need to thaw it.
Picture of where to stuff the turkey
The temperature set at which the turkey needs to be at to fully cook the turkey
S-T-E-P-S
I. If your turkey is already thawed then you skip to step……….
II. If your turkey is frozen place it in the refrigerator and refer to the below table for how long to let your turkey thaw.
Table for weight, thawing, and cooking time
Thawing Time Cooking time
Weight
III. The stuffing is done the day before the turkey
IV. Get a pan and your loaf of white bread
V. Place your pan in front of you and start pinching off pieces of the bread and place them in the pan.
VI. Do not include crust, just the middle of the bread.
VII. One finished put aside the pan of bread pieces to sit out of the way on the kitchen counter.
VIII. The next day
1. Once you have your turkey and ingredients then you can start on your stuffing and the other preparations.
2. Pre-heat the over
5. At what point in your instructions might a reader become confused or uncertain? How can you address that confusion or uncertainty?
Get the reader to go over the instruction from the beginning and make sure they didn’t leave anything out.
6. Can the task be carried out in the classroom? Why or why not?
No, the task cannot be carried out in the classroom 1, because a turkey is very heavy, and 2, an uncooked turkey with the salmonella could endanger my classmates.
7. How would you conclude this set of instructions?
Now that you have cooked you turkey you can enjoy a wonderful meal!!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Class Activity 13
How to change a tire
What is the audience and purpose of the set of instructions?
-Anyone who has a flat tire. Most likely someone who can life a tire so probably teenagers to adults.
How does the design/organization of the document guide the reader?
-The instructions flows in a paragraph form by spacing in between sentences. Colored headers, italics and bold font styles, and indenting.
Is there enough/too much information in each step?
-There is a good amount of information within the instructions. The other web sites seem to have way more detailing in their instructions. For example in each of the eight steps in the color blue, the sub instructions are detailed but quick to the point.
What kind of language is used in the text? What effect does that language create?
- There are complete sentences. The effect is that the instructions are given but not in an ordering way.
If graphics are used, how effective are they?
- The four document designing principles of headings, highly visual, keeping it simple and keeping the steps close together are shown in these instructions. I really liked the graphics used in these instructions. They are clear and easy to see with the fun colors that they have in them.
Summarize the basic structure for the instruction set.
- The instruction set does include: a title, introduction, safety information, materials/ equipments needed, steps/ procedures/ and conclusion? The title and introduction were clear. There were eight steps. There were warnings, for example, “sometimes the lug nuts are quite difficult to loosen”, and there was a clear conclusion.
The weaknesses of this instruction set?
- I didn’t really seem to find any weaknesses with these set of instructions. The title, introduction, safety information, materials, steps, and conclusion were all present.
There is nothing that I would recommend to the writer for them to improve the instruction except maybe make the font a little bigger, but that was not really a problem.
What is the audience and purpose of the set of instructions?
-Anyone who has a flat tire. Most likely someone who can life a tire so probably teenagers to adults.
How does the design/organization of the document guide the reader?
-The instructions flows in a paragraph form by spacing in between sentences. Colored headers, italics and bold font styles, and indenting.
Is there enough/too much information in each step?
-There is a good amount of information within the instructions. The other web sites seem to have way more detailing in their instructions. For example in each of the eight steps in the color blue, the sub instructions are detailed but quick to the point.
What kind of language is used in the text? What effect does that language create?
- There are complete sentences. The effect is that the instructions are given but not in an ordering way.
If graphics are used, how effective are they?
- The four document designing principles of headings, highly visual, keeping it simple and keeping the steps close together are shown in these instructions. I really liked the graphics used in these instructions. They are clear and easy to see with the fun colors that they have in them.
Summarize the basic structure for the instruction set.
- The instruction set does include: a title, introduction, safety information, materials/ equipments needed, steps/ procedures/ and conclusion? The title and introduction were clear. There were eight steps. There were warnings, for example, “sometimes the lug nuts are quite difficult to loosen”, and there was a clear conclusion.
The weaknesses of this instruction set?
- I didn’t really seem to find any weaknesses with these set of instructions. The title, introduction, safety information, materials, steps, and conclusion were all present.
There is nothing that I would recommend to the writer for them to improve the instruction except maybe make the font a little bigger, but that was not really a problem.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Class Activity 11
1. Who is the audience and what are the purposes of the brochure?
The audience is the Texas Tech student body and to try to get them involved in campus activities and help represent others students on campus.
2. What the designers have done well in terms of four designing principles of Robin Williams in our textbook (p.258-59): Proximity, Alignment, Repetition, and Contrast?
Proximity – grouping related items together
Alignment – place text and graphics on the page so that the reader can understand the relationships between the elements. This was done well through out the brochures.
Repetition – treat the same kind of information in the same way to
Contrast – They did do contrast well with the white background and the black and red letters.
3. What the designers have not done well in terms of the above four designing principles? Have bad photographs, needs more outlining, colors are faded, use less words because it looks cluttered.
4. Can you give some redesigning recommendations for the brochures? Try to use even less words. Use different fonts and the type of paper. It looks amateur. Maybe place the pictures in a different spot, use bullets,
The audience is the Texas Tech student body and to try to get them involved in campus activities and help represent others students on campus.
2. What the designers have done well in terms of four designing principles of Robin Williams in our textbook (p.258-59): Proximity, Alignment, Repetition, and Contrast?
Proximity – grouping related items together
Alignment – place text and graphics on the page so that the reader can understand the relationships between the elements. This was done well through out the brochures.
Repetition – treat the same kind of information in the same way to
Contrast – They did do contrast well with the white background and the black and red letters.
3. What the designers have not done well in terms of the above four designing principles? Have bad photographs, needs more outlining, colors are faded, use less words because it looks cluttered.
4. Can you give some redesigning recommendations for the brochures? Try to use even less words. Use different fonts and the type of paper. It looks amateur. Maybe place the pictures in a different spot, use bullets,
Monday, February 25, 2008
Class Activity 10
Memo
Date: February 25, 2008
To: classmates
From: Lindsey Burns
Subject: American Business letter vs a Japan Business Letter
The purpose of this memo is to inform my classmates, about American Business letters vs writing a business letter from Japan.
Summary:
This memo is to educate my classmates about (1) writing effective American and Japan Business letters and (2) to show the difference in writing each of these letters.
Discussion:
There is a difference in the salutation (the “Dear…” part of the letter) which reflects a cultural difference. The American letter has Dear Mr. Henryson vs the Japan letter has Dear Sir. The American letter states the name of the person the letter is being addressed to where as in the Japan letter is more respectful and distant just putting dear Sir.
The first paragraph does have a function beyond delaying the discussion of the business. It lets those in Japan know that the American letter shows that they care about their family since family is such a big part of ones daily life. Family can also help in the building process of ones education and career.
The function of telling Mr. Kirisawa about his own company is to allow the reader get to know a little bit about him so the reader will have an idea of what the person and their company is like since they can’t just go out and meet for a cup of coffee or lunch.
This paragraph helps the writer introduce her own company’s product directly.
To a reader from the United States, the third paragraph would probably seem thin. The aspect of Japanese culture makes it effective in the context of this letter. The aspect is group loyalty and an ideology. They don’t need to elaborate.
The writer doesn’t make a more explicit sales pitch at the end of the letter because they don’t want to seem pushy and forceful.
