Final Exam

Faith Ford

ENG 112

Professor Guarino

April 20th, 2014

Final Exam

Going into your first college English class can be very intimidating. You think you are going to have to write 20 page papers with a terrible professor. My experience in this class was the total opposite. I have learned so much about myself not only as a student but as a writer as well. In this class we wrote three essays that each helped me improve my writing, but one was the most significant. My autobiographical essay has helped me learn to not focus on so much emotion but to be mindful of the assignment that needs to be done. This won’t only benefit me when writing papers in my future academic career but also in my field of social work.

When we were first given the autobiographical essay I already know what I was going to write about. My friend Issaac’s death had impacted me in so many ways it was the perfect topic. While writing it I was determined to help the reader understand Issaac’s story. I did not once think about getting my point across. I was more story telling then fulfilling the assignment requirements. I thought my paper was God’s gift to this earth until peer review’s. They tore my paper apart. I was so hurt. At first I didn’t understand why my paper wasn’t good until out meetings with our professor.

My professor made me see what I was doing wrong. I realized how much story telling I was doing in my paper. The analysis or what I thought was analysis had nothing to do with my thesis statement. In Blog 2R I say, “ This semester I plan on making them (thesis statements)  a strong point in my essay.” Although in the essay my thesis statement was great, it was everything after that was bad. I never had that problem before. The topic was very emotional but I had to still keep the assignment in mind.

A goal that I had this semester was to better my writing style. With this essay I noticed some of my bad habits when it comes to writing. I tend to us a lot of the same words and phrases. In my autobiographical essay I using words and phrases like, ‘I will never forget’ and ‘At that moment I realized’. Reading something that is repetitive can annoy the reader. Using similar but different words can change the flow of the essay and make it sound better. I ended up changing the phrases to ‘is something I can never forget’ and ‘I felt as though’. I learned to actually read through my writings to pick out and add in things that I need. Self critiquing your papers is good to do before someone else tears it apart.

Whenever I tell someone that I am going to be a social worker the first thing they say is, “Wow! You have to be strong for that.” I realize that this is a very emotional field to be involved with. I know I’ll have to endure many things that I can’t get emotionally attached too. I can’t let the cases affect me off the job, I have to stay professional. Just like my assignment I have to stay on task. I have to focus on what my boss tells me to do rather what feels right.

Although I recognize my writing has improved there are still some things that I need to keep working on. My thesis statements have been my main focus throughout this semester. In multiple blog posts I address that my thesis statements are terrible. Before I would over-think them. They would have a great start but my endings would fall flat. Keeping them simple but explaining what the paper is about helps me write a successful thesis statement. Another thing I have to work on while I write is realizing my simple mistake that I don’t go back to correct. These small mistakes cause my paper to get slaughtered when other people review it. In my Blog 1R post I state, “To better myself in reading and writing during the semester I can't be afraid to make mistakes. Although  I want to play it safe and stay in my comfort zone I won’t be able to better my writing”. When I finish my paper I think it’s the best thing in the world but I have to realize there is always room for error. Lastly, I know I have to keep working on is expanding my vocabulary. I am very repetitive in my essays so I need to use different words. I try to change the way I word things.

Despite the fact that my time in English 112 is ending I want to keep some goals in mind while writing essays in other classes. I would like to keep excelling in the goals I already accomplished but I know I can do better. In my future academic career I would like to be able to learn the rubrics before I start writing. I know i need to familiarize myself with the assignment before I just wing it. Knowing the expectations will help me not only get a better grade but become more knowledgeable about the topic. Another skill I would like to uphold throughout college is learning better vocabulary. I know if i get back in the habit of reading I will learn new words all the time. Every time I don’t understand something when I am reading I look it up. That’s how I tend to learn new things. Lastly, the skill I want to obtain during future semesters is knowing that I can always make my papers better. They might be good to me when I finish them but there’s always room for improvement, whether the feedback comes from a professor or a peer.

This semester in English 112 has been great. I hope to keep learning different

techniques to improve my writing. I never thought I could learn so much about myself as a 

writer until I took this class. I know these assignment will have an effect on my writing in the 

future.

