To: Y. Liu
From: T. Sanders
CC: C. Jones, K. Sowell, A. De La Torriente
Subject: Problems with the instruction set and solutions to fix them
Date: July 27, 2007
The purpose of this memo is to present Dr. Liu with the problems and solutions with the instruction set for wrapping a present. SummaryIn general, the instruction set for wrapping a present is good. However, there are a few areas that could use improvement. DiscussionThe instructions given for wrapping a present were very effective and informative. The usability test went well but the user of the instructions came across few problems. An area that needed to be improved on is to specify directionality to explain which part of the paper is an end and which is a side. Also, it would be helpful to have a picture included beside step three to help the reader better understand the process. RecommendationIt would be helpful to have graphics and a conclusion. More white space should be utilized for a more professional look.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Cover Letter
1781 19th street
Lubbock, TX 79415
July 16, 2007
Ms. Connie Aguilar
South West Collection Library
15th & Detroit
Lubbock, TX 41041
Dear Ms. Aguilar:
I’d like to apply for the translating position in the South West Collection Library posted on the Red Raider Student Employment website. I believe that because I was born and raised in a Spanish speaking country, I am a great candidate for the position; I believe that you find my background experience appealing for the position.
I have taken many English courses back when I was learning English, and then when I stated my mayor, I took two English composition classes and introduction to fiction. Plus, all my classes are conducted by the professors which is an indicator that I am very familiar with the language.
I was born and grew up in Chiapas, Mexico. Then I came to Lubbock Texas in 2002 to learn English, I used to translate a lot of reading materials from English to Spanish. I am also doing a minor in Spanish at Texas Tech.
Due to my foreign status in this country, it is difficult for me to find a job outside and some times even inside school, but I have kept myself busy. I am currently a member and a former president of UMI (Spanish Speaking Society) where we tutor students to improve their Spanish skills. We also do community service activities that involve the development of the Spanish language in the community.
I am enclosing my resume with further details of my education and experience. But I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you discuss these issues further more. You can reach me at (806) 751 2211 or write to my email address alan.delatorriente@ttu.edu
Sincerely,
Alan De La Torriente
Enclosure
Lubbock, TX 79415
July 16, 2007
Ms. Connie Aguilar
South West Collection Library
15th & Detroit
Lubbock, TX 41041
Dear Ms. Aguilar:
I’d like to apply for the translating position in the South West Collection Library posted on the Red Raider Student Employment website. I believe that because I was born and raised in a Spanish speaking country, I am a great candidate for the position; I believe that you find my background experience appealing for the position.
I have taken many English courses back when I was learning English, and then when I stated my mayor, I took two English composition classes and introduction to fiction. Plus, all my classes are conducted by the professors which is an indicator that I am very familiar with the language.
I was born and grew up in Chiapas, Mexico. Then I came to Lubbock Texas in 2002 to learn English, I used to translate a lot of reading materials from English to Spanish. I am also doing a minor in Spanish at Texas Tech.
Due to my foreign status in this country, it is difficult for me to find a job outside and some times even inside school, but I have kept myself busy. I am currently a member and a former president of UMI (Spanish Speaking Society) where we tutor students to improve their Spanish skills. We also do community service activities that involve the development of the Spanish language in the community.
I am enclosing my resume with further details of my education and experience. But I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you discuss these issues further more. You can reach me at (806) 751 2211 or write to my email address alan.delatorriente@ttu.edu
Sincerely,
Alan De La Torriente
Enclosure
Resume
Alan De La Torriente
3102 4th Street Apt. W-40
Lubbock, TX 79410
alan.torriente@ttu.edu
806-763-****
________________________________________________________________________
OBJECTIVE:
Ø Employment utilizing my interest in Psychology, proficiency in Spanish, and my multicultural background.
