Parallel Structure Exercise 3

1. A
2. C
3. C
4. B
5. C
6. A
7. C
8. C
9. A
10. A
11. A
12. B
13. C
14. A
15. B
16. C
17. C
18. B
19. B
20. A

Final Review Exercise

I have always wondered this: why am I able to see any random television program often for less than ten seconds, and immediately recognize which network the show is airing on? To me, the differences seem obvious and undeniable. On ABC, colors are always darker and the definition is softer. NBC programs look more like traditional videotape: brighter, sharper, more aggressively modern. Everything on CBS has a slightly grainy, understated appearance. Fox looks like the middle ground between CBS and NBC. When the show Cavemen premiered last fall, I came across the first episode by accident. It was not known what channel I was watching, but I did know this: aesthetically, Cavemen looked like an ABC show; it looked like Head of the Class, which had looked like Barney Miller. I had a similar experience when I first saw30 Rock, a sitcom that visually resembles Friends, which visually resembled Silver Spoons. These relationships have nothing to do with content; they refer only to the technical non-narrative aspects of how the shows are broadcast. For reasons I don’t understand, I can identify the look of any major network instantaneously, as well as a lot of other people who can do it without even trying.

Except that we can’t.

It's a paradox. My ability to differentiate between TV networks is real. When I watch Lost, I sometimes think this reminds me of Twin Peaks and Moonlighting, and I am right, but not for the reasons I believed. I think they look alike, but they don't, or at least not any more than all the other TV dramas shot on 35mm film. It's an optical illusion created by my own mind, and what's weird about this particular illusion is that it usually ends up proving accurate. I am tricking myself into seeing the truth, even though that truth is invisible. I have watched so much television, that I am now a genius.

And I suppose an idiot.

When initially pursuing this discrepancy, the hypothesis was that these differences must be purely technological. I assumed the answer would be explained by different kinds of film stock, or by different frequencies used during the transmission of satellite feeds. These possibilities were proved false. All the network producers buy their film stock from outside sources, so there can’t be a brand of film that makes NBC look like NBC. It also can’t be a result of frequency, because networks use different channels in different markets. As far as I can tell, there is no meaningful difference between how different networks shoot and broadcast.

This dead end made me question my whole premise. Was I the only person who saw these differences? I started asking acquaintances if they could tell the difference between CBS and NBC. I noticed that whenever I asked a person who watched lots and lots of television. He always said “Of course.", But whenever I asked him, he inevitably said something along the lines of I’m not sure. At first I thought those responses helped prove my point; I thought they suggested that these aesthetic differences were real, but their subtlety was lost on anyone who wasn’t a sophisticated viewer. Now I suspect a different explanation. In reality, watching an inordinate amount of TV causes a person to imagine concrete ,visual differences that are merely just the manifestation of abstract, subconscious knowledge.

Pronouns and Antecedents

1. Her
2. His 
3. His 
4. His
5. He
6. Their 
7. His 
8. Their 
9. It
10. Their 
11. His
12. Her 
13. My
14. Its
15. His 
16. His 
17. His 
18. His 
19. Her
20. His 

Comma usage exercise 2

Norman Bethune, a Canadian doctor, became a famous Canadian who is better known outside of Canada than in it. Bethune was born in Gravenhurst ,Ontario in 1890. As a young man he studied medicine, and in 1917 he became a doctor. At the age of 36, he was stricken with tuberculosis, a devastating lung disease. He spent about a year recovering and subsequently won worldwide fame for his experiments in lung surgery, and for his invention of instruments used in chest surgery. In 1936, Bethune joined the Republican Army in the Spanish, Civil War. When he developed the first mobile blood transfusion service in history, his fame around the world increased. The blood transfusion service allowed doctors, for the first time, to provide significant treatment to soldiers near battle fronts. In 1938, Bethune went to China, which was at war with Japan. Bethune organized field hospitals served as a battle surgeon, and set up medical schools to train Chinese surgeons. In November, 1938, he became medical chief of the Chinese, Eighth Route Army. Unfortunately, in 1939, after only 21 months in China, Bethune died of blood poisoning. Despite Bethune’s major medical innovations, most Canadians have never heard of him. However, he is considered a national hero in China, and is well known in many other parts of the world.