Conclusion:
In conclusion the format and writing style in writing an American business letter vs the format and writing style of writing a business letter from Japan entail very different writing styles and formats. The American Business letter is more formal than the Japan business letter.
Date: February 25, 2008
To: classmates
From: Lindsey Burns
Subject: American Business letter vs a Japan Business Letter
The purpose of this memo is to inform my classmates, about American Business letters vs writing a business letter from Japan.
Summary:
This memo is to educate my classmates about (1) writing effective American and Japan Business letters and (2) to show the difference in writing each of these letters.
Discussion:
There is a difference in the salutation (the “Dear…” part of the letter) which reflects a cultural difference. The American letter has Dear Mr. Henryson vs the Japan letter has Dear Sir. The American letter states the name of the person the letter is being addressed to where as in the Japan letter is more respectful and distant just putting dear Sir.
The first paragraph does have a function beyond delaying the discussion of the business. It lets those in Japan know that the American letter shows that they care about their family since family is such a big part of ones daily life. Family can also help in the building process of ones education and career.
The function of telling Mr. Kirisawa about his own company is to allow the reader get to know a little bit about him so the reader will have an idea of what the person and their company is like since they can’t just go out and meet for a cup of coffee or lunch.
This paragraph helps the writer introduce her own company’s product directly.
To a reader from the United States, the third paragraph would probably seem thin. The aspect of Japanese culture makes it effective in the context of this letter. The aspect is group loyalty and an ideology. They don’t need to elaborate.
The writer doesn’t make a more explicit sales pitch at the end of the letter because they don’t want to seem pushy and forceful.
Conclusion:
In conclusion the format and writing style in writing an American business letter vs the format and writing style of writing a business letter from Japan entail very different writing styles and formats. The American Business letter is more formal than the Japan business letter.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Assignment Reflection 2
The English 2311 Assignment number two; writing a business letter and memo, called for various situations and types of letters that were being written.
How I chose to approach Scenario #1 (effective business letter writing), where I am the manager of CompUSA and received a following letter message from a unsatisfied customer, and wrote an adjustment letter to Buck Wheat either accepting or rejecting the request. First I considered how I would feel if I were the customer and this happened to me. Then I put myself in the manager’s position. From my previous work experience I decided what would be the best outcome and that was to accept the customers complaint and send them the software. This is because the advertisement did say that the software was included. My tone approach was to sympathize with the customer and assure them that it would not happen again.
How I chose to approach Scenario #2 (effective memo writing), where I am Assistant Personnel Manager, and have been given the task of communicating Lily's displeasure to my colleagues. In addition, I was asked to come up with some kind of plan that will slow the number of personal copies made on the photocopy machine. So, I have to come up with a brief, feasible plan for curbing personal copy-making and communicate it through a 1-page memo to my colleagues. My tone was to be professional and assertive to clearly show the employees that this is a problem and needed to be fixed immediately. I wanted to give the employees all the information because I know I like to know what is going on if there is a change in my work environment.
Summarizing and reflecting on this assignments genres and how I organized my content
to target each communication situation was mainly keeping in mind my audience and purpose when I established the tone of my responses in both the business letter and memo. I felt that the memo was a little limiting in conveying my ideas but that’s why the memo is supposed to be short.
The purpose of this assignment was to give me practice in writing letters, memos, and e-mails. I will encounter these three genres frequently in the workplace. The course goals on the course website I felt I encountered in completing this assignment were analyzing communication contexts rhetorically by understanding audiences, purposes, and situations, creating technical documents that solve problems and improve situations through communication, and analyzing and applying the ethical responsibilities involved in technical communication;
How I chose to approach Scenario #1 (effective business letter writing), where I am the manager of CompUSA and received a following letter message from a unsatisfied customer, and wrote an adjustment letter to Buck Wheat either accepting or rejecting the request. First I considered how I would feel if I were the customer and this happened to me. Then I put myself in the manager’s position. From my previous work experience I decided what would be the best outcome and that was to accept the customers complaint and send them the software. This is because the advertisement did say that the software was included. My tone approach was to sympathize with the customer and assure them that it would not happen again.
How I chose to approach Scenario #2 (effective memo writing), where I am Assistant Personnel Manager, and have been given the task of communicating Lily's displeasure to my colleagues. In addition, I was asked to come up with some kind of plan that will slow the number of personal copies made on the photocopy machine. So, I have to come up with a brief, feasible plan for curbing personal copy-making and communicate it through a 1-page memo to my colleagues. My tone was to be professional and assertive to clearly show the employees that this is a problem and needed to be fixed immediately. I wanted to give the employees all the information because I know I like to know what is going on if there is a change in my work environment.
Summarizing and reflecting on this assignments genres and how I organized my content
to target each communication situation was mainly keeping in mind my audience and purpose when I established the tone of my responses in both the business letter and memo. I felt that the memo was a little limiting in conveying my ideas but that’s why the memo is supposed to be short.
The purpose of this assignment was to give me practice in writing letters, memos, and e-mails. I will encounter these three genres frequently in the workplace. The course goals on the course website I felt I encountered in completing this assignment were analyzing communication contexts rhetorically by understanding audiences, purposes, and situations, creating technical documents that solve problems and improve situations through communication, and analyzing and applying the ethical responsibilities involved in technical communication;
English Assignment #2 - Memo
Memo
Date: February 27, 2008
To: Colleagues
From: Lindsey Burns
Subject: Over usage of the companys copy machine for personal copies.
The purpose of this memo is to alert all employees that the budget for the copy machine is several hundred dollars over budget and the solution to this problem.
Summary:
This memo is to alert employees that (1) the budget to the copy machine is way over the companys budget and (2) describes the solution for employees to fix this problem.
Discussion:
Lilly Ponds, the personal manager, has repeatedly told all employees of the Koller Construction Company to stop using the copy machine for personal use. This has lead to the copy machine budget consistently being over budget by several hundred dollars.
Lilly has asked me to formally inform all employees of the problem at hand and to come up with a brief, feasible plan that will slow the number of personal copies made on the photocopying machine. The plan I have come up with is that everyone will get a personal number that they enter in order to run the copy machine. Everyone will a have the same number of copies that they will be allowed each month. At the end of the month I will get a print out from the copy machine with your number and the number of copies you have made. If you are over your number, that amount will come out of your pay check.
Conclusion:
In conclusion due to the copying machine budget being over budget by several hundred dollars a new plan has been implemented to try to solve this problem. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or other possible ideas to fix this problem.
Date: February 27, 2008
To: Colleagues
From: Lindsey Burns
Subject: Over usage of the companys copy machine for personal copies.
The purpose of this memo is to alert all employees that the budget for the copy machine is several hundred dollars over budget and the solution to this problem.
Summary:
This memo is to alert employees that (1) the budget to the copy machine is way over the companys budget and (2) describes the solution for employees to fix this problem.
Discussion:
Lilly Ponds, the personal manager, has repeatedly told all employees of the Koller Construction Company to stop using the copy machine for personal use. This has lead to the copy machine budget consistently being over budget by several hundred dollars.
Lilly has asked me to formally inform all employees of the problem at hand and to come up with a brief, feasible plan that will slow the number of personal copies made on the photocopying machine. The plan I have come up with is that everyone will get a personal number that they enter in order to run the copy machine. Everyone will a have the same number of copies that they will be allowed each month. At the end of the month I will get a print out from the copy machine with your number and the number of copies you have made. If you are over your number, that amount will come out of your pay check.