________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION: Texas Tech University (3.028 GPA) Lubbock,Texas
Ø Expected Graduation August 2008 with three degrees: Psychology
Ø Minor in Spanish, Spring 2007
________________________________________________________________________
HONORS AND RECOGNITION
Ø Diversity and equity award Nominee – spring 2006
Ø Texas Tech Dean’s List – Fall 2004
________________________________________________________________________
ACTIVITIES:
Ø President, UMI Spanish Speaking Society Lubbock,Texas
August 2006-December 2006
________________________________________________________________________
REFERENCES:
Hector Armendariz Jobi Martinez
Upward Bound Programs Center For Campus Life
Students Affairs Division Students Affairs Division
Lubbock, Texas Lubbock, Texas
(806) 742-3616 (806) 742-2192
3102 4th Street Apt. W-40
Lubbock, TX 79410
alan.torriente@ttu.edu
806-763-****
________________________________________________________________________
OBJECTIVE:
Ø Employment utilizing my interest in Psychology, proficiency in Spanish, and my multicultural background.
________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION: Texas Tech University (3.028 GPA) Lubbock,Texas
Ø Expected Graduation August 2008 with three degrees: Psychology
Ø Minor in Spanish, Spring 2007
________________________________________________________________________
HONORS AND RECOGNITION
Ø Diversity and equity award Nominee – spring 2006
Ø Texas Tech Dean’s List – Fall 2004
________________________________________________________________________
ACTIVITIES:
Ø President, UMI Spanish Speaking Society Lubbock,Texas
August 2006-December 2006
________________________________________________________________________
REFERENCES:
Hector Armendariz Jobi Martinez
Upward Bound Programs Center For Campus Life
Students Affairs Division Students Affairs Division
Lubbock, Texas Lubbock, Texas
(806) 742-3616 (806) 742-2192
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Class Activity 14
Alan De La Torriente July 25, 2007
1.-
First the title: “How to enroll in US University as a foreign student.”
Then a general introduction of why is important to know how to do this
Then the step by step instruction with alternative options for the most commonly and frequent situations.
Then there will be a conclusion, stating that the student has finished the task and describing the next possible step.
2. - A computer
A fax machine
Translator
3.- There are many terms that needs to be learn by the reader, so I will provide a glossary of the most commonly ask word.
4. – There is no need for safety recommendations, or at least not so far.
5. - pictures of the websites, and the documents that will be needed and also pictures of the documents that needs to be filled out, with examples of how is done.
6.- I am not so sure yet, but I guess being something completely new for the reader there will be many confusing parts of the instructions.
7. - The task can be carried out anywhere where there is a computer with internet access.
8. - By congratulating the reader for completing the task, and probably with a troubleshooting guide to identify common problems for the readers. And explain how to solve it.
1.-
First the title: “How to enroll in US University as a foreign student.”
Then a general introduction of why is important to know how to do this
Then the step by step instruction with alternative options for the most commonly and frequent situations.
Then there will be a conclusion, stating that the student has finished the task and describing the next possible step.
2. - A computer
A fax machine
Translator
3.- There are many terms that needs to be learn by the reader, so I will provide a glossary of the most commonly ask word.
4. – There is no need for safety recommendations, or at least not so far.
5. - pictures of the websites, and the documents that will be needed and also pictures of the documents that needs to be filled out, with examples of how is done.
6.- I am not so sure yet, but I guess being something completely new for the reader there will be many confusing parts of the instructions.
7. - The task can be carried out anywhere where there is a computer with internet access.
8. - By congratulating the reader for completing the task, and probably with a troubleshooting guide to identify common problems for the readers. And explain how to solve it.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Brochure Memo
To: Y. Liu
From: Lauren Taylor and Alan De La Torriente
Subject: Critique of the Layout of Brochure
Date: July 24, 2007
The purpose of this memo is to discuss the overall effectiveness and impression of the brochure. Overall, we were impressed by the document and found it easy to read and a good layout for the subject. There were good things as well as things we would suggest improvement on.
Summary
We found several things we liked and found very useful about this brochure including; layout, length, quality of paper and binding. There were, however, some things we would improve such as; including headers and footers and page numbers.