Blog 12T

3 Elements

-Logos

-Ethos                   -->Appeal to audience

-Pathos

1. Logos - Statistics, real experience, facts, experimental, results, observed (concrete), logic

Evidence/Support objective facts=true 

Danger of overusing: Disengage a reader/boring

2. Pathos - Emotion--> sadness, guilt, humanity, pity, positive, happiness

Danger of overusing: Annoys audience, desensitize 

3. Ethos - Ethics, spirit of right and wrong, (credibility) trustworthy, authority, believable, unbiased, opposition, fairway

Logical Fallacies

- Faulty Reasoning 

- Error in Argument

- Poke Holes in Argument

Examples
1.Either you support the President in everything he says and does or you are not a patriotic American.

2.That boy scout troop made an old lady’s day by visiting and entertaining her in her nursing home; we should give generously to the boy scouts as a result.

3.Here’s what I think about what you have written: anyone who opposes the death penalty for murder is a criminal at heart.

(http://www.uwec.edu/ranowlan/logical%20fallacies.html)

Blog 12R

In class this week we learned about logical fallacies. Logical fallacies are holes in an arguments that writer's usually miss in their papers. When a writer has a certain position in a paper it's hard to not include a lot of facts and statistics when you're trying to prove yourself. In the essay "Children Need To Play, Not Compete" there was a lot statistics. It''s good to have facts in a position paper but you don't want to bore your reader to death.

We also talked about the terms logos. ethos, and pathos. Logos has to deal with logic. Ethos has to deal with the writer's credibility. Pathos has to deal with an emotional appeal. All three of these terms are needed in a paper to balance it out. You can't have too much emotion because it gets annoying after a while. You want to be credible but you don't want to bore you reader. 

Learning a new term and being reminded of three others was helpful. I have a feeling we will be writing a research paper soon which I'm happy that we touched up in these things.

Blog 7R

This week we revised out essays. This was extremely helpful to me. When I revise my essays I never know what to change, keep or take out. Our professor helped us with a lot of things that I didn't even. One by one she would say something for us to fix and would give us 5-7 minutes to change it.

The first thing she told us to do was make sure your title is original. Even if we used our song lyrics for a title that should be in the introduction paragraph. Our title should be creative and catch attention. Next was looking for repetition and on sentences. One phrase that I was you a lot " I'll never forget that moment". I never realized I was using that so much. Another thing was grammar errors such as using a semi colon or comma the wrong way. Finally we had to judge if our transition sentences made the essay flow. Without a good transition sentence, your whole essay can awkward.

Blog 7T

1. Observattion - When uses all five sense to describe something in great detail.

2. Perspective - The main idea or cultural significance that the writer wants readers to take away from reading the observational profile. 

3. Assumptions - Ideas, beliefs, or values that are taken for granted  as commonly accepted truths. 

4. Participation Observer - An insider, at least for a short time, joining in the activity with the people being interviewed and observed.

5. Spectator - Writer acts as an independent reporter, watching and listening but remaining outside of the outside.

6. Quote - Language that is especially vivid or memorable.

7. Paraphrase - Tends to be used when the writer needs to go into detail but can put the information in a more striking form the speaker originally used. 

8. Summary - Used to condense lengthy information.

Reflection

My paper had both strengths and weaknesses. A few weaknesses were my thesis statement, the clarity of sentences and telling my stories. I have always struggled with thesis statements but the workshop helped a lot. I figured if I let my class break it apart it would be easier for me to develop it on my own time. Everyone was afraid to do it so I did. It helped me understand what I did wrong. My sentences sometimes sound like I'm babbling on paper. Everything always makes sense in my head but then when I put it on paper it doesn't make any sense. Once I read it over I can sometimes catch my mistakes and fix them. When I tell stories in my essays I expect people to know what I know. I forget that I'm telling a story for a reason. Then when I remember that I need to give some extra details I give too much. Besides weaknesses my paper has many strengths. When ever I analyze something I do a great job. I great with details when it comes to analyzing things. I describe the situations in paper very well.

I did not really enjoy peer review at all. It was some what helpful but not really. Only two people were helpful when giving me feedback. My group was helpful with my thesis statement.

Draft #2

Faith Ford

English 112

February 10, 2014

Outline

How Long Will They Mourn Me?

