Passage A
1Did you know that until May 5 of every year, you are not really working for yourself?
2A group in Washington, D.C., has learned that it takes workers an average of four months and four days to earn enough to pay thier taxes.
3The group found in its study that taxes eat up 34 percent of all the income in the United States.
4So, if workers used thier entire income for taxes, they would not be through paying them until May.
5Since May 5 is the first day people really work for themselves, the study group has some advice.
6It would be like a bill passed naming May 5 “Tax Freedom Day.”
7On that day, you would give yourself a break, regardless of how hard you worked.
8therefore, from May 5 on, you would finally be your own boss.
Passage B
1Did you ever daydream about writing your life story?
2Do you think that your life is too dull, or that you can’t write?
3Anyone’s life story is filled with fascinating events, and writing them down is the best way you know you can give yourself a sense of accomplishment and, perhaps, leave a valuable inheritance to your family.
4The first thing to do is to buy a loose-leaf notebook.
5Each page of the book should be titled with a significant milestone of your life—from your first dog to your proudest moment.
6You should then jot down a few key words in the book whenever a memory comes back to you. 7The idea is not to begin with “I was born . . .” and try to write a chronological history of your whole life.
8Just delve into your past at random; one memory will trigger another.
9It will become quite easy after a while.
10It is also important to write in your own language.
11Plain, honest writing is the goal.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
1. That singer, whoever he is, really knows how to sing the blues.
2. The woman, sitting at the back table is a well-known restaurant reviewer.
3. When conditions are right, that horse can run just like its father.
4. His four favorite artists are Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Manet.
5. Let Warren and Andrea, our most skillful speakers, present our proposal.
6. Long regarded as a leading newspaper, the Washington Post boasts an outstanding staff of reporters.
7. Slowly, slyly, and cautiously, Eric slid the wallet across the table.
8. What we need is creative leadership, leadership that will encourage experimentation.
9. During high school, he read Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, and Hamlet.
10. Song of Solomon, I believe, is the professor’s favorite.
11. I believe that should the eggs break, we will have a mess.
12. Sometimes I think that people are extremely foolish.
13. I believe that a computer breakdown is a common excuse for late papers.
14. The elephant, that stands on the drum is Maggie.
15. The elephant, which is a hard worker and a talented performer, is found in most zoos and circuses.
Commas 2 -Insert all necessary commas into the following sentences:
1. Heeding all too well the admonition of Genesis 1:26, man has clearly established dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and all the earth.
2. In fact, man has gone far toward destroying all members of the animal kingdom, including of course himself.
3. In the last 150 years, man has increased his extermination of mammals alone by fifty-five-fold, and if the killing continues at the present rate man may well destroy all 4062 species of mammals within thirty years.
4. Even today, there are 835 endangered species, with more being added each year.
5. In India, where 40000 tigers roamed in 1930, there are now only 2500 left, and the lion population, currently estimated at 175, has been depleted even more severely.
6. Australia, a land of energetic sports-minded individuals, has treated its animal population no better than India has.
7. Consequently, animals like the kangaroo, for which Australia is famous are fast disappearing as are koala bears, Tasmanian wolves, and emus.
8. Because Australians were not concerned about their wildlife, in 1930 the government machine-gunned 20000 emus at one time.
9. In the United States, too, several species of wildlife have disappeared and many others are close to extinction.
10. The Eastern elk and the passenger pigeon once so plentiful in this country are now forever gone.
11. Other animals such as the alligator, the Southern Bald eagle, and the ivory-billed woodpecker may be fated to join the growing list of species we will see no more.
12. Although alligators are protected by law, men continue to kill them for their skins, only the belly portion of which are used.
13. As long as Americans want their expensive alligator belts, handbags, and shoes, the poachers will continue to supply the skins.
14. The profit motive of course has led to the wholesale slaughter of animals like the alligator and the tiger, but many other animals have been killed for whim or pleasure.
More Parallelism
We were dirty, hungry, and penniless.
My roommate liked to repair things around the house and do his own cooking.
During the day, we went on long hikes, rowed around the lake, or just had leisure time.
She returned to pay the rent and to pick up some of her things she had left.
Two things that I found hard to learn as a freshman were to get enough sleep and to trim expenses.
He asked me about my courses and where I was planning to be next year.
The doctor said that I should rest and not get excited or upset.
Hitler’s followers considered other nations to be racially inferior and to be fit only for slave labor.
The best way to combat juvenile delinquency is not to set up more social agencies but to restore old-fashioned discipline in the home.
The book told how to build a gun cabinet, how to build a bookcase, and how to make all types of furniture.
When I was a member of the basketball team, everyone met me with a happy smile, made lively conversation, and invited me to many parties.
Fires, caused by unheeding persons, have destroyed valuable forests and haved thereby decreased our lumber resources.
In basketball, there is never a dull moment, any team can win, and it is a fine display of teamwork.
My parents liked peace and quiet and relaxing in the evening at home.
Esther is a helpful person who makes friends easily.
Yosemite is a park with spectacular scenery, and has half-tame bears.
My friends were always going off to jog in the park or play a game of tennis.
The manager asked me to file an application and to leave my number.
We went to rallies to protest against pesticides, oppose nuclear power, or support other current causes.
My roommate was a smart dresser, a good student, and an excellent speaker.
2. The woman, sitting at the back table is a well-known restaurant reviewer.
3. When conditions are right, that horse can run just like its father.
4. His four favorite artists are Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Manet.
5. Let Warren and Andrea, our most skillful speakers, present our proposal.
6. Long regarded as a leading newspaper, the Washington Post boasts an outstanding staff of reporters.
7. Slowly, slyly, and cautiously, Eric slid the wallet across the table.
8. What we need is creative leadership, leadership that will encourage experimentation.
9. During high school, he read Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, and Hamlet.
10. Song of Solomon, I believe, is the professor’s favorite.
11. I believe that should the eggs break, we will have a mess.
12. Sometimes I think that people are extremely foolish.
13. I believe that a computer breakdown is a common excuse for late papers.
14. The elephant, that stands on the drum is Maggie.
15. The elephant, which is a hard worker and a talented performer, is found in most zoos and circuses.
Commas 2 -Insert all necessary commas into the following sentences:
1. Heeding all too well the admonition of Genesis 1:26, man has clearly established dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and all the earth.
2. In fact, man has gone far toward destroying all members of the animal kingdom, including of course himself.
3. In the last 150 years, man has increased his extermination of mammals alone by fifty-five-fold, and if the killing continues at the present rate man may well destroy all 4062 species of mammals within thirty years.
4. Even today, there are 835 endangered species, with more being added each year.
5. In India, where 40000 tigers roamed in 1930, there are now only 2500 left, and the lion population, currently estimated at 175, has been depleted even more severely.
6. Australia, a land of energetic sports-minded individuals, has treated its animal population no better than India has.
7. Consequently, animals like the kangaroo, for which Australia is famous are fast disappearing as are koala bears, Tasmanian wolves, and emus.
8. Because Australians were not concerned about their wildlife, in 1930 the government machine-gunned 20000 emus at one time.
9. In the United States, too, several species of wildlife have disappeared and many others are close to extinction.
10. The Eastern elk and the passenger pigeon once so plentiful in this country are now forever gone.
11. Other animals such as the alligator, the Southern Bald eagle, and the ivory-billed woodpecker may be fated to join the growing list of species we will see no more.
12. Although alligators are protected by law, men continue to kill them for their skins, only the belly portion of which are used.
13. As long as Americans want their expensive alligator belts, handbags, and shoes, the poachers will continue to supply the skins.
14. The profit motive of course has led to the wholesale slaughter of animals like the alligator and the tiger, but many other animals have been killed for whim or pleasure.