Discussion
The brochure does a very effective job of providing the info in a well designed manor. The information is easy to follow and uses good white space rules. The font size and length of the document is perfect for the info presentation. It uses chunking effectively to separate topics. There is a good selection of colors that are emblematic of the school. The document uses repetition throughout the document so that it is consistent and easy to read.
There were a few things we found that the designer might have considered when producing the final draft. There were no headers or footers to indicate different sections of the information. This might be considered confusing when looking through the information. Also, there are no page numbers, so if the reader wanted to reference a certain page, it would be difficult.
If we were going to suggest some things for redesign, we would have to reconsider the use of appropriate icons and making the brochure more visually simulating. Also, providing more cross referencing to allude to related information.
Recommendation
We would like to discuss further about this brochure when you get a chance. These suggestions we have provided, we feel, would greatly benefit the document. Give us a call (x1234) and we can talk.
From: Lauren Taylor and Alan De La Torriente
Subject: Critique of the Layout of Brochure
Date: July 24, 2007
The purpose of this memo is to discuss the overall effectiveness and impression of the brochure. Overall, we were impressed by the document and found it easy to read and a good layout for the subject. There were good things as well as things we would suggest improvement on.
Summary
We found several things we liked and found very useful about this brochure including; layout, length, quality of paper and binding. There were, however, some things we would improve such as; including headers and footers and page numbers.
Discussion
The brochure does a very effective job of providing the info in a well designed manor. The information is easy to follow and uses good white space rules. The font size and length of the document is perfect for the info presentation. It uses chunking effectively to separate topics. There is a good selection of colors that are emblematic of the school. The document uses repetition throughout the document so that it is consistent and easy to read.
There were a few things we found that the designer might have considered when producing the final draft. There were no headers or footers to indicate different sections of the information. This might be considered confusing when looking through the information. Also, there are no page numbers, so if the reader wanted to reference a certain page, it would be difficult.
If we were going to suggest some things for redesign, we would have to reconsider the use of appropriate icons and making the brochure more visually simulating. Also, providing more cross referencing to allude to related information.
Recommendation
We would like to discuss further about this brochure when you get a chance. These suggestions we have provided, we feel, would greatly benefit the document. Give us a call (x1234) and we can talk.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Assignment Reflection Description
Assignment Reflection Description
Summarize your process of researching the job, noting any surprises or difficulties you encountered;
Summarize and reflect on this assignment's genres and how you constructed them to persuasively appeal to the targeted communication situation;
Describe which of the course goals (see "Home" page on course website) you feel you encountered in completing this assignment.
When I first stated to research for this job I had some obstacles that made difficult my search for the perfect job.
First of all, the fact that I am a foreign student narrowed my search a great deal. As an international student here in the U.S. we are only allow to work under specific conditions; we can only work at the school that provides the I-20. We are allow to work outside the school only with special permits and stuff like that.
The second obstacle was that because of the lack of job opportunity for foreign students I lack of experience and a lot of employers are looking for those sorts of things in an employee.
A third difficulty was that most of the jobs that the university offers are difficult to get because the employers at the university prefer to give the jobs to people with financial aid, which means that the university only pay part of the salary of the student and the government pay the other part which is very convenient for the school. So the only way for us to get a job is in an area of expertise or a job that nobody else wants.
With this assignment we learn how to give a good impression in many situations which quite frankly is the most that we can do with a cover letter or with a
resume, but it has to be impressive and appealing to the employer so that they can decide to take the interview to the next step.
I thing that with this activities we learn how to focus on the context of the situation and to make the documents in a special manner that appeal to the people that are going to be reading it.
Summarize your process of researching the job, noting any surprises or difficulties you encountered;
Summarize and reflect on this assignment's genres and how you constructed them to persuasively appeal to the targeted communication situation;
Describe which of the course goals (see "Home" page on course website) you feel you encountered in completing this assignment.
When I first stated to research for this job I had some obstacles that made difficult my search for the perfect job.
First of all, the fact that I am a foreign student narrowed my search a great deal. As an international student here in the U.S. we are only allow to work under specific conditions; we can only work at the school that provides the I-20. We are allow to work outside the school only with special permits and stuff like that.