Waking up to know I had a day to plan what I was putting on my graduation cap was probably the most exciting experience I had my senior year. A big red and gold “17” with a prom queen crown right on top. Never would I have thought I would have to change that “17” to “R.I.P.” My friend Issaac Smith was murdered the night of June 16, 2013, five days before graduation. "I wish it could have been another. How long will they mourn my brother?" This is the question I ask myself all the time. The pain from grief and mourning someone is the worst pain you can feel. You feel empty, alone, confused, angry, and so much more. The experience of losing my friend this past summer taught me not to give up and wallow in the pain but to turn that pain into willpower.

I had astronomy with Mrs. Sikka for first period. Issaac was in that class with me. He would always manage to put a smile on my face that early in the morning. At one point during the semester I remember he was telling me about his problems with his father. Soon after, he would have to move to New Haven and commute daily for school in New Britain. This created many hardships for him. Waking up every morning at 4am for school wasn’t early enough to get to first period for about 3 weeks. He missed his lunch period and stayed after school to make sure all his work was caught up in that class. He would always ask me if we took notes or had homework. He was determined to graduate.

When I think about Issaac’s work ethic I get so upset. He was shot was shot over a sneaker exchange. There are many different stories to go along with the situation but a life is not worth a pair of sneakers. To know someone so motivated and ready to live life get that opportunity taken away over a pair of sneakers is disgusting.  I regret how many opportunities I have passed up because of laziness or just being ungrateful. I have the privilege to further my education meanwhile my friend who would have had the same is lying six feet under. It just makes you think about things differently. It’s terrible how something bad has to happen in order for us to appreciate things the way we’re suppose to.

Praying is something I did on a regular basis before I prayed at a vigil. When you realize you are praying for a friend who should be holding your hand during that prayer you break down. At that vigil I realized my friend was not coming back. No matter how hard I asked in my prayers I knew he was gone. I thought about the people who actually lost a son, brother, or best friend. How could a class work so hard to keep a prom promise yet still have an empty chair at graduation? I’ll never forget that vigil. Strangers crying on stranger. Even though we didn’t know each other  we all had something in common.

Everytime I tell someone where I’m from I get a certain look. “You are from New Britain? Oh.” I’ll never forget the time I wa telling someone about Issaac and the response I received was “Well you should be use to things like that happening since you are from New Britain.” I did not know exactly what to say back. I just toned them out and thought about how everyone came together and brought each other through this tragedy. We came together as a student body and a city. I remember everyone telling each other simple things like “I love you” and “Stay safe”. It was nice to know we were all in it together.

Our big day was bittersweet. Waking up to know that I was finally graduating was the best feeling I have had in my life. But the only thing that bothered me was knowing one family would not get to watch their child walk across the stage. During the ceremony Issaac’s sister wore his cap and gown and received his diploma. After the ceremony I ran to my dad to get a surpise for Issaac’s family. My mom bought a banner in memory of Issaac. It was beautiful. I kept it on my living room table so who ever wanted to sign it could. I asked everyone who signed it to give me a dollar to put in a card to go to his family. I will never forget the look on their faces when we unraveled the banner. It was a mix of comfort and pain. I could tell they loved it but wish they did not have to be in that predicament.

Hugging a father who lost his son on Father’s Day is something I can never forget. When we unraveled the banner he half smiled and looked down because he was choking back tears. He got up and embraced me. I could not say a word. He did not say thank you like Issaac’s mom kept saying over and over. The hug was overwhelming I could feel his gratitude. At that moment I realized that I am still alive and need to exceed at everything Issaac could not do, not only for him but for myself. Seeing how quick someone can be taken drove me crazy.

Issaac would not want us to be sad and mourn for too long but he would not want us to forget him. I want people to remember and the good things I have done. I want people to know I was here. Loosing Issaac was something I never expected but it opened my eyes to things I could not see before. Things such as I am someone with a future, someone who has something to offer, someone who can say “I was here.”

Faith Ford

Eng. 112

Feb. 10th, 2014

Outline

How Long Will They Mourn Me?

Waking up to know I had a day to plan what I was getting on my graduation cap was probably the most exciting experience I had my senior year. A big red and gold 17 with a prom queen crown right on top. Never would I have thought I’d have to change that 17 to an R.I.P. My friend Issaac Smith was murdered the night of June 16th, 2013, five days before graduation. "I wish it could've been another. How long will they mourn my brother?" This is something I ask myself all the time. The pain from grief and mourning someone is the worst pain you can feel. You feel empty, alone, confused, angry, and so much more. The experience of losing my friend this past summer taught me not to give up and wallow in the pain but to turn that pain into ambition.

