The principal concepts in “The Writing Process” by Diana Hacker are, how to revise an essay to make it appealing to a wide array of readers and how to proofread the essay for sentence structure, wordiness, language rules and punctuation. She pointed out the importance of completing the final draft revisions prior to fixing the sentence structures and grammar. Revisions on the text may cause the writer to remove whole paragraphs or add paragraphs focusing in on newly generated ideas. It is important to make sure the thesis, introduction, main ideas, and supporting evidence are clearly stated. She said the writer needs to know what the main point of the text is and if the reader is able to understand the text.
The writer should print out the text in order to read it aloud or have another person review the essay to provide a different view of the material. If the writer chooses to read the text aloud it will assist in locating the harder to find errors. No one should rely solely on a word processing program to provide accurate spelling and grammar checks to their text. Diana stated a carefully proofread essay creates a positive message to the audience; it shows the audience the writer is conscientious about their writing.
In the essays we recently completed I was told to elaborate more on my ideas. This chapter helped me understand how important it is to the reader that my ideas are more developed and explored. Diana Hacker said, “when you revise sentences, you focus on effectiveness; when you edit, you check for correctness”. (pg 29) When writing my future essays I want to make sure that my text will be useful to the readers and it will cause the audience to ask questions or be interested in learning more about my topic. When I am in the revision process I will always print out my document and read it as the audience would. I am positive I will find misspelled words, wordiness, word ending errors, etc. In the future I will never rely on the spell check program to find all the errors within my essays.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
"Coming Home Again" Dialogue
His mother mourned the time they lost while he was at boarding school. It truly dawned on her when she was dying; she wished she could take those years back and have her son at home with the family. Many years later she said, “You should be with us for that time. I should never let you go there.” (pg 128)
Prior to his parents sending him to the boarding school the family spent a lot of time together. His mother originally felt the prestigious school would help him gain an excellent education he could use to have a successful future. I believe his mother regretted sending her only son to boarding school because he was no longer apart of their daily family rituals. He was unable to participate in watching his mother prepare elaborate dinners and the custom of sitting as a family eating dinner together. Even after she became sick and was unable to eat food at the dinner table, she was always present at dinner to unite them as a family.
I believe she also regretted the desire to change his character by sending him away from the family and his culture. She originally felt by sending him to a boarding school he would be pushed to excel. She believed that if her son were participating in the daily housework, it would weaken his strength. She viewed her life as unimportant and wanted Chang-rae to use education as a source of expanding his horizons. Although years later ironically her son assumes her place in the kitchen and realizes how important his mother’s role is in the family. Through her daily cooking she united their family. She previously said to her young son while he watched her prepare and cook ribs “the meat needs the bone nearby; to borrow its richness”. (pg 124) I believe she used her statement as a metaphor to teach him families need to be near each other in order to learn and grow together.
Prior to his parents sending him to the boarding school the family spent a lot of time together. His mother originally felt the prestigious school would help him gain an excellent education he could use to have a successful future. I believe his mother regretted sending her only son to boarding school because he was no longer apart of their daily family rituals. He was unable to participate in watching his mother prepare elaborate dinners and the custom of sitting as a family eating dinner together. Even after she became sick and was unable to eat food at the dinner table, she was always present at dinner to unite them as a family.
I believe she also regretted the desire to change his character by sending him away from the family and his culture. She originally felt by sending him to a boarding school he would be pushed to excel. She believed that if her son were participating in the daily housework, it would weaken his strength. She viewed her life as unimportant and wanted Chang-rae to use education as a source of expanding his horizons. Although years later ironically her son assumes her place in the kitchen and realizes how important his mother’s role is in the family. Through her daily cooking she united their family. She previously said to her young son while he watched her prepare and cook ribs “the meat needs the bone nearby; to borrow its richness”. (pg 124) I believe she used her statement as a metaphor to teach him families need to be near each other in order to learn and grow together.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Writing Topic : Rules for Writers chapter 2
The concepts in “Drafting” by Diana Hacker are, how to complete a stimulating introduction including the thesis, provide body paragraphs that support your thesis, and a conclusion that is memorable and relevant. To start the writing process gather the research, observations, and ideas you have outlined prior to beginning the rough draft. Beginning with these materials will assist you in organizing your thoughts before you start writing. She stated many professional writers view the rough draft as a “process of discovery”. It is important to draw in the audience with your thesis therefore the introduction must be intriguing. She suggested leading with a statistic, example, or relevant quote. One of her other ideas was to complete an outline that includes the major sections of the document in order to help create a thesis that is direct and specific. She specified the importance of supporting your thesis statement with facts and details.
