Journal #1
My interests in writing tend to lean towards a more story teller approach trather than non-fiction. Whether it be fiction or non-fiction a true story is designed to initialize a certain emotional response from a reader. I recall reading one novel that was based on true events; however the author altered the truth to get to a deeper meaning on an emotional and psychological basis. It wasn’t necessarily the events the author was trying to explain to the reader, rather the internal strife that can rarely be put in words. More often than not I find myself writing either literary analysis, which can be both incredibly annoying and very fun depending on the literary piece. I am relatively uncertain what my strengths would be. If I was forced to take a wild guess I would say my ability to paint a picture with my descriptions. My weaknesses are my faulty thesis statements as well as my tendency to ramble and become less punctual. During my college career I intend on improving my overall writing ability. A few specialized areas I wish to improve upon are my vocabulary, addressing my audience, and becoming more concise in my statements. As a prospective engineer I believe the majority of the writing I will be doing during my college years will require me to be clear and concise in order to get my point across with as little confusion as possible.
Journal #2
The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers regarded by many to be ideal. Numbers that even Mother Nature dares not go against, but rather commit to however this is not the case. Nature is dictated by the biology of living things, proving false the theories of Fibonacci in nautilus shells, peacock feathers, and the curl of chameleon tails.
Nautilus shells are used to support the claim of the golden spiral in nature; however this is not the case but rather a result of biology. Nautilus shells are formed by organisms. Hopefully we’ll have better luck with the next belief.
Many Fibonacci fanatics will claim there to be a “golden spiral” in the tail feathers of the peacock. This theory encounters controversy when you consider that peacocks have the ability to flair their feathers out to various degrees. Is that to say that peacocks flair their feathers out just far enough to make a golden spiral or did someone simply measure a couple peacock feathers, round them together, and produce an average in the general vicinity of the golden spiral in order to call it reliable data. Fibonacci’s and birds do not mix; however maybe the third times a charm.
The curl of chameleon tails has been for a long time, a subject of Fibonacci support. This suggests that when a chameleon curls its tail it forms a golden spiral. This suggestion is countered by the concept in nature known as growth with constraints. This concept suggests that living organisms have certain biological limits to their growth. With the use of scientific knowledge we can prove that the curl of a chameleons tails is really anything but support for the Fibonacci sequence.
Nautilus shells are used to support the claim of the golden spiral in nature; however this is not the case but rather a result of biology. Nautilus shells are formed by organisms. Hopefully we’ll have better luck with the next belief.
Many Fibonacci fanatics will claim there to be a “golden spiral” in the tail feathers of the peacock. This theory encounters controversy when you consider that peacocks have the ability to flair their feathers out to various degrees. Is that to say that peacocks flair their feathers out just far enough to make a golden spiral or did someone simply measure a couple peacock feathers, round them together, and produce an average in the general vicinity of the golden spiral in order to call it reliable data. Fibonacci’s and birds do not mix; however maybe the third times a charm.
The curl of chameleon tails has been for a long time, a subject of Fibonacci support. This suggests that when a chameleon curls its tail it forms a golden spiral. This suggestion is countered by the concept in nature known as growth with constraints. This concept suggests that living organisms have certain biological limits to their growth. With the use of scientific knowledge we can prove that the curl of a chameleons tails is really anything but support for the Fibonacci sequence.
Journal #3
My current method of drafting papers vary slightly depending on the genre I am writing. On an informative report I will typically begin drafting a paper simply by sitting down and writing out the primary topics I wish to address. If these topics require more research then my base knowledge I will find information regarding them on credible websites. After I have the general outline I write the essay without. When I have finished writing the initial draft I will take a break to give my mind the opportunity to refresh itself and then I will dive back into the essay by rereading it and providing any revisions that may have come to mind during my break. These revisions include aspects varying from new sentence structures to new information. In fictional writing I tend to be a bit freer flowing, allowing my thoughts to spill out on the paper in the manor they wish to. After writing the story with my emotion and spontaneity intact I will revise it with a more level head considering the clarity and perspectives of my writing. The approximate time frame varies depending on the topic however my total essay writing time frame tends to be approximately two days. If there are more pressing time constraints this drops to a day. All of the aspects are the method by which I draft my papers, however they aren’t fool proof and there is plenty of room for improvement.