Conclusion:
In conclusion due to the copying machine budget being over budget by several hundred dollars a new plan has been implemented to try to solve this problem. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or other possible ideas to fix this problem.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Assignment #2 Business Letter
3451 Broken Bow Ln.
Denton, Texas 79401
(417) 558- 8442
www.CompUSA.com
February 27, 2008
Mr. Buck Wheat
1356 Jefferson Rd.
Clover, TX 79402
Dear Mr. Wheat:
I apologize for the mistake we have made with your computer order here at CompUSA. I received your letter message regarding the computer you purchased recently without the software promised with the product and decided to accept your request about sending you the software.
I accept your request to send you the proper software to upload to your newly purchased computer. This problem might have occurred due to the all the new software we have ordered and gotten and have had to up load to all the computers we already have along with all the new ones we have recently received. All the old computers and all the new computer might have gotten mixed up with ones that have been uploaded with the ones that have not been uploaded.
Your computer along with the other computers that were advertised will be uploaded with the software that was promised to come with the product in the advertisement. We apologize for the inconvenience and time that this has caused you. I appreciate your feedback and will work harder to make sure that this does not happen again. I hope you will continue your business with us again.
Yours Truly,
Lindsey Burns, Manager
Encl: Software to upgrade your computer.
Denton, Texas 79401
(417) 558- 8442
www.CompUSA.com
February 27, 2008
Mr. Buck Wheat
1356 Jefferson Rd.
Clover, TX 79402
Dear Mr. Wheat:
I apologize for the mistake we have made with your computer order here at CompUSA. I received your letter message regarding the computer you purchased recently without the software promised with the product and decided to accept your request about sending you the software.
I accept your request to send you the proper software to upload to your newly purchased computer. This problem might have occurred due to the all the new software we have ordered and gotten and have had to up load to all the computers we already have along with all the new ones we have recently received. All the old computers and all the new computer might have gotten mixed up with ones that have been uploaded with the ones that have not been uploaded.
Your computer along with the other computers that were advertised will be uploaded with the software that was promised to come with the product in the advertisement. We apologize for the inconvenience and time that this has caused you. I appreciate your feedback and will work harder to make sure that this does not happen again. I hope you will continue your business with us again.
Yours Truly,
Lindsey Burns, Manager
Encl: Software to upgrade your computer.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Reading Response to "Business E-mail: Guidance for Users"
The advantages of an e-mail are that you can send your message more quickly than a written letter, more interactive than traditional writing and more permanent than traditional speaking. E-mail has more than one use, it can be used for casual communication, scheduling a meeting, expressing condolences, and the e-mail can serve as a record. It allows people to respond effectively by thinking their responses over making sure they are not offending anyone or responding mad. Leaves a paper trail.
Disadvantages of an e-mail is that a poorly written one can lead to longer time of period to read the e-mail due to a badly written e-mail that doesn’t communicate what the reader wanted to say. It is not in real time, is not face to face communication, which can be a good thing if you are avoiding the person. , does not ensure that the audience has gotten the e-mail you wrote, lacks privacy. Leaves a paper trail.
The structure of an e-mail: Select the distribution list before you write to make sure you are getting everyone’s perspectives communicated in the e-mail. Compose a proper subject line: use a verb is reader needs to take action to your e-mail. Makes sure the reader sees your message at the top of the first page by applying the top of the screen test.
1. Tell the reader what the message is about
2. State if any action is needed from the reader
3. Put the most important information first in the e-mail.
4. Forecast and number several points.
5. Write in small chunks
6. Use breaks in paragraphs for emphasis.
7. Double space between paragraphs
8. Routine e-mails need a conclusion
9. Use document design techniques; italics, bold face, indentation, adding headings typography available in all systems; lower care and caps
The writing style of an e-mail should suit the reader, the situation, and the type of message. It should be active rather than passive. Use politeness markers. Use informal idioms and jokes with caution so you don’t accidentally offend anyone.
What I think would be most useful things for you when writing your own business e-mail in the future after reading the article would be to make sure that the style, structure, and form is the correct ones with the kind of e-mail I am writing to send. Also to make sure that there are no careless mistakes of grammatical or spelling errors. Along with saving e-mail address from the e-mail instead of manually entering them in myself to avoid errors. Compose an effective first sentence with my topic and why I am replying.
Disadvantages of an e-mail is that a poorly written one can lead to longer time of period to read the e-mail due to a badly written e-mail that doesn’t communicate what the reader wanted to say. It is not in real time, is not face to face communication, which can be a good thing if you are avoiding the person. , does not ensure that the audience has gotten the e-mail you wrote, lacks privacy. Leaves a paper trail.
The structure of an e-mail: Select the distribution list before you write to make sure you are getting everyone’s perspectives communicated in the e-mail. Compose a proper subject line: use a verb is reader needs to take action to your e-mail. Makes sure the reader sees your message at the top of the first page by applying the top of the screen test.
1. Tell the reader what the message is about
2. State if any action is needed from the reader
3. Put the most important information first in the e-mail.
4. Forecast and number several points.
5. Write in small chunks
6. Use breaks in paragraphs for emphasis.
7. Double space between paragraphs
8. Routine e-mails need a conclusion
9. Use document design techniques; italics, bold face, indentation, adding headings typography available in all systems; lower care and caps
The writing style of an e-mail should suit the reader, the situation, and the type of message. It should be active rather than passive. Use politeness markers. Use informal idioms and jokes with caution so you don’t accidentally offend anyone.
What I think would be most useful things for you when writing your own business e-mail in the future after reading the article would be to make sure that the style, structure, and form is the correct ones with the kind of e-mail I am writing to send. Also to make sure that there are no careless mistakes of grammatical or spelling errors. Along with saving e-mail address from the e-mail instead of manually entering them in myself to avoid errors. Compose an effective first sentence with my topic and why I am replying.
Individual Memo Class Activity
1. What is the purpose of the ethics guidelines statement?
The purpose of the ethics guidelines statement is to give a basic outline of acceptable ethical behavior inside and outside of the classroom, and gives examples of how these values are to be applied
2. How specific and comprehensive is this statement?
The specificity and comprehensiveness of the statement is well put considering all the guidelines and examples there are following the statement.
3. Would you like to suggest adding more ethical codes into it based on your experience as a TTU student?
I do not have any ethical codes to suggest to be added based on my experiences as a TTU student
4. How effectively does the ethics guidelines statement demonstrate the Department's Philosophy ?
The effectiveness of the ethics guidelines statement demonstrating the Department Philosophy seems to skim the top. When I read the Department philosophy it really emphasized hoe the English department wasn’t to teach the student English so that they are not facing obstacles within the English field.
5. How effectively does the statement describe proper and improper behavior and practice for students? Please use at least three examples from the statement to support your analysis/answers.
The statement effectively describes the proper and improper behavior and practice for students
The three examples from the statement:
1. Responsibility; keep informed with regard to university policies and individual instructors’ policies and procedures—ignorance is not an excuse
2. Fairness; recognize that grades are earned, not given.
3. Respect; recognize and value the different talents, backgrounds, and beliefs of individual students and faculty. (I thought this was a really good one)
Memo
Date: February 18, 2008
To: Dr. Liu
From: Lindsey Burns
Subject: Responding to the readings on the Ethics Guidelines statement.
