This letter recommends Duncan Chua for admission to George Mason University's Honors College. The instructor describes Duncan as a model student who was quick to engage with others, always prepared, and had perfect attendance. Duncan refined his writing skills over the course and took initiative to improve. He earned an A+ in the class. Duncan also demonstrated outstanding collaborative skills and helped guide group discussions. The instructor highly recommends Duncan for the Honors College and is confident he will excel in his education.

1. Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Ms. Grace Zamorano, Honors College Recruitment & Outreach Coordinator
George Mason University
gzamora2@gmu.edu
Dear Ms. Zamorano:
It gives me great pleasure to recommend Mr. Duncan Chua for George Mason University’s Honor’s
College. I have known Mr. Chua for five months now, since he enrolled in my Composition ENGH-101
course Spring 2014. Duncan was a model student: quick to engage with his fellow students, punctual,
and had perfect attendance. Mr. Chua came to class prepared, and during class discussion he was often
among the first to raise his hand and volunteer a response. When I called on students, I was always
confident that Duncan would provide thoughtful comments on the assigned readings and discussions.
It was truly a pleasure watching Duncan refine his writing skills. From brainstorming to first drafts,
peer review to revisions, and as evidenced in his final drafts, Duncan took the time and focus to truly
develop the way he communicated his ideas. Early in the semester, Duncan took the initiative to meet
with me and to use additional campus resources—including the Writing Center—to improve his work.
By demonstrating exemplary writing skills and a deep love for both language and learning, Mr. Chua
earned a well-deserved A+ in my English 101 course.
Duncan Chua’s rich cultural and international background made him an attribute in my class. He was
quite ingenious and aware of a broader global and cultural conversation: for his research project, he
channeled his love for sashimi into a paper that argued about the need to prevent overfishing of Bluefin
tuna. His final presentation, which included an exceptional PowerPoint slideshow with data about the
ecological and economic impacts of overfishing, proved very enlightening to the entire class.
My class was very diverse, and included both L1 (English as a first language) and L2 (English as a
second language) students. Mr. Chua communicated well with all of his peers. He consistently
demonstrated outstanding collaborative skills. During group breakout sessions, Duncan helped guide
the conversation so that his group stayed focused on the topic. During peer feedback sessions, he
provided insightful suggestions for revision. Mr. Chua always exhibited maturity, poise, and self-
confidence.
Mr. Chua is an exceptionally promising student. I am confident that he will excel as he pursues his BA
in Management at George Mason University, and I have no doubt he will continue to shine in his
education and career beyond GMU.
I highly recommend you welcome Mr. Duncan Chua into GMU’s Honors College. If I can provide
additional information to support Mr. Chua’s application, please feel free to contact me (703-298-8248
or mmarti24@gmu.edu).
Sincerely yours,
~ Marcos L. Martínez
Instructor of English Composition, Literature, and Creative Writing
George Mason University
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030