First period I had astronomy with Mrs. Sikka. Issaac was in that class with me. He would always manage to put a smile on my first that early in the morning. At one point during the semester I remember he was telling me about his problems with his father. He had to move to New Haven but still went to school in New Britain. He woke up every morning at 4am to get to school but still managed to miss 1st period for about 3 weeks. He missed his lunch period and stayed after school to make sure all his work was caught up in that class. He would always ask me if we took notes or had homework. He was determined to graduate.

When I think about Issaac’s work ethic I get so upset. To know someone so motivated and ready to live life get that opportunity taken away over a pair of sneakers is disgusting. I regret how many opportunities I have passed up because of laziness or just being ungrateful. I have the privilege to further my education meanwhile my friend who would have had the same is lying six feet under. It just makes you think about things differently. It’s terrible how something bad has to happen in order for us to appreciate things like the way we’re suppose to.

Praying is something I did on a regular basis before I prayed at a vigil. When you realize you are praying for a friend who should be holding your hand during that prayer you break down. At that vigil I realized my friend was not coming back. No matter how hard I asked in my prayers I knew he was gone. I thought about the people who actually lost a son, brother, or bestfriend. How could a class work so hard to keep a prom promise yet still have an empty chair at graduation? I’ll never forget that vigil. Strangers crying on stranger. Even though we didn’t know each other  we all had something in common. We were mourning the same person.

Everytime I tell someone where I’m from I get a certain look. “You’re from New Britain? Oh.” I’ll never forget the time I wa telling someone about Issaac and the response I received was “Well you should be use to things like that happening since you’re from New Britain.” I didn’t know exactly what to say back. I just toned them out and thought about how everyone came together and brought each other through this tragedy. We came together as a student body and a city. I remember everyone telling each other simple things like “I love you” and “stay safe”. It was nice to know we were all in it together.

Our big day was bittersweet. Waking up to know that I was finally graduating was the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life. But the only thing that bothered me was knowing one family wouldn’t get to watch their child walk across the stage. During the ceremony Issaac’s sister wore his cap and gown and received his diploma. After the ceremony I ran to my dad to get a surpise for Issaac’s family. My mom bought a banner in memory of Issaac. It was beautiful. I kept it on my living room table so who ever wanted to sign it could. I asked everyone who signed it to give me a dollar to put in a card to go to his family. I’ll never forget the look on their faces when we unraveled the banner. It was mixed with comfort and pain. I could tell they loved it but wish they didn’t have to be in that predicament.

Hugging a father who lost his son on father’s day is something I can never forget. When we unraveled the banner he half smiled and looked down because he was choking back tears. He got up and embraced me. I couldn’t say a word. He didn’t say thank you like Issaac’s mom kept saying over and over. The hug was overwhelming I could feel his thankfulness. At that moment I realized that I’m still alive and need to exceed at everything Issaac couldn’t do, not only for him but for myself. Seeing how quick someone can be taken drove me crazy.

Issaac wouldn’t want us to be sad and mourn for too long but he wouldn’t want us to forget him. That’s how I feel when I’m gone I want people to remember and the good thing I have done. I want people to know I was here. Loosing Issaac was something I never expected but it opened my eyes to things I couldn’t see before. Things such as I am someone with a future. Someone who has something to offer, someone who can say “I was here".

Faith Ford

Eng. 112

Feb. 10th, 2014

Outline

How Long Will They Mourn Me?

Waking up to know I had a day to plan what I was getting on my graduation cap was probably the most exciting experience I had my senior year. A big red and gold 17 with a prom queen crown right on top. Never would I have thought I’d have to change that 17 to an R.I.P. My friend Issaac Smith was murdered the night of June 16th, 2013, five days before graduation. "I wish it could've been another. How long will they mourn my brother?" This is something I ask myself all the time. The pain from grief and mourning someone is the worst pain you can feel. You feel empty, alone, confused, angry, and so much more. The experience of losing my friend this past summer taught me not to give up and wallow in the pain but to turn that pain into ambition.

First period I had astronomy with Mrs. Sikka. Issaac was in that class with me. He would always manage to put a smile on my first that early in the morning. At one point during the semester I remember he was telling me about his problems with his father. He had to move to New Haven but still went to school in New Britain. He woke up every morning at 4am to get to school but still managed to miss 1st period for about 3 weeks. He missed his lunch period and stayed after school to make sure all his work was caught up in that class. He would always ask me if we took notes or had homework. He was determined to graduate.