The second obstacle was that because of the lack of job opportunity for foreign students I lack of experience and a lot of employers are looking for those sorts of things in an employee.
A third difficulty was that most of the jobs that the university offers are difficult to get because the employers at the university prefer to give the jobs to people with financial aid, which means that the university only pay part of the salary of the student and the government pay the other part which is very convenient for the school. So the only way for us to get a job is in an area of expertise or a job that nobody else wants.
With this assignment we learn how to give a good impression in many situations which quite frankly is the most that we can do with a cover letter or with a
resume, but it has to be impressive and appealing to the employer so that they can decide to take the interview to the next step.
I thing that with this activities we learn how to focus on the context of the situation and to make the documents in a special manner that appeal to the people that are going to be reading it.
Business E-mail: Guidance for Users
Advantages:
Enables fast communication, providing efficient transmission and interaction as well as more efficient preparation than other methods of writing.
Reaches many people simultaneously, in multiple locations around the globe and in different time zones; permits portability of communication with access anywhere the internet is available.
Distributes documents efficiently, especially compared with express mail or courier.
Disadvantages:
Fails to assure immediate response or even that audience reads the message
Requires accommodation for technology of some audiences because different email systems don’t support the same devices
Lacks privacy because messages may be printed, distributed, forwarded, or saved by the recipient for later dissemination. In some countries, emails may be illegally monitored and even subpoenaed in a lawsuit
Omits face to face non verbal cues that help speakers convey that they mean and help listeners interpret the message.
Risk miscommunication because writers may prepare emails too quickly and/or respond without adequate reflection; or readers may only glance over the message.
Records the conversation and leaves a paper trail, which can come back to haunt the writer
2.-
Select the complete distribution list before you write.
Compose a fully functional subject line
Apply the “top of the screen” test
Write in short chunks
Design for “high skim value”
3.-
Vary your style
Compensate for lack of nonverbal cues
Use jokes and informal idioms with great caution
4. - I think that knowing the structure of the email is very important to deliver a better message to the audience.
Also the disadvantages are important because that gives an idea of when is better not to use emails
Enables fast communication, providing efficient transmission and interaction as well as more efficient preparation than other methods of writing.
Reaches many people simultaneously, in multiple locations around the globe and in different time zones; permits portability of communication with access anywhere the internet is available.
Distributes documents efficiently, especially compared with express mail or courier.
Disadvantages:
Fails to assure immediate response or even that audience reads the message
Requires accommodation for technology of some audiences because different email systems don’t support the same devices
Lacks privacy because messages may be printed, distributed, forwarded, or saved by the recipient for later dissemination. In some countries, emails may be illegally monitored and even subpoenaed in a lawsuit
Omits face to face non verbal cues that help speakers convey that they mean and help listeners interpret the message.
Risk miscommunication because writers may prepare emails too quickly and/or respond without adequate reflection; or readers may only glance over the message.
Records the conversation and leaves a paper trail, which can come back to haunt the writer
2.-
Select the complete distribution list before you write.
Compose a fully functional subject line
Apply the “top of the screen” test
Write in short chunks
Design for “high skim value”
3.-
Vary your style
Compensate for lack of nonverbal cues
Use jokes and informal idioms with great caution
4. - I think that knowing the structure of the email is very important to deliver a better message to the audience.
Also the disadvantages are important because that gives an idea of when is better not to use emails
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Plastic Containers Co.
Lubbock, TX. 45453
September, 2007
Alan De La Torriente
1233 19th
Lubbock, TX 78703
Dear Mr. Alan:
I have just received your August 17 letter about the damaged beverage container you bought and regret the inconvenience that it has caused you.
From your account of the problem, I am quite sure that your request for the adjustment on the damage to the container and the table cloth is comprehended. A certain amount of defective of this sort does unavoidably; I am sorry that it was you that had to be the one affected.
However, we fell that your request for tickets and hotel for a weekend in France might me a little too much for us to comply.
We believe that accidents happen all the time and we can’t do anything about it. We have already sent you discount coupons for your next purchase. It should arrive by mail in 2 weeks. Please contact us for more information and assistance.
