Writing

PORTFOLIO
Student: Carolina Lopes
Course and Number: LLC, a75282
 table of
CONTENTS
01 Nouns

02 Media Studies

03 Essay structure

04 Articles

05 Headlines

06 Reported Speech

07 Advertisement
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01

Nouns

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 Technical sheet
Reason: To improve my knowledge in nouns and master all facets of the English Language
Peer (s): Érica Dias, Carolina Sousa and Nicole Cascada
Summarizing: This section of the portfolio will focus on nouns, specifically emphasizing the significance and

distinctions in the use of articles in both the Portuguese and English languages.

Files:
C, P. (n.d.). Portuguese grammar compared to English » Portuguesepedia. Portuguesepedia.
https://www.portuguesepedia.com/portuguese-vs-english-grammar/

Nouns and articles. (n.d.). https://www.learningportuguese.co.uk/guide/grammar/basics/nouns-and-articles

Goal: To master a specific tool and acquire new knowledge
Working languages: English and Portuguese

Grammar Point: Nouns > Use of articles, in Portuguese and English

Action: In order to correct my grammar, in the future essays.
Learned/revised: Differences between two distint languages and the use of nouns

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 Nouns
THE DIFFERENCE OF PORTUGUESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES

Throughout this initial semester, we have underscored the importance of nouns in language and their specific characteristics in Modern English. While this is crucial for a
deeper grasp of the language, it's also vital for learners of multiple languages to grasp other distinctions and similarities to enhance their overall comprehension.
At first, there are multiple distintions between Portuguese and English languages, which one in their noun-article agreement. In Portuguese, the nouns are classified as
either masculine or feminine, accompanied by definite (o, a, os, as) or indefinite (um, uma, uns, umas), which must agree in gender and number with the noun.
In contrast, the articles, in English, does not have gendered nouns, so there is no need to consider gender when using articles. The definite article in English is simply "the,"
used for both singular and plural nouns, while the indefinite articles are "a" (used before words that begin with consonants) and "an" (used before words that begin with vowels).
Nevertheless, another key difference between Portuguese and English concerning nouns is the concept of grammatical number. In Portuguese, nouns not only have gender but also
exhibit grammatical number, distinguishing between singular and plural forms. The pluralization of nouns in Portuguese involves various suffixes, such as the addition of “-s,” “-
es,” or other specific endings, depending on the noun’s gender and its particular rules.
English has a more standardized approach to forming plurals, typically involving the addition of “-s” or “-es” to the singular form, with some irregular nouns that have
distinct plural forms. In fact, this specific language does not usually rely on gender to determine the plural form of nouns, making it relatively simpler compared to Portuguese.
In conclusion, it is significant to comprehend these distinctions in noun formation across both languages, in order to establish effective communication and a nuanced grasp of
grammar. The differences in how articles function underscore the structural dissimilarities between Portuguese and English, contributing to the distinct characteristics and
grammar rules inherent to each language. However, language use can very by region and context, and both languages are constantly changing, through new terms and linguistic
rules.

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02
Media
studies

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 Technical sheet
Reason: The importance of fake news and how they shape our daily-life .
Peer (s): Érica Dias, Carolina Sousa and Nicole Cascada
Summarizing: This section of the portfolio will focus on fake news and information manipulation in the digital world.
Files:
Vinocur, N. (2019, April 18). Yellow Jackets ‘fake news’ shared millions of times on Facebook. POLITICO -
https://www.politico.eu/article/yellow-jacket-protest-fake-news-shared-millions-of-times-on-facebook-study/
Withers, M. (2023, June 20). The 10 biggest lies of Brexit. The New European. https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/the-10-biggest-
lies-of-brexit/
Hutton, W. (2021, June 27). The case for Brexit was built on lies. Five years later, deceit is routine in our politics. The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jun/27/case-for-brexit-built-on-lies-five-years-later-deceit-is-routine-in-our-politics
Goal: To sum up relevant contents discussed in class.
Working languages: France and Uk analysis on misinformation
Action: This essay will help me to more aware of my surroundings and information online.
Learned/revised: Media studies