When I think about Issaac’s work ethic I get so upset. To know someone so motivated and ready to live life get that opportunity taken away over a pair of sneakers is disgusting. I regret how many opportunities I have passed up because of laziness or just being ungrateful. I have the privilege to further my education meanwhile my friend who would have had the same is lying six feet under. It just makes you think about things differently. It’s terrible how something bad has to happen in order for us to appreciate things like the way we’re suppose to.

Praying is something I did on a regular basis before I prayed at a vigil. When you realize you are praying for a friend who should be holding your hand during that prayer you break down. At that vigil I realized my friend was not coming back. No matter how hard I asked in my prayers I knew he was gone. I thought about the people who actually lost a son, brother, or bestfriend. How could a class work so hard to keep a prom promise yet still have an empty chair at graduation? I’ll never forget that vigil. Strangers crying on stranger. Even though we didn’t know each other  we all had something in common. We were mourning the same person.

Everytime I tell someone where I’m from I get a certain look. “You’re from New Britain? Oh.” I’ll never forget the time I wa telling someone about Issaac and the response received was “Well you should be use to things like happening since you’re from New Britain.” I didn’t know exactly what to say back. I just toned them out and thought about how everyone came together and got each other through this tragedy. We came together as a student body and a city. I remember everyone telling each other simple things like “I love you” and “stay safe”. It was nice to know we were all in it together.

Blog 5T

Organization Strategies 

1. Chronological Order
2. Order of Information
3. Topical/Thematic
4. Contrast --> Change 

Thesis Workshop

T= Analysis

t= story 

The pain from grief and mourning someone is the worst pain you can feel.

-Needs to be more argumentative.

Peer Suggestions

The experience of losing my friend and my grandfather this post summer taught me

... to continue moving forward to accomplish things they would both be proud of.

... to never take life for granted because anything can happen.

... strength can come from pain.

... always provede yourself with challenges..short life.

Faith Ford

Eng. 112

Feb. 10th, 2014

Outline

How Long Will They Mourn Me?

Death is a scary thing to think about. No one wants to lose someone they love or know. The pain from grief and mourning someone is the worst pain you can feel. You feel empty, alone, confused, angry, and so much more. "I wish it could've been another. How long will they mourn my brother?" This is something I ask myself all the time. Why do people lose to me have to be taken. It's hard to accept but it makes you stronger. Knowing that person gets to watch over you until you meet again is the best feeling ever.

This year past summer two people were taken away from this world. One was Issaac Smith. It was a sad time because Issaac was murdered 5 days before graduation. It was June 16th, 2013 the night of Father’s Day. It took everyone by surprise. Issaac was the boy in school that everyone loved. He just had a smile that made you smile. I was not his best friend but we had a bond. We both ran track. Every time I would prepare for the high jump he would be right there to cheer me on. It’s the simple things I remember.

Blog 4R

Peer Review is something that I have never been comfortable with. In this class it seems like something I should get use to. Usually when I'm revising someone essay I focus a lot of grammatical errors. I don't really like to critique people's papers because of there feelings. I know personally when I work really hard on something and someone tears it apart I feel offended. I forget that sometimes people are just trying to help you and give constructive criticism.                       

Some of the tips that were given in class such as,

• Be open minded 
• What you put in is what you get out
• Don't judge be a reader
• Highlight what work & what needs to be strengthened 

Being open minded and trying not to judge the reader will get you through the paper regardless of any opinions you agree or disagree with. Highlighting what needs to be stronger is a better way to suggest you need to do more work. Instead of tearing the paper apart sharing this will make the reader a ltttle more confident and not self conscious of there writing.

Blog 4T

Peer Review

Purpose: One step in the writing process and get feedback of your work.

