Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Rhetorical Analysis

At first I had a really hard time writing my rhetorical analysis paper but with a little guidance I was able to improve it. I had a hard time getting the right idea of how to write it properly and how to analyze the article the way that was expected, but was able to fix it and improve it a lot, however there were a few things that still could of used some additional thought and effort.

The first thing that needed improvement in my paper was my use in my language use and mechanics. I tend to overlook errors in that area a lot and need improvement on spotting those errors and improving the language that I use. One thing that can be done is to use spell check to make sure for spelling and grammar errors that I may have missed while revising my paper myself. Another way to improve in this area is to have a few other individuals revise my paper also to point out mistakes that I may have missed but stand out to them. Such as my language considering that it is informal and the use of slang, and punctuation errors that can be easily missed when you don’t take a closer look at it. If I have one other person look at it they could find a few errors, however if I have a few different people take a look at it, I will be aware of more errors that I can easily fix to improve my total grade of my paper. It will also show that I put more effort in writing my paper and didn’t ignore careless errors.

Another area I could use improvement on is in writing my introduction, thesis, and conclusion. I have always struggled in these areas because I have always had a hard time coming up with a strong introduction, and it is never detailed or specific enough. I have also struggled with my conclusions because I think I did fine in summing everything in my paper up, however it usually is not very strong or is cut short. One way I can improve in these areas is to have either a professor or peer read my introduction, thesis, and conclusion and tell me how they think I can improve in that area and ways to make it stronger. Secondly, I know I struggle in that area so I could take more time while writing them. Maybe make an outline of what I want to include in them and what needs to be in it and go into more detail and depth when writing them. That way I know what needs to be there and can be more detailed in my thought process. I now know that I do need improvement and have a few ideas of how to improve I believe I will be able to improve in those areas in papers to come in the future. I feel confident that when it comes time to write the next paper I will have improved noticeably in both these areas.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Passing Before Lifes Very Eyes

The title of this illustration by Wolfgang gives you a good idea about what is ahead of you and to come when you take a look into his use of pathos. At first the elderly man looks as if he is dying alone, however, before he passes its like his life and memories flash back before his eyes as some would say. It takes him back to times in one's life that everyone likes to remember such as being with his wife, teaching others, reading to what seems to be a grandchild of his, and many more. At the end he gets upset when he realizes that he is not going to heaven and that "everything fades to black and it's over". 

The Southland

The Southland was written by Henry Miller and he used a mix of ethos, logos, and pathos to get the point across that he wanted to his readers. First he used ethos when he was explaining how he was from the south and how he feels it is better than the north in many ways. Secondly, he used logos when he used the war and history of the south and their experiences to get his audience to understand what it is like to be from the south. Finally, this author used pathos to show the devastation of the experience of the war and the loss the south experienced.

Blog Analysis

After looking through a few other blogs I decided to do Wonder Woman's. I chose to use her blog because we are alike in a few ways. We both apparently like the color pink considering that is the color of her blog and she also added a little information about herself. She tells readers she is a freshman at NAU and lives in Sechrist along with me. I also like the way she thinks, writes and expresses her thoughts and feelings into her posts. She also makes them very easy to understand and if I don't understand something I always go read hers to see her point of view and to get a better idea of what the writer was saying or might have been thinking while writing.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Mother Tongue

Before reading this I honestly could not understand why people could not learn and speak our language, if they are coming to live and work here. It really bothered me, especially when I would be out shopping and the person behind the desk can't understand me or vise versa. I knew before reading this that it was wrong to think that, but it was hard for me when I would have to face it and I would get really frustrated. After reading this I have come to the conclusion that it is a part of their culture and they want to keep it in their life, and I totally understand that. Anyone can see that it makes sense for them to want to keep their culture in their lives today and as a society it should be accepted.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

What is a Blog

After reading the information on Nick's blog I have come to the conclusion that a blog is basically just a place for people to talk about what is going on in their lives or their feelings like a journal except open for other people to view it. I honestly don't think blogs are a great idea for some purposes that others may use it for. For example, while I was in high school there was a person who used their blog to vent about how they felt about certain people and things they were going through in their life. Yes it might be an easy way to vent, but when the wrong person sees it can take a turn for the worst. This person wrote about how they were thinking about committing suicide however were just venting not intending for anyone else to read it or take action. A teacher from the school came across it and made a huge deal about it the next week at school. He had to go to counseling and had also written about a teacher and had to write an apology and had to drop the class. I honestly think the whole situation was blown way out of proportion. Teenagers that may use these sites could be serious but at the same time just looking for a way to express them selfs to get it off their chests. This student was just looking for a way to get their thoughts out. I just don't think it is a good idea because anything you post can be seen by anyone. These thoughts are something that should be written somewhere where others can't see it if you don't want something to come out of it. Maybe if these kids want attention or don't know how to ask for help. Another thing is that it could also be good because if someone is considering suicide they can get help before its to late. However, most use it as a journal and if something is said about another person and they saw it they could take it the wrong way or get offended. I also don't think people should discriminate religions or people of the different race and there should be some kind of sensor on what is said or posted to cut down hate crimes or causing unsafe situations for the person posting the blog. I guess what I am trying to say is that blogging is that it isn't a good thing. I just don't agree with it and don't think it is a great idea. Anyone could read it and get information about you that you might not want others to see.