This memo discusses detail of the Ethics Guidelines for students entailing improper behavior and practice for students.
Summary: My readings of the Ethics Guidelines Statement is that it was very well thought out and written.
Discussion:
The Ethics Guidelines Statement was very well thought out because it goes over several characteristics that one should have as a student as well as an adult; clarity, honesty, tolerance, respect, objectivity, fairness, engagement, and responsibility.
Ethics Guidelines Statement was very well written because it gives three examples of each code to follow to clarify what each of the specific codes or behavior qualities each student should keep in mind as a student. If there were no examples then the readers of the statement would not have a clarified idea of what the entire statement means.
Conclusion: In conclusion the Ethics Guidelines for students is needed for proper functioning of the school campus.
The purpose of the ethics guidelines statement is to give a basic outline of acceptable ethical behavior inside and outside of the classroom, and gives examples of how these values are to be applied
2. How specific and comprehensive is this statement?
The specificity and comprehensiveness of the statement is well put considering all the guidelines and examples there are following the statement.
3. Would you like to suggest adding more ethical codes into it based on your experience as a TTU student?
I do not have any ethical codes to suggest to be added based on my experiences as a TTU student
4. How effectively does the ethics guidelines statement demonstrate the Department's Philosophy ?
The effectiveness of the ethics guidelines statement demonstrating the Department Philosophy seems to skim the top. When I read the Department philosophy it really emphasized hoe the English department wasn’t to teach the student English so that they are not facing obstacles within the English field.
5. How effectively does the statement describe proper and improper behavior and practice for students? Please use at least three examples from the statement to support your analysis/answers.
The statement effectively describes the proper and improper behavior and practice for students
The three examples from the statement:
1. Responsibility; keep informed with regard to university policies and individual instructors’ policies and procedures—ignorance is not an excuse
2. Fairness; recognize that grades are earned, not given.
3. Respect; recognize and value the different talents, backgrounds, and beliefs of individual students and faculty. (I thought this was a really good one)
Memo
Date: February 18, 2008
To: Dr. Liu
From: Lindsey Burns
Subject: Responding to the readings on the Ethics Guidelines statement.
This memo discusses detail of the Ethics Guidelines for students entailing improper behavior and practice for students.
Summary: My readings of the Ethics Guidelines Statement is that it was very well thought out and written.
Discussion:
The Ethics Guidelines Statement was very well thought out because it goes over several characteristics that one should have as a student as well as an adult; clarity, honesty, tolerance, respect, objectivity, fairness, engagement, and responsibility.
Ethics Guidelines Statement was very well written because it gives three examples of each code to follow to clarify what each of the specific codes or behavior qualities each student should keep in mind as a student. If there were no examples then the readers of the statement would not have a clarified idea of what the entire statement means.
Conclusion: In conclusion the Ethics Guidelines for students is needed for proper functioning of the school campus.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Class Activity 6
Memo
Date: February 13, 2008
To: Dr. Liu
From: Lindsey Burns
Rebecca Reed
Rosemary Novak
Subject: Strengths and weaknesses of the claim letter in Exercise 5 from our text book
This memo discusses detail of the strengths and weaknesses of the claim letter and adjustment letter in Exercise 5 in our text book.
Summary: Our discussion shows the claim letter displays an incorrect format and the tone is unprofessional.
Discussion:
The claim letter was unprofessional because it didn’t have the correct format or an appropriate level of formality of a claim letter. The writer shouldn’t have taped the fly on the letter, and he’s asking too many questions, he should just state what the problem is, the heading should be on the left side of the paper, and he addresses letter to just gentlemen should be to whom this may concern or something else because it may involve a female. The writer also should have included an introductory paragraph, and should have included a solution to the problem. We thought the return letter was professional.
Conclusion: In conclusion Seth Reeves should have revise and rewrite his claim letter.
Date: February 13, 2008
To: Dr. Liu
From: Lindsey Burns
Rebecca Reed
Rosemary Novak
Subject: Strengths and weaknesses of the claim letter in Exercise 5 from our text book
This memo discusses detail of the strengths and weaknesses of the claim letter and adjustment letter in Exercise 5 in our text book.
Summary: Our discussion shows the claim letter displays an incorrect format and the tone is unprofessional.
Discussion:
The claim letter was unprofessional because it didn’t have the correct format or an appropriate level of formality of a claim letter. The writer shouldn’t have taped the fly on the letter, and he’s asking too many questions, he should just state what the problem is, the heading should be on the left side of the paper, and he addresses letter to just gentlemen should be to whom this may concern or something else because it may involve a female. The writer also should have included an introductory paragraph, and should have included a solution to the problem. We thought the return letter was professional.
Conclusion: In conclusion Seth Reeves should have revise and rewrite his claim letter.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Class Activity #8
895 North Main Street
Container Company, OH 77024
February 11, 2008
2202 Mac Davis Ln, apt 611 C
Lubbock, Tx 79401
February 11, 2008
Dear Mrs. Gibson:
I received your letter regarding the leak in the container you bought.
I accept your request for sending you a new beverage container along with a check for $35 to cover your white table cloth.
The containers will be further tested to make sure that this does not happen to you or any one of our customers. Sorry for the faulty container. I hope you will continue your business with us again.
Sincerely,
Container Company
(409) 567- 5089
Encl: A brand new container and $35 check
Container Company, OH 77024
February 11, 2008
2202 Mac Davis Ln, apt 611 C
Lubbock, Tx 79401
February 11, 2008
Dear Mrs. Gibson:
I received your letter regarding the leak in the container you bought.
I accept your request for sending you a new beverage container along with a check for $35 to cover your white table cloth.
The containers will be further tested to make sure that this does not happen to you or any one of our customers. Sorry for the faulty container. I hope you will continue your business with us again.
Sincerely,
Container Company
(409) 567- 5089
Encl: A brand new container and $35 check
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Class activity 7
Lindsey Burns
2202 Mac Davis Ln
Lubbock, Tx 79401
713-560-1116
February 6, 2008
Manufacturer
Dear Manufacturer of the container company:
I recently purchased a beverage container from your company for $8.95 and brought it home safely. I filled it with grape juice I found that it has a serious leak.
This leak lead to the running of my $35 white tablecloth.
I think that you will see that we have a problem. I am sending back the faulty container to your company directly.
I would like you to compensate me for the cost of buying the faulty container and for the ruined table cloth. Totaling to $43.95. Another solution I see to the problem is to send a new container and only compensate me for $35 for the tablecloth.
Please contact me as soon as possible if you have further discussion about my situation.
Sincerely,
Lindsey Burns
2202 Mac Davis Ln
Lubbock, Tx 79401
713-560-1116
February 6, 2008
Manufacturer
Dear Manufacturer of the container company:
I recently purchased a beverage container from your company for $8.95 and brought it home safely. I filled it with grape juice I found that it has a serious leak.
This leak lead to the running of my $35 white tablecloth.
I think that you will see that we have a problem. I am sending back the faulty container to your company directly.
I would like you to compensate me for the cost of buying the faulty container and for the ruined table cloth. Totaling to $43.95. Another solution I see to the problem is to send a new container and only compensate me for $35 for the tablecloth.
Please contact me as soon as possible if you have further discussion about my situation.