If you have a hard time developing the introduction of your text, complete the supporting paragraphs first. The writer must provide the evidence to back up the thesis. The conclusion of the text should not repeat your introduction but should briefly emphasize the main points. The conclusion could include an additional question, quote, or fact to support the text.
Diana Hacker provided a step-by- step process on how to complete a well-written essay. I really enjoyed the concept she provided about including a quote, fact, or other interesting information in the introduction and in the conclusion of the paper. Including a quote if my favorite idea because you are providing insight on the subject from another source other than the writer. I agree about the importance of creating an introduction and thesis that will make the audience want to continue reading. I will use these concepts to help with my essay writing abilities.
If you have a hard time developing the introduction of your text, complete the supporting paragraphs first. The writer must provide the evidence to back up the thesis. The conclusion of the text should not repeat your introduction but should briefly emphasize the main points. The conclusion could include an additional question, quote, or fact to support the text.
Diana Hacker provided a step-by- step process on how to complete a well-written essay. I really enjoyed the concept she provided about including a quote, fact, or other interesting information in the introduction and in the conclusion of the paper. Including a quote if my favorite idea because you are providing insight on the subject from another source other than the writer. I agree about the importance of creating an introduction and thesis that will make the audience want to continue reading. I will use these concepts to help with my essay writing abilities.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
"The Ways We Lie" Dialogue
Everyone lies as Stephanie Ericsson said in “The Ways We Lie”. How are we to judge what lies are justified compared to what lies are not? I believe we need to search within ourselves to determine what we conceive to be an unacceptable lie.
For myself I believe certain lies are justified. For example, imagine you are preparing to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday. She has told you several times how exciting she thought surprise parties are and this year you are going to host a surprise birthday party for her. Unfortunately she believes everyone has forgotten her birthday. She asks you if you are planning a party for her. She is your best friend and you do not want to deceive her but you also do not want to ruin the surprise.
As George Bernard Shaw so eloquently said, “we must make the world honest before we can honestly say to our children, honesty is the best policy.” In our current society lies are told in business, family life, and even by the government. There is a very thin line between deceit and honesty. Often the truth depends on the individual’s perception of what they find the truth to be. Therefore if a person tells a “white lie” every now and then I do not believe we can label that person as permanently dishonest.
For myself I believe certain lies are justified. For example, imagine you are preparing to celebrate a dear friend’s birthday. She has told you several times how exciting she thought surprise parties are and this year you are going to host a surprise birthday party for her. Unfortunately she believes everyone has forgotten her birthday. She asks you if you are planning a party for her. She is your best friend and you do not want to deceive her but you also do not want to ruin the surprise.
As George Bernard Shaw so eloquently said, “we must make the world honest before we can honestly say to our children, honesty is the best policy.” In our current society lies are told in business, family life, and even by the government. There is a very thin line between deceit and honesty. Often the truth depends on the individual’s perception of what they find the truth to be. Therefore if a person tells a “white lie” every now and then I do not believe we can label that person as permanently dishonest.
Essay One
When I view this picture I am looking at a time in my life where I learned an invaluable lesson of love, patience, and friendship. The picture includes my husband Michael, my dear friend Rob, and me. This picture was taken at a party in celebration of Rob’s return from Iraq.
It is important to provide the history between Rob and I. We met ten years earlier at a coffee shop; we had similar interests, and became instant friends. Three years after our friendship began we started dating. We were extremely young yet our dating blossomed into a committed relationship. During the four years we dated we shared a home. The relationship did not last but the friendship remained intact. Our friends were amazed that we had the ability to continue forward with our friendship. I believe we set a good example when we showed how the dissolution of a committed relationship could be. I was really happy that I did not lose my best friend just because our dating relationship ended. Rob did not have the traditional family growing up; he felt like needed some stability, direction, and support in his life. He decided to join the marines. I was very proud of Rob yet concerned for his safety.
