Self-Assessment Letter

Instructions: Reflection and self-assessment letter

Address the cover letter to your instructor. The letter can be very similar in form and format to a 2–4 page cover letter you would submit along with a resume. The letter can be as formal or as informal as you like, as long as it reflects the kind of professional conversation you want to have with your instructor.

Following are the guidelines for your letter:

• Review your experience with the end-to-end writing process, and each writing product you develop during the course. Treat the letter as the first impression your work will make, much as a cover letter for a job interview makes a first impression.
• Discuss what you have learned throughout the course, and explain how and where your work demonstrates that learning.
• Address your own strengths and weaknesses as a writer, explaining how and where your work demonstrates them.
• Explain how you will apply what you have learned in this course to the writing you will do in the professional or academic areas of your life.
• Demonstrate the ability to write and submit purposeful, error-free prose.

You can organize your letter in the manner you prefer, but do not simply write an answer to each of the bullet points above in the order they are presented. Your letter must demonstrate your ability to organize and synthesize material, and must demonstrate your critical thinking skills.

You may find it helpful to practice revision as you write this letter, setting it aside and returning to it later, with fresh eyes and clear perspective.

Note: Your instructor may also use the Writing Feedback Tool to provide feedback on your writing. In the tool, click the linked resources for helpful writing information.

Scoring

Your assignment will be scored on the following criteria:

1. Address strengths and weaknesses as a writer.
2. Reflect on personal and professional experience of the writing process.
3. Discuss the future implications of developing scholarly writing skills.
4. Organize and synthesize material in purposeful, error-free prose.

Resources