-Revision

-Gain a different perspective --> Who knows the assignment

-Practice skills of reading 

-Gives some space (tunnel vision) > fresh eyes

-See other strategies/approaches/mistakes

Potential Cons

-Wrong advice

-People don't put time & effort 

-Too nice/Too mean

-Worried about feelings

-I can't comment/help because lack of skill

-Defensive because it's personal

Potential Pros

-More eyes on the paper

-Good feedback

-Groups working together everyone is equal/balance each other out

-Practice run

Tips 

1. Be respectful/constructive criticism
2. Be open minded
3. What you out in is what you get out
4. Don't judge be a reader
5. Highlight what work & what need to be strengthened
6. Ask questions, elaborate, expand
7. Description add details
8. Organization issues/ Repetition
9. Confusion
10. Thesis/Argument/Evidence
11. Read draft first/ Read 2nd time
12. Conversation writer has to be active

Autobiographical Mixtape 

1. I Won't Complain - Rev. Paul Jones

This song helped me deal with my Pop Pop's death. The song is basically talking about how we shouldn't focus on everything that's wrong in our lives because there's so much that's right. Something my mom always told me to do was to count my blessings. At that time my outlook on life was very negative since my friend had just got killed that summer. I did a liturgical dance to this song the Sunday before the funeral and surprisingly it was sung at his funeral. I always listen to this whenever I feel as though I'm complaining too much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ_V5Jdoy2g

2. Encourage Yourself - Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City singers

During my 8th grade year I was very insecure about my height. My mom listened to this song a lot since she was unemployed it was hard for her to not have something to do all the time. She was used to being a busy body. She also thought me and my dad felt different about her since she wasn't working. This song helped me and my mom stay encouraged. We helped each other through our trials. I always told her she could get any job she wanted to if she tried. Everyday she would tell me that my height makes me beautiful and that it's a blessing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y6BHfaUUYo

3. How Long Will They Mourn Me - Tupac Shakur

This song reminds me of my friend Issaac who was murdered this summer. In the song Nate Dogg says, " I wish it could've been another. How long will they mourn my brother." This is the question I asked myself while everyone was mourning. How long will this pain stay in my heart from loosing a friend. We all wish it could've been someone else he didn't deserve that.  During the song they are just speaking about how much they love their friend and reminiscing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjM8_WjzvA8

4. Sing About Me - Kendrick Lamar

This song is just a favorite. Although it speaks about how we should appreciate and remember people while they're with us. He also is talking about a young girl and how she's struggled in life. The system messed her up but she made it through. This could be a message to any young girl but the song honestly just makes me grateful for the life that I have. I know it's not perfect but there's always someone doing worse than you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtIr8k4eC7o

5. Only God Can Judge Me - Tupac Shakur 

A lot of people worry about what other people think about them. At the end of the day regardless of what I do I know only God Almighty can judge me. I use to worry myself so much that I gave myself anxiety problems. When I finally realized you can't please anyone and they find flaws in everything you do, you get sick of it. I am who I am and people are always going to talk. Tupac helped me realize this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh9S4vLDDOI

Blog 3R

In class we discussed the difference of reading for information and reading for critical thought. Reading for information is easy. It's something simple. While reading for critical thought takes a little longer. Our professor shared with us that everything you read, you should read twice. Once to get the gist of the story or essay and twice for really analyzing the text. 

My freshman year of high school my english teacher taught us techniques to use when annotating a text. There were six things that she recommended but I only remember three. Making connections, questioning the text, and vocabulary. Making connections to the text gets you familiar with the situations in the story. If you can identify with the writer than the text will flow. Questioning the text allows you to share your thoughts with someone else who might have understood what you didn't. Being familiar with the vocabulary allows you to understand the text a lot better. When you don't know a word in the text you should look it up and find out how you use it properly.

Critical reading just requires a little more thought than reading for information. Reading something twice won't kill you. In the end it will make you a stronger writer and reader.

Autobiographical Brain-storming

Characteristics/Traits of your Identity

• Observant
• Friendly
• Athletic
• Funny
• Over-Thoughtful

Influential People

• Tupac Amaru Shakur 
• Davika Ruiz
• Kevin Garnett
• Issaac Smith
• LeVerne Ford

Important Events

• Graduating High School
• Six Inch Growth Spurt
• Becoming All-State 
• Osgood Shootout
• Prom
• College Athletic

Times of Change

• Issaac Passing Away 
• Pop Pop's Funeral
• Moving into Dorm
• Mom Being Unemployed
• College Orientation

Blog 3T

Breaking apart a thesis statement:

College students have a higher chance of trying drugs and drinking alcohol because they like party.

• Make more assertive: will have a ...
• high/higher is company: will try
• more assertive: they will try drugs and alcohol
• more assertive: experiemnt
• more specific: they are influenced by their peers

Autobiography

1. Writing about self self=author
2. Story telling/narration
3. Example story to support argument or thesis

vs.