I was playing pool a few weeks before Rob shipped off to boot camp and I met a man named Michael. He was charming and bold but at that time I was not interested in meeting anyone so I was not responsive to his advances. He was extremely persistent and possessed a great amount of charisma. We clicked instantly after I gave him a chance. During our conversations I told him about Rob. Michael completely understood and respected my friendship with Rob.
When I told Rob about Michael he encouraged me to embrace the idea of dating Michael. Unfortunately Michael lived in California. He was in Utah assisting his mother with some home projects for a few months. During those few months I realized that Michael was important to me but I knew he would be leaving soon. After he went back to California we spoke nearly everyday and we both looked forward to his next visit. A few months later we made the decision to date long distance. After a year and many flights back and forth between Salt Lake City and San Francisco we determined it was time for one of us to relocate. Michael had a son living in California therefore it was up to me to move. I was excited for new surroundings but was sad to leave my family and friends. Seven months before the big move Michael came to visit and proposed to me. We were married in 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounded by family and friends. Rob was on leave from the marines and we both chose him to be one of our groomsmen. We will never forget our magical day of celebration.
Two years later we met Rob at the Salt Lake City, Utah airport. We gathered together a network of friends and family to surprise him and welcome him back from fighting in Iraq. I believe he was overwhelmed to see so many people who supported him through his deployment. After the airport we gathered to celebrate at our house. I was somewhat concerned someone would ask Rob a question he might not be ready to answer, but everyone was just ready to celebrate his return. As the evening winded down Rob shared some pictures and videos he had taken in Iraq. He explained the stories behind the images and we were moved by his courageousness. He lost many friends on the battleground of Iraq and reviewing the pictures made him feel those emotions that were stuffed deep inside.
The history of my relationship with Rob and Michael provides evidence that we all give each other social roles in life, such as ex-boyfriend, friend, or husband. With social roles comes an expectation of who that person is to us and what they mean in our life. I defied the social role of ex-partner. I do not believe in cutting a person out of your life because they are no longer your significant other. There is a reason you originally fell in love. How is it possible to dismiss your best friend because a romantic relationship did not work out?
My picture reflects the significant connections we make with certain people in this life and how important it is to hold tight to these relationships throughout social role changes. I know I made the right choice for me when I chose to ignore societies expectations of social roles.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Writing Topic: Rules for Writers chapter 1
The concepts expressed in the “The Writing Process”, by Diana Hacker are, how to write a well written paper, which includes how to develop a subject, how to determine what type of paper is required, what is the purpose of the paper, and how to ensure the audience understands the message the writer is trying to convey.
When beginning a paper developing a subject does not happen instantly. The writer must allow time to develop ideas, ask themselves questions about the subject. Diana Hacker suggested thinking about the subject throughout the day and jotting down ideas as they come. Additional methods of developing the subject are; writing a list of ideas, free-writing, writing in a journal, and talking to other people about the subject to assist in generating new concepts.
It is necessary to know what type of paper is required. Diana Hacker stated there are generally two forms of college writing assignments, an analytical essay and a research paper. Each type of paper has certain characteristics that identify it as such but both types of paper require critically reading texts, annotating the text, creating an outline, writing a rough draft, and revising the text until the final draft is finished. The analytical essay involves reading a text closely and writing to support the text. If a quote from the document is used the writer must include the page number of the text. A research paper includes gathering information on the subject from multiple sources. It is required to document each source at the end of the document.
It is critical to figure out what the purpose is of the text. Diana Hacker said to find out what you want to communicate to the readers and who is the audience of the text. It is important to make sure who ever reads the text is able to understand what you are stating. It is important to ask who, what, where, why, and how in regards to the subject to ensure all the questions the audience may have are adequately covered.
This week I had a better understanding of how to use this assignment as a tool for my future writing assignments. The concepts I felt that will be especially beneficial to me are, dwelling on possible subjects throughout my day, brainstorming with friends, and asking myself who, what, why, when, how in regards to the writing subject. The majority of the documents I have written in the last year for school have been research papers therefore I appreciated learning the difference between a research paper and a summary.
When beginning a paper developing a subject does not happen instantly. The writer must allow time to develop ideas, ask themselves questions about the subject. Diana Hacker suggested thinking about the subject throughout the day and jotting down ideas as they come. Additional methods of developing the subject are; writing a list of ideas, free-writing, writing in a journal, and talking to other people about the subject to assist in generating new concepts.
