Personally, I think I have learned alot. Sentence structure, passive voice and a strong thesis statement has always been a struggle for me. These four papers have help me look at writing from a different perspective unlike what my high school teachers did(which was to write about whatever they felt like.) I feel more confident in my ability to develop a paper that gets my views across. I am happy with the progress I have made, however, I think that every writer always has room to improve. I look forward to finishing out the rest of the semester in high hopes of recieving an A.
Out of the four essays, the observation was the most difficult. At first I didn't understand what exactly to write about, but I slowly began to piece together ideas. It was probably the most enjoyable paper because there were no facts, research or data, just me and the people being observed. Coming in at second would obviously be my argument paper. I have already written SEVERAL one-sided papers about topics that truly concern me. For me, presenting my side of the argument was a breeze, however, being able to give the opposing sides arguments was very tough. I think I did an ok job in doing so, but I know that I could use some work on being able to this better. In third would be my Literacy Narrative, which I didn't quite get in the first place. I used it as a chance to give a little insight into my life and sort-of tied in how that was related to my experience with literature. In the first revision, I changed the outlook making it more about my experience and less about myself. This, in the end, provided a better paper overall. Last, but not least, is my This I believe essay. Fairly simple, no explaination paper. Spit out what you think, give support and examples and you got yourself a good paper.
Obviously, to help me improve myself more, I will take my lowest scoring papers and turn them in. I would like to turn in the fourth paper to see what I would get on it. (if you allow it :D!)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Reading Number 2
Being an effective writer in college is basically what this section is about. Instead of describing the writing process, Faigley trys to get his readers to think about their aim. Developing a good thesis statement and backing it up with a good arguement is one of his main points in this reading. He relates your thesis statement to your aim of what you want to right. The other point Faigley wanted to get across is to think about your genre. Sentence and paragraph length, word chocie and relationship to the reader are all important to differentiate your genres. For example you would not say "wazzup?" in a research report to your professor or vice versa "In an era of dicontinuous change, an examination of mission-critical pursuits funnels down to our exceedance of our standars" in a text message to your friends.
Further in the reading Faigley gets more specific on how you should write effectively. Logos, pathos and ethos are mentioned in the reading as effective ways to appeal to the audience. He says that when used in the proper way, they can persuade, if not convince, an audience of your ideas. Faigley trys to get the writer to step out of his own shoes and get in the audiences. This is boldy stated in his mini excerpt "Imagine your readers." Once again I find this book helps me learn how to write on a level I can understand! (He should write high school englsih textbooks!)
Further in the reading Faigley gets more specific on how you should write effectively. Logos, pathos and ethos are mentioned in the reading as effective ways to appeal to the audience. He says that when used in the proper way, they can persuade, if not convince, an audience of your ideas. Faigley trys to get the writer to step out of his own shoes and get in the audiences. This is boldy stated in his mini excerpt "Imagine your readers." Once again I find this book helps me learn how to write on a level I can understand! (He should write high school englsih textbooks!)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Superbowl Mistake/LA scores
I wanted to be careful when I posted this blog to make sure my facts were straight. There were mutiple key plays that I think the referees messed up. The first one was the 100 yard touchdown return. After I reviewed the play on youtube, it looks like pittsburgh defense was offsides. If you watch the entire play closely, (terrible with numbers and names) the guy behind Harrison was holding the intended reciever of the ball.
Next problem. Harrison should have been thrown out. Its exciting to see a few punches thrown, maybe a push or a shove, but he was way out of line.
The last two touchdowns. Fitzgerald tackled the steelers ball carrier at BEFORE THE line (his knee was down from the reverse side. The last touchdown he didnt have control of the ball until his right foot was in air and then he fell out of bounds WITH ONLY one foot on the ground...but its all how the referees define control of the ball.
I am a professional umpire and I know how hard it is to be a sports official. I have made a few errors in multiple games, but I feel as if the cardinals had somewhat biased officials in this game!
Now on the reverse side. Kurt Warner needs to be let go. If he hit every one of his passes, the cardinals would have been up by 12 at the end. Dont tell me its the people protecting him fault. The entire game they gave him 2-9 secs to make a play after the hike....9 secs! He was good on the road to the superbowl, but choked when it came down to it.