Biography

1. Someone else is writing for you
2. Plot summary/Context

Read Information

1. Context: Important ideas
2. Summarize: Main Idea
3. Key Terms/Concepts

vs.

Reading for Critical Reading

1. Ask questions 
2. Comments
3. Analyze Meaning
4. Respond

Thesis Homework

A. Indicate whether the following sentences would be acceptable thesis statements. If not, state why.


1. My commute to SCSU adds one hour each way onto my daily school schedule. 
This sentence is not considered a thesis statement. It does not state an argument. It also does not have a position on how the students feels about commuting. 

2. Students who must commute a long way to school are at a disadvantage compared to those who live nearby. 
This is a good thesis statement because it states the writers position.

3. In this paper, I will discuss why living on campus is the best option for college students.
This can be considered a thesis statement but it's a bad one. A thesis statement should be an interesting way to introduce the topic you're discussing. This thesis statement is too straight to the point. It's more like an announcement.

4. Schools should do more to encourage students to live on campus.
This thesis statement has potential. The student needs to say what schools can do to encourage students to live on campus. Giving a specific reason will make it better.

5. Alcohol and drug use are major problems among college students. 
This is not a good thesis statement. The writer needs to specify why drug and alcohol use is a major problem among college students.

6. Colleges have a lot of rules regarding drug and alcohol use.  
This thesis had potential but needs to elaborate on what rules they want to discuss. Also you do not know the writers position on the rules regarding drug and alcohol use.

7. Resident halls must take steps to enforce the rules regarding alcohol use in order to ensure the safety of their residents. 
This is a good thesis statement. The writer states their position on they think resident halls should do about alcohol use. They also state why they need to enforce the rules.

8. The New York Times has shown that underage drinking directly relates to lowered GPAs for college students, and therefore colleges should not allow this type of behavior on their campuses. 
This a good thesis statement

9. My essay will prove how detrimental underage drinking is for college students. 
This is a bad thesis statement. You shouldn't say that you're going to prove something but to just try and convince your audience.

B. Now write two good thesis statements, one on the topic of commuting vs. living on campus, one on the topic of drugs or alcohol and college students.

1. Southern should show students that living on campus let's you have a better college experience. Living on campus allows you to take advantage of more opportunities.

2. Colleges are too strict on drug and alcohol rules. In college students are finding themselves and are going to experiment although they are aware of the consequences. 

Homework Activity 6 (pg 19)

Dear high school graduate,

You did it! You've ended one chapter of our life to begin another. You're college to be in college! It happened so quick. Now you have to prepare yourself for some real work and adjustments. Yes you might have had good grades and good habits in high school but they might need to be increased at this higher level of learning. Don't be afraid of the work embrace it. In the end you will become better at what you're struggling and at what you already do good in.

A lot of the things teachers tell you are suppose just to scare you. But the thing thats true is all the reading and writing. You are expected to be a decent reader and writer but you can always get stronger. Always always and always ask questions. No question is a dumb question. Also listen tot the questions your peers ask they might say something important.

New ideas and styles will be introduced to you throughout college. Your writing may change or stay the same just to get stronger. Always ask to write a draft of your paper or even have a friend review it. Peer editing is always a good way to see flaws in your paper. You'll learn know vocabulary such as rhetoric. You'll learn how to analyze what you read. Alls these thing will come together once you understand them. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your professor is there to help not just teach.

Yes college sounds hard but with the work you put into it you'll get a lot out of it. In the end you will just become a stronger student and excel i everything you do.

Best Regards,

Faith Ford

Homework Activity 1 (pg 2)

Exploring Your Mind of Habits

1. What sparked you interest in the first place?

The spark that first interested me was thinking of myself as becoming a better writer. I am a social work major so I will have to write reports. When writing these reports I want to sound professional and well put together. Also I want to read more so I can expand my vocabulary and know how to use the word correctly. I know this course can help me fulfill these things. Also it is a requirement for my major and I need to get a decent grade in this class.

2. What questions did you initially have?

Are there blogs in this class?

How much do I have to write?

Will I become a better writer?

Will can transitions and thesis statement improve?

Will the work I put on this class pay off throughout my college career?