Sincerely,
Lindsey Burns
Assignment Reflection
Lindsey Burns
ENGL 2311-003/008
Dr. Liu
February 6, 2008
Assignment Reflection
Reflecting on my work for this assignment of customizing a job letter and resume based on my current situation of how I constructed the resume and job letter to persuasively appeal to the targeted communication situation is that I read carefully through the job add. Then I customized and worded my resume and job letter to specifically what was mentioned in the job add. I also job advertising company to make sure I was addressing the letter to the right person and to get a feel of what the company is about.
The problems that I had in completing the assignment is that I am not all the way completed with my degree of Interior design and architecture so it was hard to find a job add that asked for little or no college education. I am also not out in the working world gaining working experience as one of the assets that is valuable on a resume and job letter. The search for a job add was relatively smooth since there are so many job search engines that once I am graduated with my degree I will have no problem applying for jobs.
The course goals I feel I encountered in completing this assignment were analyzing communication contexts rhetorically by understanding audiences, purposes, and situations. This applies in my current situation of my education level in the degree of job I could apply for. This goal also exemplifies the researching of the audience that would read the job letter and resume. Another goal that I feel I encountered is designing convincing and usable documents; which creating the layout and selling my information to potential employers. Overall I enjoyed and appreciated this assignment because it was good practice for the proper formatting and information to include and most importantly what not to include in writing two documents that will determine whether I will get a job interview or not.
ENGL 2311-003/008
Dr. Liu
February 6, 2008
Assignment Reflection
Reflecting on my work for this assignment of customizing a job letter and resume based on my current situation of how I constructed the resume and job letter to persuasively appeal to the targeted communication situation is that I read carefully through the job add. Then I customized and worded my resume and job letter to specifically what was mentioned in the job add. I also job advertising company to make sure I was addressing the letter to the right person and to get a feel of what the company is about.
The problems that I had in completing the assignment is that I am not all the way completed with my degree of Interior design and architecture so it was hard to find a job add that asked for little or no college education. I am also not out in the working world gaining working experience as one of the assets that is valuable on a resume and job letter. The search for a job add was relatively smooth since there are so many job search engines that once I am graduated with my degree I will have no problem applying for jobs.
The course goals I feel I encountered in completing this assignment were analyzing communication contexts rhetorically by understanding audiences, purposes, and situations. This applies in my current situation of my education level in the degree of job I could apply for. This goal also exemplifies the researching of the audience that would read the job letter and resume. Another goal that I feel I encountered is designing convincing and usable documents; which creating the layout and selling my information to potential employers. Overall I enjoyed and appreciated this assignment because it was good practice for the proper formatting and information to include and most importantly what not to include in writing two documents that will determine whether I will get a job interview or not.
Cover Letter
2202 Mac Davis Ln. Apt. 611C
Lubbock, TX 79401
713- 560-1116
Sweetie1473@aol.com
February 3, 2008
Mr. Goliath Staffelbach
Head of Staffelbach Design Assoc.
Staffelbach Design Associates
2525 Carlisle
Dallas, Texas 75201
Dear Mr. Staffelbach:
I recently came across the job opening for the position of Senior Project Designer to develop creative and functional design solutions. I would like to be considered for this position, and I hope that you find my experience thus far to be just what the job needs.
As you well know, Texas Tech is a FIDER accredited university and has a wonderful group of professors who share their knowledge of interior design concepts and principles to students not only for college work, but prepare myself to apply . The classes I have taken from Texas Tech have helped me to gain knowledge that I know would be useful and put to great use in this job position. My background in architecture as well as Communication and English classes only strengthens my background in interior design even further.
I have worked with S. Burns Design before, throughout my college career, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my experience. I learned not only how to incorporate the present items in a clients home, but I learned the importance of working towards what the client wants, while also incorporating what you know will look best. Working on the commercial side of the field helped me to realize that I would love working mainly in commercial or hospitality, perfect for your job opening.
I would love the chance to get to meet with and discuss my application. At your convenience, please feel free to call me at (713) 560-1116, or feel free to email me at Sweetie1473@aol.com. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
________________________
Lindsey D. Burns
Enclosure (1)
Lubbock, TX 79401
713- 560-1116
Sweetie1473@aol.com
February 3, 2008
Mr. Goliath Staffelbach
Head of Staffelbach Design Assoc.
Staffelbach Design Associates
2525 Carlisle
Dallas, Texas 75201
Dear Mr. Staffelbach:
I recently came across the job opening for the position of Senior Project Designer to develop creative and functional design solutions. I would like to be considered for this position, and I hope that you find my experience thus far to be just what the job needs.
As you well know, Texas Tech is a FIDER accredited university and has a wonderful group of professors who share their knowledge of interior design concepts and principles to students not only for college work, but prepare myself to apply . The classes I have taken from Texas Tech have helped me to gain knowledge that I know would be useful and put to great use in this job position. My background in architecture as well as Communication and English classes only strengthens my background in interior design even further.
I have worked with S. Burns Design before, throughout my college career, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my experience. I learned not only how to incorporate the present items in a clients home, but I learned the importance of working towards what the client wants, while also incorporating what you know will look best. Working on the commercial side of the field helped me to realize that I would love working mainly in commercial or hospitality, perfect for your job opening.
I would love the chance to get to meet with and discuss my application. At your convenience, please feel free to call me at (713) 560-1116, or feel free to email me at Sweetie1473@aol.com. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
________________________
Lindsey D. Burns
Enclosure (1)
Resume
Lindsey Danielle Burns
2202 Mac Davis Ln. 611 CLubbock, TX 79401713-560-1116
Sweetie1473@aol.com
12111 Cobblestone DrHouston, TX 77024
Objective Position in interior design or architecture Education
B.S. Major: Interior Design. Minor: Architecture
Texas Tech University. Lubbock, TexasGPA: 3.6/4.0
Anticipated date of graduation: Spring 2009
Houston Christian High School: A Private College Preparatory School
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Skills
× Laboratory skills in Microsoft word, Excel, Access, and
PowerPoint software.
× Sketch Up/ CAD
× Written and oral communication
× Speak some Spanish
Experience
× Lifeguard at Pine Forest Country Club (June 1, 2004 to August 30,
2004)
× Certified in CPR and aquatics by Red Cross
× Hostess at Ciro’s Restaurant (March 31, 2002 to August 30, 2003)
Escorted restaurant patrons to their tables, booked reservations,
planned seating arrangements, met customers’ needs, and answered
telephone.
× Babysitting for neighbor Mr. And Mrs. Robert Rhode ( June 1, 2007
to August 30, 2007)
× Office clerical assistant for Dr. David Burns (June 1, 2006 to August
30, 2006) Proper filing of important medical records, postage, chart
preparation, and answered office phone.
Activities and Honors
Member of Delta Gamma Fraternity; attended weekly meetings and events, volunteer work, recruited new members, and in charge of proctoring study sessions.