Dangling and misplaced modifiers

1. DM - The green car on the bridge is mine. 
2. MM- We were expecting confusion while we made our plans. 
3. MM- Our sweaters were taken off when we started feeling hot. 
4. DM- I showed my dog with the fleas to the veterinarian.
5. DM- Larry told me that afternoon at night that he was getting married.
6. DM- The typewriter with a wide carriage is used by a secretary. 
7. MM- The current grew stronger while I was swimming out to sea. 
8. MM-A ship suddenly appeared while I was walking along the bridge. 
9. DM- The Honda that was out of oil was stalled on the road. 
10. MM- He kept a black book in his desk of all the girls he had dated. 
11. MM- The messages are easily seen once entering the room. 
12. MM- The sun shone brightly on the sunbathers while they were at the park. 
13. DM- Whatever is demanded quickly, Mary should jump at it. 
14. DM- He kept all his medicine that had been prescribed for him in the medicine cabinet. 
15. MM- Mom took me scuba diving when I was only a baby. 

1. MM- The man in the blue sweater was stopped for speeding. 
2. C
3. MM- Joe, running out the door, promised to mow the lawn. 
4. MM- The initials craved on the tree were those of the lovers.
5. C
6. MM- The doctor told him to take a pill every four hours. 
7. MM- I smoked my last cigarette while sitting on the porch.
8. MM- The woman wearing the feather hat walked toward us. 
9. MM- The jet carrying 155 passengers crashed into a cliff. 
10. C
11. MM- I watched with admiration the mechanic fix the car. 
12. MM- I scarcely earn fifty dollars a week. 
13. C
14. MM- We borrowed a mower that was broken from a neighbor.
15. MM- We saw a squirrel climbing up the telephone pole. 
16. C
17. C
18. C
19. MM- She vowed to go on a diet on her birthday. 
20. C

1. Driving in heavy traffic.
2. Fishing for trout.
3. Crossing the border.
4. Searching my wallet.
5. Building the sand castle. 

1. C
2. DM
3. C
4. DM
5. DM

1. The tigers won the game which lead them to reach the finals. 
2. The home team played skillfully, and a touchdown was made. 
3. The question was answered by Joe after raising his hand.
4. Her knees got dirty after planting vegetables.
5. Mrs. Santos raised the issue while speaking or the community. 

1. The lamps got broken while we re fooling around. 
2. A stone upset the sleigh while the kids were dashing through the snow. 
3. Our car got a flat tire while we were driving home. 
4. The weather turned bad while I was waiting for my friend. 
5. Snow started to fall when I was taking out the garbage. 

1. Since moving to nebraska, I made a bunch of new friends. 
2. Before putting on a show, the band practiced their vocals backstage. 
3. While waiting for the Sears man, the customer stood in line un patiently. 
4. By having the oil filter changed, the car ran more smoothly. 
5. On hearing about your divorce, I came to check up on you. 

1. To appreciate the music, she sat in a quiet room and payed attention to the lyrics. 
2. To get a raise, she tried her best to be the perfect employee.
3. To have a successful barbecue, they were sure to get all the best meats. 
4. To get to know people, the boy threw a party and invited the whole school. 
5. To understand the stock market, the boy did as much research as he could. 

Run on sentences and comma splices worksheet #1

1. CS
2. C
3. R-O
4. CS
5. R-O
6. R-O
7. CS
8. CS
9. R-O
10. R-O
11. CS
12. R-O
13. R-O
14. CS
15. C
16. CS
17. R-O
18. C

Incorrect sentences (Run-ons and comma splices)

Run-ons

1) Love cannot be defined in a couple sentences love also cannot be defined by just one person. 

2) The artist is desperate craving serious and relentless when he says "The whole time on my mind is how much I'm gonna get to make you feel so good like you know I could."

3)Next the author does a nice job of having a broad topic that is studio relevant to the world today.

4) "During the two years spent researching this book I ate an enormous amount of fast food."

5) When someone is trying to convince their reader that their argument is valid they need to make sure they have a large audience they are referring to.

6)"Fast food and its consequences have become inescapable regardless of whether you eat it twice a day try to avoid It or have never taken a single bite."

7) Sometimes it's really hard to get started on a writing assignment paper article or even book. 

8) You may feel like giving up and accepting your fate but the self pity phase will end.

9) Don't think about people judging your work don't think about trying to write to please others.

10) The song "So Beautiful" is a classic R&B hit it was released in 2009

Comma splices

1) Take music for example, there are various types of love songs, but each song has a different feeling. 

2) Accept the fact that you will never sit down and write good the first try, everything could use a little improvement so just write until you find yourself in your writing and remember that it is just the shitty first draft. 

3) "What We Eat" was written thirteen years ago, it is still something most people can relate to. 

4) The body of the paper was informative, beach paragraph had a reason for being written.

5) Each paragraph went into depth, the conclusion paragraph was simple and eye opening.

