Cover Letter

This is my portfolio! It's combined of the five writing projects that I finished this semester. My best work is shown in all of them because individually I try my best no matter what the assignment may be. Even though I try my best, I still need to work on my word choice as well as my organization skills because sometimes I read my rough draft and see the fragments that I inserted for no reason. Some of my strengths are supporting the main topic and also wrapping up the story with a nice, well-rounded conclusion. I suggest that I get an A on my portfolio because of my hard effort put into this class, as well as the time and thought put into each and every single project I finished. I also have learned many different things about writing, like about different kinds of letters, grammar, essays, and even how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! I love writing, so in the future I will always use the information learned in this class to my benefit, try to learn new writing techniques, and will continue to write until the last day I stand.

Essay/Writing Project 5

Travis Ney                                                                                                                         

Emily Miller

ENG 091

December 10, 2011

Pinnacle High School

            Pinnacle High School is very different from other schools, but its fun and also it has hands on activities. Being totally diverse to other schools, it’s all on the computer. Some may think it’s easier and some won’t. Even though you might not think it would be easy or fun, it definitely is because of the clubs, the activities, and all of the useful help provided. Every single morning, even if I had a bad day, I walk out of class with a smile on my face.

            First, Pinnacle has many fun clubs. They usually have at least ten to twenty people for each club. One of the entertaining clubs is the social problems club. This specific club keeps you involved and on your toes almost at all times. Each person talks about problems or challenges that they are facing while the rest support the individual and help out with the situation. It basically shapes you as a person for the future. Some other clubs are chess club, student council and the Honor’s club. The chess club gets together every Tuesday and attends several tournaments around the valley on the weekends to keep everybody on key. The Honor’s club does activities like making posters or promoting certain events like dances and assemblies. With a large variety of clubs, there is an endless amount of fun that comes along with it.

Second, the activities are also fun and amusing. We have races to see who can finish the math sheet the fastest. The winner gets a free big bag of Doritos as a nice treat. Another activity is when we are done with our work; we get to watch movies occasionally on Fridays. This is not only relaxing, but it’s entertaining and is always looked forward to as well. The activities are definitely different from other schools and keep the students participating.  For example at normal schools the teachers are always trying to keep their children quiet and get off track, but at Pinnacle your aloud to talk and work together on our activities so we can submit our best work.

Finally, the last reason why Pinnacle is so joyful for the students is because all of the useful help given to you by your peers, but most of all your teachers. There are two teachers in each room to assist you with whatever problems you may encounter. One teacher sits at his or her desk for a bit then helps, while the other walks around checking up on individuals that need the assistance.  The fact that its fun comes from the excellent grades you receive at the end of the class. The excitement runs through your body and it makes you feel better then ever.

            Pinnacle will have you tuned in while you’re in class and it’s absolutely a fun environment to be in at all times. The clubs, activities, and the great help that they provide you with really will make you shake out of your socks in excitement and receive the grade you always wanted in your classes.                            

                                                              (523 words)

Writing Project 4

Travis Ney                                                                                                                         

Emily Miller

ENG 091

October 4, 2011

Shocking Comeback

           

            Last week I witnessed a shocking win at the MMA arena in Gilbert. My brother T.J. entered a grappling tournament to increase his ground skills for his MMA. As the match started, both T.J and his opponent circled each other. That led to them tying up, taking each other down, as well as them both making many submission attempts. Towards the end of that match my brother got caught in a tight triangle chock while taking his opponent to the ground. Trying to escape, T.J couldn’t get his neck loose to save his life. Being locked around his neck for nearly two minutes, his face started turning bright purple. Twisting and turning only made the lock even tighter and he knew he had to make an abrupt change in his position as soon as possible. Using every little last muscle in his body, T.J miraculously managed to slip out. Quickly after, he caught his opponent’s arm and finished the match off with an arm bar. That was the match of his life and it surely was an amazing thing to watch and as well talk about at the end of the day.