More Parallelism
We were dirty, hungry, and penniless.
My roommate liked to repair things around the house and do his own cooking.
During the day, we went on long hikes, rowed around the lake, or just had leisure time.
She returned to pay the rent and to pick up some of her things she had left.
Two things that I found hard to learn as a freshman were to get enough sleep and to trim expenses.
He asked me about my courses and where I was planning to be next year.
The doctor said that I should rest and not get excited or upset.
Hitler’s followers considered other nations to be racially inferior and to be fit only for slave labor.
The best way to combat juvenile delinquency is not to set up more social agencies but to restore old-fashioned discipline in the home.
The book told how to build a gun cabinet, how to build a bookcase, and how to make all types of furniture.
When I was a member of the basketball team, everyone met me with a happy smile, made lively conversation, and invited me to many parties.
Fires, caused by unheeding persons, have destroyed valuable forests and haved thereby decreased our lumber resources.
In basketball, there is never a dull moment, any team can win, and it is a fine display of teamwork.
My parents liked peace and quiet and relaxing in the evening at home.
Esther is a helpful person who makes friends easily.
Yosemite is a park with spectacular scenery, and has half-tame bears.
My friends were always going off to jog in the park or play a game of tennis.
The manager asked me to file an application and to leave my number.
We went to rallies to protest against pesticides, oppose nuclear power, or support other current causes.
My roommate was a smart dresser, a good student, and an excellent speaker.
Monday, April 6, 2009
I don't think you should go out with him. I heard that he doesn't have a job and that he just broke up with his long-term girlfriend. Therefore, he wouldn't be able to support you financially and may rely on you for help with money. Since he just broke up with his long-term girlfriend he might not be over her which means he would not be able to support you emotionally either. He will most likely still have feelings for her so he would not be a good person to start a relationship with.
Race is still an important consideration in American politics today. I recently heard President Bush speak about hate crimes in schools. If there are hate crimes in schools obviously race issues are being passed down to younger generations. Because they are in schools means kids are not learning tolerance for differences in race. Since President Bush gave a speech about the issue it is still releveant.
Argumentative essays are meant to show your views and opinions and sway your reader to the side you have taken. My essay took an obvious side but it just listed why capital punishment should be abolished. I should have expanded on the reasons why it should be abolished. My essay should have contained more on the different opinions on capital punishment including mine. It should have offered more facts and reasons that would sway the reader to my side.
Race is still an important consideration in American politics today. I recently heard President Bush speak about hate crimes in schools. If there are hate crimes in schools obviously race issues are being passed down to younger generations. Because they are in schools means kids are not learning tolerance for differences in race. Since President Bush gave a speech about the issue it is still releveant.
Argumentative essays are meant to show your views and opinions and sway your reader to the side you have taken. My essay took an obvious side but it just listed why capital punishment should be abolished. I should have expanded on the reasons why it should be abolished. My essay should have contained more on the different opinions on capital punishment including mine. It should have offered more facts and reasons that would sway the reader to my side.
In Class
Our notion that only poets and novelists have to write is unrealistic. Many of us foolishly object to taking courses in writing. Students going into technical or scientific fields may think that writing is something they seldom have to do. However, Practicing engineers and scientists say they spend half thier time writing memos and reports. College students going into business think thier secretaries will do thier writing for them. This attitude shows a naive faith in the competency of thier secretaries. Besides, young business people seldom have private secretaries. Other things being equal, a person in any field who can express ideas clearly is sure to succeed.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
topic proposal-proposal argument
I am taking a global approach to my argument. The type of argument I plan on using is proposal where I will answer the question “How should we deal with School Safety?” The problem I will be discussing in the paper is School Safety. Our nation’s schools are plagued with violence and there are steps that need to be taken to ensure children a safe school day. Almost everyone in the country is all too familiar with the Columbine and Virginia Tech tragedies. Unfortunately, they are only the basis of the problem. Everyday children go to school in fear of their fellow students. Bullying has been taken to an extreme in some neighborhoods and the threats have made their way into schools menacing the importance of education. While some believe that approaches taken to school safety are too much there is indeed a need for stronger security in schools.
The solution is plentiful; there is a variety of ways in which the problem can be solved. One of the first steps toward safety is educating faculty and students on how to be aware of warning signs and how to deal with them. There is of course a need for specific emergency plans regarding intruders, threats, and actual violence. The main key to the solution of this problem is preparedness. This solution is justified in its outcome. We live in a world plagued by violence and aggression and fixing the problem of hostility in schools is one way to teach the world’s youth a more peaceful way of dealing with violent situations. If we can teach our youth to live a more harmonious lifestyle we are creating a future of harmony.
The viewpoint I am using from my exploratory paper is the idea of furthering school safety. The sources I can use from my exploratory paper are: Brunner, Judy M. Safe and secure schools 27 strategies for prevention and intervention. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Corwin P, 2009., Kerr, Mary Margaret. School Crisis Prevention and Intervention. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2008., NASP Resources Helping Children Achieve Thier Best. At Home. In School. In LIfe. 1 Mar. 2009 ., Trump, Kenneth S. Classroom Killers? Hallway Hostages? How Schools Can Prevent and Manage School Crises. New York: Corwin P, 2000. My only concern for this paper is providing enough information on how to correctly solve the problem. I hope to be able to supply the reader with helpful tips toward the solution.
The solution is plentiful; there is a variety of ways in which the problem can be solved. One of the first steps toward safety is educating faculty and students on how to be aware of warning signs and how to deal with them. There is of course a need for specific emergency plans regarding intruders, threats, and actual violence. The main key to the solution of this problem is preparedness. This solution is justified in its outcome. We live in a world plagued by violence and aggression and fixing the problem of hostility in schools is one way to teach the world’s youth a more peaceful way of dealing with violent situations. If we can teach our youth to live a more harmonious lifestyle we are creating a future of harmony.
The viewpoint I am using from my exploratory paper is the idea of furthering school safety. The sources I can use from my exploratory paper are: Brunner, Judy M. Safe and secure schools 27 strategies for prevention and intervention. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Corwin P, 2009., Kerr, Mary Margaret. School Crisis Prevention and Intervention. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2008., NASP Resources Helping Children Achieve Thier Best. At Home. In School. In LIfe. 1 Mar. 2009 ., Trump, Kenneth S. Classroom Killers? Hallway Hostages? How Schools Can Prevent and Manage School Crises. New York: Corwin P, 2000. My only concern for this paper is providing enough information on how to correctly solve the problem. I hope to be able to supply the reader with helpful tips toward the solution.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Campus Issue
One thing I would like to change about the way the campus operates is the meal plan and dining hours. I don't like that I can only use my meal plan in specific hours. Sometimes it does not fit my schedule to eat breakfast before eleven or lunch before four. I think you should be able to use two meal plans in selected dining hours. I usually have leftover meal plans at the end of the week so it is frustrating not to be able to help a friend who forgot thier carolina card and can't eat when I have free meal plans for them to use. Also, it is very frustrating when I have my heart set on a particular meal and I can't get it because I am too late and it has already closed. In my opinion, some of the food places close to early for college students. Hardly anything is open on the weekends which makes it frustrating to make the walk from Bates to Russell only to find few selections. Not to say that dining places should be open 24/7 but I do think they should be more accomadating to the college students they are serving.
