Cover Letter

Dear Mentor,

In this website, you will find a compilation of all my work in Englcom - Writing and two essays from Englcom RVLC. Posted first is the entry essay that we were asked to do in order to know how developed our skills are and how much more we need to improve. Next is the Extended Definition essay wherein we were allowed to choose a topic that we were interested in. Following this are the essays we came up with in our RVLC class wherein we were tasked to write a reflection paper on the documentary film "The Secret" and a letter to the editor which includes an issue that we think should be addressed accordingly. The critique papers on Bayanihan and Heroism are also found in this site and was given as a homework for us to practice on critiquing other essays. The argumentative essay, which is the essay I personally enjoyed writing, is also included as well is the reflective essay and the exit essay which we accomplished at the latter part of the course.


Taking up Englcom this past term taught me a lot, not only about myself but also about my skills. Through the course, I was able to enhance my writing techniques as well as learn more techniques in order to come up with more profound and concrete essays. I was able to fully develop what I have learned in high school because little by little, I was able to understand the more specific writing styles and techniques. I'm thankful that you've been patient with my class and I as we learned from your lessons per meeting. I know it was not easy teaching me and revising my work but your patience really helped me improve on the things that I have already learned in my previous courses.


Sincerely,
Andy Hernandez

Table of Contents

CONTENTS                                                                DATE SUBMITTED

                                                                                                

Reflective Essay                                                            April 10, 2013

Exit Essay                                                                    April 11, 2013

Critique Paper                                                               

Critique Paper

Argumentative Essay                                                      April 7, 2013

Letter to the Editor (RVLC)                                              April 7, 2013

Reflection Paper - The Secret (RVLC)                             February 10, 2013

Extended Definition Essay                                               March 21, 2013

Entry Essay                                                                 January 16, 2013

Reflective Essay

            After taking the ENGLCOM course this term, I realized so many different things about academic reading and writing. First, I learned that there are many different methods in order to improve both reading and writing skills and to make it easier to read or write under pressure. Second, I learned how both reading and writing complement each other. It is good to excel in both in order to further develop personal skills. Lastly, I learned that having a wide vocabulary and a wide knowledge on grammar does not necessarily mean that one can write well. Different aspects such as transitional devices, conjunctions, essay format, etc. also determine one’s ability to write well. In writing the extended definition and argumentative essays, I had a difficulty thinking outside the box and following the specific format that was given to me in class. I was so used to writing freely, the way I did in high school, so I did not notice the other writing styles required to be used depending on what is asked to be written. There were also times when I had quite a hard time accepting the revisions of both my peers and my professors because I was not used to their way of writing but eventually, I learned from their revisions and used their comments to improve my essays. Based on my entry and exit essays, I improved on my writing skills as well as my choice of words and the content of my work. I’ve also learned to use references to support my stand and to further prove my point. My exit essay appears to be more formal than my entry essay and from that, it shows that I was able to apply what I have learned in class. In my opinion, I’ve given my best in everything I had to accomplish for this ENGLCOM course because I’ve been able to think deeper about my topics for each essay. I enjoyed writing because what I learned in class made it easier to come up with concrete and well-thought of essays. 

Exit Essay

Global Poverty Stand

According to Laster R. Brown, he explains poverty to be, “Unfortunately, it is not an economic abstraction, it is a human condition. It is despair, grief and pain. It is the despair of a father with a family of seven children in a poor country when he joins the swelling ranks of unemployed with no prospects of unemployment compensation. Poverty is the longing of a young boy playing outside a village school but unable to enter because his parents lack a few rupees needed to buy text books. Poverty is the grief of parents watching a three year old die of a routine childhood disease because they cannot afford any medical care.” This particular definition can be seen all around the world today and is slowly increasing day by day. In India, many are idle and on the streets because of unemployment. In China, many children undergo child labor because it is one of the easiest ways to earn an income. In Europe, many women have resulted to prostitution ever since the economic drop in different European countries just to get by. These are only a few people crying out for help, waiting to be heard. There are many other stories waiting to be told.

Slowly but surely, poverty can be lessened through many different ways. One is to educate the poor and to reform their core values, their training and their family life. This way, they will be able to acquire their basic daily needs and skills for them to become more self-sufficient. Governments of each country that suffers from poverty should be willing to allocate funds to support the less-fortunate civilians and to improve their livelihood through healthcare, education and job opportunities. Leaders of each country should also find time to promote their respectable nation in order to entice investors to invest in projects that will give the locals jobs. Forming unions with other countries will also boost the country’s economic stability and together, the leaders of the union may work together to fight poverty.

Many solutions can be done but each and every one of us should actively participate to fight the increasing of poverty in the world. Countries should work hand-in-hand to slowly improve the lives of their respective citizens because it is time for them to give back to their people. Selflessness should be practiced by each and every one of us and personal gains should be put aside. Nothing is impossible if we are all determined, focused and driven to succeed. 

Critique Paper 2

HEROISM AT ITS FINEST

            The essay talks about the different aspects and characteristics that make a hero. A superficial character and a living hero may have the same characteristics despite their differences in nature. The introduction of the essay includes a brief introduction on the different heroes today and definition and derivation explanation on the word “hero”.