Sincerely,
Richard Brown, Customer Relations
Lubbock, TX. 45453
September, 2007
Alan De La Torriente
1233 19th
Lubbock, TX 78703
Dear Mr. Alan:
I have just received your August 17 letter about the damaged beverage container you bought and regret the inconvenience that it has caused you.
From your account of the problem, I am quite sure that your request for the adjustment on the damage to the container and the table cloth is comprehended. A certain amount of defective of this sort does unavoidably; I am sorry that it was you that had to be the one affected.
However, we fell that your request for tickets and hotel for a weekend in France might me a little too much for us to comply.
We believe that accidents happen all the time and we can’t do anything about it. We have already sent you discount coupons for your next purchase. It should arrive by mail in 2 weeks. Please contact us for more information and assistance.
Sincerely,
Richard Brown, Customer Relations
Class Activity 7
Pastic containers Co.3489 University Ave.Lubbock, TX 98502
August 17, 2007
Richard Brown, PresidentDirector of distribution Lubbock TX, 34588
Dear Mr. Brown:
This letter is regarding the defective beverage container (product number 1648 page 14 in your catalog), that I recently purchase. As a regular costumer of you brand I have never had complains with your products until now.
The bottom part of the container is to thin, and when fill completely, the container gave up. I paid $35 for a white tablecloth that was ruined because of the bad condition of the container that you produce. The cloth was purchase in France, and we don’t have the money to make another trip to buy a new one. This situation makes me want to never buy your products again.
This is a problem for us and I think that you will agree to. I would like to be compensated with a round ticket to France, hotel rooms for two nights, and a check for $35 to buy a new cloth.
Please respond and save us both a lot of time and complains.
Truly yours
Alan De La Torriente
Enclosure
August 17, 2007
Richard Brown, PresidentDirector of distribution Lubbock TX, 34588
Dear Mr. Brown:
This letter is regarding the defective beverage container (product number 1648 page 14 in your catalog), that I recently purchase. As a regular costumer of you brand I have never had complains with your products until now.
The bottom part of the container is to thin, and when fill completely, the container gave up. I paid $35 for a white tablecloth that was ruined because of the bad condition of the container that you produce. The cloth was purchase in France, and we don’t have the money to make another trip to buy a new one. This situation makes me want to never buy your products again.
This is a problem for us and I think that you will agree to. I would like to be compensated with a round ticket to France, hotel rooms for two nights, and a check for $35 to buy a new cloth.
Please respond and save us both a lot of time and complains.
Truly yours
Alan De La Torriente
Enclosure
Friday, July 13, 2007
Homework #1
I think that the article “Careless Writing Can Hurt Your Job Search” is a good reminder that good grammar is not overrated. We live in an era of technology that help us speed up things, but that also hurts out grammatical skills. We are always in a rush so we write as fast as we can and that affect the grammar. And now that cover letters can be just send by email we are bound to make more mistakes in the letters.
The second article “The Skills You Have and the Skills They Want” it is also a good reminder that every body have something that can be valuable for almost any company, that even the most estrange mayors can develop skills that can be useful for some employees.
The third article “Seven First-Time Resume Concerns” give important and useful information about the things that are not always written in a book. Many of the questions in there are things that concern the people looking for jobs that can sometimes look dumb and stupid to some people but never the less is good to know them to have a stronger letter.
The last article “Avoid These 7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes” contains good information about what not to put in a cover letter. It seems that the cover letter can be defining for some employees so it is important to know what to avoid in the cover letters.
The format it very important, it has to be Standard Business-Letter other wise it makes it looks unprofessional
The second article “The Skills You Have and the Skills They Want” it is also a good reminder that every body have something that can be valuable for almost any company, that even the most estrange mayors can develop skills that can be useful for some employees.
The third article “Seven First-Time Resume Concerns” give important and useful information about the things that are not always written in a book. Many of the questions in there are things that concern the people looking for jobs that can sometimes look dumb and stupid to some people but never the less is good to know them to have a stronger letter.