(204 words)

Writing Project 3

Travis Ney                                                                                                                                    

Emily Miller

ENG 091

October 4, 2011

A Loser

            A loser is a person who is addicted to video games, sits at home all day, and doesn’t have any friends. First, a loser is really addicted to video games. Whenever they have free time in the day, they jump straight to their television. Spending about half of the day watching T.V. to some might be boring, but losers always look forward to it. They always put video games as a top priority in their day as well and also play games for long periods of time. Second, a loser sits at home all day long. They never leave the house unless they need to check the mail or have other relevant things to do. Also they never make plans with anybody, go to school, or even have a job. A loser is hands down just a couch potato. Finally, a loser doesn’t have any friends. They separate themselves either from people at school or even in their neighborhood. Not finding friends easy can be frustrating so as a result they hide in their house. Also they obviously aren’t social with many people besides their family members. Even though a loser is a very unique individual, there are plenty of them that live in our world today and they will continue to have that “L” right in the middle of their foreheads forever.

Writing Project 2

Travis Ney

Emily Miller

ENG 091

October 13, 2011

                                                  Christmas and Halloween

    Christmas and Halloween are different in several ways, especially what you eat, who you spend more time with, and the vibe of both days. First, the things you eat are different because you eat ham or mashed potatoes on Christmas and on Halloween you just have a normal dinner. Also you collect crazy amounts of candy to rot your teeth, which you don't get too much of on Christmas. Second, Christmas is all about family and not so much friends. You spend the whole day hanging out with your family and create tighter relationships between each other. Halloween on the other hand, you’re out with your friends going door to door usually for most of the night. Last, the vibes of both holidays are very different. On Christmas you are excited and happy and also loved, but when it comes to Halloween you are scared and the whole feeling isn't the same. Halloween has a spookier mood and Christmas is more of a happy environment filled with love. Both holidays are very different when it comes to the things you eat or who you spend the day with, but they are really easy to tell apart because when it’s Christmas you get presents and on Halloween you get candy.                                              (223 words)

Writing Project 1

Travis Ney

Emily Miller

ENG 091

October 5, 2011

                                                  Studying For an Exam

Studying for an exam can be very important for when you’re in high school and also in the future when you’re in college. There are three good techniques you need to do or use when studying for your next big test or exam. The first thing you should do is read over the chapters or assignments and also take notes. Taking notes will help you remember certain phrases or other relevant information related to the test. It also will help you because the more you look over your work or notes, the higher chance you have of getting a good grade. When it comes to reviewing your chapters or assignments, it helps you remember the bolded words or headings that were in chapters. Second, you write down in your notes some key words or vocabulary you don't understand, so after that you can figure out the definitions to them all. Last, you need to create flashcards for either vocabulary, words you don't know, or even key words that trigger your memory on certain information. Also if you have extra time you can copy your notes on your flashcards and get rid of your notes for more convenience. Exams are important to pass, so with these techniques you are sure to get a nice grade in the end.    

                                                      230 words

Quiz 11/5/11

An event that I can remember is the first day when I started high school. I learned quickly that procrastinating is totally wrong and that finishing on time is key for anything in life. On the first day of school my teachers all decided to hand out homework that was due on Friday. For two of the classes they were essays. Not knowing what high school is all about, I went on the week wondering about the things I like to do and not finishing my homework until thursday. I had questions to ask, but time was running out, so the best thing I could do is try my best. All though it didn't work out for me because I turned it in late, I learned that its better late then never, but never late is better.

Quiz 10/29/2011

This painting has a girl sitting at a round wooden table with an empty chair sitting across from her. She is in a room with many lights because in the backround there is a mirror showing it's reflection. Also the young lady is wearing a green trench coat with a yellow hat. She is sitting in a room by herself drinking some tea from a little blue tea cup. She may even seem a little lonely because she is looking down while she is sitting all by her lonesome.