6) Usually papers that are listed with a bunch of facts are boring, Schlosser finds a way to share his knowledge in an interesting way. 

7) Botg of these songs have a very realistic view of love, "So Beautiful" has the more realistic connotation.

8) He thinks about her all the time, he wants the woman to know how beautiful he finds her. 

9) The artist wants to spend the rest of his life with this woman, he has no idea if she feels the same way or not.

10) The similarities between the two songs are both artists are emotional about the subject, neither of them know how the opposite sex feels about them.

Martin Luther King Rhetorical Analysis

Martin Luther King does a phenomenal job in persuading his audience with his "I have a dream" speech. Not only with his use of ethos pathos and logos, but with the tone of his voice, and the delivery of his message.

Martin Luther king uses ethos by stating facts that were happening in that time. He states things along the lines of  '100 years later, and the negro is still not free.' Also when he says, "1963 is not an end, it is a beginning, and those who hope that the negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual." This quote is saying that there needs to be a change and this isn't just something that will blow over, this is an issue that will call for much attention to be put into affect. Martin also is someone who is a sufferer in the subject that he is talking about, which gives him great credibility because he is a victim in the topic, not just someone talking about it.

Martin uses pathos when he says, "We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one." The term "we" already implies that Martin is speaking from the heart. He is not just on stage saying a bunch of words that don't mean anything to him, he is tapping into his emptions and speaking the truth.

There is a great deal of logos in the speech, but it doesn't necessarily come from stating facts. Again, Martin is a victim in the subject he is talking about, which makes him a reliable source of information. Martin talks about how negro's don't get treated fairly from the police and how they are told that their vote doesn't matter. These were real live issues that were going on in that time and that is where the logic comes from in the speech, from Martins very own personal experience.

The delivery of Martin's speech was another huge factor to his persuasive ability. Martin took many pauses in his speech. Not because he didn't know what to say next, but because it wanted to let his audience to actually understand what he was saying, and he wanted to give them a chance to ponder on what he just said. Martin also had a great speaking voice that made you want to keep listening. The way he dragged out certain words, and the way he got louder and quieter depending on how well he wanted you to understand what he was saying was a genius move.

Comma usage packet

Ex1:

1. Yoda,
2. Wars, Unknown.
3. television, films, read,
4. Leia, Avenue, Seattle,
5. C
6. Said, up, emissary,
7. except,
8. Kenobi, Vegetarian, energetic, fact, 88,
9. questions,
10. engineering,
11. Vaporators,
12. week, soon, weapon, source,
13. academy,
14. Skywalker, old, curious,
15. theater, you,

Ex 2:

1. C
2. Oil, water,
3. attractive,
4. meanings,
5. completed,
6. C
7. C
8. clothes, shoes,
9. blue,
10. ordeal,
11. novels, believe,
12. 7, 1941,
13. enough,
14. 8, Street, Massachusetts,
15. replied,
16. grooming,
17. captivity,
18. C
19. Vests, popular,
20. goddess, bodies,

Ex 3:

1. are, think,
2. Celene, feels,
3. musicals,
4. Jun, Spangler, dog,
5. Milpitas, California, Dubuque,
6. Moon, County, California,
7. organize, write,
8. pier, starfish, clam,
9. yes,
10. therefore,

Ex 4:
Paragraph 1: Tonight, coach, Jones, stated, best, time, left, loudly;
Dean, captain, said, it, then, ball; then, surprise,

Paragraph 2: Texas, cream, cousin, creamiest, swirl, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, Houston, Avenue,

Review Questions page 527

1) The assumptions that Schlosser makes about his readers and his sympathies is that, his readers are parents or grandparents of small children. The quotes that make me believe this is the required audience is, "Today children are being targeted by phone companies, oil companies, and automobile companies, as well as clothing stores restaurant chains." This quote introduces the purpose of the essay as well as state an interesting fact for the reader. Another quote that targets his audience is, "The bulk of the advertising directed at children today has an immediate goal." This quote explains how advertising is directed more towards children other than anyone else. The benefits and risks of targeting an audience this way is, it is a good way to capture your readers attention. The risks of targeting an audience this way is, you may lose your audience without any credibility or use of pathos.

2) I find Schlosser's use of sources very persuasive. the sources he uses that seem most persuasive is the study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, and the research that Eric did. It is persuasive because it comes from a professional journal, and the author took the time to actually do some real research on the topic. The sources that are least persuasive is, Rod Taylor from a Brandweek columnist. This resource comes from a single persons opinion, and it does not seem like a professional opinion. He addresses counterarguments and anticipates antagonist readers when he states, " Many studies have found that young children often could not tell the difference between television programming and television advertising." This quote shows that tv is just tv to kids and they aren't even aware that they are being targeted.