Problem number two. Fitzgerald got the ball on very few occasions. He jumps 11 feet in the air and was the fast runner on the field....give him the ball?
oh and the lakers won...Kobe had 36 points, 8 Rebounds , and 7 assists.
Lakers 115- Raptors 107
Next problem. Harrison should have been thrown out. Its exciting to see a few punches thrown, maybe a push or a shove, but he was way out of line.
The last two touchdowns. Fitzgerald tackled the steelers ball carrier at BEFORE THE line (his knee was down from the reverse side. The last touchdown he didnt have control of the ball until his right foot was in air and then he fell out of bounds WITH ONLY one foot on the ground...but its all how the referees define control of the ball.
I am a professional umpire and I know how hard it is to be a sports official. I have made a few errors in multiple games, but I feel as if the cardinals had somewhat biased officials in this game!
Now on the reverse side. Kurt Warner needs to be let go. If he hit every one of his passes, the cardinals would have been up by 12 at the end. Dont tell me its the people protecting him fault. The entire game they gave him 2-9 secs to make a play after the hike....9 secs! He was good on the road to the superbowl, but choked when it came down to it.
Problem number two. Fitzgerald got the ball on very few occasions. He jumps 11 feet in the air and was the fast runner on the field....give him the ball?
oh and the lakers won...Kobe had 36 points, 8 Rebounds , and 7 assists.
Lakers 115- Raptors 107
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Reflection of Literacy Narrative
First assignments are always tough for many reasons. Finding out how the teacher grades the class and trying to not be harsh when reviewing your peer papers are usually some reasons. Overall, I got a general idea of what I need to do to write a good paper and established, to my classmates, if someone wants a critical review, they know where to come. :)! However, I felt like I could have used some of this constructive criticism myself because I know I'm not an A+ writer!
I think some people were hesitant to put down anything to help, either out of laziness or fear of hurting my feelings. The sole purpose of a peer review is to give the author advice on how to make the paper better. If that is your intention, how could you ever be mean? We are all in the same class together, and I know we all want good grades so a little criticism might be necessary. If people feel as if they are being mean, then they should do what I do. For every bad thing you say about a paper, find a good thing.
Besides that minor detail, I felt as if I took one step on the pathway to becoming a better writer with this paper. I remember many things about my past and how literacy has affected those things. Hopefully, as this class progresses, I will become an A+ writer. As for my grade, for now at least, I say high B or to a low A-. ( a stretch )
And no...Kobe Bryant is not overrated.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Reading Journal
After reading the first pages of the book, I felt as if I had a better understanding of writing. The clearly defined text and illustrations assist the process of analyzing, evaluating, brainstorming and reflecting. The authors have picked apart so thoroughly that they give examples on how to strategize for topics!
One of my weaker points is that I don't organize or build the paper to have a strong ending. I know most of the cause is because I tend to drift off the thesis. The author gave me a new perspective by building on what I have read and not pausing to think about what I am writing. Instead, he suggests that you flow and go back to fix problems later. In the diagnostic essay, and many other essays, I took forever to develop my paper due to the thousands of ideas running through my head. Now instead of worrying what to write, I will write it all down!
I would recommend the use of this book to any person who has trouble learning how to write. I hope that as the semester goes on that it will perfect my ability to brainstorm, critique my skill and enhance my understanding of the writing process. I am excited because I finally feel like I can become a good writer.
One of my weaker points is that I don't organize or build the paper to have a strong ending. I know most of the cause is because I tend to drift off the thesis. The author gave me a new perspective by building on what I have read and not pausing to think about what I am writing. Instead, he suggests that you flow and go back to fix problems later. In the diagnostic essay, and many other essays, I took forever to develop my paper due to the thousands of ideas running through my head. Now instead of worrying what to write, I will write it all down!
I would recommend the use of this book to any person who has trouble learning how to write. I hope that as the semester goes on that it will perfect my ability to brainstorm, critique my skill and enhance my understanding of the writing process. I am excited because I finally feel like I can become a good writer.
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