1. Why Are Teachers Cheating? About Me Project Introduction My Argument My Writing Process Challenges English 110 Objective What I Learned Rebecca Spurlin

2. About Me Hometown: Cliffside, NC Major: Special and Elementary Education English 110 Professor: Michelle Trim HomeHome Project Introduction My Argument My Writing Process Challenges English 110 Objective What I LearnedProject IntroductionMy ArgumentMy Writing ProcessChallenges English 110 ObjectiveWhat I Learned

3. Project Introduction: Letter to the Editor For this paper, I was asked to respond to a news article in the form of a letter to the editor. I chose an article from the New York Times. This article addressed the issue of school boards taking steps to prevent cheating on standardized tests. Here is the link to the original article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/13/educati on/13erase.html HomeHome About Me My Argument My Writing Process Challenges English 110 Objective What I LearnedAbout MeMy ArgumentMy Writing ProcessChallengesEnglish 110 ObjectiveWhat I Learned

4. My Argument My letter to the editor argues that these instances of teachers cheating may be a symptom of larger problems in the education system. Specifically, my letter calls for reforms of the No Child Left Behind Act. HomeHome About Me Project Introduction My Writing Process Challenges English 110 Objective What I LearnedAbout MeProject IntroductionMy Writing ProcessChallenges English 110 ObjectiveWhat I Learned

5. My Writing Process Topic Choice: I chose the topic of education reform because it is something I am passionate about. First Draft: I wrote a long version of my letter to the editor without any research on the topic. Research: I conducted research on No Child Left Behind and wrote my conclusions in an exploratory essay. Final Draft: For my final draft, I condensed my original letter and added in facts from my research. HomeHome About Me Project Introduction My Argument Challenges English 110 Objective What I LearnedAbout MeProject IntroductionMy ArgumentChallengesEnglish 110 ObjectiveWhat I Learned

6. Challenges The biggest challenge for me was trying to make sure my essay was concise. In my early drafts I used passive voice and extra phrases. Learning how to decide what phrases are necessary and the best way to word things was a challenge. However, I feel that this project showed me how important it is to make every word and phrase contribute to the larger meaning of the piece. I learned the difference between filler and important information. HomeHome About Me Project Introduction My Argument My Writing Process English 110 Objective What I LearnedAbout MeProject IntroductionMy ArgumentMy Writing Process English 110 ObjectiveWhat I Learned

7. English 110 Objective My project taught me about the writing process. Previously, my process was to write a couple drafts and checking for spelling and grammar. I generally didn’t edit for content or organization. In doing this letter to the editor I only had 500 words to convince my reader. This taught me to be concise and also to weigh which information was essential to my argument and what could be left out. I am most proud of this project because I feel that it is the most finished and polished writing I’ve ever produced. By changing my attitude towards my writing process my finished product greatly improved. HomeHome About Me Project Introduction My Argument My Writing Process Challenges What I LearnedAbout MeProject IntroductionMy ArgumentMy Writing Process ChallengesWhat I Learned

8. I learned much more about the No Child Left Behind Act and it’s impact on schools and students. I learned how to write in a more concise manner. HomeHome About Me Project Introduction My Argument My Writing Process Challenges English 110 ObjectiveAbout MeProject IntroductionMy ArgumentMy Writing Process ChallengesEnglish 110 Objective