× Member of Drug and Alcohol safety for campus council
× Member of Texas Tech club tennis team
× Tennis, racquetball, volleyball, camping, and playing the piano
Community Service
× National Charity League-Bayou City Chapter Newsletter Chairman (August 2003 to May 2004)
× National Charity League-Bayou City Chapter Historian (August 2002 to May 2003)
× Volunteer at The Briarwood School (June 2002, day counselor of 5 year old class)
× Volunteer at the Museum of Natural Science (April 2002, assisted with dinosaur exhibit)
David Burns
902 Frostwood Suite 302
Houston, Tx 77024
713-467-7704
Pine Forest Country Club Ciro’s Italian Grill
1803 Clay Rd. 1000 Cambell Rd Houston, Tx 77084-3909 Houston, Tx 77024
281-463-0900 713-467-7704
2202 Mac Davis Ln. 611 CLubbock, TX 79401713-560-1116
Sweetie1473@aol.com
12111 Cobblestone DrHouston, TX 77024
Objective Position in interior design or architecture Education
B.S. Major: Interior Design. Minor: Architecture
Texas Tech University. Lubbock, TexasGPA: 3.6/4.0
Anticipated date of graduation: Spring 2009
Houston Christian High School: A Private College Preparatory School
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Skills
× Laboratory skills in Microsoft word, Excel, Access, and
PowerPoint software.
× Sketch Up/ CAD
× Written and oral communication
× Speak some Spanish
Experience
× Lifeguard at Pine Forest Country Club (June 1, 2004 to August 30,
2004)
× Certified in CPR and aquatics by Red Cross
× Hostess at Ciro’s Restaurant (March 31, 2002 to August 30, 2003)
Escorted restaurant patrons to their tables, booked reservations,
planned seating arrangements, met customers’ needs, and answered
telephone.
× Babysitting for neighbor Mr. And Mrs. Robert Rhode ( June 1, 2007
to August 30, 2007)
× Office clerical assistant for Dr. David Burns (June 1, 2006 to August
30, 2006) Proper filing of important medical records, postage, chart
preparation, and answered office phone.
Activities and Honors
Member of Delta Gamma Fraternity; attended weekly meetings and events, volunteer work, recruited new members, and in charge of proctoring study sessions.
× Member of Drug and Alcohol safety for campus council
× Member of Texas Tech club tennis team
× Tennis, racquetball, volleyball, camping, and playing the piano
Community Service
× National Charity League-Bayou City Chapter Newsletter Chairman (August 2003 to May 2004)
× National Charity League-Bayou City Chapter Historian (August 2002 to May 2003)
× Volunteer at The Briarwood School (June 2002, day counselor of 5 year old class)
× Volunteer at the Museum of Natural Science (April 2002, assisted with dinosaur exhibit)
David Burns
902 Frostwood Suite 302
Houston, Tx 77024
713-467-7704
Pine Forest Country Club Ciro’s Italian Grill
1803 Clay Rd. 1000 Cambell Rd Houston, Tx 77084-3909 Houston, Tx 77024
281-463-0900 713-467-7704
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Class Activity # 4
Sample1 cover letter
The strengths of this cover letter are that they have their contact information and the address of whom the letter is being sent to. They elaborate well with their description of what they have learned at school, but a little repetitive in saying almost the same thing. They do give their contact information at the end of their letter.
The weaknesses of this sample cover letter is that he ask to be considered for the job in a question instead of insisting that they meet, his first paragraph is poor grammatically, there is also more grammar errors in the following paragraphs.
Sample 2 cover letter
The strengths of this cover letter are that they have their contact information and the address of whom the letter is being sent to. They out that they would like to be considered buy not asking a question. This shows confidence. here is also a good amount of elaboration on what she has learned and why she would be qualified for the job position.
The weaknesses of this sample cover letter are that I did not really find any. I thought the job letter was a good one.
(I thought this was a really good job letter)
Sample 3 cover letter
The strengths of this cover letter are they did a really good job at elaborating what they learned on the job experience and their education. They also included their enclosure so the reader knows that there is another portion to the document.
The weaknesses of this sample cover letter are that the date is at the top left of the letter and that draws away from the flow of the letter. They should have split up their education information and work experience into two paragraphs.
Sample 4 cover letter
The strengths of this cover letter are that they had a nice introductory paragraph and it was to the point. The following paragraphs on their education and job experience seem very well qualified and did a great job at explaining what was learned and experienced from working.
The weaknesses of this sample cover letter are that they did not put the sate on the letter, need to move their apt number up a line.
The strengths of this cover letter are that they have their contact information and the address of whom the letter is being sent to. They elaborate well with their description of what they have learned at school, but a little repetitive in saying almost the same thing. They do give their contact information at the end of their letter.
The weaknesses of this sample cover letter is that he ask to be considered for the job in a question instead of insisting that they meet, his first paragraph is poor grammatically, there is also more grammar errors in the following paragraphs.
Sample 2 cover letter
The strengths of this cover letter are that they have their contact information and the address of whom the letter is being sent to. They out that they would like to be considered buy not asking a question. This shows confidence. here is also a good amount of elaboration on what she has learned and why she would be qualified for the job position.
The weaknesses of this sample cover letter are that I did not really find any. I thought the job letter was a good one.
(I thought this was a really good job letter)
Sample 3 cover letter
The strengths of this cover letter are they did a really good job at elaborating what they learned on the job experience and their education. They also included their enclosure so the reader knows that there is another portion to the document.
The weaknesses of this sample cover letter are that the date is at the top left of the letter and that draws away from the flow of the letter. They should have split up their education information and work experience into two paragraphs.
Sample 4 cover letter
The strengths of this cover letter are that they had a nice introductory paragraph and it was to the point. The following paragraphs on their education and job experience seem very well qualified and did a great job at explaining what was learned and experienced from working.
The weaknesses of this sample cover letter are that they did not put the sate on the letter, need to move their apt number up a line.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Homework 1
Skills from College
College graduates my not think that they have skills that an employer will want to hire them for but they do. Getting through college gives a person everyday life lessons and skills that they will need for their future lives. As long as you can think and write a paper the employers will train you in the way that you are suppose to be for the particular job. The most popular skills employers look for are teamwork, globally minded, proficient with information, visual qualities, self motivated, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Cover Letter Mistakes
You can have a great resume but if your cover letter is unprofessional or just not appealing the employer might disregard you completely from being a possible employee.
The things that you should always have in your cover letter are to use Standard Business-Letter Format, the date, the recipient's mailing address and your address. It should be no longer than one page and entail three to four paragraphs that are easily readable.
Your cover letter should also be about the employer too. You could make the style of the letter to the employer’s specific job requirements and needs. Seeing that you have made careless mistakes with spelling and grammar in your résumé and letter shows that you are a careless and did not put forth much effort in preparing the document. If you write that you have strong verbal, written, and communication skills you need to give evidence of this so the employers can see this is true.
You should also consider addressing each company's specific concerns in the different companies that you write to so they know you care about their information. It takes time but worth it. They know what the typical cookie cutter job letter looks like. Some people don’t write cover letters and those who don’t are not considered for the job.
Resume Concerns
The education section usually goes at the beginning of the resume but if you have more job experience out that first. The one page resume rule does not apply any more. If you have all this experience doesn’t leave it off you resume.
Include your GPA in its above a 3.0, and include both, your home and your school address. If you don’t have much experience you can put your constant computer and internet usage and your extracurricular activities. Include pain and non paid experiences in your resume. And no precollege information unless it was a national award or something.
Why your resume annoys employers
The things that annoy employers are excessive bragging, irrelevant information on interests and hobbies, details of every job you have done, and spelling and grammar mistakes.
