https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/postsecondary-transition-classes-1.6640691 In the article, "Pandemic learning left students feeling behind. Postsecondary transition courses hope to get them back on track" the author explains how Andrew Skelton, an Associate Professor of Math and Statistics at York University teaches in a non-credit transition program to help high school students become college ready (Wong, 2022). https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/postsecondary-transition-classes-1.6640691 Consider whether you feel you were "college ready" this semester. Write a letter to your Dean or Program Coordinator to explain how your program could do a better job of helping you to be college ready. Getting started: This assignment is really asking you to make a connection between things described in the article, and your actual experience. Remember, any solid discussion or argument requires you to present your reader with context - an explanation of the situation, of what was happening on this topic BEFORE you got there. Ask yourself: Once I got to college, did I feel as though I was well-prepared? What experiences did I have at George Brown? Were there some areas where I felt the college could have done something differently? What DID I learn this semester? Is there something I feel the professor should be teaching? Remember that you'll need to include some points from the article to agree with, disagree with, or a combination of both. From the article, you might choose to focus on: Gap in skills Transition programs to build confidence Lack of motivation Expectations: Your letter must contain the following elements to meet the assignment (and course) outcomes: o An introduction that describes the current situation. This introduction should refer to the article and should also include a story or information about your experience on the topic you have selected. o The introduction must contain a main message that responds to Prompt 1, 2 or 3. o All outside references in the introduction must be integrated smoothly into your writing, contain in-text citations, and a matching reference at the end o 2-3 paragraphs that support your main message. How will you support your main message? Include the following in each paragraph: o A paraphrase from the article o A personal example from studying at George Brown o A concluding paragraph that summarizes your main message, offers a call-to-action or a reminder of consequences if nothing is done.

Template for Writing a Letter Date Dear Name of Recipient, Introduction Paragraph: 1. Hook: Tell a story to get the reader's attention. This should be a personal story that explains your experience as a student. 2. Context/Background Information: Summarize the point in the article you are refering to. (include in-text citations) 3. Explain how this article relates to your personal experience. 4. Thesis: State your main message that responds to the prompt you selected for this assignment (1, 2 or 3). Body Paragraph 1: (include in-text citations) 1. Topic Sentence: State your first argument/point that addresses the Prompt you selected for this assignment (1, 2 or 3). 2. Support: Back up your argument/reason with relevant personal examples from your first semester and convincing but logical explanations. 3. Consider including a point from the article to help you make your point. 4. Touch on why your position matters and why people should care. This will help justify and validate your position. Cite any information you use. Body Paragraph 2: (include in-text citations) 1. Topic Sentence: State your first argument/point that addresses the Prompt you selected for this assignment (1, 2 or 3). 2. Support: Back up your argument/reason with relevant personal examples and convincing but logical explanations. 3. Consider including a point from the article to help you make your point. 4. Touch on why your position matters and why people should care. This will help justify and validate your position. Cite any information you use. (include in-text citations) Conclusion Paragraph: 1. Recap: Use fresh language to restate your main message you covered in the paragraphs. 2. Offer a call-to-action, recommendation, or food-for-thought to emphasize what you would like to see happen or suggest potential consequences if nothing is done about this issue. Sincerely, Your Name