free write
Having been educated in a Catholic school for over twelve years I learned more about the topic of abortion then I cared to. Almost everyday was a lecture on why it was wrong and the terrible effects that come from it. In high school I sat through countless assemblies on videos of actual abortions taking place and I felt brainwashed into believing a certain way on the issue. For so long I was against abortion and couldn't understand why anyone would get on if there were other options. However, in high school I had two experiences that changed the way I viewed abortion and the people that choose to have them. The first was in Theology class freshmen year when a guest speaker came to talk about her abortion and how it negatively affected her life and the regret and pain that followed it. Hearing her story of how she got pregnant and her fears of having the baby I understood why she did what she did and couldn't find much reason to condemn her for it. The second experience was with a friend who thought she might be pregant. We were seventeen and I remember thinking to myself if I was in her position I don't know if I could be a strong enough person to follow through with having the baby. These experiences opened my mind to the possibility that the issue was not as one sided as I had been taught.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Short Writing Assignment #11
Even though most of these articles come from the same source they do not hold the same level of credibility in a research paper because some are generally opinion based. The first two articles “Four Corners Best Answer on Homeless” and “Homeless situation Has No Easy Answers” are extremely short and provide only the opinion of the author. While they introduce they issue they are discussing they do not provide any detailed background information that could support a scholarly research paper to the fullest extent. With their minimal credibility these particular articles could be used to help convey the idea in the paper and give it a variety of source information. They cannot provide solid evidence to the topic. The last two “Opposition to Shelter Rises” and “What Did Not Work: Effort to Centralize Homeless Services” offer the reader an in depth analysis of the issue and what is being done and what has been done to resolve it. “Opposition to Shelter Rises” combines the use of quotes from locals explaining why they do not want the homeless shelter in their neighborhood and facts about the issue to become a credible source in a scholarly research paper. “One-Stop Homeless Center on Meeting Agenda Today” gives a thorough examination of the issue on homelessness and provides solid specifics as to why it has gotten worse and recommendation on how to improve it. The facts and use of City Council ideas and opinions makes this article very credible when writing a research paper. Credibility in an article can be found not only its origin but in its content. If they content is merely opinionated and does not give facts on the topic it is most likely not a credible source to use in a research paper unless using it to further a point.
Monday, March 16, 2009
In Class Writing
The first article, Columbia Council Should Support Mission, Homeless, is effective in anaylzing the situation in a rhetorical manner. It provides evidence and claims as to why the problem is ongoing. Its use of examples gives the reader insight into why there is a problem in City Council regarding the homeless. The editorial offers support to thier claims with personal opinions and evidence. While the other editorials are effective in thier rhetorical analysis of the homeless issue they use other groups of people to demonstrate thier point. The second article focuses on the treatment of the Somali Banutu's and the third concerns the productivity of local buisnesses and thier part in the homeless issue. I think the first is the most effective because of its clear focus on why Columbia City Council denied Oliver Gospel Mission's request to have property rezoned and its effect on the homeless. It focuses on the topic and paints a full picture of the problem to the reader.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Short Writing Assignment #10
The three editorials are all very similar in their approach. All three are focused on promoting a change in the city’s homeless shelters. Each employs a similar style of supporting their factual evidence with ways of furthering the audience’s emotional response to the subject. The articles all center on helping the homeless. They focus on the aspects of what has happened in the past and why city council men have not accepted the change.
The first article informs the audience about Columbia City Council’s denial of Oliver Gospel Mission’s request to have property rezoned in order to relocate. The issue in question is the neighbors’ complaints of the shelter moving to the warehouse on Barnwell Street. The first article also determines the judgment of visitors to the city of Columbia based on the treatment of the homeless. It identifies the city Council’s flaw of seeking perfection in a place for the homeless shelter.
The second article combines the well being of Columbia’s homeless as well as the 120 Somali Bantus. The city has placed emphasis on supporting the Bantus while many of the city’s own are not being given the same. There is more attention on Oliver Gospel Mission in the second article and its hope for revival.
The third article offers more hope for the treatment of the homeless. Other organizations in the city such as Four Corners and The Salvation Army are presented as alternative help in this article. There is more focus on the business aspect of the organizations other then responsibility of just the City Council. It discusses the businesses hope of coming together to fight the cause.
While all three articles share the same outlook on the situation they find subtle ways to approach it differently. The first article informs while the second brings in another group of people in need to encourage support and the third talks of the local business owners’ way of reaching out. The rhetorical aspects of each article are subtle yet relevant to the cause and the editorials.
The first article informs the audience about Columbia City Council’s denial of Oliver Gospel Mission’s request to have property rezoned in order to relocate. The issue in question is the neighbors’ complaints of the shelter moving to the warehouse on Barnwell Street. The first article also determines the judgment of visitors to the city of Columbia based on the treatment of the homeless. It identifies the city Council’s flaw of seeking perfection in a place for the homeless shelter.
The second article combines the well being of Columbia’s homeless as well as the 120 Somali Bantus. The city has placed emphasis on supporting the Bantus while many of the city’s own are not being given the same. There is more attention on Oliver Gospel Mission in the second article and its hope for revival.
The third article offers more hope for the treatment of the homeless. Other organizations in the city such as Four Corners and The Salvation Army are presented as alternative help in this article. There is more focus on the business aspect of the organizations other then responsibility of just the City Council. It discusses the businesses hope of coming together to fight the cause.
While all three articles share the same outlook on the situation they find subtle ways to approach it differently. The first article informs while the second brings in another group of people in need to encourage support and the third talks of the local business owners’ way of reaching out. The rhetorical aspects of each article are subtle yet relevant to the cause and the editorials.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Short Writing Assignment #9
Since Gail Williamson’s has a child with Down syndrome it is easy to assume that she believes the word “retard” to be hate speech. It is sad to know that people with Down syndrome can be hurt by a simple word that often people use in light context. Whether the word is used unknowingly by kids on the school yard or by adults who fully understand what they are saying and choose to say it anyway, the word is still hurtful to those with Down syndrome. People should take a stand and work to remove the word from the media. Like Williamson’s says people with these types of disabilities don’t belong to a certain type of culture such as homosexuals. There needs to be a public stand taken against the word. Society needs to come together to fight the use of the word in movies and television because its continual use in the media will only foster more usage of the word.
However, sometimes a word is just a word. When kids use the term in describing something they maybe don’t like or something they think is lame or goofy they aren’t coinciding the term with the actual disability. Like the author said fourth graders often use the word on the playground. Maybe young kids don’t even know that the term “retard” is associated with people with Down syndrome. Perhaps they have grown up hearing the word as an adjective rather than a derogatory expression for those with a disability. I often find myself using the word, and when I catch myself I sometimes feel a pang of guilt but then I remember, I don’t use the word with the intention of hurting those with Down syndrome. In fact, when I use the word I often don’t even associate it with those with a disability. In some cases a word truly is just a word and most people don’t use it with malicious intent.
However, sometimes a word is just a word. When kids use the term in describing something they maybe don’t like or something they think is lame or goofy they aren’t coinciding the term with the actual disability. Like the author said fourth graders often use the word on the playground. Maybe young kids don’t even know that the term “retard” is associated with people with Down syndrome. Perhaps they have grown up hearing the word as an adjective rather than a derogatory expression for those with a disability. I often find myself using the word, and when I catch myself I sometimes feel a pang of guilt but then I remember, I don’t use the word with the intention of hurting those with Down syndrome. In fact, when I use the word I often don’t even associate it with those with a disability. In some cases a word truly is just a word and most people don’t use it with malicious intent.