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 Media Studies
FAKE NEWS AND INFORMATION MANIPULATION IN THE DIGITAL WORLD: A
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FRANCE AND THE UK

In the contemporary digital landscape, various platforms engage in the continuous manipulation and deconstruction of information that holds pivotal importance in shaping our
mindsets, influencing daily life, and impacting the political arena. This text aims to delve into the significant consequences and public perceptions surrounding the instances of
misinformation related to the Yellow Vest Movement violence in France and the Brexit misinformation in the UK.
The Yellow Vest movement 2018, France, initially a grassroots response to economic grievances, quickly became a battleground for information within the digital sphere. The issue of
misinformation, predominantly on social media platforms like Facebook, gained considerable traction, with posts being shared approximately 4 million times over a five-month period, as
revealed by a study on social media activity during the protests. One of the major consequences was the association of the Yellow Vest movement with unrelated events, such as the
circulation of a photograph depicting a woman with a bloodied face, which was actually taken in Madrid in 2012. In response to such occurrences, the European Commission published a
"code of disinformation" in 2018, criticizing Facebook for its failure to provide necessary information to raise awareness and prevent the spread of misinformation.
In the other hand, in the UK during the Brexit era, news manipulation significantly eroded news credibility. The dissemination of xenophobic ideas among the English population
regarding immigration became rampant. This contributed to the circulation of inaccurate information about Europe, including false claims like the permanent prohibition of photos from
the London Eye and the European Union's alleged intention to terminate British exams. Besides that, noteworthy publications such as the Daily Express, Sunday Express, and The Sun
played a role in disseminating these misleading narratives.
In conclusion, the themes discussed in class, including issues with advertisements, their ideal construction, and the credibility of social media in our daily lives, have direct relevance to
the prevalence of fake news. Despite being a recurring phenomenon, fake news holds a paramount position in Media Studies due to its social implications, influencing our future and
shaping citizens.

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03

Essay structure

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 Technical sheet
Reason: To summarize the structure of an argumentative text
Peer (s): Érica Dias, Carolina Sousa and Nicole Cascada
Summarizing: This following essay reflects the correct form of an academic text and their particularies.
Files:
Ellis, M. (2022, June 28). How to write an argumentative essay outline | Grammarly.
https://www.grammarly.com/blog/argumentative-essay-outline/
How to structure an argument | iSchool Writing Resources - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
(n.d.) - https://publish.illinois.edu/ischoolwritingresources/how-to-structure-an-argument/
Goal: To master subjects individually and engage actively in learning
Working languages: English language
Action: To achieve a more correct form, regarding essays rules
Learned/revised: Argumentative Essay

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 Essay structure

THE ART OF CRAFTING A PERSUASIVE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

In the realm of academic discourse, proficiency in crafting a compelling argumentative essay is indispensable. The written compositions necessitate not only a methodical structure but
also a distinct set of attributes that transcend mere rhetoric, transforming them into persuasive discourse. This exposition elucidates the crucial elements that characterize an exemplary
argumentative essay.
Therefore, the genesis of a persuasive argumentative essay lies in its introduction, meticulously designed to captivate the reader's attention. For instance, an effective introduction
comprises a hook, background information on the topic, and a concise yet profound thesis statement, serving as the guiding principle for the ensuing discourse. The initial statement should
be clear, specific, and straightforward, addressing the chosen topics with precision.
Nevertheless, the body of the essay is equally crucial, featuring three or more well-developed arguments supported by specific evidence such as statistics, studies, and credible quotations.
At the same time, while these elements are fundamental, organizational logic is paramount for the audience's comprehension of the writer's rationale. The critical analysis of presented
examples, their relevance in a specific field, and the inclusion of counterarguments contribute to maintaining an intellectual rigor in the formal work.
In the conclusion, the writer revisits the salient points of the essay, artfully restates the thesis, and leaves the reader with a lasting impression. Optionally, the conclusion may introduce a
new topic, contextualized within the existing themes, to prompt a call for action, depending on the essay's subject matter.
To summarize, these characteristics are critical for structuring a formal essay across academic subjects, playing a critical role in the evaluation process. Overall, the text should employ
clear and precise language, ensuring that ideas are communicated with maximum impact. The essay serves as a potent instrument of intellectual discourse, aiming to provoke thoughtful
consideration and engagement.