My drafting could be greatly improved by allowing for a longer writing period, locating a subject of interest, and gathering of supporting information. I believe that if I ceased my procrastination in writing my essays would become more fluid and less rigid given the lax time constraints rather than feeling the pressure of a ten page paper due the next morning. Finding a subject that interests me and caters to my audience has always been a difficult issue for me. I believe by talking to more individuals about my topic I will be able to craft it into a more refined subject with my interests as well as the interests of my audience catered to. One of the big difficulties I have encountered has been my inability to find credible information that is unique and diverse from the typical essay. This semester I am dedicating myself to improving my writing techniques by ceasing my habit of procrastination, a willingness to tweak my topics, and dedicating myself to more profuse researching in the name of unique and credible information.
My drafting could be greatly improved by allowing for a longer writing period, locating a subject of interest, and gathering of supporting information. I believe that if I ceased my procrastination in writing my essays would become more fluid and less rigid given the lax time constraints rather than feeling the pressure of a ten page paper due the next morning. Finding a subject that interests me and caters to my audience has always been a difficult issue for me. I believe by talking to more individuals about my topic I will be able to craft it into a more refined subject with my interests as well as the interests of my audience catered to. One of the big difficulties I have encountered has been my inability to find credible information that is unique and diverse from the typical essay. This semester I am dedicating myself to improving my writing techniques by ceasing my habit of procrastination, a willingness to tweak my topics, and dedicating myself to more profuse researching in the name of unique and credible information.
Journal #4
The four primary steps in revision and editing are level one, revision, level two, substantive editing, level three, copyediting, and level four, proofreading. The first level of this process revolves around rethinking your approach on certain aspects including ideas, genre, subject, and more. Level two, substantive editing, includes the altering of the papers content, organization, and design. This is a more structural editing whereas the first level was more conceptual. Then there’s copyediting which includes the revision of the headings, paragraphs, and sentences in order to create a more persuasive argument. The final level is proofreading. Proofreading is minor alterations that you may have missed in prior readings, such as grammar, spelling, and usage. The overall process of revision and editing is a four step system that enables the writer to craft a more decisive and persuasive argument that targets a certain concept or goal.
Journal #5
Anastasia’s quests through the languages of Russian, German, and English have driven her dreams of becoming an interpreter since her earliest years. This journey began in first grade as an extracurricular and has since grown to envelop a major aspect of her life, balanced out by her loving husband and two children, Olivia and Alexander, here in the United States of America and her mother, father, and younger brother in Togliatti, Russia. Between family and learning Anastasia lives a full life; however it isn’t the destination that is of the utmost regard, but rather the journey that has melded her into who she is today.
Attending school at a young age, Anastasia’s potential was recognized early on by her teachers. She began learning a variety of languages, including German and English, through various extracurricular activities. After her first year in elementary school the language professor took Anastasia and one of her childhood friends under her wing as private students for the course of the summer without any payment. The reasons behind the professor’s motives for this are unclear, however it has been speculated upon that due to a lack of children on the professors behalf, she may have viewed Anastasia in a motherly sense, striving to push them onwards and upwards. This teacher sparked an interest of languages in Anastasia that persists to this day.
After a few years in the elementary school, Anastasia switched, attending a school similar to academy schools in the United States. This change pushed her to greater heights as she began taking advanced courses with students multiple years older than her. This competitive environment was just what Anastasia needed as she began to perfect her language skills. At the end of primary school she was required to take the required state exams, in addition to one she could decide upon. At the last minute Anastasia decided to take the English exam, a test students prepare the whole the year for… Despite this knowledge Anastasia was undaunted and for good reason. When she received her score it was ninety percent correct, a simply stunning score for this sixteen year old graduate. This moment marked Anastasia’s pursuit of a career in interpreting.
Upon completion Anastasia continued her schooling at a local college where she studied English. During this period one of her professors suggested that she partake in a program a program that sent students from Russia to America for schooling. Anastasia decided that this was what she wished to do and proposed it to her parents. Unfortunately her father turned down the proposition due to a lack of monetary funds. However the following year, despite her father’s previous opposition, she was granted this life changing opportunity. Anastasia left Togliatti, Russia and came to the United states in 2006 and 2007. From that moment onward Anastasia has been pursuing her dream of becoming an interpreter by continuing her education at Old Dominion University.
Attending school at a young age, Anastasia’s potential was recognized early on by her teachers. She began learning a variety of languages, including German and English, through various extracurricular activities. After her first year in elementary school the language professor took Anastasia and one of her childhood friends under her wing as private students for the course of the summer without any payment. The reasons behind the professor’s motives for this are unclear, however it has been speculated upon that due to a lack of children on the professors behalf, she may have viewed Anastasia in a motherly sense, striving to push them onwards and upwards. This teacher sparked an interest of languages in Anastasia that persists to this day.