Monday, March 2, 2009
The Controversy behind Barbie
The issue in this exploratory paper is the controversy over Barbie. The controversy deals with what the Barbie doll represents. Over the years people have debated over whether or not Barbie is a suitable toy for young girls to play with because they feel it promotes poor body image. Since Barbie is a popular doll for children to play with and it has been since 1959. This leaves society with Barbie supporters and those who are anti-Barbie. The parts of the rhetorical situation that can be found in this paper are the three differing perspecitves. The author breaks the paper down into the perspectives of those who are anti-Barbie, Barbie supporters, and Barbie moderates. Those who are anti-Barbie argue feminism and the fact that Barbie promotes the importance of clothes and physical appearance. The supporters of Barbie say that Barbie is a fun part of growing up and a tradtion from the start. Those who are moderates on the issue believe Barbie is a scapegoat and that the doll cannot be blamed for all poor self esteem issues. The author explores all aspects of the controversy over the topic. The author is informing the audience, who is mainly anyone interested in the Barbie controversy, on the issue. Constraints of the paper could be the veiws of feminism and tradition. Barbie dolls have been around for a long time and have become part of the childhood experience for young girls. The author reveals herself to be a Barbie moderate. The author feels the issue is more complicated then good or bad.
In Class Writing
The most interesting thing I found while researching for my bibliography was an article I came across in current news. The article was a follow up on a previous editorial that recieved alot of feedback. The article was about safety in schools and the various forms of disciplines that administrators use. Many parents and local NYPD officials responded to the article because they were not pleased with the current handling of safety in schools. I found the editorial very interestnig because it showed many different sides to the issue of school safety. It showed teachers fearing violent students and therefore leaving an unstable atmosphere in the classroom. Much of school safety issues have to deal with violence among students such as the worry of students carrying guns, or threats. This article showed the view of teachers not knowing how to discipline students they fear because of potential law suits.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Annotated Bibliography
Annotated Bibliography
Classroom Killers? Hallway Hostages?
After a string of school tragedies in the late 1990’s Kenneth S. Trump decided to evaluate the meaning of these tragedies and examine what was being done to prevent future ones from occurring. The author is President and CEO of Natinoal School Safety and Security Services, therefore he can approach the issue of school safety with particular skills in the area. He explores the many ways in which schools can manage and prevent crisis’s from happening in the first place. Trump provides specific examples and precautions that can be taken in order to do this. This book is a guideline for school administrations that educates in an attempt to prevent crisis in schools.
I see Trump’s proposals to school safety as educated and informative. I feel he concluded with a well written how to guide that has the potential to change the safety issue in schools. I will use this book in my paper to show the specific approaches that can be taken. It will be helpful in presenting all aspects of the effects of school safety procedures. I will use this to further examine all the possible outcomes that can be avoided and helped in regards to student protection.
What Schools Ban and Why
Schools ban certain things for the well being of their students. Whether it is religion, websites, music, weapons, or books schools have their reasons for banning certain items on campus. School administrations do this to protect their students and insure that they receive the quality education they will need to survive in life. Proposal to ban things usually leads to controversy from the student body and even parents alike. The purpose of this book is to examine the ways in which particular bans spark controversy despite their intention of well being for the students. As the title suggests the author attempts to answer two questions. What is being banned and what kind of controversy will unfold surrounding the ban?
In researching school safety and the controversy that follows it I have noticed similar findings. The author attempts to provide a reason for the arguments that follow bans in schools. It is interesting to explore the other side of school safety. The side that hinders its existence in the form of protest and students rights. The book shows the reasoning behind some of the most common safety bans. I will use this in my paper to show the other side of school safety and the forces that make it somewhat difficult to fully advance. This book can be used to show the contrasting views in school safety circumstances.
Safe and Secure Schools: 27 Strategies for Prevention and Intervention
This book is directed towards School administrations in need of safer programs. It provides cost efficient ways that can help schools form a safer environment for its students. Brunner and Lewis use their combined experience in School administrations and law enforcements to inform schools how to make a friendly, welcoming environment that is secure for its students. This handbook provides practical strategies to help in forming safety committees, and creating security checklists and visitor screening procedures. It includes separate sections on staff training in areas that will help foster healthy mindsets for students.
This book offers relatable exercises that are doable by almost all types of school administrations. The fact that the authors come from law enforcement and school administration backgrounds makes the methods they suggest seem more accessible. This book will be useful in writing my paper because it will provide certain strategies that can be used in furthering safety in schools. The foreword of the book explains the unfortunate happenings such as the Columbine tragedy which shows the cause and effect aspect of this particular book.
School Crisis Prevention and Intervention
Mary Margaret Kerr answers the question “What can you do to prepare for potential crisis in your school?” While this book offers prevention strategies it also focuses on what to do if an actual tragedy strikes your school. The author decided to write this book after working at a school where as many as three death threats in surfaced in one week. While she writes to help schools avoid these types of incidents, she also writes to make sure that schools are prepared pending an actual crisis. She researches ways to help students get through these tragedies in the aftermath and help direct them back on the right education track. The book features case studies and discussion and application questions that offer reflection. The author provides a different type of help then just prevention; she provides preparation help which is equally as important in the face of school safety.
This book will be supportive in my paper because it will research the question of why school safety is so important. This is a main factor in the issue of school safety because it is the tragedies that unfold that raise the need for safety laws and regulations in schools. The question why is the beginning stage of the papers exploration into the realm of school safety.
Campus Security Situation Crime Prevention in High-Density Environment
This book was written in response to the United States public concern over violence on college campuses. It is mainly a survey of the campus safety at Temple University. Topics covered in this book are the level of crime on campuses, campus community within its setting, development of campus security systems. It also includes preventative measures, victimization surveys, perception of crime on campus and high definition geographic information systems. The authors of the book research the areas of where and when crime happens on campus. It studies numerous different colleges throughout the nation and researches their individual crime statistics. It studies campuses within its settings and other situational circumstances that surround certain crimes.
I will use this book to show statistics around national college campuses regarding campus safety and crime prevention. This book helps provide concrete evidence of the escalating violence surrounding schools. The points of view represented by the authors will support variety of the subject. The title insists upon situational crime prevention, therefore the use of this book will be to verify whether some school violence is situational or thought provoked.
Safe Schools: Crisis Prevention and Response
Written by a principal whose school and community went through several tragedies in one year this book offers advice on how to handle school violence. The book is created to teach administrators how to be prepared for crisis. It handles a step-by-step preparedness evaluation for school leaders so they know just how prepared their schools are. The author, Wanko, is a proactive leader who shares support and insight into the area of safety in schools. The book is designed to supply administrators with enough information to develop safety plans of their own. The author uses this book as an outlet for his own personal feelings towards the crimes that underwent his school. It is a helpful tool in establishing a safer environment for education.
This book handles the different forms of school crimes and what to do in the event of them. It is useful in seeking out particular forms of school safety and the effects of each type of crime that can plague a school. I will use this in my paper to show the various forms of safety precautions taken, or not taken by schools and what their impact is on the student body.
School safety debate hits a nerve - and demands action
In this editorial Errol Lewis writes a follow up to a previous article regarding safety in schools. Many readers, such as parents and teachers wrote to him with concerns for the issue. Most parents wrote in and said they felt the school systems were failing the students in safety and nothing was being done about it. Even former deputy chiefs in NYPD weighed in to advertise the problem of teachers in fear of disciplining their students because they are scared of their students. This brings about another aspect of school safety. When the teacher is afraid of his or her students how can they discipline and teach? It becomes the fear of law suits that stop some teachers from disciplining in ways children may need. The article explores different aspects of school safety that are sometimes taboo.
This article is important to my paper because it contributes another aspect of school safety. It shows the side of teachers fearing their students. For instance, when students become out of control not necessarily to harm others but to gain control in the educational environment. This brings another point to my paper. It shows the side of school safety often unseen in suburban settings but a vital part of school safety. A new view of school safety is seen in this article.
NASP Resources
This is a free website that helps children deal with unsettling events. A major topic presented is school safety and violence prevention. The website narrows down the topic into subcategories that deal specifically with the issue at hand. It provides tips for parents and teachers on how to talk to children on such traumatic events. It supports early warning signs and safeguarding the children. There is information on bullying due to the fact that bullying often leads to some form of school violence. There are tips on creating a safer school building and threat assessments. The website offers fact sheets, book reviews, links to school psychology centers and professional training.