It is necessary to know what type of paper is required. Diana Hacker stated there are generally two forms of college writing assignments, an analytical essay and a research paper. Each type of paper has certain characteristics that identify it as such but both types of paper require critically reading texts, annotating the text, creating an outline, writing a rough draft, and revising the text until the final draft is finished. The analytical essay involves reading a text closely and writing to support the text. If a quote from the document is used the writer must include the page number of the text. A research paper includes gathering information on the subject from multiple sources. It is required to document each source at the end of the document.
It is critical to figure out what the purpose is of the text. Diana Hacker said to find out what you want to communicate to the readers and who is the audience of the text. It is important to make sure who ever reads the text is able to understand what you are stating. It is important to ask who, what, where, why, and how in regards to the subject to ensure all the questions the audience may have are adequately covered.
This week I had a better understanding of how to use this assignment as a tool for my future writing assignments. The concepts I felt that will be especially beneficial to me are, dwelling on possible subjects throughout my day, brainstorming with friends, and asking myself who, what, why, when, how in regards to the writing subject. The majority of the documents I have written in the last year for school have been research papers therefore I appreciated learning the difference between a research paper and a summary.
"The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me" Dialogue
Education provides a source of inspiration. Unfortunately the poor societies in our country are usually the people who are not offered a good education. If we could figure out a system to assist the poor communities, in increasing the ability to provide an excellent education to their children, we would be changing the future of many people. Having an education provides a path to a successful career future including a career where the compensation is larger, a wide array of career choices, and better benefits for the employees.
Education keeps children off the streets. When children are uneducated and basically are living on the streets the world becomes a very dark place. If the child is not taught the dangers of the world they are destined to become apart of the problem. Education can literally save a person’s life by dropping the likeliness the person becomes involved in illegal activity.
Alexie is providing the children potential for a successful future and showing them another world where they have the ability to do whatever they put their mind to. He wanted them to know it does not matter what ethnicity the person is, through education, anyone can decide if they would like a successful future. Alexie knew from his childhood Indian children were expected to be “stupid”. He knew from personal experience they were not stupid but social pressure caused them to shut down and let society dictate their educational abilities. He wanted them to break down the social stigmas that restricted their success. By providing himself as an example he proved Indian children are capable of successful futures. He knew Indian children were neglected when it came to motivational educators therefore he become a guest teacher to educate the children on poetry, essays, and other texts. He wanted them to become interested in books because that is what inspired his future. By Alexie going into a classroom and addressing the children he provided the children the gift of recognition, respect, and an example of what to strive for.
Alexie saved his own life by becoming interested in books at a young age. He was fascinated with the structure of paragraphs and how they came together to create larger texts. Before he had the ability to read he loved staring at comic books and making up what was expressed in the scene by analyzing the pictures. He was interested in his education and wanted people around him to know he was intelligent and that he cared about his future. Although he was bullied for showing his intelligence he focused on books and allowed them to be his ticket to his successful future.
Education keeps children off the streets. When children are uneducated and basically are living on the streets the world becomes a very dark place. If the child is not taught the dangers of the world they are destined to become apart of the problem. Education can literally save a person’s life by dropping the likeliness the person becomes involved in illegal activity.
Alexie is providing the children potential for a successful future and showing them another world where they have the ability to do whatever they put their mind to. He wanted them to know it does not matter what ethnicity the person is, through education, anyone can decide if they would like a successful future. Alexie knew from his childhood Indian children were expected to be “stupid”. He knew from personal experience they were not stupid but social pressure caused them to shut down and let society dictate their educational abilities. He wanted them to break down the social stigmas that restricted their success. By providing himself as an example he proved Indian children are capable of successful futures. He knew Indian children were neglected when it came to motivational educators therefore he become a guest teacher to educate the children on poetry, essays, and other texts. He wanted them to become interested in books because that is what inspired his future. By Alexie going into a classroom and addressing the children he provided the children the gift of recognition, respect, and an example of what to strive for.
Alexie saved his own life by becoming interested in books at a young age. He was fascinated with the structure of paragraphs and how they came together to create larger texts. Before he had the ability to read he loved staring at comic books and making up what was expressed in the scene by analyzing the pictures. He was interested in his education and wanted people around him to know he was intelligent and that he cared about his future. Although he was bullied for showing his intelligence he focused on books and allowed them to be his ticket to his successful future.
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