The last article “Avoid These 7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes” contains good information about what not to put in a cover letter. It seems that the cover letter can be defining for some employees so it is important to know what to avoid in the cover letters.
The format it very important, it has to be Standard Business-Letter other wise it makes it looks unprofessional
Class Activity 4
I think that letter number one and number four are the best one because in the introduction it is state where did they got the information about the job opening, and even though in the letter number four is the source of the information about the opening is not written it is still explain where the information was receive.
Both of this letters contain very detail information about the school experience, explaining why they seems to be the right fit for the position. And then they also do a great job stating why the previous experience that they acquired and their previous jobs is helpful for to the employee and the responsibilities that they expect them to cover.
The concluding paragraph contains the suggested information such as the reference to the resume. It also asks for an interview in a polite and not to demanding way. And finally, it gives the e-mail and the phone information to be contacted if require.
Both of this letters contain very detail information about the school experience, explaining why they seems to be the right fit for the position. And then they also do a great job stating why the previous experience that they acquired and their previous jobs is helpful for to the employee and the responsibilities that they expect them to cover.
The concluding paragraph contains the suggested information such as the reference to the resume. It also asks for an interview in a polite and not to demanding way. And finally, it gives the e-mail and the phone information to be contacted if require.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Class Activity 2 (July 12)
Alan De La Torriente 07/12/07
1. What is your reader's job responsibility?
Student assistant doing emails, abstracts, cataloging, duplicating, transfer and translate oral interviews in Spanish.
2. What is your reader's professional experience?
the employer graduate from psychology mayor, and is the director of the program of the South West collection library that consist on translating old publications and interviews in Spanish to English.
3. What is your reader's cultural characteristics/background?
The employer is from Hispanic heritage, Job is offered in Texas Tech University in the south west collection library
4. What is your reader's expectations about the job?
the employer will be expecting me to be able to translate document in general, from Spanish to English and vice versa and check and correct errors from previous translations.
5. What would be the reasons your reader will read your document?
I am qualified to do the job that they are offering because I cover the characteristic that they are looking for
Qualities:
Hard worker
Fast learner
Fluent in Spanish
Previous experience translating
Skills:
I was born and rise in Mexico so I have a good understanding of the language.
I have been translating from English to Spanish for a few years.
I am very familiar with computer and computer programs
Suggestions from Randi Froehich
Be more specific about the employer characteristic
More information about the job
1. What is your reader's job responsibility?
Student assistant doing emails, abstracts, cataloging, duplicating, transfer and translate oral interviews in Spanish.
2. What is your reader's professional experience?
the employer graduate from psychology mayor, and is the director of the program of the South West collection library that consist on translating old publications and interviews in Spanish to English.
3. What is your reader's cultural characteristics/background?
The employer is from Hispanic heritage, Job is offered in Texas Tech University in the south west collection library
4. What is your reader's expectations about the job?
the employer will be expecting me to be able to translate document in general, from Spanish to English and vice versa and check and correct errors from previous translations.
5. What would be the reasons your reader will read your document?
I am qualified to do the job that they are offering because I cover the characteristic that they are looking for
Qualities:
Hard worker
Fast learner
Fluent in Spanish
Previous experience translating
Skills:
I was born and rise in Mexico so I have a good understanding of the language.
I have been translating from English to Spanish for a few years.
I am very familiar with computer and computer programs
Suggestions from Randi Froehich
Be more specific about the employer characteristic
More information about the job
First assignment
Psychology is a mayor that requires writing skills because we have to write proposals for grants to do experiments, we have to explain the process of an experiment step by step and we have to do a comprehensive debriefing of the experiment afterwards. The experiments have to be explain carefully so that every participant and the people that conduct it are able to understand every part of itProposals, instructions, personal letters, formal emails.· I don’t know exactly what am I going to do in my job but I know that in my mayor I need to be able to explain thoroughly how we develop experiments.· I will write for all the participants, for the advisors, for the head of the department because those are the people that I will be in contact.· Being an international student I hope that I will be communicating with many multicultural audiences.
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