This website will provide my paper with a parent’s view of school violence and safety precautions. The helpful resources provided by the website will inform my paper of specific facts and safety measures that can be taken in order to develop a safer place to learn.
Classroom Killers? Hallway Hostages?
After a string of school tragedies in the late 1990’s Kenneth S. Trump decided to evaluate the meaning of these tragedies and examine what was being done to prevent future ones from occurring. The author is President and CEO of Natinoal School Safety and Security Services, therefore he can approach the issue of school safety with particular skills in the area. He explores the many ways in which schools can manage and prevent crisis’s from happening in the first place. Trump provides specific examples and precautions that can be taken in order to do this. This book is a guideline for school administrations that educates in an attempt to prevent crisis in schools.
I see Trump’s proposals to school safety as educated and informative. I feel he concluded with a well written how to guide that has the potential to change the safety issue in schools. I will use this book in my paper to show the specific approaches that can be taken. It will be helpful in presenting all aspects of the effects of school safety procedures. I will use this to further examine all the possible outcomes that can be avoided and helped in regards to student protection.
What Schools Ban and Why
Schools ban certain things for the well being of their students. Whether it is religion, websites, music, weapons, or books schools have their reasons for banning certain items on campus. School administrations do this to protect their students and insure that they receive the quality education they will need to survive in life. Proposal to ban things usually leads to controversy from the student body and even parents alike. The purpose of this book is to examine the ways in which particular bans spark controversy despite their intention of well being for the students. As the title suggests the author attempts to answer two questions. What is being banned and what kind of controversy will unfold surrounding the ban?
In researching school safety and the controversy that follows it I have noticed similar findings. The author attempts to provide a reason for the arguments that follow bans in schools. It is interesting to explore the other side of school safety. The side that hinders its existence in the form of protest and students rights. The book shows the reasoning behind some of the most common safety bans. I will use this in my paper to show the other side of school safety and the forces that make it somewhat difficult to fully advance. This book can be used to show the contrasting views in school safety circumstances.
Safe and Secure Schools: 27 Strategies for Prevention and Intervention
This book is directed towards School administrations in need of safer programs. It provides cost efficient ways that can help schools form a safer environment for its students. Brunner and Lewis use their combined experience in School administrations and law enforcements to inform schools how to make a friendly, welcoming environment that is secure for its students. This handbook provides practical strategies to help in forming safety committees, and creating security checklists and visitor screening procedures. It includes separate sections on staff training in areas that will help foster healthy mindsets for students.
This book offers relatable exercises that are doable by almost all types of school administrations. The fact that the authors come from law enforcement and school administration backgrounds makes the methods they suggest seem more accessible. This book will be useful in writing my paper because it will provide certain strategies that can be used in furthering safety in schools. The foreword of the book explains the unfortunate happenings such as the Columbine tragedy which shows the cause and effect aspect of this particular book.
School Crisis Prevention and Intervention
Mary Margaret Kerr answers the question “What can you do to prepare for potential crisis in your school?” While this book offers prevention strategies it also focuses on what to do if an actual tragedy strikes your school. The author decided to write this book after working at a school where as many as three death threats in surfaced in one week. While she writes to help schools avoid these types of incidents, she also writes to make sure that schools are prepared pending an actual crisis. She researches ways to help students get through these tragedies in the aftermath and help direct them back on the right education track. The book features case studies and discussion and application questions that offer reflection. The author provides a different type of help then just prevention; she provides preparation help which is equally as important in the face of school safety.
This book will be supportive in my paper because it will research the question of why school safety is so important. This is a main factor in the issue of school safety because it is the tragedies that unfold that raise the need for safety laws and regulations in schools. The question why is the beginning stage of the papers exploration into the realm of school safety.
Campus Security Situation Crime Prevention in High-Density Environment
This book was written in response to the United States public concern over violence on college campuses. It is mainly a survey of the campus safety at Temple University. Topics covered in this book are the level of crime on campuses, campus community within its setting, development of campus security systems. It also includes preventative measures, victimization surveys, perception of crime on campus and high definition geographic information systems. The authors of the book research the areas of where and when crime happens on campus. It studies numerous different colleges throughout the nation and researches their individual crime statistics. It studies campuses within its settings and other situational circumstances that surround certain crimes.
I will use this book to show statistics around national college campuses regarding campus safety and crime prevention. This book helps provide concrete evidence of the escalating violence surrounding schools. The points of view represented by the authors will support variety of the subject. The title insists upon situational crime prevention, therefore the use of this book will be to verify whether some school violence is situational or thought provoked.
Safe Schools: Crisis Prevention and Response
Written by a principal whose school and community went through several tragedies in one year this book offers advice on how to handle school violence. The book is created to teach administrators how to be prepared for crisis. It handles a step-by-step preparedness evaluation for school leaders so they know just how prepared their schools are. The author, Wanko, is a proactive leader who shares support and insight into the area of safety in schools. The book is designed to supply administrators with enough information to develop safety plans of their own. The author uses this book as an outlet for his own personal feelings towards the crimes that underwent his school. It is a helpful tool in establishing a safer environment for education.
This book handles the different forms of school crimes and what to do in the event of them. It is useful in seeking out particular forms of school safety and the effects of each type of crime that can plague a school. I will use this in my paper to show the various forms of safety precautions taken, or not taken by schools and what their impact is on the student body.
School safety debate hits a nerve - and demands action
In this editorial Errol Lewis writes a follow up to a previous article regarding safety in schools. Many readers, such as parents and teachers wrote to him with concerns for the issue. Most parents wrote in and said they felt the school systems were failing the students in safety and nothing was being done about it. Even former deputy chiefs in NYPD weighed in to advertise the problem of teachers in fear of disciplining their students because they are scared of their students. This brings about another aspect of school safety. When the teacher is afraid of his or her students how can they discipline and teach? It becomes the fear of law suits that stop some teachers from disciplining in ways children may need. The article explores different aspects of school safety that are sometimes taboo.
This article is important to my paper because it contributes another aspect of school safety. It shows the side of teachers fearing their students. For instance, when students become out of control not necessarily to harm others but to gain control in the educational environment. This brings another point to my paper. It shows the side of school safety often unseen in suburban settings but a vital part of school safety. A new view of school safety is seen in this article.
NASP Resources
This is a free website that helps children deal with unsettling events. A major topic presented is school safety and violence prevention. The website narrows down the topic into subcategories that deal specifically with the issue at hand. It provides tips for parents and teachers on how to talk to children on such traumatic events. It supports early warning signs and safeguarding the children. There is information on bullying due to the fact that bullying often leads to some form of school violence. There are tips on creating a safer school building and threat assessments. The website offers fact sheets, book reviews, links to school psychology centers and professional training.
This website will provide my paper with a parent’s view of school violence and safety precautions. The helpful resources provided by the website will inform my paper of specific facts and safety measures that can be taken in order to develop a safer place to learn.
Topic Proposal
Safety in Schools
Almost too often does it appear in the media that a tragedy as founds its way to a local high school or college campus. It seems that there is always a disturbed gun man who takes innocent lives in a disastrous rampage or a pretty, talented college student unfortunately raped on her way home from the library. It has become so common to hear of instances like these that they almost come off as mundane and routine when talked about in the news. However, the key line for every reporter finding insight into the disaster is “It could have been avoided”. If horrible instances such as these could be avoided, then why do they keep happening? Why are students constantly at risk for such alarming crimes? What are authorities doing to prevent these distressing events? Action should be taken in national schools to prevent the avoidable tragedies that plague innocent students.