Ethos Pathos and Logos in "Kid Kustomers"

The author uses Ethos when he says, "In May of 1966, the Walt Disney Company signed a ten-year global marketing agreement with the McDonald's corporation." the facts that he uses throughout the essay are facts that seem like he really cares about the subject he is talking about, and his writing makes him seem like an overall trustworthy person.

Pathos is showed in the paper when Eric Schlosser writes, "The major toy crazes of recent years- including Pokémon card, Cabbage Patch Kids, and Tamogotchis- have been abetted by fast food promotions." This quote appeals to the audiences emotions because it brings back memories for the readers who are reading this article now.

Lastly, the author shows Logos when he states, "Studies suggest that until the age of six, roughly 80 percent of children's dreams are about animals." The author shows that he did his research and states facts that are relevant to what he is talking about in his paper.

Exercises 28.5,6, and 7

Exercise 28.5
1) correct
2) Which use organic farming techniques
3) correct
4) correct
5) Volunteers willing to work in the garden every week are essential as well.
6) correct
7) correct
8) or "veggie wagons"
9) although they may make two deliveries during peak harvest time
10) planted during the academic year

Exercise 28.6
1) American colonists first imported pasta from the English, who discovered it as tourists in Italy.
2) The English, returning from their grand tours of Italy, were called macaroni's because if their fancy airs.
3) a hairstyle, with elaborate curls, was also called macaroni.
4) The song "Yankee Doodle" refers to this hairdo, when Yankee Doodle "stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni.
5) The song, a creation of the English, was actually intended to poke fun at unrefined American colonists.

Exercise 28.7
1) Prices having risen rapidly, the government debated a price freeze.
2) A price freeze, unlike the rise in interest rates, seemed a sure solution.
3) The President would have to persuade business to accept a price freeze, his methods depending on their resistance.
4) No doubt the President, his advisors having urged it, would first try a patriotic appeal.
5) The President, not his advisers, insisted on negotiations with businesses.

Commercial assignment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2FU5oa1r54

This commercial appeals to ethos by identifying a problem that people agree with. They start by saying that we are "imperfect humans in an imperfect world." This quote is a quote that many people can understand. In the actual commercial, they have people going through some situations that may seem extreme, but they are still things that could actually happen to the average person. For the most part, people can agree that things happen un-expectantly, and they would be happy to know that there is an insurance that could cover these unexpected problems.

This commercial also appeals to pathos by appealing to the audiences emotions. Again, the commercial states that things happen un-expectantly, and that we as humans have to make sure we take control of the situation. The examples used in the commercial are things that many people can relate to. They understand the pain, anger, and heartache that's expressed in the commercials clips because it's things that could happen in the real world.

This commercial didn't have any use of logos. It is difficult to include all three rhetorical appeals in one argument, especially when it comes to commercials. This commercial had zero use of facts. There was no evidence that their specific insurance was better than any other insurance. Also, they never stated what their argument was about, they just wanted to inform you that they are a good insurance company for being able to have a basic understanding of everyday life.

Summary of Ethos Pathos and Logos

Ethos: When appealing to Ethos, there are three strategies to use to include it in your writing. First, you want to establish that you have good judgment. In other words, you want to identify a problem that readers agree with. Next, you want to convey to readers that you are knowledgeable. Do some research on the subject you are talking about. If you know what you are talking about, you will already sound knowledgeable. Finally, you need to show that you understand the complexity of a given issue. In other words, know that any issue can be understood in more than just one way. These strategies should help when you are trying to include ethos in a specific paper.

Pathos: Pathos is a rhetorical appeal that appeals to emotions. When appealing to pathos you want to show that you know what your readers value, use illustrations and examples that appeal to the readers emotions, and consider how your tone may affect your audience. First, show that you know your readers value. Find a common ground for your audience. share your values, and then think about what your audience thinks. Next, use illustrations and examples that appeal to readers emotions. Find examples that impact your readers best. Lastly, consider how your tone may affect your audience. For example, if a subject is clear to you, don't expect it to be clear to others. Try to refrain from using words like 'obviously,' or something to put off your readers.