College graduates my not think that they have skills that an employer will want to hire them for but they do. Getting through college gives a person everyday life lessons and skills that they will need for their future lives. As long as you can think and write a paper the employers will train you in the way that you are suppose to be for the particular job. The most popular skills employers look for are teamwork, globally minded, proficient with information, visual qualities, self motivated, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Cover Letter Mistakes
You can have a great resume but if your cover letter is unprofessional or just not appealing the employer might disregard you completely from being a possible employee.
The things that you should always have in your cover letter are to use Standard Business-Letter Format, the date, the recipient's mailing address and your address. It should be no longer than one page and entail three to four paragraphs that are easily readable.
Your cover letter should also be about the employer too. You could make the style of the letter to the employer’s specific job requirements and needs. Seeing that you have made careless mistakes with spelling and grammar in your résumé and letter shows that you are a careless and did not put forth much effort in preparing the document. If you write that you have strong verbal, written, and communication skills you need to give evidence of this so the employers can see this is true.
You should also consider addressing each company's specific concerns in the different companies that you write to so they know you care about their information. It takes time but worth it. They know what the typical cookie cutter job letter looks like. Some people don’t write cover letters and those who don’t are not considered for the job.
Resume Concerns
The education section usually goes at the beginning of the resume but if you have more job experience out that first. The one page resume rule does not apply any more. If you have all this experience doesn’t leave it off you resume.
Include your GPA in its above a 3.0, and include both, your home and your school address. If you don’t have much experience you can put your constant computer and internet usage and your extracurricular activities. Include pain and non paid experiences in your resume. And no precollege information unless it was a national award or something.
Why your resume annoys employers
The things that annoy employers are excessive bragging, irrelevant information on interests and hobbies, details of every job you have done, and spelling and grammar mistakes.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Class Activity 2
1. Who is your audience/reader for your job letter and resume? You may do some online research about your reader/audience.
What is your reader's professional experience ( based on the job ads, you can make a judgment of your own)?
Probably has at least some or a lot of experience in CAD and drafting. Very familiar with architecture and design projects. Has worked for some while to know what to expect from the resumes qualifications.
What is your reader's cultural characteristics/background?
- Hard working
- Honest
- Organized
- Probably background in architecture and design.
What is your reader's expectations about the job?
- CAD and detail development skills needed.
- Professionalism
- To understand theoretical and practical design concepts
- To be organized, specific, thorough, and resourceful.
What would be the reasons your reader will read your document?
I will have a nice layout and format of my resume. The style of the resume will also be unique to others resumes.
2. What qualities/skills do the audience/ reader value the most for this specific position?
-Wok with others.
- Develop creative and functional design and interior architectural development solutions for assigned projects.
- collaborate with with the project manager on the supervision of project work
- design presentations to clients
- the scheduling and delegation of design development activities of project team members
- make sure that design recommendations align with the program requirements, project fees, budget, and schedules.
- CAD and detail development skills needed.
3. What do you have to offer? What are some of your skills, qualifications, and job experiences that will be relevant to the job ad ? Please describe these skills, qualifications, and job experiences with specific examples.
I am experienced with drafting, sketch up, CAD design, taken communication classes, taking a technical writing class. I follow directions well and work easily and well with others. I have worked in several group projects and received A’s and B’s and positive feedback from the professors.
1. Share your chosen ad and answers with a partner and CRITIQUE each other’s work and give at least two suggestions to your partner in order to help her/him improve the answers. Please type your partner's name for the two suggestions.
Dana Medford suggests going over some grammatical errors and revising those and expanding more on the job description of what it would require of you.
What is your reader's professional experience ( based on the job ads, you can make a judgment of your own)?
Probably has at least some or a lot of experience in CAD and drafting. Very familiar with architecture and design projects. Has worked for some while to know what to expect from the resumes qualifications.
What is your reader's cultural characteristics/background?
- Hard working
- Honest
- Organized
- Probably background in architecture and design.
What is your reader's expectations about the job?
- CAD and detail development skills needed.
- Professionalism
- To understand theoretical and practical design concepts
- To be organized, specific, thorough, and resourceful.
What would be the reasons your reader will read your document?
I will have a nice layout and format of my resume. The style of the resume will also be unique to others resumes.
2. What qualities/skills do the audience/ reader value the most for this specific position?
-Wok with others.
- Develop creative and functional design and interior architectural development solutions for assigned projects.
- collaborate with with the project manager on the supervision of project work
- design presentations to clients
- the scheduling and delegation of design development activities of project team members
- make sure that design recommendations align with the program requirements, project fees, budget, and schedules.
- CAD and detail development skills needed.
3. What do you have to offer? What are some of your skills, qualifications, and job experiences that will be relevant to the job ad ? Please describe these skills, qualifications, and job experiences with specific examples.
I am experienced with drafting, sketch up, CAD design, taken communication classes, taking a technical writing class. I follow directions well and work easily and well with others. I have worked in several group projects and received A’s and B’s and positive feedback from the professors.
1. Share your chosen ad and answers with a partner and CRITIQUE each other’s work and give at least two suggestions to your partner in order to help her/him improve the answers. Please type your partner's name for the two suggestions.
Dana Medford suggests going over some grammatical errors and revising those and expanding more on the job description of what it would require of you.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
response to outline portfolio
1. What is an online portfolio?
An on line portfolio is a collaboration of my best pieces of writing that I have completed which demonstrate me skills.
2. What are the differences between online and paper portfolios?
It is something that potential employers can look at online with out me having to send them a hard copy piece of paper. An on line portfolio is also probably look at when I am not there with the viewer. It also saves time since the employers can look at it right away instead of waiting for a piece of paper.
3. Please lists two advantages and disadvantages of online portfolio.
Advantages
1. Shows that I am familiar with the latest communication ways.
2. It does not have to be carried
Disadvantages
1. I can not explain my work in detail since I am not there with the viewer.
2. Files can be stolen or changed by anyone which means that it can be viewed by anyone. It also takes a kind of software to make one that not every one has or can afford
4. In what ways can you use certain visual styles to help you do a good job in your online portfolio?
The ways I can use visual styles to help me do a good job in my online portfolio are the results of a better put together and more legible portfolio. Also using the same navigation style allows the readers to find information easily.
5. In what ways can you use language styles to help you do a good job in your online portfolio?
The ways I can use language styles to help me do a good job on my online portfolio are to complete one with a team so that viewers will know which part I wrote. Making sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors will also ensure that I have a successful portfolio.
An on line portfolio is a collaboration of my best pieces of writing that I have completed which demonstrate me skills.
2. What are the differences between online and paper portfolios?
It is something that potential employers can look at online with out me having to send them a hard copy piece of paper. An on line portfolio is also probably look at when I am not there with the viewer. It also saves time since the employers can look at it right away instead of waiting for a piece of paper.
3. Please lists two advantages and disadvantages of online portfolio.
Advantages
1. Shows that I am familiar with the latest communication ways.
2. It does not have to be carried
Disadvantages
1. I can not explain my work in detail since I am not there with the viewer.
2. Files can be stolen or changed by anyone which means that it can be viewed by anyone. It also takes a kind of software to make one that not every one has or can afford
4. In what ways can you use certain visual styles to help you do a good job in your online portfolio?
The ways I can use visual styles to help me do a good job in my online portfolio are the results of a better put together and more legible portfolio. Also using the same navigation style allows the readers to find information easily.
5. In what ways can you use language styles to help you do a good job in your online portfolio?
The ways I can use language styles to help me do a good job on my online portfolio are to complete one with a team so that viewers will know which part I wrote. Making sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors will also ensure that I have a successful portfolio.