My paper will explore the modern safety techniques taken in national schools. It will include examples of school tragedies and provide new laws and prevention methods taken in the wake of these. My paper will focus on crisis prevention and what particular schools are doing to help students coexist in a safe and protected environment. I will research particular bans and regulations in order to form an educated understanding of the precautions taken in schools today. This becomes an issue when these aforementioned precautions infringe on students rights and liberties. I plan to examine all aspects of the issue while providing certain cases and rules and their individual effects on the student body. The audience to this paper will be those interested in the many outcomes of regulations regarding school safety.
Almost too often does it appear in the media that a tragedy as founds its way to a local high school or college campus. It seems that there is always a disturbed gun man who takes innocent lives in a disastrous rampage or a pretty, talented college student unfortunately raped on her way home from the library. It has become so common to hear of instances like these that they almost come off as mundane and routine when talked about in the news. However, the key line for every reporter finding insight into the disaster is “It could have been avoided”. If horrible instances such as these could be avoided, then why do they keep happening? Why are students constantly at risk for such alarming crimes? What are authorities doing to prevent these distressing events? Action should be taken in national schools to prevent the avoidable tragedies that plague innocent students.
My paper will explore the modern safety techniques taken in national schools. It will include examples of school tragedies and provide new laws and prevention methods taken in the wake of these. My paper will focus on crisis prevention and what particular schools are doing to help students coexist in a safe and protected environment. I will research particular bans and regulations in order to form an educated understanding of the precautions taken in schools today. This becomes an issue when these aforementioned precautions infringe on students rights and liberties. I plan to examine all aspects of the issue while providing certain cases and rules and their individual effects on the student body. The audience to this paper will be those interested in the many outcomes of regulations regarding school safety.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Sources
Brunner, Judy M. Safe and secure schools 27 strategies for prevention and intervention. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Corwin P, 2009.
Executive Summary: Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 1998. 20 Apr. 1999. U.S. Department of Education. 1 Mar. 2009
Kerr, Mary Margaret. School Crisis Prevention and Intervention. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 2008.
Louis, Errol. "School safety debate hits a nerve - and demands action." 22 Feb. 2009. New York Daily News. Opinion. Thomas Cooper, Columbia, SC. 1 Mar. 2009
NASP Resources Helping Children Achieve Thier Best. At Home. In School. In LIfe. 1 Mar. 2009
Rengert, George F., Mark T. Mattson, and Kristin D. Henderson. Campus Safety Situational Crime Prevention in High-Density Environments. Monsey, NY: Criminal Justice P, 2001.
Thomas, R. Murray. What schools ban and why. Westport, Conn: Praeger, 2008.
"Title 59 - Education." South Carolina Code of Laws. South Carolina Legislature Online. Thomas Cooper, Columbia, SC. 1 Mar. 2009
Trump, Kenneth S. Classroom Killers? Hallway Hostages? How Schools Can Prevent and Manage School Crises. New York: Corwin P, 2000.
Welcome to the USC Division of Law Enforcement and Safety Website. University Of South Carolina. 01 Mar. 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Short Writing Assignment #7
1.) A major difference between Library Subscription Databases and the World Wide Web is simply the fact that the Library pays for the databases. This means in order to use them you must have a password given by the librarian. The Library Subscription Databases are a licensed form of online databases that allow someone to search through several years’ worth of articles from various periodicals. Some of these databases focus on specific areas of interest. Academic Search Premier provides articles that have been peer-reviewed and LexisNexis Academic offers numerous national and international periodicals. On the other hand, the World Wide Web is free and open to everyone. The problem with it is that not all of the sources are reliable. Anyone can go on a website and change the information around, there is no filtering process. Articles from respected publications or education based are usually safe to use.
2.) A bibliography is a list of sources used in your paper. It is necessary to avoid plagiarism because it states all known facts about where the sources comes from. A bibliography should be in alphabetical order and it should contain all the sources used that are reliable and related to the topic. An annotated bibliography is an extended form of the bibliography that adds summaries and responses to each source. An annotated bibliography is used to help understand the sources used and get a better idea of what information you will be using from each source. The summaries and responses can be answers to questions such as What did they author say about the claim? Or, What is it about? This is helpful in writing a paper because it narrows down which information comes from which source. It helps keeps the writer organized.
3.) A source is credible depending on where it comes from and its relevance to the paper. If sources are found in books from the library they are normally credible. Online resources are usually less reliable. If they are found from well-known or respected publications they are credible. If they are found from random websites that don’t seem reliable, they most likely are not. Articles that are peer-reviewed are safer then ones that are not. The intended audience is also a factor in the credibility of the source. If they author is writing to persuade some of the information could possibly be altered or exaggerated.
4.) A research plan helps organize the material obtained and put it into categories based on how the author intendeds to write the paper. Having a research plan keeps the writer on topic and focused on the main objective. Preparing quotes to use is helpful in the writing process because that way it is easier to remember which source the quote comes from and it becomes easier to cite.
5.) Plagiarism is taking someone else’s work and presenting it as your own. Directly copying phrases word for word from a source that is not your own is plagiarism. Copying and Pasting is common form of plagiarism. Plagiarism can be avoided by discerning your own ideas with that of which you find from other sources. It is important to remember what you are trying to say before seeing it written somewhere else; this can be tempting and lead to plagiarism. It can also be avoided by using quotes and directly citing the source and adding into the paper where the idea came from. Plagiarism is the reason bibliographies are so important.
2.) A bibliography is a list of sources used in your paper. It is necessary to avoid plagiarism because it states all known facts about where the sources comes from. A bibliography should be in alphabetical order and it should contain all the sources used that are reliable and related to the topic. An annotated bibliography is an extended form of the bibliography that adds summaries and responses to each source. An annotated bibliography is used to help understand the sources used and get a better idea of what information you will be using from each source. The summaries and responses can be answers to questions such as What did they author say about the claim? Or, What is it about? This is helpful in writing a paper because it narrows down which information comes from which source. It helps keeps the writer organized.
3.) A source is credible depending on where it comes from and its relevance to the paper. If sources are found in books from the library they are normally credible. Online resources are usually less reliable. If they are found from well-known or respected publications they are credible. If they are found from random websites that don’t seem reliable, they most likely are not. Articles that are peer-reviewed are safer then ones that are not. The intended audience is also a factor in the credibility of the source. If they author is writing to persuade some of the information could possibly be altered or exaggerated.
4.) A research plan helps organize the material obtained and put it into categories based on how the author intendeds to write the paper. Having a research plan keeps the writer on topic and focused on the main objective. Preparing quotes to use is helpful in the writing process because that way it is easier to remember which source the quote comes from and it becomes easier to cite.
5.) Plagiarism is taking someone else’s work and presenting it as your own. Directly copying phrases word for word from a source that is not your own is plagiarism. Copying and Pasting is common form of plagiarism. Plagiarism can be avoided by discerning your own ideas with that of which you find from other sources. It is important to remember what you are trying to say before seeing it written somewhere else; this can be tempting and lead to plagiarism. It can also be avoided by using quotes and directly citing the source and adding into the paper where the idea came from. Plagiarism is the reason bibliographies are so important.
Monday, February 16, 2009
In class writing post secret
When writing my post secret card I had trouble coming up with something to write. I wasn't sure what kind of secret to share and how to analyze it. I ended up using the fact that I am scared of my dog dying. I didn't have any materials around to put pictures, or use alot of color on the card so I just used a pink highlighter to communicate to the reader that it was written by a girl. Since I didn't have any materials around I tried to at least make my writing a little more decorative to show who was writing it. However, thinking about it, the emptiness of the card can symbolize the emptiness that would be felt if my dog did die. The secret itself could have been written by anyone, old or young, boy or girl so I wanted to at least narrow down it down to gender. If I had more resources I could have used pictures to convey the secret and put more creative energy into analyzing it.