Quiz 10/22/2011

Music comes in many different forms like slow paced music, loud music, and catchy music. First, slow paced music has soft intruments involved and soothes the listener. It creates a comfortable mood setting and reduces stress for some people. Second, loud music usually has a lot of bass or guitars in it to increase the volume. This type of music pumps people up and gets them hyper or maybe just makes them happy. Finally, catchy music is the kind that is always stuck in your head and the words in the song are always repeated. The more it plays the more you can remember it through-out the day. People like all different types of music and no matter what form it's in, it will still be heard by the world.

Compare/Contrast Paragraph

Christmas and Halloween are different in several ways, especially what you eat, who you spend more time with, and the vide of both days. First, the things you eat are different because you eat ham or mashed potatoes on Christmas and on Halloween you just have a normal dinner. Also you collect crazy amounts of candy to rot your teeth, which you don't get to much on Christmas. Second, Christmas is all about family and not so much friends. You spend the whole day hanging out with your family and create tighter relationships between each other. On Halloween on the other hand, your out with your friends going door to door usually for most of the night. Last, the vibe of both holidays are very different. On Christmas you are excited and happy and also loved, but when it comes to Halloween you are scared and the whole feeling isn't the same. Halloween is more spooky and Christmas is more filled with love. Both holidays are definitely different and be sure never to get them mixed up. Just remember Christmas equals presents and Halloween equals candy.

In Class Writing 10/27/2011

In a perfect world, my life would be different in three main areas. First off, in a perfect world i would have a different job. I would have a full time job instead of part time and the job would also pay well. I get minimum wage now, which to me isn't enough. I wouldn't have to worry about money at all, but still have to work to receive it. Second, the place where I live would be totally different and in a different state. Instead of my little apartment, i would live in California on a beach house with a perfect view of the ocean. Also my backyard would be so enourmous compared to what I have now which is no backyard at all. Last, I wouldn't have to go to school anymore. I would take online classes and finish them at home, so I have more time to work and also hangout with friends. I take online classes right now, but not fully at home, so doing all my work at home would be way more easy. My perfect world is not the same at all compared to what my life is now, but I still can dream can't I?

Quiz 10/8/2011

Taking online classes is totally different then classes that meet in person. For one, explaining things are so different and all of the notes and teaching that a teacher usually does in on the computer. You might not understand what the lesson is about or how to do the math problem correctly and have to ask for help by e-mailing your teacher. Another reason why they are so different is that you can do your work at home. Showing up to school isn't a big issue, but you wouldn't have to worry about it anymore. Accessing school from home can be convient, but isn't always the best choice because you have to be a good reader and be good at understanding things. Online classes are completely different from regular classes and the type of learner you are really matters when picking which one you would like to choose.

Cause and Effect Letter Draft

             Dear Dad,

             Thank you for everything you do for me, especially taking me out to eat, doing my laundry, and helping me with my homework. First, thanks for doing my laundry when im busy or not around. When I'm at school studying or out for the weekend with my brother, you always ended up finishing my loads of laundry. Not to sound lazy, but it also helps so I don't have to do it when I get home. Second, thank you for helping me with my homework. Since I been getting help from you all of my grades seem higher then usual, which really boosts my confidence towards my classes. Also whenever I need help you answers are most of the time correct, unless you tell me to go ask mom. Last, thanks for taking me out to eat when you can. Even though we might be on a tight budget, you still manage to find a way to get us out of the house for some good food. We also get to socialize and hangout while we're eating. Since I'm really not home to much, getting to sit down and talk about things really is nice for a change. Thanks for caring and helping me as much as you do every single day. It definitely makes my day better and creates a better relationship between us. Thank you!


                                                      Sincerely,
                                                      Travis

Quiz 10/1/11

Having a natural disaster on hit Mesa, like a flood, would make the days a little more harder then usual. The flood would run through the streets and maybe even stop busses. If the weather is too bad, then the airport might even shut down some flights as well. A flood would dry up quickly when the sun comes back out because the Arizona weather can be so hot at times. It wouldn't effect me personally, besides the fact that I might not be able to drive in the water.