Logos: The final rhetorical appeal is logos. When using logos you will again  need to follow three different strategies. You need to state the premises of your argument, use credible evidence, and demonstrate that the conclusion follows from the premises. When stating the premises of your argument, you are basically trying to persuade your reader to agree with your argument. You also want to use credible evidence. In other words, make sure your evidence is convincing, and you are using actual facts. The last step to appealing to logos is to demonstrate that the conclusion follows from the premises. Make sure you use the right words, and that your evidence matches the overall argument of your paper. Following these steps is a sure way to ensure the use of logos in your papers.

Thesis exercise number 2

Exercise 1

1) NT

2) NT

3) T

4) NT

5) T

6) NT

7) NT

8) T

9) NT

10) T

Exercise 2

1)G

2) G

3) G

4) NG

5) NG

6) NG

7) G

8) G

9) NG

10) NG

Exercise 3

4) The human body has an easier time functioning when it's hungry rather than when it's thirsty. 

5) Playing basketball is a great way to stay healthy, and stay in shape.

6) Jogging is a healthy activity that can guarantee a longer life span.

9) Government agencies often make foolish decisions when it comes to jobs and natural beauty.

10) Melville deserves an award for his great performance in Moby Dick 

Writing thesis statements exercise

Exercise 1
1)A
2)A
3)F
4)F
5)A
6)F
7)A
8)F
9)A
10)F

Exercise 2
1)Basketball is a better sport than football.
2)Hip hop and R&B is the best type of music.
3) School is not as important as people make it seem.

Exercise 3 
1) Distance education is the best way to learn.
2) You can tell a lot about a person by the way their voice sounds.
3)Every job deserves to have paid vacation time.
4) If you aren't cheating, you aren't trying.
5) If you volunteer for anything at all, you can get into great schools.
6)Reality shows teach people real life lessons.
7)There is no relationship stronger than an father and his son(s).
8) College newspapers only teach college students about the new gossip.
9) A strong family bond starts with eating together.
10) The way correction officers treat inmates is unfair.
Exercise 4 
Thesis: College is not as important as people make them seem.
Supporting arguments:

1. Many people who never went to college are still successful. 
2. Teachers aren't even teaching students what they need to know. 
3. Thousands of people who have graduated from college are unemployed and broke. 

Thesis:  A person's looks is the most important thing about them. 

Supporting arguments:  

1. You can show them around to make others jealous.
2. Attractive people give you good looking children.
3. They make you look better as a person. 

 

Exercise 5
1) Gamblers do a lot of damage to the game.
2) It has many community colleges that enhance local economies.
Exercise 6
1) When it comes to baseball, cheating is a big deal for people on on and off the field.
2)There are many different positive reasons to live in Kansas. 

Chapter five summary

From Formulating to Developing a Thesis

A thesis is a sentence that states what a paper is about, and is usually located at the end of an introductory paragraph as the last sentence. It often answers a question or proposes an argument for the reader. Chapter five in "Inquiry to academic writing" explains how to write a proper academic thesis. though there are plenty of steps to creating a proper thesis, I will only go into depth on the most important ones. which are: 1) establish that the issue you are talking about is current and relevant. 2)Briefly present what others have said. 3)explain what you see as a problem, and 4) state your thesis.  

First, you want to make sure you are establishing that the issue you are talking about is current and relevant. By making sure the issue you are writing about is current and relevant, you are trying to appeal to your audience. Think of a problem going on in the world that applies to the majority of people. Your claim can then be something that most people could agree with and keep them interested in whatever you are writing about.

Second, you want to include things that people who disagree with you would say. Usually this type of thesis would be used when you are stating an argument. For example, if your thesis states something along the lines of "boxing is a great sport to relieve stress," you want to make sure you include what people who disagree with you would say. instead of only talking about the positives you see in boxing, say something like "most people would say 'boxing only causes violence,' but it actually has been proven to relax those who are overwhelmed." By adding negative comments about your topic into your thesis, and then explaining how they are wrong, you will have a better chance of persuading a reader who didn't originally agree with you.

Next, explain what you see as the problem. In other words, let the reader know exactly what your argument is about. If you have an essay talking about how the food in the school cafeteria is gross, let it be known in your thesis what you want to do to change it, or even state how exactly it affects the students.

Finally, Be sure to state your thesis. page 109 in "Inquiry to Academic Writing" states, "An effective thesis statement helps readers see the reasoning behind the authors claim; it also signals what readers should look for in the remainder of the essay." In other words, whatever your paper is about, be sure to include the topic in your thesis clearly. If you are answering a question in the majority of your essay, then you need to be sure you asked a question in your thesis. This will eliminate confusion for the reader.