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04

Articles

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 Technical sheet
Reason: To summarize key ideas on articles usage
Peer (s): Érica Dias, Carolina Sousa and Nicole Cascada
Summarizing: This text serves as an comparative analysis reveals nuanced article usage differences in French and English,
offering valuable insights for language learners.
Files:
Lkl. (2023, July 28). Article comparison. Lawless French. https://www.lawlessfrench.com/grammar/article-comparison/
Abulizi, N. (2023, July 4). Learning French Articles (le,la,les, un, une, des) Using English. Medium.
https://nijat.medium.com/learning-french-articles-le-la-les-un-une-des-using-english-b580fa0e9117
Goal: Analyzing unconventional article usage aims to deepen linguistic awareness
Working languages: French and English language
Grammar Point: Articles - French and English differences
Action: The exploration of nuanced article usage differences in languages such as in French and English can have a profound
impact on individual language development, fostering a comprehensive understanding on communication skills.
Learned/revised: Article uncommon cases

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 Articles

UNCOMMON CASES: FRENCH AND ENGLISH DIFFERENCE

The nuanced application of articles holds paramount significance for language learners, particularly when confronted with less common cases. This text endeavors
to scrutinize the distinctive manners in which articles are deployed in French and English, elucidating uncommon scenarios that pose challenges for learners.
Therefore, in French linguistics, the omission of articles in specific contexts stands out as an intriguing aspect. Unlike English, where articles are nearly always obligatory, French
allows for the omission of articles before certain plural or uncountable nouns, presenting a stylistic departure that may appear unconventional to English speakers. For instance, the
phrase "J'aime café" diverges from the English structure requiring "I like the coffee." This exemplification underscores the nuanced distinctions, offering valuable insights into the subtle
ways languages approach generic references.
In the realm of the English language, the utilization of articles with names is a rarity, except when emphasizing a unique quality or status. However, in French, it is commonplace to
include articles with names, reflecting a nuanced approach that learners may find intriguing. The phrase "The Shakespeare I admire" vs. "Le Shakespeare que j'admire" illustrates the
concept of specification, with the aim of highlighting an incomparable individual who stands out to the subject.
Nevertheless, another notable example lies in the use of specific articles in French, such as "du," "de la," "de l'," and "des," which convey an unspecified quantity of something ("Je
voudrais du pain"). In contrast, English speakers use the indefinite article or no article at all in similar contexts, as observed in "I would like bread" or "I would like some bread,"
depending on the context and the speaker's state of mind.

In conclusion, an exploration of the less conventional uses of articles in French and English contributes to a richer understanding of linguistic intricacies. Language
learners stand to benefit significantly by recognizing these differences, fostering a more comprehensive grasp of how articles function and simultaneously enhancing their oral
and written communication skills.

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05

Headlines

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 Technical sheet
Reason: To summarize ideas and to make awareness, regarding this issue.
Peer (s): Érica Dias, Carolina Sousa and Nicole Cascada
Summarizing: This essay addresses the psychological tactics and factors contributing to the prevalent clickbait
culture.
Files:
Wordsmith, M. T. (2023, July 30). Critical Thinking: Overcoming Clickbait Culture | Medium. Medium.
https://medium.com/@MariaTheWordsmith/thinking-beyond-the-headlines-embracing-critical-thinking-in-a-
clickbait-culture-4c75df028a2e
Vandenavond, G. (2022, July 8). Clickbait culture: Are headlines messing with our heads? - Better content matters.
Better Content Matters. https://bettercontentmatters.com/clickbait-culture-are-headlines-messing-with-our-heads/
Goal: Analysis on its impact on media, society and ethical considerations .
Working languages: English language
Action: To understand their consequences in our daily-life, as well as the social media's influence.
Learned/revised: Headlines
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 Headlines
CLICKBAIT CULTURE

