Using the CARS Method for Writing a Portfolio

The function of a portfolio is a collection of different work or academic samples that showcase one’s skills and achievements. It is often used in different academic disciplines and settings, and it is written a certain way to entertain its audience. An easy way to structure a portfolio would be to use John Swales’s CARS method, because he has divided up sections with different parts, essentially making a list of what to write, to help writers who do not know how to structure their writing. There are three different moves in the CARS method and the first move is establishing a territory, which involves claiming the importance of the writing piece and generally explaining what the audience is going to be reading. The second move is establishing a niche or the problem, and this section usually involves counter-claiming or raising questions. The third move is occupying the niche, which consists of outlining different purposes, presenting research or principle findings, and indicating the rest of the article’s structure. While I have never had to write a portfolio, yet, I have used the CARS method in a different paper and the structuring of it definitely helped me to get into a writing rhythm. It breaks down each section making it easier for writers to fill in the gaps where they are unsure of. Using the CARS method isn’t just limited to writing portfolios or articles, it can be used across different types of writing, even if using certain parts of the method.