World Trade Center: Class Activity
Dana Medford
Lindsey Burns
Spatial – In the paragraph titled 1.2 WTC site, it describes where the building is specifically by listing what the building is located next to and to what direction. It also gives a graphic showing where the building is located.
General to Specific – The document starts by describing in general what happened to the Trade Center on September 11, to describing in detail specifically what happened to the building when they were hit. It also goes on to explain the types of planes used as well as describing the building around the Trade Center. The graphics in the document at the beginning are pretty general pictures of the site and then they move into more detailed, specific graphics showing what happened to the buildings.
Chronological – The document goes in chronological order according to when the events happened on that day. It starts by describing what was happening before the planes hit, when the planes hit, and after the planes hit. The graphics also go in chronological order showing what happened and when it happened. Also, figure 1-8 gives a good example of a chronological time line, pointing out what happened at what time.
Lindsey Burns
Spatial – In the paragraph titled 1.2 WTC site, it describes where the building is specifically by listing what the building is located next to and to what direction. It also gives a graphic showing where the building is located.
General to Specific – The document starts by describing in general what happened to the Trade Center on September 11, to describing in detail specifically what happened to the building when they were hit. It also goes on to explain the types of planes used as well as describing the building around the Trade Center. The graphics in the document at the beginning are pretty general pictures of the site and then they move into more detailed, specific graphics showing what happened to the buildings.
Chronological – The document goes in chronological order according to when the events happened on that day. It starts by describing what was happening before the planes hit, when the planes hit, and after the planes hit. The graphics also go in chronological order showing what happened and when it happened. Also, figure 1-8 gives a good example of a chronological time line, pointing out what happened at what time.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Operation of Glen Canyon Dam: Class Activity
Operation of Glen Canyon Dam: Final Environmental Statement
Please describe the website such as what is the site about and who publishes it.
Bureau of ReclamationAttn: Linda Whetton125 South State StreetSalt Lake City, Utah 84138-1147E-Mail: ampcomments@uc.usbr.gov
The website talks about the operation and environmental statement of Glen Canyon Dam.
What sort of language is used on the site? (formal, jargon, advertising, technical, scientific). What does the word choice tell you about who the site authors see as their audience? Give some examples.
Technical and scientific. The document is used by decision-makers within the bureau and governmental agencies. By the format, the information presented in the article appears to be directed to a specific group instead of the general public. It is very fact oriented and the title portrays this information.
What are the visual design principles (graphics, headings, links) that let you know what sort of information to expect from the site (instructions, warnings, announcements, etc.)?
The color blue refers to the water/ dam issue. The layout is very basic with a logo at the top beside the title. It also provides a site to go to for the viewing audience has a problem in yellow.
4. Why did the authors put the site up? What "problems" does the site solve? (informational, practical, technical-meaning explaining technical subjects)
From the website we can conclude that the information presented is a summary statement of the Glen Canyon Dam issue. It informs the public what the operations of Glen Canyon are. Its technical-meaning as it provides the solution to the Glen Canyon Dam problem.
What can you say about the goals and culture of the publishers of the website as a result of the information you can scan on the page? Culture is meant here in the sense Markel uses it on p. 6.
The goal is to let the public know what measure is being taken to deal with the issues at the Glen Canyon Dam. Their culture is informative and professional.
Please describe the website such as what is the site about and who publishes it.
Bureau of ReclamationAttn: Linda Whetton125 South State StreetSalt Lake City, Utah 84138-1147E-Mail: ampcomments@uc.usbr.gov
The website talks about the operation and environmental statement of Glen Canyon Dam.
What sort of language is used on the site? (formal, jargon, advertising, technical, scientific). What does the word choice tell you about who the site authors see as their audience? Give some examples.
Technical and scientific. The document is used by decision-makers within the bureau and governmental agencies. By the format, the information presented in the article appears to be directed to a specific group instead of the general public. It is very fact oriented and the title portrays this information.
What are the visual design principles (graphics, headings, links) that let you know what sort of information to expect from the site (instructions, warnings, announcements, etc.)?
The color blue refers to the water/ dam issue. The layout is very basic with a logo at the top beside the title. It also provides a site to go to for the viewing audience has a problem in yellow.
4. Why did the authors put the site up? What "problems" does the site solve? (informational, practical, technical-meaning explaining technical subjects)
From the website we can conclude that the information presented is a summary statement of the Glen Canyon Dam issue. It informs the public what the operations of Glen Canyon are. Its technical-meaning as it provides the solution to the Glen Canyon Dam problem.
What can you say about the goals and culture of the publishers of the website as a result of the information you can scan on the page? Culture is meant here in the sense Markel uses it on p. 6.
The goal is to let the public know what measure is being taken to deal with the issues at the Glen Canyon Dam. Their culture is informative and professional.
What is technical writing
What I think technical writing is a document, form, instructions, directions that inform a person, make a proposal or organizes information.
Technical writing is different from, other writings because it is truth and facts, It not a novel or something to entertain the reader. A technical document can also include visual aids to help guide the reader along or help the reader better understand the directions or written material.
It is important to be able to do technical writing because a lot of jobs require that you have these skills to communicate with other colleagues and potential customers. It should be a document of clearly labeled important sections that the readers can access easily with out reading the entire document.
Technical writing is different from, other writings because it is truth and facts, It not a novel or something to entertain the reader. A technical document can also include visual aids to help guide the reader along or help the reader better understand the directions or written material.
It is important to be able to do technical writing because a lot of jobs require that you have these skills to communicate with other colleagues and potential customers. It should be a document of clearly labeled important sections that the readers can access easily with out reading the entire document.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
1/ 10/ 2008
1. Discuss your major and how you plan to transfer the skills you learn at Tech to your desired career.
I am an interior design major and minoring in architecture. With the skills from this class I will be able to apply them into the business aspect and enteractment with fwllow collegues.
2. Describe the types of writing you will (or think you will) do in your career.
The types of writing I will do in my career will be professional documents, e-mails, surveys, and contracts of the projects and jobs.
(a) Why will you write on the job? I will write on the job through the description of my clientc nees and want including their specifications.
(b) For whom will you write? I will write for my self and also the typed/ written plans of the projects I will be in charge of.
(c) What types of global or multicultural audiences can you expect? In the type of profession i am going into almost all of them from businesses to individuals.
(d) How my writing will differ when appealing to the different audiences of my internal associates than you will with surrounding businesses and the general public through the different genres of writing that appeal to the different customers I will have, but with both of them I will be maintaining a professional approach.
I am an interior design major and minoring in architecture. With the skills from this class I will be able to apply them into the business aspect and enteractment with fwllow collegues.
2. Describe the types of writing you will (or think you will) do in your career.
The types of writing I will do in my career will be professional documents, e-mails, surveys, and contracts of the projects and jobs.
(a) Why will you write on the job? I will write on the job through the description of my clientc nees and want including their specifications.
(b) For whom will you write? I will write for my self and also the typed/ written plans of the projects I will be in charge of.
(c) What types of global or multicultural audiences can you expect? In the type of profession i am going into almost all of them from businesses to individuals.
(d) How my writing will differ when appealing to the different audiences of my internal associates than you will with surrounding businesses and the general public through the different genres of writing that appeal to the different customers I will have, but with both of them I will be maintaining a professional approach.
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