The issue of headlines stands as a complex challenge, influencing decision-making, mental states, and self-opinions across various realms such as news, articles, and advertisements,
which the primordial objective is to captivate people's attention. In this discourse seeks to illustrate the psychological tactics and factors contributing to the prevalent clickbait culture.
Initially, this exploration is a mental mechanism employed to entice the public, utilizing eye-catching phrases, words, or images like "You won't believe what happened next" or "Top
10 Secrets They Don't Want You to Know!". Furthermore, by employing emotional triggers such as fear, excitement, or sadness, these headlines allure individuals to click for the complete
story. While this method is captivating and contemporary, its effectiveness is contingent upon tailoring headlines to specific groups based on their interests, personalities, or daily life
requirements.
Besides that, ethical implications form a crucial background feature, involving moral principles and values that often result in the spread of misinformation, sensationalized events, or
manipulation of emotions, especially when aligned with particular political or social intentions. Manipulation is an inherent aspect of the headlines business, and the public often disregards
this, neglecting the underlying ethical concerns. As a result, these ethical factors can have profound consequences, contributing to protests or violent actions initiated by misleading sources.
In the realm of social media, content creators wield influence through metrics like click-through rates, social media shares, and engagement numbers, aiming to manifest their
credibility. While clickbait culture is undoubtedly persuasive, it occasionally falls short on content quality, particularly when scrutinized in the full context. Lack of evidence for statements
renders these headlines unclear and potentially unsettling for society. Finally, the intersection of psychological tactics and ethical considerations in clickbait culture presents a multifaceted
challenge that demands a nuanced examination of its impact on individuals and society as a whole.
In summary, the captivating allure of clickbait headlines relies on powerful psychological tactics but raises ethical concerns. Otherwise, consumers must approach headlines critically,
and creators should prioritize transparency and authenticity over mere engagement metrics. The evolution of technology underscores the ongoing importance of ethical and psychological
considerations in shaping the discourse around headlines.

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06

Reported Speech

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 Technical sheet

Reason: To analyse reported speech language and to develope written skills

Peer (s): Érica Dias, Carolina Sousa and Nicole Cascada
Summarizing: This essay specifies on reported speech, its impact and functions, in order to summarize main ideas.
Files:
Direct speech and reported speech. (n.d.). STLCC. https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-
center/writing-resources/reported-speech-and-direct-speech.aspx
Reported speech. (2023). In Grammar - Cambridge Dictionary. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-
grammar/reported-speech_2
Goal: The goal of this text is to highlight the broader functions of reported speech beyond its grammatical aspects, emphasizing its
dynamic role in effective communication, narrative precision, and the preservation of authenticity across diverse linguistic
contexts.
Working languages: English language
Action: It is a skill relevant for future generations navigating diverse linguistic contexts in various professional and personal
scenarios.
Learned/revised: Reported speech usage and implications
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 Reported speech
JOURNEY THROUGH REPORTED SPEECH: UNVEILING THE TRANSFORMATION

