Thursday, December 8, 2011

English 101: Reflection


English 101 has introduced me to many different types of papers that I did not know even existed. From summary, response, critique, rhetorical analysis, and informative synthesis, I have learned how to properly and effectively write each different kind of paper, and my writing has improved in many ways. One way my writing has improved this semester is that I have learned how to accurately organize information, and decide how to clearly present the material. Looking back at the first paper, it is easy to see that I did not have a lot of experience with organization. In the first paper, I would jump from subject to subject without any awareness of organization. Since the first paper, I have took the time to write out how I am going to present the information, and how to transition effectively from one paragraph to the other.  One important aspect of organization is to decide what main points I want to focus on. From there, it is important to state what author or topic I am discussing at the beginning of each paragraph. This will allow the reader to read through the paper without any question as to what I will be discussing in each paragraph.
Not only have I learned how to effectively organize information, I have also learned what is proper language for writing a formal paper. In high school, it was okay to use contractions and second person. Since writing the first paper, I have had to make a conscious effort to not use contractions. Contractions have become apart of our daily life through the use of texting or tweeting. When you approach writing, it is crucial to distinguish when it is appropriate to use contractions and when it is not. I have also learned that it is possible to write a paper without the use of second person, although it can change your approach as to how to begin or conclude the paper. I am thankful that I have made this conscious change in my writing style because I know that writing papers will only get more and more challenging as I continue through college, and even through my career.
One paper that I was able to effectively execute what I have learned is the very last paper we had to write. The informative synthesis paper, although technically it was the most difficult, proved to be the easiest to organize. In the informative synthesis paper, we had to gather four different sources and combine all the information into one clear topic. I was able to properly do this by first, reading through each article, and annotating the important pieces of information that I wanted to use. After that, I had to write out how I wanted to present each point that was in my thesis. I then had to include each source in each paragraph. Making an outline and writing out what quotes I was going to use where allowed me to clearly discuss each topic, and incorporate each source within the paper. Even though this paper required the most work, I enjoyed it the most. Since writing four other papers prior to this one, I have learned how to effectively approach each paper by taking the time to organize the information, and fulfill all the requirements of each assignment. Using what I learned from the previous papers allowed me to put forth my best work, and this provided me with the best grade I have made on any of the papers.
Although the informative synthesis paper was the easiest for me to write, the very first paper I wrote for this class proved to be the most difficult. The reason for this is because I did not know how to begin writing. I just sat down and wrote what first came to my mind. Since I did not have a distinct plan for how to gather and annotate the information, the paper turned into “word vomit”, with no sense of direction.  I also did not know how to fully develop and support the points I was trying to make. I have learned that it is important to support statements with quotes from the articles I am using.  The first paper taught me how to take the time to organize the information, and to think through how I want to present this information. It is important that the information is presented in a way that the reader can easily read through, and understand the direction of the paper.
This course has provided me with endless opportunities to learn how to effectively write papers. Before this class, I had little experience as to how to construct a proper paper. It has taken experience, and getting average grades, to teach me how to accurately write. Although this course required multiple papers to be turned in, I am thankful to have been able to learn from my mistakes and grow as a writer. I have always loved writing, but now I am able to successfully and effectively write within certain guidelines. This growth as a writer is truly priceless not only for English 102, but for any and all aspects of writing that I may come across in the future.   


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

give thanks!

So many blessings to be thankful for! To say that I will effectively express my thankfulness for all the many blessings in my life would be to say that I can do the impossible. Well, I am going to give the impossible a shot.


First and foremost, I am thankful for the Gospel of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Nothing is due my life than my Savior. The Creator of the Universe, who loves His precious children, gave the world His Son, to come and live out a life loving the Father above all else. A life that we are to follow through His spirit and strength. He loved us so much that He sent His perfect and holy son to die in the place for all our sins. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). 


My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!



This glorious story does not end there. Not only did Christ die for our sins, He conquered the grave and death when He rose three days later. O, death, where is your sting? Praise the Lord, O my soul!


The Gospel is enough. The Gospel is enough to be completely satisfied and thankful for more than this life. Crazy enough, through Christ, we are given life to the fullest. The Father lavishes His love on His children through the many blessings He gives. 