Although there are more tips and steps to creating a great academic thesis statement, the most important ones to identify are: making sure what you are talking about is current and relevant, have a counter argument for your readers explain what you see as a problems, and to state your thesis. following these guidelines will improve not only you thesis statements, but your overall writing; Knowing that your body paragraphs should always tie back into your thesis, it should make writing easier. 

Topic sentence exercises

Topic sentences Exercise 1
paragraph 1- 3, 2, 5, 1, 4
paragraph 2- 2, 3, 5, 6, 1, 4
paragraph 3- 5, 2, 3, 1, 4

Exercise 2
1) Without knowing it, Americans tend to speak foreign languages as well as have foreign items in their homes.

2) There is a huge difference between European college life and American college life.

3) Depending on the environment of where people live, humans build homes based off of the things they have in their surroundings.

Exercise 3

Smoking cigarettes
1) No positive thing can come from smoking cigarettes; it only harms your body.
2) If you hate your life, but don't want to kill yourself just yet, smoking cigarettes can help you die much faster than most people, but it doesn't end your life immediately.

Foreign travel
1) Foreign travel is great if you want to learn about different cultures up close.
2) Foreign travel is the most dangerous way of traveling.

Space exploration 
1) Space exploration is the reason we know everything about our solar system.
2) Space exploration is only for the strongest and the bravest.

Rock music or Rock musicians
1) Rock music has a negative impact on children due to the lyrics and style of the songs.
2) Rock music is great for working out; it releases energy and gives a sense of motivation.

Studying a foreign language
1) Studying a foreign language is a great start to becoming a spy.
2) Studying a foreign language is the first step to beginning a career or translating.

Harrison Bergeron Assignment

"Harrison Bergeron" was a great read. Although I already love reading, this story was written in a way that even a non-reader would enjoy. Vonnegut correctly used his own step three in his "Writing with style," which was keep it simple. "Harrison Bergeron" was very easy to follow. Vonnegut was able to get his point across in an easily understood way. He used short choppy sentences that were clear and far from complex, but got right to the point. For example, in the story, there is a sentence that reads: "On the television screen were ballerinas." Vonnegut could have shown his knowledge by stating the same sentence in a more sophisticated and complex way, but he chose not to. That is a clear example of Vonnegut's very own step three; Keep it simple.

Say what you mean to say is Vonnegut's step six in his "Writing with style." The setting of "Harrison Bergeron is ahead 67 years into the future. With that being said, Vonnegut could have easily created a new language for the characters in the story, but he didn't. Along with Vonnegut's step three, keeping it simple, Vonnegut clearly wanted to be understood in his writing. It was known, from the beginning of the story, that the setting was in the future, so nothing had to change for the reader to comprehend that information. Vonnegut greatly interpreted his Step six; Say what you mean to say.

The final step that Vonnegut used in the story "Harrison Bergeron" was step seven, pity the reader. The Writing in "Harrison Bergeron" was very simplistic and clear. I was able to picture the entire story in my head without confusion. Each sentence was just another detail to add to that already made picture. The flow of the conversations between George and Hazel were easy to follow. I always knew who was talking, and at what time. Overall, Vonnegut did a great job at taking his own advice, and putting his own steps into his writing.

Summary of how to write with syle

As a student of any kind, there is a lot of writing involved. Sometimes, depending on the writing topic, I get nervous because I feel my paper won't sound smart enough or I wont be able to fulfill the requirements of the paper. Kurt Vonnegut; however has eight quick and easy steps to "Write with style."

Step one is Find a subject you care about. In other words, if you have to do a class assignment with the topic already given to you, then get familiar with the subject. (Vonnegut 1036) states, "It is the genuine caring, and not your games with language, which will be the most compelling and seductive elements in your style." Kurt is suggesting that if you know what you are talking about, then it will reflect in your writing. Step two is Do not ramble though. For the most part, that is self explanatory, but I understand the stress of trying to meet the desired length requirements for class, but that is where step one comes in handy. when you know exactly what you are trying to say, you won't ramble. Step three is keep it simple. Don't try to get too broad on the subject and try to do try to stay on topic the best you can. Step four is have the guts to cut. In other words, if the sentence doesn't fit with the topic of your essay, then take the sentence out. Step five, six, and seven are all alike in a way. They are all basically saying that you should try to make sure that what you are writing makes sense and that the reader will understand what you are trying to say and not get confused. Step five is Sound like yourself. Write in a way that comes naturally, don't try to sound smart. Step six is say what you mean to say. Step seven is pity the reader. Understand that you know what you are talking about, but others don't. Don't assume you are making perfect sense and try to think about your audience when you are writing. The final step in writing with style is For really detailed advice. This step is informing writers to be interesting and have fun things to talk about to capture the reader.