Short Writing Assignment #6
The purpose of most Mac ads is to gain support in the race against Windows and PC’s. Modern day commercials use various techniques to show that Mac’s perform better then PC’s. The approach of the Mac ad from 1994 is generally the same as the more recent Mac love ad. They both in some way incorporate the better quality of their product versus a PC. The target audience is the same from 1994 to the more recent ad but the methods of gaining the support of the audience change.
The Mac love ad is designed to support unstated assumptions. There has long been a debate over which computer is effected by more viruses. Mac advertising takes this knowledge and uses it to the company’s advantage. They appeal the emotional side of the audience by bringing the world together through the concept of love in many languages. The advertisers assume by relating to the emotional side of the audience they are more likely to remember their product. The main claim is still the same; the Mac is a better product then a PC. While the commercial does not analyze the differences between the two it appeals to the audience by through its creativity.
The 1994 Mac ad is a straight forward analysis of the product, the Performa, and its abilities versus the abilities of the PC. The approach is intended to clearly state to the audience why the consumer should by their product rather than another. This approach reveals the advertisers belief that audience at this time wants to hear the facts about what they are buying. There aren’t really any hidden assumptions in the commercial, it is very basic. The supporting arguments mainly have to deal with the Mac’s memory and performance and specifics of that nature. The target audience remains the same; the advertiser is trying to appeal to any consumer considering which product to buy.
The Mac love ad is designed to support unstated assumptions. There has long been a debate over which computer is effected by more viruses. Mac advertising takes this knowledge and uses it to the company’s advantage. They appeal the emotional side of the audience by bringing the world together through the concept of love in many languages. The advertisers assume by relating to the emotional side of the audience they are more likely to remember their product. The main claim is still the same; the Mac is a better product then a PC. While the commercial does not analyze the differences between the two it appeals to the audience by through its creativity.
The 1994 Mac ad is a straight forward analysis of the product, the Performa, and its abilities versus the abilities of the PC. The approach is intended to clearly state to the audience why the consumer should by their product rather than another. This approach reveals the advertisers belief that audience at this time wants to hear the facts about what they are buying. There aren’t really any hidden assumptions in the commercial, it is very basic. The supporting arguments mainly have to deal with the Mac’s memory and performance and specifics of that nature. The target audience remains the same; the advertiser is trying to appeal to any consumer considering which product to buy.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Online Advirtisment
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/pictures/view/1042920/
This is a Converse ad for sneakers. The ad consists shows a bald man with tattoos wearing the product, the sneaker, as a shirt. The ad is mostly without color providing an apparent dramatic affect. Personally, this ad works for me as the audience because of its creativity. The ad is imaginative and artistic. As a consumer and an audience for this ad I think it is the originality that makes it stand out. The intended audience is most likely teenagers or younger adults who value uniqueness. The tattoos and sleek design appeal to the individuality and ingenuity that the intended audience would value. I think the claim is clearly stated with the design of the ad. The layout and general idea of the ad is implied. The design of the shoe as a shirt supports the product being sold. The composure and vision of the man is symbolic to the artsy vibe of the ad.
This is a Converse ad for sneakers. The ad consists shows a bald man with tattoos wearing the product, the sneaker, as a shirt. The ad is mostly without color providing an apparent dramatic affect. Personally, this ad works for me as the audience because of its creativity. The ad is imaginative and artistic. As a consumer and an audience for this ad I think it is the originality that makes it stand out. The intended audience is most likely teenagers or younger adults who value uniqueness. The tattoos and sleek design appeal to the individuality and ingenuity that the intended audience would value. I think the claim is clearly stated with the design of the ad. The layout and general idea of the ad is implied. The design of the shoe as a shirt supports the product being sold. The composure and vision of the man is symbolic to the artsy vibe of the ad.
Post Secret
The text in this post secret leads to audience to who the author is and exactly what they are trying to say. There is little to decode about the text. The author is trying to tell her significant other, or even her crush, that she thinks cares enough about them to write a song for them. Adding in Valentine's Day can lead the audience to assume differently about who the author is writing to. It could be a boyfriend, a girlfriend, or even a crush. It could even be a family member or just a friend.
The claim of this post secret is the author's fear of singing to her significant other. The author is most likely a teenage girl. The hand writing style, and color are indicators of this. Also, it is written in pink ink which can be an obvious sign that it is written by a girl. A girl is more likely to decorate the outside and use stickers, especially the heart stickers.
The visual component of this post secret works to reveal the author and the audience. The combination of the text and how the text is written come together to expose them. If the text had been written in plain black writing with nothing to support it the assumption of the author being a girl could be countered with the assumption of it being a boy, or a man, someone older, or maybe even someone younger. The text alone leaves a wide interpretation of the author and audience. However, combined with the visual components the author and audience can be narrowed down.
The claim of this post secret is the author's fear of singing to her significant other. The author is most likely a teenage girl. The hand writing style, and color are indicators of this. Also, it is written in pink ink which can be an obvious sign that it is written by a girl. A girl is more likely to decorate the outside and use stickers, especially the heart stickers.
The visual component of this post secret works to reveal the author and the audience. The combination of the text and how the text is written come together to expose them. If the text had been written in plain black writing with nothing to support it the assumption of the author being a girl could be countered with the assumption of it being a boy, or a man, someone older, or maybe even someone younger. The text alone leaves a wide interpretation of the author and audience. However, combined with the visual components the author and audience can be narrowed down.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Visual Arguments
Visual arguments compared to written arguments can generally connect more to the audiences emotions. They can shed a new light on an argument that a writer may not be able to express to the reader. Written arguments explore every aspect of what they are defending whereas a visual argument may only sum up the genreal idea.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Short Writing Assignment #5
I found the article “My Amendment” extremely interesting. It is classified as a humorous argument and I saw it to be just that. The argument is written by George Saunders and the topic he chose to write about it something out of the ordinary. He discusses what he calls Samish-Sex Marriage. This is where a man who has feminine qualities marries a woman with manly qualities. The article was entertaining to read and I believe it would work well as a rhetorical argument. It was a very one sided argument which leaves room for opinion and debate. The style of writing was kind of unique in that he used a lot of personal experience mixed with personal beliefs and thoughts.
The other article I found appealing was “The Chicken Soup Chronicles”. Written by Nora Ephron, it is a compilation of several arguments. She takes everyday common beliefs and argues their validity. It is mostly personal opinion which makes it a good article for a rhetorical argument. The article consists of personal theories and facts about the arguments the author uses in the article.
Both of these articles present well thought out analyses of their respective topics. They are both convincing and leave much room for argument. The style of writing is different in both and leads to different evaluations of the articles. I am interested in these articles because I like the way they speak to the reader.
The other article I found appealing was “The Chicken Soup Chronicles”. Written by Nora Ephron, it is a compilation of several arguments. She takes everyday common beliefs and argues their validity. It is mostly personal opinion which makes it a good article for a rhetorical argument. The article consists of personal theories and facts about the arguments the author uses in the article.
Both of these articles present well thought out analyses of their respective topics. They are both convincing and leave much room for argument. The style of writing is different in both and leads to different evaluations of the articles. I am interested in these articles because I like the way they speak to the reader.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Short Writing Assignment #4
While reading “Isn’t That Special?” I found myself relating to the subject matter. The Author, Jonah Goldberg, uses college studies and professors to convey his idea that kids in this generation are a more narcissistic breed. He uses modern examples such as Grey’s Anatomy and House to appeal to the readers of the younger generations. The main point made in this writing is that the American youth has been programmed to hear ‘Your Special’ and repeat it so they thoroughly believe it. Don Chance is quoted in the reading saying that Asian-born students are more motivated to do better when they receive bad grades. On the other hand, American born children are brought up to believe they deserve good grades, not that they have to earn them. As a result to this upbringing, when these kids grow up they long to have their childhood back.