I am humbled, amazed, and thankful for the blessings He has given to me so graciously. He has provided me with a family who has taught me the bible and shown me His love ever since I was born. Their individual walk with the Lord encourages me and sets an example for me as to how I am live my life. I am thankful for their love, encouragement, accountability, and prayers they offer day in and day out. Praise the Father for my precious family! 


Not only has He provided me with an amazing biological family, but He has given me a family at Tuscaloosa. I am overwhelmed when I sit back and reflect on my first semester as a freshman and how the Father has proven His faithfulness to me through the relationships He has given me. To call them friends would be incorrect. These friends have turned into my sweet brothers and sisters and have truly provided a sense of community and family for me. I am thankful for their walk with our Father and their love for all people. To my Calvary family, thank you for pushing me closer to the Father and for giving me a place to call home at Tuscaloosa. I love y'all so very much.


Apart from the precious relationships I have been blessed with, there are some random things that make my heart happy and I am thankful that the Father allows His children to enjoy the simple things in life. I am thankful for headbands and bandanas to wear in my hair, my faithful Chacos (we are going on 2 and a half years now, y'all!), Enos to relax in, Camelbaks to decorate with cool stickers, Patagonia backpacks, fake glasses to complete my hipster look, folk music, just down right good music, watches, friends who blog, my cool beans Canon camera, driving around with the windows down, pretty fall colors, cold weather, scarfs, boots, reading books by the window, walking (which leads to dancing) in the rain, whipping my hair back-and-forth, a good hug, laughter, smiles, being crafty, playing and dominating four square, attempting to play Ultimate, old yet precious hymns, Tweeting excessively, Instagraming any and everything, sunsets, jeans that fit perfectly, Chaco tan-lines, fun fingernail polish colors, long-sleeved t-shirts, spending time with my favorite people, going to concerts, singing out loud (although my friends wish I would refrain), community, joy, braided hair, school supplies, making situations awkward, late-nights, and making long lists...


Thank you Father, for all your many blessings. But most importantly, thank you for your Son. May I express my thanksgiving to you with my life and with my heart. To you all honor and praise!


May you feel overwhelmingly blessed by the Father who loves you and cherishes you above everything else. 




Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!




blessings. 







Tuesday, November 15, 2011

balance is key


When reading and comparing articles, it is easy to pick up on the commonalities and differences that each one has. This is true for articles named "Why Twitter Will Endure", "How Do I Love Thee? Count 140 Characters", and "Is Texting Writing?" Although each article discusses different topics, they still have few similar themes and topics.

In the first article, "Why Twitter Will Endure", Carr explains how Twitter has become a useful tool in not only his life, but of all Twitter users. Despite the silly lingo, Twitter provides useful information and updates on important news and can cut down research dramatically. Users must be mindful as to who they follow and also what they tweet, but with discretion, Twitter can be used as an outlet for useful information. Carr argues that this is, in fact, the reason why Twitter will remain and will not fade out like any other trend in the past.

The next article, "How Do I Love Thee? Count 140 Characters", discusses how Twitter is changing literature. With given only 140 characters to tweet, twitter users must shorten any thoughts or ideas down to a very distinct message. This concept of a short message is changing how people are writing. 

Lastly, in "Is Texting Writing?" explains how texting has taken off and is changing how students write. Students are required to write more than ever before and this is due to the advances in technology (Grabill). Emails, text messaging and writing assignments are how students are voicing their opinions in the form of text. Grabil explains that "the cell-phone is the new pencil." As students and teachers, we must learn to adapt to what is most relevant in our society, but not let our words become meaningless.

Although these three articles discuss different topics, they all discuss how technology is changing the way we write and receive information. From using tweets to find quick information to shortening one's thoughts to 140 characters, technology is shaping the way we are writing. It is our job as writers to stay relevant to our culture, but also to keep meaning and value of our words. The balance between the two is key to becoming an effective writer in the 21st century.



blessings.


Monday, October 24, 2011

may the best writer, win

There are a few key factors an author must consider when they sit down and begin to start writing. From thesis, to support, to organization, all play a vital role in the effectiveness of a piece of writing. This is especially true if a writer is considering to write a rhetorical piece. In the article, "Is Google Making Us Stupid?", Carr shows just this. 