Process Paragraph Draft

      Studying for an exam can be very important. There are 3 good techniques you need to do or use when studying for your next big test or exam. The first thing you should do is read over the chapters or assignments and take notes. Taking notes will help you remember certain phrases or other relevant information related to the test. It also will help because the more you look over your work or notes the higher chance you have on getting a good grade. Another technique to do after the first, is to remember or write down in your notes key words or vocabulary you don't understand, so after that you can figure out the definitions to them all. The last technique you need to do when studying for an exam is to create flashcards for either vocabulary, words you don't know, or even key words that trigger your memory on certain information. Exams are relevant to pass, so with these techniques you are sure to get a nice grade in the end.

In-Class Writing Sept 24

To flirt you definitely need the right tactics to start off. First you need to start a nice conversation. Make sure it's about her! You never want to keep all the conversation about you because she will lose interest. It's simply the more you talk about her, the more engaged into the conversation she is. Second, you always want to be looking at her eyes to know that your focused on her. Don't be too much of a creeper, but just to let her know that you are listening. I've learned that listening to what a girl has to say is the best thing to do to keep her attention. The third thing you have to do is make sure your around them. Not following her everywhere, but enough to let her know that you like to be around her. Doing all of these things should hopefully by the end of the day make her smile and if she smiles, your flirting process has succeeded.

Group Pressure

1.  I think I would have stuck with my answers just because other people don't really affect my decisions or answers. I also think that I would have got along with the group well enough, but maybe not too much.

2. They might have accepted the wrong answers because of the strangers. Also they just gave in and accepted the wrong instead of right. It's hard not to except the wrong answers. They just wanted to get it over with.

3. A strong group situation might be a more serious case. Like in a court case where the decision is more relevant it would be a strong situation.

4.Yes because I knew my answer was right! Almost like standing up for you know what's right. It was a math problem and they were explaining how to finish it incorrectly. I finally got my point across and proved my point and correct answer.

Quiz Sept 24

There are many steps to making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. First you need to get two pieces of bread and get out the jelly and peanut butter. After that spread the jelly on one slice, and the peanut butter on the other slice. Make sure that there is an even amount of jelly as there is peanut butter because if you have to much it will ooze out of the sides. After you fixed up the amount of them both, just put the slices together and your sandwich is complete.

Examplification Draft

My sister Jen is a very busy person. She works for a red light company and does all of the paperwork. Half of the time she is never home! Always taking flights to other cities to talk business and sign papers. Over 50% of her job is done in different states. When she is at home she also receives emails and has to work on some projects at home. The company sends her copies of paperwork to look over as well. She also gets long distance phone calls to meet the clients she is meeting with in the other cities or states. All call are very important and you can tell because she leaves the room. My sister needs to slow down and have a break, but we know one thing, she sure isn't lazy.

Is the United States a health-conscious nation?

The United States is definitely not a health-conscious nation. All of the fast food restaurants that are around every city and all the ice cream shops downtown are really not good for you. The government is all about making money. With the low economy, money became relevant towards the government because of the economic downfall. The United States gives everybody a choice to what they eat, so what it comes down to is what the person is like or what they would like to eat when hungry. Knowing that, the United States has many different individuals with a variety of personalities, which means the people's health of the U.S. is a dice roll. Almost anything and anyone can become obese from eating to much. Parents letting the kids eat what they want can turn out to be a "big" problem.

In Class Writing 9/10

     When it comes to studying for an exam there are three main strategies you should use. First you need to work enough time in to your week before the exam to study. Time management is very relevant when it comes to studying because the more time you have the better quality you receive. The second strategy is to review. Either use flashcards for memory or just overall look over what you need to. Reviewing helps a lot because it helps you remember certain points or sentences. The last strategy you should use is picking out key words or phrases. Doing this will refresh your memory and trigger your mind to remember certain things. All three of these strategies will definitely work when your studying for an exam or even any test.

Changes:
- changed "3" to "three"
-added more transition words to sound smoother when reading
-switched my ending for a better closing statement