After a few years in the elementary school, Anastasia switched, attending a school similar to academy schools in the United States. This change pushed her to greater heights as she began taking advanced courses with students multiple years older than her. This competitive environment was just what Anastasia needed as she began to perfect her language skills. At the end of primary school she was required to take the required state exams, in addition to one she could decide upon. At the last minute Anastasia decided to take the English exam, a test students prepare the whole the year for… Despite this knowledge Anastasia was undaunted and for good reason. When she received her score it was ninety percent correct, a simply stunning score for this sixteen year old graduate. This moment marked Anastasia’s pursuit of a career in interpreting.
Upon completion Anastasia continued her schooling at a local college where she studied English. During this period one of her professors suggested that she partake in a program a program that sent students from Russia to America for schooling. Anastasia decided that this was what she wished to do and proposed it to her parents. Unfortunately her father turned down the proposition due to a lack of monetary funds. However the following year, despite her father’s previous opposition, she was granted this life changing opportunity. Anastasia left Togliatti, Russia and came to the United states in 2006 and 2007. From that moment onward Anastasia has been pursuing her dream of becoming an interpreter by continuing her education at Old Dominion University.
Journal #6
Evaluation on Planking: What is it and Why it is Popular
A formal paper should be composed of three major portions, the introduction, the supporting details, and the conclusion. The effectiveness of a paper is strongly correlated to its structure, as an unclear and imprecise essay will result in an unclear message to its readers. That being said there are many ways for a writer to utilize effective writing techniques.
The introduction of an essay can be opened up in an interesting manner by utilizing an attention grabbing line such as a compelling statement, a startling statistic, or an impromptu question. Unfortunately the author of this segment took a more passive route and went with an introduction that consisted of a rather stereotypical definition as to what planking is and where it is prevalent. This could have been an attention grabbing statement by perhaps quoting relative statistics regarding how many people are unaware of planking or some such research.
The body of an essay is intended to compose the supporting details or information to your previously stated introduction by drawing the reader into your paper. This can be done through scene setters, anecdotes, or even case histories. This portion of the paper is well executed by the author. In the second paragraph he dives in utilizing dialogue as well as supporting details to build his paper. In the third paragraph the author pulls in supporting information as to the origin of planking by retelling the story of its creators and how they initiated this strange new practice.
The conclusion of the paper was well set up as it goes into an almost, “what will happen next” tone. However it does not clearly signal that the conclusion is occurring, make clear the primary purpose, or stress the importance of the topic. The only portion it truly does is look to the future by the author pulling in details as to its growth through Facebook in reference to groups and likes.
Overall the structure of the paper is moderately strong. It has a poor introduction that fails to grab the reader’s attention and state the thesis. This downfall is counteracted by its strong supporting details filled with information. Unfortunately without a thesis the author failed to provide us with a roadmap as to the direction of his paper, making it feel as though we are wandering through his paper without any direction what so ever. The conclusion of his paper incorporated one aspect talked about in chapter nineteen and that is looking to the future. He fails to supply a concluding statement that restates the overall purpose of the paper and provide the reader with a sense of finality.
A formal paper should be composed of three major portions, the introduction, the supporting details, and the conclusion. The effectiveness of a paper is strongly correlated to its structure, as an unclear and imprecise essay will result in an unclear message to its readers. That being said there are many ways for a writer to utilize effective writing techniques.
The introduction of an essay can be opened up in an interesting manner by utilizing an attention grabbing line such as a compelling statement, a startling statistic, or an impromptu question. Unfortunately the author of this segment took a more passive route and went with an introduction that consisted of a rather stereotypical definition as to what planking is and where it is prevalent. This could have been an attention grabbing statement by perhaps quoting relative statistics regarding how many people are unaware of planking or some such research.
The body of an essay is intended to compose the supporting details or information to your previously stated introduction by drawing the reader into your paper. This can be done through scene setters, anecdotes, or even case histories. This portion of the paper is well executed by the author. In the second paragraph he dives in utilizing dialogue as well as supporting details to build his paper. In the third paragraph the author pulls in supporting information as to the origin of planking by retelling the story of its creators and how they initiated this strange new practice.
The conclusion of the paper was well set up as it goes into an almost, “what will happen next” tone. However it does not clearly signal that the conclusion is occurring, make clear the primary purpose, or stress the importance of the topic. The only portion it truly does is look to the future by the author pulling in details as to its growth through Facebook in reference to groups and likes.
Overall the structure of the paper is moderately strong. It has a poor introduction that fails to grab the reader’s attention and state the thesis. This downfall is counteracted by its strong supporting details filled with information. Unfortunately without a thesis the author failed to provide us with a roadmap as to the direction of his paper, making it feel as though we are wandering through his paper without any direction what so ever. The conclusion of his paper incorporated one aspect talked about in chapter nineteen and that is looking to the future. He fails to supply a concluding statement that restates the overall purpose of the paper and provide the reader with a sense of finality.