3. How did your questions evolve as you learned more?

My questions were out of nerves. Entering a new class is always an anxious event. Although since I knew my professor I knew I would have to work for a good grade. Being in class has showed me that she is actually going to break things down for us and answer our questions with no problem. So my questions are pretty much gone.

4. How did you go about finding the answers to your questions?

Finding out the answers to my questions was actually the easy part. Reading the syllabus answered a lot of my questions. Listening to others ask questions and asking questions myself. Just taking notes and asking peers about assignments helped out a lot.

5. How did the answers you found lead to further questioning or additional research?

The only additional research was setting up a meeting with my professor to get anything I missed because I did have questions about what to do nut everything was answered. All my questions were answered but there will be more throughout the semester.

Blog 2R

Although I missed an English class I am now caught up on most of the information that was given. The class I missed discussed essay format and how there is a difference between college and high school level writing. In middle school you learn a simple 5 paragraph essay structure. There are introduction, three body, and a conclusion paragraphs. College writing of course is the same structure just more detailed. You learn organize what goes into these paragraphs.

In the introduction you learn that you need to catch the reader's attention. You need hook, topic, and thesis statement. In the body paragraphs you need topic sentences and transition to make the essay flow. In the conclusion you need to restate your thesis and topics. There's so much more to a college level essay.

Thinking about my college level writing I know it needs a lot of work. The introduction is the hardest thing for me. I have never been good at writing thesis statements and that is something we talked about in class this Thursday. Thesis statements are like my kryptonite. This semester I plan on making them a strong point in my essay. So I plan to take advantage of the time we spend working on thesis statements.

Blog 2T

Purpose for Writing

• Persuasion, research, emotional literary writing
• To use it in the real world 
• To teach, communicate
• Entertain
• Provide information
• Job requirement 
• Take notes
• Description to extend an invitation

________________________________________________________________

Introduction

1. Engage reader "the hook"

2. Topic -> What's it about? Introduce/Explain/Describe

3. Context...Invite readers in!

4. Thesis Statement -> YOUR position, defending your topic (1-2 sentences)

Body Section

1. 2-6 paragraphs 

2. Support/evidence

3. Topic

   a) importance

   b) strength

   c) chronologically 

   d) point/counterpoint 

4. Topic sentence

   a) main idea

   b) transition

   c) places of evidence

   d) comment

   e) ending sentence->going back to connect overall thesis

Conclusion

1. 1-2 paragraphs

2. Wrapping up argument

3. Reinforce main idea to reader 

4. Leave reader with something to think about

Blog 1R

Going into English 112 I'm pretty nervous. Although I'm nervous about the writing I know I'm going to become a better writer. I am really looking forward to that. English has always been my go to subject. Essays are my comfort spot but I know I can write a lot better than I do currently. 

Some things that I want to improve as a writer are my vocabulary, writing style, and thesis statements. Those are three things I have always struggles with while writing. Also when Im reading I would like to be able to try and read between the lines. I was never one to pick apart something and look deep into it. I just read and comprehend never pick apart.

To better myself in reading and writing during the semester I can't be afraid to make mistakes. Although  I want to play it safe and stay in my comfort zone I own't be able to better my writing. I have to try and get better. Also throughout the semester I want to try and read more. Being an athlete I feel as though I never have time to read. I know if I read more I'll learn more. When ever I read I always learn new words and try to get a deeper meaning than what is actually written on the page.

I am looking forward to this class this semester. I just know I have to be ready and willing to put in the work.

Blog 1T

1. Connection between reading and writing

• Comprehend what you're reading
• Expands vocabulary
• Develops style 
• Grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc

2. Characteristics of strong effective interesting writing

• Knowing your target audience
• Vocabulary
• Fluency 
• Visualization, imagination

3. Why should college students practice writing and reading skills?

• Need to know how to read and write
• Career
• More knowledge

Academic Habits of Mind

1. Curiosity: The desire to ask proactive questions.

• Ask questions while you read and write (Audience & Purpose)

2. Rhetorical Sensitivity: The understanding of purposes motivating writers and reading... (pg 1)

• Understanding the writing situations
• Reason why writing/convention

3. Critical Analysis: Looking for some specific in your reading/ something beyond the surface

• Implicit= Implied 
• Reading beyond what the material is
• Structure... Why? Why writer? Who disagrees or agrees? What can I do with this?

4. Civility: Accept other ideas

• Respectful to ideas
• Multiple perspectives