A requirement for this class is a “real-life” essay or letter detailing a true experience you had; you should submit this to a real person or company.

The time has come to decide on your real-life, experiential essay or letter.  For this final paper/essay assignment, you should be able to plan, write a draft, edit/proofread a piece of writing that you will be able to send to a real person.

There is no “right” or “wrong” topic, but here are some possible ideas to consider:

Write a complaint about a product you purchased which disappointed you.  Maybe you bought a used Iphone that died after a week, or maybe you were deceived by a company in some way; for example, maybe you were bullied into buying rental car insurance that you did not need.  Possibly you were wronged by some professional person or agency; for example, my dentist lied to me and told me I would have a tooth extracted, but she really performed very painful and unwanted gum surgery.  (See my post below).  On the other hand, maybe you are very happy/thrilled with some new product; for example, your brittle dry hair is shiny and soft after using Kerastase hair conditioner.  Or, maybe you just stayed in a hotel where the manager went above and beyond what you expected.  For example, the owners of a B & B in nearby Little Falls shoveled out my buried car and drove me to a hospital when I suffered an asthma attack. Another idea?  Maybe you just want to write a letter of thanks to a teacher or professor who really made a difference in your education.  I have written such letters to my dissertation advisor and another professor at Syracuse University.

1. GO to the discussion forum #9.  POST your original idea for a real-life piece of writing.  IMPORTANT:

 READ WHAT I WROTE BACK TO YOU IN THE DISCUSSION.  In some cases, I said you had a very workable topic; in others, I suggested you think of a different experience for your letter. 

2.  Decide on your topic

3.  Write a draft of your letter/essay.

4.  POST IT IN DISCUSSION FORUM #10.  THIS DISCUSSION IS DIFFERENT, SINCE IT IS ALSO A PEER REVIEW.

THIS IS A DISCUSSION FORUM IN FORMAT–SO, FIRST POST YOUR OWN LETTER. 

5.  Then look at your partner’s letter and complete the required peer review.

I have matched you up with a classmate, and you need to take a careful look at this person’s draft and make suggestions for improvement.  This is your final DISCUSSION GRADE for the course.  (WORTH 100 POINTS).  Of course, your partner needs to have a letter for you to read!  And both of you need to work together on this assignment!  Please contact me if your partner is missing!  I will make other arrangements for you.

6.  SUBMIT your edited/proofread letter in the MODULE #6 SafeAssign dropbox.