Journal #7
Journal #8
In the article How to Score the Debate by Thomas L. Friedman he attempts to attempts to persuade the public as to what is needed in order for the United States to prosper once more during the following presidential term. His focus is primarily upon logos by utilizing previous studies and quotes by accredited individuals regarding issues like the economy. He then goes on to appeal to pathos within his argument by stating how Obama’s campaign has not been giving factual information on his platform despite its appeal to the majority but rather attacking Romney. This pathos appeals to both fear of an incompetent or unqualified president and disdain for targeting the opposition in such a way. There is not much ethos to be seen besides the credibility of the professionals he quotes. Friedman primarily utilizes logos within his argument to persuade the masses.
Journal #9
All But Sight
I find myself seated in my dorm room without my sense of sight. What might I discern from my surroundings? My computer is humming to itself as the fan rotates, causing a slight vibration throughout my keyboard as I strike the malleable keys. The keys make a clicking sound, with more emphasis being placed on the spacebar and the final letter of each word. The noise of the machine room next door draws my attention as I can hear its mellow rumble, with the occasional “clink.” The light tone of music emanates from my ear buds, I can’t quite determine what song it is but I can tell it is old school, with the rhythmic nature of the drums being the basis. I can hear the stereotypical money sound as my roommate plays some game on the Xbox, along with his movement and clicking sounds from the controller. My body feels as though it is placed on the bow of an icebreaker headed into the arctic. The icy air engulfs me, making my fingers numb, my mouse cold to the touch, the only source of heat my laptop. The culprit feels as though it is a vent from somewhere above me as there is a continuous draft of cold air biting at my neck. I can hear the fan in our bathroom as it begins spinning, clunking as it picks up speed. The sound of water rushing as one of my suitemate turns the shower on. There is a person walking in the hall speaking, perhaps on a phone as I can hear no response from the other party. The rigid frame of my chair presses against my back as I lean back, slightly rocking. The world around me is alive with all senses but that of sight and is truly revealing to see what else may be found in our world when we revert to our secondary senses.
I find myself seated in my dorm room without my sense of sight. What might I discern from my surroundings? My computer is humming to itself as the fan rotates, causing a slight vibration throughout my keyboard as I strike the malleable keys. The keys make a clicking sound, with more emphasis being placed on the spacebar and the final letter of each word. The noise of the machine room next door draws my attention as I can hear its mellow rumble, with the occasional “clink.” The light tone of music emanates from my ear buds, I can’t quite determine what song it is but I can tell it is old school, with the rhythmic nature of the drums being the basis. I can hear the stereotypical money sound as my roommate plays some game on the Xbox, along with his movement and clicking sounds from the controller. My body feels as though it is placed on the bow of an icebreaker headed into the arctic. The icy air engulfs me, making my fingers numb, my mouse cold to the touch, the only source of heat my laptop. The culprit feels as though it is a vent from somewhere above me as there is a continuous draft of cold air biting at my neck. I can hear the fan in our bathroom as it begins spinning, clunking as it picks up speed. The sound of water rushing as one of my suitemate turns the shower on. There is a person walking in the hall speaking, perhaps on a phone as I can hear no response from the other party. The rigid frame of my chair presses against my back as I lean back, slightly rocking. The world around me is alive with all senses but that of sight and is truly revealing to see what else may be found in our world when we revert to our secondary senses.
Journal #10
There is a wide selection of biased websites to be found throughout the internet that share the views of a narrow minded population in an attempt to improve their own standing by refuting certain the evidence of opposing arguments. Biased sites share only one side of the argument rather than explore both sides of the argument. The three following website reviews are going to be focused on politics seeing as the presidential election is right around the corner.
The first website to be addressed is http://www.mittromney.com/jobsplan which is funded by Romney Victory, Inc. Now this is a blatant example of a biased website for good reason, it is trying to promote Governor Romney’s campaign for presidency. Websites such as this shows one side of an argument in order to show the benefits of one side, while they also attack the negatives or mistakes of another campaign. By showing clips that only portray the best of your side of an argument and the worst of another argument creates a biased site. The final couple phrases are, “Or will it continue down the path that President Obama’s borrowing and taxing and spending has led? America is still waiting for its economic recovery and, as president, Mitt Romney will deliver it.” This exemplifies the bias of this website because of its one sided nature.