You can assume from reading this that the author himself longs to have his childhood back. He admits to watching the public-service announcements that told kids they were special and individually the most important people in the world. It can also be assumed that he doesn’t see this as the most terrible thing in the world. The article is summed up by saying that even the worst of these kids learn to view the world in a communal nature. While children in this modern day generation ‘grow up’ self-absorbed they eventually learn by having kids of their own that you can’t live vicariously through younger people.
I found the examples used by the author were relevant to my life and helped me further my understanding of his viewpoint. By using college studies and statistics he appealed his thoughts to a target audience. Also, by using popular television shows I felt more connected to aspects of the writing. Even though it is an argumentative piece the opinion wasn’t overly strong allowing it to be a rhetorical writing.
You can assume from reading this that the author himself longs to have his childhood back. He admits to watching the public-service announcements that told kids they were special and individually the most important people in the world. It can also be assumed that he doesn’t see this as the most terrible thing in the world. The article is summed up by saying that even the worst of these kids learn to view the world in a communal nature. While children in this modern day generation ‘grow up’ self-absorbed they eventually learn by having kids of their own that you can’t live vicariously through younger people.
I found the examples used by the author were relevant to my life and helped me further my understanding of his viewpoint. By using college studies and statistics he appealed his thoughts to a target audience. Also, by using popular television shows I felt more connected to aspects of the writing. Even though it is an argumentative piece the opinion wasn’t overly strong allowing it to be a rhetorical writing.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Short Writing Assignment #3
One example of a common, everyday argument is the idea that teen marriage does not last. This statement can be argued in a variety of ways. Stated simply an argument is the combination of a claim, reason and evidence. The argument of the longevity of teen marriage supports this definition. If the goal of an argument is to persuade an audience, an argument reasonably needs opposing viewpoints. The proposal that those who marry in their teens are set up for failure clearly represents contrasting ideas.
In this example, the arguer wants us to believe that generally and statistically teen marriage cannot work and will ultimately end in divorce. The claim to this argument is that teens marry for the wrong reasons and are most likely too immature and inexperienced to handle married life. Reasons for this belief include, the suggestion that a majority of teens marry because of unplanned pregnancy. Another reason argued is the couple’s inexperience in the real world. Teens believe if they can make is through the trials and tribulations of high school then they are ready to be married adults. Many teens that marry have only had one partner and have not experienced dating other people.
Of course, every argument needs evidence. The evidence behind teen marriage is statistics that show that according to "Teenage Couples: Caring, Change, and Commitment", more than 60% of teenage marriages fail within 5 years. Also, it is stated that “A girl married at 17 is twice as likely to be divorced as a girl 18 or 19. If a girl waits until she is 25 the chances that her marriage will last are 4 times better.”
This argument provides claim, reasons and evidence. Also, it allows for debate from those who believe in the success of teen marriage. The reasons and claims allow for follow up examples that could be used to persuade an audience.
In this example, the arguer wants us to believe that generally and statistically teen marriage cannot work and will ultimately end in divorce. The claim to this argument is that teens marry for the wrong reasons and are most likely too immature and inexperienced to handle married life. Reasons for this belief include, the suggestion that a majority of teens marry because of unplanned pregnancy. Another reason argued is the couple’s inexperience in the real world. Teens believe if they can make is through the trials and tribulations of high school then they are ready to be married adults. Many teens that marry have only had one partner and have not experienced dating other people.
Of course, every argument needs evidence. The evidence behind teen marriage is statistics that show that according to "Teenage Couples: Caring, Change, and Commitment", more than 60% of teenage marriages fail within 5 years. Also, it is stated that “A girl married at 17 is twice as likely to be divorced as a girl 18 or 19. If a girl waits until she is 25 the chances that her marriage will last are 4 times better.”
This argument provides claim, reasons and evidence. Also, it allows for debate from those who believe in the success of teen marriage. The reasons and claims allow for follow up examples that could be used to persuade an audience.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Short Assignment #2
The idea of choosing between extremes in modern discussion is looked at closely in Kathleen Parker’s “Seeking Balance in an Either-Or World”. The author dictates to the reader the growing dominance of either-or debates in today’s society and the people called moderates who are stuck in the middle. Abortion is used as a primary example of the hot and cold style of solving problems. The author herself claims to be on the fence concerning many matters, believing she can see both sides to situations and points out that she is not alone. Parker identifies John P. Avlon as an advocate for centrism which he suggests is strict to American values and embraces as reason.
Parker makes a legitimate assessment of the battle of the extremes and living as a person in the middle. Using abortion to show two sides was a significant example considering its history as a controversial topic. However, for a reader that is either liberal or conservative, the author was not overly convincing on the subject of being moderate. She could have focused more clearly on the different sides of another example. A controversial topic the author could have used to exemplify the two sidedness of the world is capital punishment. Specifically showing the viewpoints of both sides and then discussing the perspective of someone caught in the middle would have more accurately portrayed the point.
Coming from a conservative background I was brought up in an educational environment that was particularly one sided. As someone who does not enjoy being directly told what to believe, I strayed from the Catholic ideas being forced upon me. Had I been sent to public school I may have chose one side over the other and stuck with my decision. As a reader, it was simple for me, as a moderate, to understand the author’s position and views on centrism and flexibility in the either-or world. The suggestion of independents becoming a more powerful part of society is an accurate and influential proposal.
Parker makes a legitimate assessment of the battle of the extremes and living as a person in the middle. Using abortion to show two sides was a significant example considering its history as a controversial topic. However, for a reader that is either liberal or conservative, the author was not overly convincing on the subject of being moderate. She could have focused more clearly on the different sides of another example. A controversial topic the author could have used to exemplify the two sidedness of the world is capital punishment. Specifically showing the viewpoints of both sides and then discussing the perspective of someone caught in the middle would have more accurately portrayed the point.
Coming from a conservative background I was brought up in an educational environment that was particularly one sided. As someone who does not enjoy being directly told what to believe, I strayed from the Catholic ideas being forced upon me. Had I been sent to public school I may have chose one side over the other and stuck with my decision. As a reader, it was simple for me, as a moderate, to understand the author’s position and views on centrism and flexibility in the either-or world. The suggestion of independents becoming a more powerful part of society is an accurate and influential proposal.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Short Writing Assignment 1
One of the most enjoyable writing experiences I have encountered was in my Sophmore year of High School. I was asked to choose something about my school that I did not necessarily agree with and write an agrument to my principle on why it should change. I attented an all girls Catholic High School in which all three hundred and fifty girls wore the same uniform. I hated everything about the uniform and what it stood for so I chose to write a speech convincing the administration to change that. This was my best writing experience because it allowed me to write freely and passionately. The stronger you feel about the subject matter, the easier it is to write about and give the readers a more fulfilling experience. The writing process flows more naturally when your writing about something you believe in. It is easier to find a broader sense of topics and claims. Of course, not all writing experiences are pleasant for the writer. My worst writing experience was last semester for my Sociology class. The assignment was to write a paper on the progression of economics in industrial societies. Just by reading the topic I was bored and uninterested. I find it extremely difficult to write about things I do not find interesting. Writing this paper involved researching statistics and facts about the subject. It allowed for very little creativity, and in my opinion creativity it the most appealing aspect of writing. My worst writing experience had little affect on me, I dont feel I gained anything from it. However, my favorite writing experience has always had some type of influence on the papers I have written since. It allowed me to exercise my own personal writing style which continues you to help me.
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