Carr uses the Aristotelian Triad to support his argument that search engines, such as Google, has changed the way we receive information. Carr begins the article by taking a very personal approach and sharing his own experiences with the Internet. This supports his ethos because he is basing his opinion on his own experiences. He also uses sources, such as Google's chief executive, to defend the fact that the Internet is shaping our brain and thought process differently. 


He also uses pathos to get his message across. Carr captures the reader through raising awareness that human beings are not obtaining information like they use to. By raising this awareness and using a hint of caution, Carr's opinion becomes valuable to the reader because it is something they can relate to.


In order for a reader to convey their message properly, the must take after Carr's lead and properly execute the use of logos, ethos, and pathos in their writing. At the end of the day, the reader who does this best will receive more creditability and win over there reader's trust. 




blessings. 

Monday, October 10, 2011

Today's Letters

     As a frequent blog reader and follower, it was difficult for me to pick one blog to critique because of the variety of blogs that I read. For this assignment, I have chosen to critique the blog Today's Letters (www.todaysletters.com). This blog is written by Emily Loerke and occasionally by her husband, Tim.  Each blog post is in a form of a letter and covers a multitude of topics. Many posts provide encouragement, ideas, and thoughts for readers. Emily or Tim update their blog almost every day. I love reading about their day to day adventures and priceless advice they offer.
     One of my favorite posts is called "{10 Things} That Made All The Difference In College" (http://www.todaysletters.com/2011/09/10-things-that-make-all-difference-in.html). In this post, Emily lists ten things that she learned in college and passes her experience forward. Since I am just now getting the hang of college, I value her advice on college and how I can have the best college experience possible. I am thankful for people who are willing to share their experiences with complete strangers!






blessings

Monday, September 26, 2011

A Choice- eBooks vs textbooks

         In the article "Will E-Books Replace Physical Textbooks," Indiviglio explains how students can benefit from eBooks and how some maybe making the switch. Although we have always learned to read physical books, eBooks bring another way to go about reading. Students can download textbooks and avoid the hassle of "overpriced, extremely big and heavy [textbooks]" (Indiviglio). eBooks may also cause a decrease in prices, which will persuade students to make the change from textbooks to eBooks. Although there are many positive factors, "pirating might be the barrier" (Indiviglio). If publishers cannot secure their materials, hackers will find a way to get a hold of it without paying a cent. 
         Although Indiviglio makes very valid and practical points to how students can benefit from eBooks, I believe it will be very difficult to completely change from physical books to eBooks. When we learned to read, we learned with having the actual book itself in front of us. Going from a physical book to an electronic book may be a too far stretch. Also, I know that I personally learn better when I can mark up the pages of the book I am reading and can go back and review the notes that I took. A huge factor in making this switch for students is if Universities will jump on board. Students are more likely to stay with textbooks if the Universities still promote them because this is what we are use to. Maybe one day we all will be reading from an eBook and we laugh at the thought of reading physical books. Until that day, I will continue to stay with the old way of reading books. 



blessings. 








Monday, September 5, 2011

online reading vs. book reading

       After reading this article about how Americans have grown to hate reading paper text, I began to laugh to myself. The reason behind my laughter is because I can identify with them so well. For whatever reason, we have all gotten use to the colorful ways of online reading and how interesting it can be. From colored texts, to pictures, to videos, the writer has the readers audience from beginning to the end. When it comes to reading a textbook or newspaper, the audience has a different reaction.
     
       When I am given a reading assignment with a textbook, it seriously is like torture to sit there for hours and all your eyes see is black ink and white spaces. I think everyone needs a bit of excitement brought into reading especially if you are reading something about the biological foundations of the world. Personally, I obtain information better and receive it better when given a break from all those words, and this is coming from someone who enjoys reading books on a daily basis. 
  
       I am sure that the information textbooks are giving are quite interesting, but it is all about the delivery and layout of the text. I know my brain tends to shut down faster when given a block of text to read. Maybe it is the way our generation is beginning to receive information from the internet that is making the "old fashion way" look rather boring. Whatever the reason, my reading assignment from my textbook for my Psychology 101 class will still be due the next day. It is my responsibility to be able to read both online readings and the not as exciting, black and white readings as well. 
     
       



blessings.