To complete the ENGL Rhetoric and Writing Emphasis, students compile an exit portfolio comprised of eight papers. Students should include clean copies of these papers (with the possible exception of item 3) in the order in which they are listed below in a three-ring binder that includes a table of contents. These portfolios should demonstrate the student's achievement of the various outcomes of the rhetoric and writing option as well as the breadth and depth of his or her knowledge of the field.

Portfolios will be assessed as distinguished, highly competent, competent, or rising.

1. An essay of rhetorical analysis / criticism in which the student demonstrates a grasp of rhetorical theory, concepts, and principles: 

One text that demonstrates writer?s skills at rhetorical analysis

Title: _____________________________________

2. An argument in which the students demonstrates an ability to use rhetorical knowledge to address an issue or situation of personal or civic importance:

One text that demonstrates the writer?s ability to generate an argument

Title: _____________________________________

3. A paired essay and response, where the student demonstrates knowledge of the best response and assessment practices.

One paired combination of text and review/ response to that text

Title: _____________________________________

4. A research paper, where the student demonstrates an ability to pose a question, research that question, and deliver a research-based argument in response to it:

One sample research essay on a rhetoric, writing or literacy topic

Title: _____________________________________

5. A synthesis paper where the student demonstrates a grasp of the scope and depth of rhetoric and / or writing theory:

One essay exam or written seminar paper that displays the student?s grasp of these theoretical domains

Title: _____________________________________

6. An additional writing from # 1 ? 5 that demonstrates the student?s in-depth knowledge of a particular genre / topic in the field of rhetoric and writing:

One additional writing from # 1 ? 5

Genre/topic: _______________________________

Title: _____________________________________

7. A reflective essay in which the student demonstrates an ability to reflect on his or her development as a thinker-writer in the field of rhetoric and writing:

Rhetorical criticism essay from ENGL 2000 or ENGL 3010 (to show student growth)

Title: _____________________________________

8. A reflective self-assessment that uses the contents of the portfolio to demonstrate the student?s intellectual growth as well as the breadth and depth of his or her knowledge of the field

Title: ___________________________________

Inventional questions for the reflective essay:

How do these papers demonstrate your growth as a student of rhetoric and writing studies?

In what ways do these papers demonstrate your understanding of writing as a process?

How do these papers demonstrate your ability to respond to and assess the writing of others?

How do these papers demonstrate your strength in a particular genre / topic in rhetoric and writing studies?