            The body of the essay compares and contrasts real-life human heroes to fictional heroes from both the past and the present. It compares their “powers”, traits and characteristics. Included also is how everyday people that we come across can be our superheroes. One does not need to possess superficial powers or be famous worldwide in order to be a superhero to another person. Good deeds make each and every one of us capable of being a superhero in our own ways.

            In the concluding paragraph, it says that true heroes are marked with strong initiative and determination. Society’s heroes are those who strive and work hard to overcome all the problems that we are faced with today. 

Critique Paper 1

BAYANIHAN

In the essay “Bayanihan: The Immortal Filipino Hero”, the author focused on modern Filipino sports such as basketball and football. In the introduction of the essay, the author defined Bayanihan and what it stands for in the Philippines. A brief history on Bayanihan culture was also included in order for the readers to know a background on the topic. This method will enable the readers to fully understand the essay because they will know exactly what is talked about and they will not be confused especially if the topic of the essay is new to them.

The body of the essay includes examples and narrations about the Phillipine Azkals Football team and the Smart Gilas basketball team. It talked about the rising fame of these two teams and the amount of heart that the players put out in every game to play for their representing country – the Philippines. They take pride in being Filipinos and being able to share their skills with others while giving honor to their beloved country.

In the conclusion of the essay, the author discussed that all the fame and achievements of these national teams are not possible without the undying love and support of Filipino fans all around the world. Together, we all take pride in our country and we come together as one to prove to the world there is so much more to the Philippines than the world thinks.

Argumentative Essay

Artificial Contraception from a Positive Point-of-View

            What is artificial contraception? This is commonly asked by many men and women around the world who are sexually active but do not want to bear a child. Artificial contraception basically means different unnatural methods used for birth control to ensure that a woman does not become pregnant unless it is planned by her and her partner. There are different methods available today and the most common one is the use of condoms. A condom is a device made of rubber (latex) and is used by a man to cover his genitals during sexual intercourse in order to stop the sperm from entering a woman’s vagina. According to Dr. Khazaei (2012), a condom is the most effective and has a high success rate because it is the most reliable and cost-effective method of preventing unwanted pregnancies as well as sexually transmitted diseases. Another common method available in the market that is also cost-effective and can be used on a regular basis is contraceptive pills. It also has a high success rate because it is affordable and at the same time available for everyone. The Philippine government promotes the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic Act no. 10354) which is a law that makes sure that different contraception methods, sexual education and maternal care for women are accessible. The bill ensures to “promote, without bias, all effective natural and modern methods of family planning that are medically safe and legal.”

Many claim that the legalization of artificial contraception promotes sexual intercourse and pre-marital sex because it is said to encourage the youth to be sexually active since methods such as condoms and birth control pills are available for them to use. My stand on this is that sex is a choice for each and every one of us and this choice is made with or without the availability of artificial contraception. Human beings are made to have sexual desires and it is human of us to feel lust towards another man or woman, therefore, even without artificial contraception it is normal for us to have the drive to have sex. What artificial contraception does in this case is making the act of intercourse safer for everyone. It prevents STD’s when in contact with someone who has the disease. This alone shows that contraception should be thought of as a positive thing.

Going against church beliefs and teachings is another reason why artificial contraception is not widely promoted, most especially by the church itself. It is said to contradict what God has planned for humanity and is somehow “inhumane” because it prevents the idea of a baby coming to life. Contraception is needed for proper family planning which is promoted by the church so why will they not promote artificial contraception which is the easiest method for proper family planning? Artificial contraception is the most accessible way to be successful in proper family planning and is available for everyone, both rich and less fortunate and according to the World Health Organization, unwanted pregnancies (most especially teen pregnancies) have decreased almost 67% since the legalization of contraception in more countries.

In addition to the given statements, the use of artificial contraception should not be closely related to the idea of abortion because they are two very different things. Preventing the formation of an unborn is not, in any way, the same as taking a life of an unborn. This is the common misconception on the idea of artificial contraception but the argument itself should be disregarded because it is invalid. It is also said to promote abortion because these artificial methods do not work one hundred percent of the time and will eventually lead to the choice of abortion. My take on this is that abortion is a choice of a woman whether or not contraception was used or not. Contraception prevents these women from having to make a decision whether or not to keep the baby or to abort it because it prevents the formation of a child from the time of sexual intercourse. Hence, abortion should not be compared to the usage of contraception because each has a different meaning from the other.

As these issues against artificial contraception arise, many continue to question if its usage really gives positive outcomes. A decrease in the abortion rate has been proven and shown and this alone proves that the use of artificial contraception gives long-term positive effects. Therefore, the legalization of contraception and the passing of the bill is the better option as compared to keeping it not legalized. Also, promoting the use of contraception clearly does not mean promoting the act of abortion; hence, people should not mistake the two from being the same thing. I strongly believe that the method of artificial contraception will eventually give long-term benefits both to the government and the civilians and is the safest and most effective way of successful family planning.

References:

Khazaei.Which birth control method is effective for proper family planning?.2012.Retrived from http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/which-birth-control-method-is-effective-for-proper-family-planning-5938679.html

Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012.(nd). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responsible_Parenthood_and_Reproductive_Health_Act_of_2012

8 Reasons We Should Not Pass the RH Bill.(nd).http://cbcpforlife.com/?p=202