So, the next time you have a paper to type and the anxiety sets in, just think of these eight steps so you can remember how to be yourself, keep it simple, be interesting, and stay on topic. You will be able to get through the paper and know exactly how it needs to be written.

Class notes

Class notes

First month of college

          My first month of college, for the most part, has not been what I expected. I did expect a lot of assignments at one time, and the stress of trying to get them all completed with Excellency, but I didn't expect it to be this easy. I understand that this is my first year of college and that it is going to get harder and harder as I go, but at the moment it just seems like I am re-learning things that I already learned in high school.

          I think that I may have over prepared myself for college in a way. I created college in my head as: me being an outsider, having mean teachers, not being able to have the slightest bit of a social life, and homework that made me cry every night because it was too much for me to handle. Thankfully my experience so far has been the complete opposite. I have made a few friends, my teachers are all awesome, I have found a way to manage my friends, family, and work, and my homework assignments are actually interesting, so I have no problem doing them. I am still trying to figure out how to balance my everyday life with my college life, but with the fantastic support system I have, I know that I will be able to successfully get through School. 

           My strengths in college is making sure I know what all of my assignments are, and making sure that they are completed and turned in on time if not early. Another strength that I have is also my weakness, and that is time management. Depending on the class, my time management varies. For the classes I enjoy I arrange my time very well with knowing exactly when I will finish the assignment. For my harder and boring classes I tend to procrastinate on my assignments and wait until the last minute to start them. I do that because when I feel like I don't understand the class I don't do the work so I don't get stressed out, even though that system doesn't help me in any way. My biggest challenge is going to be self pressure. I want to get straight A's in College, and although it's possible, it's not going to be easy so I need to make sure I get my mind right. 

5 wrong sentences

1) "So beautiful" is a great song it has an amazing example of love. 

2) Some songs really express feeling, I enjoy a song with a point 

3) Meeting new people is very fun I like the process of getting to know a stranger 

4) I like watching tv, however I like listening to music more.

5) The boy made the girl angry, the boy later had to apologize. 

Class essay assignment

Class notes

Summary of why games are good for you

         Something we hear far too often is that video games are bad for you and that it is ruining the minds of our youth. Steven Johnson believes in the complete opposite. Johnson proves in his "Why games are good for you" the benefits of playing video games. from learning things in a more interesting way, to obtaining reading and comprehension skills, to teaching dedication,  Johnson proves that videogames are not as negative as people make them out to be.

          Everyone has a different style of learning. Some kids actually prefer sitting in a classroom, some prefer reading books, and others couldn't care less about either and would rather play video games. Little do the kids who prefer video games  know, they are actually learning more than just hand-eye coordination. Although Johnson believes that books are the most powerful form of learning, he also says: "The electronic world is starting to give printed books a run for their money." (Johnson 489) explains that after playing video games for an hour with his seven year old nephew, his nephew was able to understand that high tax rates in industrial areas can stifle development. Johnson also admits that his nephew would be asleep in five seconds if you put him in a classroom to learn the same thing. This is a clear example of  how video games can still teach important information, just in a more entertaining way.

           Reading and comprehension is another skill that can be learned through video games. figuring out what you have to do in video games to defeat the master, or get to the next level requires a lot of reading. (Johnson 484) has a quote from Andrew Solomon that states: "reading requires effort, concentration, attention. In exchange, it offers the stimulus to and the fruit of thought and feeling. While spock says "reading is an activity requiring active participation. We must do the reading ourselves- actively scan the letters, make sense of the words, and follow the thread of the story." In other words, children are forced to comprehend what they are reading in a video game in order to succeed, and they don't even realize it.

           Lastly, Johnson talks about the dedication it takes to finish a video game. Believe it or not, video games teach kids not to give up, which is a great life skill to have. People rarely give up in video games because they usually want to see how the game ends whether it's to see the cool graphics, or to get rewards. (Johnson 491) explains how real life is full of rewards. He also elaborates on how in the gameworld rewards are everywhere. "Game rewards are fractal; each scale contains its own reward network." Johnson announces. For example, completing a video game releases a feeling of accomplishment, which is also another great life skill to obtain.

           Johnson is not saying that video games should replace reading and classrooms, but he is implying that they can still be used as a tool to improve the human brain. Video games teach people things in a more interesting way. They help with reading and comprehension, and they bring out a dedication trait. All in all, video games are not only good for hand-eye coordination.

Class notes

Why Games are good for you

1) What is Johnsons main point? What are some of the supporting details he uses to make that point?

