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Select five pieces of work that do one of two things: a) represent your best work or b) show growth from the beginning of the year. Give each piece a final read through and revision.

1. Write a reflective letter, labeled “Dear Reader,” which is 500-1000 words long and discusses what you have learned this year. Here are some ideas to guide you:
 * How would you describe yourself as a reader, writer and researcher today? How has that definition changed since September?
 * What were your goals for this year? Did you accomplish them? Be specific.
 * What are you most proud of this semester? This year? Why?
 * How did your writing, reading or thinking habits deepen over the semester? the year?
 * What worked for you this year? What didn't? Why?
 * Did you push yourself to do your best this year? In what ways?
 * Where do you still need to grow as a reader? Writer? What do you see as your academic challenges next year?

2. When you have finished the general reflection segment of your letter, list each of the five pieces of work that you chose, and write a one paragraph reflection about why you chose each piece. Explain what this particular piece shows about you as an English student, why it works (or doesn't), or how it shows growth in your development as a reader, writer, researcher or thinker.

3. You should have one reader who is not your peer read and respond to your final portfolio BEFORE the day of the final. This person would be a parent or guardian, preferably, but could also be a teacher who knows you well.