ENG 2031 Writing Portfolio
For your final writing portfolio, complete the following four writing assignments. Use the tips and guidelines
you have learned throughout this module and demonstrate your knowledge of effective business writing. Each
assignment will be graded on its content in relation to the type of business message the prompt specifies,
organization, correctness, and format.
Save the document as your last name first name followed by ENG 2031 Writing Portfolio.
The portfolio should be ONE document composed of all the writing assignments listed below with a page break
between each assignment.
You must earn 85 on the final product to proceed to the next module.
1. Neutral Message -- 25 points
Imagine that you work for a local television station. Because of recent bomb threats to your building,
facility management will implement new security procedures. In the past employees could freely enter
any part of the building, but beginning in two weeks, employees will have to swipe ID badges to access
any area beyond the lobby/reception area. This includes all exterior doors except the front entrance
during regular business hours and all exterior doors after regular hours as well as all corridors off the
lobby area.
Task: As the facility management communications coordinator, write a memo to all employees
explaining the rationale for the new procedure, where to obtain the new ID badge, and how the process
will work. Invent additional details you believe necessary to complete this task. Use correct memo
format.
2. Positive Message -- 25 points
Imagine that you are a store manager for a national chain retailer named Millard’s. Brian, one of your
sales associates, has a reputation of going above and beyond expectations to help customers. In fact, you
just received a letter from a customer who was especially appreciative of Brian’s efforts to find a
particular kind of bedding she sought but was not in stock at your store. You know your company offers
special recognition for exemplary employees and the employees receive significant rewards for earning
recognition at the national level. To earn this recognition, employees must apply and submit
documentation, including documentation from his/her store manager detailing the applicant’s work
efforts.
Task: Write a letter to Brian, recognizing and documenting his exemplary efforts on the job, knowing
that he may choose to use the letter as documentation to apply for national recognition from the
company. Include other examples (believable), which you can invent as needed. Use correct business
letter format.
3. Bad News Message – 25 points
Imagine you manage the conventions department at a hotel. John, one of your employees, meets with
potential clients wishing to utilize the hotel for special events. John emailed you this morning requesting
a new laptop specifically for client presentations. John has worked for the company only a month and
his email was short with only the request and not justification for such a purchase at this time. You know
John has access to a PC with presentation capabilities in the department’s meeting room.
Task: Write an email to John denying his request. Your reasons include his limited time at the company,
his presumptuous tone, and budget limitations. You do not wish to discourage John’s ideas, yet you wish
to encourage more thought when making requests in the future.
4. Reflective Letter -- 25 points
Reflection is a great way to discover development in your ideas, your beliefs, and of course, your skills
as a writer. You might now see changes in yourself that you didn’t see before.
Your task: Write a reflection on your experience in ENG 2031 Fundamentals of Business
Communication. Use business letter format and address it to your instructor with his/her college
address. Maintain a business writing tone. Be sure to answer all of the following questions in a wellorganized letter:
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What was your attitude toward business writing before beginning this course?
What new ideas or skills did you learn?
What aspect of the course, or information, do you feel was most beneficial to you?
Do you feel you have grown as a writer? If so, in what ways? If not, what recommendations do
you have for the course?
What writing advice do you have for future students of this course and for those in the business
field?