-Johnsons main point is that video games teach people way more than just hand eye coordination, and that video games are not as negative as people make them. Some supporting details he uses is that video games give different mental skills that are just as important as the ones practiced by reading books. (Johnson 486) states that video games help with spelling. the article also states many similarities between playing video games and reading, Johnson also talks about how video games can teach kids things in a more entertaining way. (Johnson 490) explains how his seven year old nephew understood that high tax rates in industrial areas can stifle development. Johnson then goes on to say that his nephew would have fell asleep in five seconds if you were to put him in a classroom to teach the same thing. Another detail that Johnson uses to make his point is that some games aren't even fun. He explains how much money he spent in his past trying to beat a game. Johnson helps prove his point that video games teach people even when the game is stressful and not fun. "Why do we use the word "play" to describe this torture? I'm always amazed to see what our brains are willing to tolerate to reach the next level in these games." Said Johnson. The quote proves the determination factor of games, which is another life skill games teach people other than hand eye coordination.


2) Johnson likes to challenge conventional wisdom in his writing. That video games are bad for you in this case, Argue against an aspect of pop culture that is generally considered "good" or "bad" use specific examples to support your point.

-Technology is considered a great thing and it has many great qualities, but humans abuse it too much. There are many arguments to defend technology, for example, it is great to have for hospitals and it is extremely convenient. I'm not saying I don't like technology (I mean I am using it for this homework assignment after all), but some things just shouldn't change. My little sister, a fifth grader has told me about a few changes her school is making. She informed me that her TCAP testing is going to be online, and that she has to take typing classes. I don't agree with these new rules. Technology is great for some things, but kids should not be getting rid of pencils and paper for good. Kids still need to know how to write and read manually, everything in life should not be computerized. Another problem with technology is that some teachers are no longer teachers. They assign homework through the web, and don't explain anything in person. They should still teach and not just tell you what to do and how to find out where the homework is. Technology is great when its not taking over our schools.

English 121- Tone

David And Goliath

Ted Talk : David and Goliath

A. David 

• David was never an underdog. 
• He was beyond prepared. 
• He had Great Weaponry.

B. Davids weapon

• Cloth pouch with string.
• could go at a distance of 200 yards.
• as fast as 6 revs. per second.
• has the stopping power of a .45 cal.

      - It was the perfect weapon against Goliath

C. Goliath is not what he seems to be 

• He may have had Acromegaly  (tumor)
• too much human growth hormones
• blindness
• his strength was also his weakness

*Don't underestimate the underdog*

Why am I in college

Why am I in college?

Sometimes people ask you questions that you either don't know the answer to, or you don't know how to answer it. "Why am I in college?" Hmmm that's an interesting question. That's like asking parents why do they pierce their daughters ears when they are born. It's just one of those things that you feel is common sense, and that is too simple to even explain.

 

I guess I can say I am In college for many reasons, however there are a few that are the main and most important ones. The main reasons that I am I am in college is because, college is my stepping stool to my future career, I want to better myself, and I have always loved school.

 

In  order for me to reach my dream of becoming an Elementary School teacher, I will need to obtain the skill and knowledge that it takes to get there. College will help me get the confidence I need when I enter the real world. It also helps that the degree I am working on obtaining is what I see in my professors everyday. I want to one day be them, so on top of learning what goes on in class, I will also be observing my professors for ways that I can teach my future students.

 

Another reason I am in college is because I want to better myself. life is a giant competition. you are always fighting for chances throughout your entire life. Going to college will give me a better chance to win that fight. For example, one day somebody will want the same job as me, and we will seem equally qualified. However, when they see that I went to college and my opponent didn't, then it will be at my advantage. College will also help me to better myself by teaching me things that I don't have to learn in a classroom. It will teach me to have a better outlook on life in general. For the most part, I am the type of person that thinks one way, and being in college will help me to break out of that habit. As I begin to meet new people and hear about their struggles and how they see the world, I will be able to not be so closed minded and get open to new ways of thinking.

 

Lastly, I am in college because I happen to love school. I love the act of sitting in a classroom and jotting down notes while the teacher lectures the class. I enjoy the thought of doing something with my life other than sitting at home doing nothing but watch TV, sleep, and spend money. The fact that I want to be a teacher in the near future also validates the fact that I like being in school. College is basically the biggest step that I am going to take to improve my life, and there is always room for improvement.

 

So there you have it, apparently I was able to answer the confusing question on why I am in college. I am in college so I will be able to get the career I've always wanted. I am in college because I want to become a better person on the inside and out. I am in college because I like college.