Reported speech serves as a crucial element in linguistic discourse, facilitating the transition from direct utterances to the intricacies of narration. This essay examines into
the rules and conventions governing the transformation of indirect narratives, elucidating their profound impact on speech structure.
Initially, reported speech involves the reporting of a speaker's words in subordinate clauses governed by a reporting verb. This mechanism is indispensable for
understanding grammatical structures, verb changes, and the intricate connections between tense shifts. Although, this particular mechanism is widely employed in journalistics
pieces, academic writings, or in everyday discourses, which elevates language, providing a refined means of communication in various contexts.
Furthermore, the reported speech plays a critical role in language communication, fulfilling several important functions, such as in indirect communication, allowing
individuals to convey someone else's statements indirectly. In addition, it contributes to narrative precision in storytelling and written narratives, while simultaneously
transmitting authority, particularly when citing statements from knowledgeable individuals.
Moreover, this essay contends that reported speech is not a mere grammatical concept but emerges as a dynamic tool that enriches language. It fosters effective
communication, enhances narratives, and maintains accuracy and authenticity in various linguistic contexts.
In summary, reported speech functions as a multifaceted instrument, which its impact extends beyond syntax, significantly contributing to the richness of language in
multiple environmets.

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07

Advertisement

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 Technical sheet
Reason: The enduring influence of the Rhetorical appeals on modern advertisement
Peer (s): Érica Dias, Carolina Sousa and Nicole Cascada
Summarizing: On this essay, its discussed the Aristotle's appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos, which remain

foundational in advertising, shaping compelling messages through credibility, emotions, and logical persuasion.

Files:
Cruthers, A. (2020, May 7). The rhetorical triangle: ethos, pathos and logos. Pressbooks.
https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/businesswriting/chapter/the-rhetorical-triangle-ethos-pathos-and-logos/

Whaley, N. (n.d.). Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals: ethos, logos, and pathos. Pressbooks.
https://pressbooks.pub/openrhetoric/chapter/aristotles-rhetorical-appeals/
Goal: Examining Aristotle's rhetorical appeals, in advertising contexts

Working languages: English language

Action: To explore Aristotle's rhetorical appeals in advertising for a deeper academic insight into persuasive
communication techniques.
Learned/revised: Advertisement - Rhetorical appeals

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 Advertisement
ARISTOTLE'S PERSUASIVE APPEAL IN ADVERTISING: CRAFTING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, laid the foundation for understanding persuasive communication through his rhetorical theory. He defined three
distinct rhetorical appeals: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotions), and logos (logic or rationality). In this particular article, it will be adressed these appeals, which
remain fundamental in the world of advertising, serving as pillars for crafting compelling messages.
Ethos, the first element, establishes the credibility and confidence of the speaker or brand. This involves portraying reliability and honesty, achieved through
testimonials, endorsements, or showcasing the brand's history and commitment to quality. As a result, the tone and style of the speaker contribute to building this
ethos.
Afterwards, the second element, Pathos, focuses on emotions, recognizing their role in decision-making. As a consequence, effective advertising involves
emotional storytelling to create a connection with the audience, invoking sensations like joy, nostalgia, empathy, or excitement. Moreover, these emotions conveys
into memorable and powerful ads, seen in campaigns related to donations, healthcare, or heartful situations.
The final appeal is Logos, emphasizing logical persuasion through evidence, supported by statistics, science, or professionals. In advertising, this involves
presenting clear and compelling arguments for a product or service's benefits. While direct and inclusive, Logos lacks emotion and authenticity, requiring a balance
with Pathos and Ethos.
In conclusion, many ads lack recognition or public attention due to missing structural features. Aristotle's enduring rhetorical principles, represented by the
Rhetorical Triangle, serve as a timeless guide for advertisers. These principles sustain relevance, impacting the work of advertisers navigating the complex landscape
of consumer behavior and effectively engaging their target audience.
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 Conclusion
Throughout this extensive endeavor, it becomes evident that it serves as a comprehensive synthesis of the
class discussions. This work emerges as a valuable tool for assimilating, consolidating, and expanding one's
knowledge base. Personally, the sections that held particular interest for me encompassed media studies,
headlines, and, lastly, the regulations governing advertising.
However, beyond individual preferences, these essays have not only shaped my perspectives on various
subjects but have also facilitated diverse discussions among my peers, fostering a collaborative learning
environment. Furthermore, it is my aspiration that this work complies to the prescribed structural guidelines and,
effectively conveys the underlying concepts.

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 Thank you!
HOPE YOU LIKED IT!

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