Http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy is a government funded website supporting the cause of President Barack Obama. The very first thing you see is, “President Obama will not be satisfied until every American who wants work can find a job. That’s why he is working to grow our economy, so middle class families feel confident in their futures and their children’s futures.” This catches the readers’ eye and continues to tell only the positives of President Obama’s term. They do not address negative aspects but rather use studies to support their arguments and causes. This site is biased. Any website that decides to tell one side of an argument in order to further their own agenda is a biased website.
The final biased website to be addressed is http://home.nra.org/#. Now I am all for second amendment rights, however I am still able to recognize the blatant bias to be seen in such a website. This websites first article is titled The Final Push for Freedom which is an intention ally loaded statement designed to say that if a reader does not side with them they are opposing freedom. It says, “An anti-gun Supreme Court, a U.N. Arms Trade Treaty, and a sweeping gun ban aren't just a possibility in a second Obama term. They're a near certainty.” Now this statement is biased. You cannot foretell the future to this degree, so in essence this is someone attempting to make their opinion sound like reason. Only time will show what the future holds.
Bias is seen all throughout the media, whether it be the newspaper, the website, or the television. A prominent role of bias is found in politics which has been traditionally separated along party lines and display the bias of each party.
The first website to be addressed is http://www.mittromney.com/jobsplan which is funded by Romney Victory, Inc. Now this is a blatant example of a biased website for good reason, it is trying to promote Governor Romney’s campaign for presidency. Websites such as this shows one side of an argument in order to show the benefits of one side, while they also attack the negatives or mistakes of another campaign. By showing clips that only portray the best of your side of an argument and the worst of another argument creates a biased site. The final couple phrases are, “Or will it continue down the path that President Obama’s borrowing and taxing and spending has led? America is still waiting for its economic recovery and, as president, Mitt Romney will deliver it.” This exemplifies the bias of this website because of its one sided nature.
Http://www.whitehouse.gov/economy is a government funded website supporting the cause of President Barack Obama. The very first thing you see is, “President Obama will not be satisfied until every American who wants work can find a job. That’s why he is working to grow our economy, so middle class families feel confident in their futures and their children’s futures.” This catches the readers’ eye and continues to tell only the positives of President Obama’s term. They do not address negative aspects but rather use studies to support their arguments and causes. This site is biased. Any website that decides to tell one side of an argument in order to further their own agenda is a biased website.
The final biased website to be addressed is http://home.nra.org/#. Now I am all for second amendment rights, however I am still able to recognize the blatant bias to be seen in such a website. This websites first article is titled The Final Push for Freedom which is an intention ally loaded statement designed to say that if a reader does not side with them they are opposing freedom. It says, “An anti-gun Supreme Court, a U.N. Arms Trade Treaty, and a sweeping gun ban aren't just a possibility in a second Obama term. They're a near certainty.” Now this statement is biased. You cannot foretell the future to this degree, so in essence this is someone attempting to make their opinion sound like reason. Only time will show what the future holds.
Bias is seen all throughout the media, whether it be the newspaper, the website, or the television. A prominent role of bias is found in politics which has been traditionally separated along party lines and display the bias of each party.
Journal #11
The research question I intend to address is the residual impact upon the geology of the ocean floor and the environmental issues it poses in the future. My initial research has supported the conclusion that drilling does not have a severe effect upon the geology of the ocean floor over any extended period of time. The only effect related to ocean drilling is the possibility of collapsing sea beds; however this isn’t nearly as severe as it sounds as it simply causes a depression in the earth. The sources I initially targeted were on the basics of petroleum extraction, both oceanic and land bound. The reason behind this is to gain a basic understanding of the concepts related to it and the similarities between the two in order to provide support. The sites I used were professional sites explaining the methods behind the drilling and extraction as well as environmental websites that may have held some biased towards drilling but were more likely to highlight possible downfalls of drilling along the ocean floor.
Journal #12
My research and writing process has spanned a great deal of information designed to answer a particular question that interests me rather than to persuade or analyze. I enjoyed this type of paper as it gave me a more factual base to work with despite the fact that it forced me to draw upon a variety of resources in order to support my research and conclusion instead of being able to build an argument out of knowledge I previously held. I began this research project without any idea how to begin, I had the ground work but I was unsure the direction I intended to head with it. It took a solid amount of time to design a research question that fit my interests and was yet to be answered. From this point I began to expand my knowledge on the subject, building my base from the ground up to ensure that I, as well as my audience, understood the fundamentals. From here I began to poke and prod the research question in order to devise the major aspects to it and from there I broke it down into its major parts. After this was completed I began writing my research paper under the guidelines I had created for myself.