I learned a new technique to help analyze my use of sources in my argument essay. My highlighted paragraphs help me to see where I may be using the sources too much, as well as places where I derive from the topic. I hope to use this technique to help me in any type of research paper I write in the future.
The Stakes of An Argument
I am writing my problem/solution argument essay on the lack of funding in primary public schools in the state of Mississippi. This argument matters because education is one of the most important resources that a state provides to its citizens. Education has the highest return of interest of any government subsidized institution. Education also helps to create new culture for the country, which benefits all citizens. People should care about the quality and funding of the education children receive because of how great an impact education has on everyone’s life. An educated populace is much safer than a non-educated one. An educated population is also much more productive and progressive in their respective communities. Everyone would benefit from an increase to public school funding.
Connecting Your “Real Life” to Writing
During this spring break, I spent most of my time resting and relaxing, as most students do. I did, however, find time to think about the wonderful world of Writing 101 and the glorious tool that is rhetoric. I began reading a book titled A Feast for Crows by George R. R. Martin. The book is a fiction novel, but it is filled with brilliant writing. Martin’s style and word choice create an extremely gorgeous style. His language choice helps to create different tones and moods that make me as a reader feel as if I’m a part of the story. He does an amazing job of describing places, weather, people, and the actions people make. His writing paints a picture so easily it makes it difficult to put down the book. The things we’ve been learning in Writ101 have helped me to better recognize and appreciate the tools Martin uses to create such a wonderful story.
Connecting the NYT to My Education
Have We Been Playing Gershwin Wrong for 70 Years?
Earlier this week in my Music classes we talked about the significance of George Gershwin and his compositions. Gershwin is seen as one of the most influential early American composers. His jazzy, lyrical works have been cemented in American musical culture for the past 70 years. This article talks about how in one of Gershwin’s most famous works, “An American in Paris,” the composer calls for a “french taxi horn” part. This is obviously not a standard musical instrument used in classical music. The article claims that for the past 70 years, performers have been using notes that are incorrect to what Gershwin would have actually intended. This article is connected to my studies as a music major because it shows that we are still learning and discovering new things about music. This suggests to me that my education at Ole Miss is important because soon it will be my responsibility as well as my peer’s to continue the study of music. We will be responsible for interpreting new meanings behind music, as well as continuing to teach about the culture provided by modern American music.
Relating the New with the Old
This week in WRIT 101 we learned about rhetorical strategies in writing. We learned about the benefits of using ethos, logos, and pathos in order to help your writing better influence your readers. It is memorable because it is something useful in all styles of writing, as well as being an important skill. Last week we talked about the importance of understanding your target audience. I think knowing your target audience will greatly influence what kind of rhetorical strategies you will use in your writing. This connection made me realize that it is important to use techniques that are effective in influencing and moving your target audience.
Learning About Writing (Feb. 8-12)
This week in WRIT101 we talked about the benefits of using transitional words or phrases. I found this lessons to be particularlly helpful because it will help to strengthen my writing and help make my writing more effective to my audience. I plan to use the information I learned about transition phrases in all of my academic writings. Learning about transitional words and phrases affected my writing positively by helping me to make my writing more effective. I am excited to be able to use this technique in all of my future writings.
Writing About My Writing
I think of myself as a writer. I think all people are writers in their own way. We all write in various forms everyday when we text, email, or communicate with other people. As a college student I am fortunate enough to be able to write both formally and informally. When I text my friends or share a post on Facebook, my tone is extremely informal and lackadaisical because my intended audience isn’t one that cares so much about my writing having a proper style. However, when I write a paper for class or send an important e-mail, I am sure to structure my writing in a way that clearly states my thoughts and ideas and emulates a form that represents a serious tone. My favorite form of writing is formal essays for class. Maybe it’s narcissistic of me, but I enjoy writing in a way that makes me feel educated. I feel like it causes people to take you more seriously when you can write in a manner that reflects your intelligence.
MLK- Introduction to Black History Month
This article is an introduction to a series that the NY Times is starting in the month of February to celebrate black history month. Each day during February, the NY Times will be posting previously unpublished photos of black Americans. The point of this article is to introduce and explain why the NY Times is doing this series, as well as to provide insight into the lives of people during the Civil Rights movement of America. The author makes his point by asking questions as to why these photos haven’t been published as of yet. I believe that the author is doing a great job of introducing the series and I am excited to see all of the photos and the stories that they tell.
First Friday Reflection: Jan. 29 2016
This week in WRIT101 we talked about the importance of recognizing who your audience is and what your purpose is when writing. I learned how recognizing who your audience is and creating a “profile” of them in your mind will help your audience receive and understand your writing better. This is memorable because I believe it is an important aspect of writing. It will also help my audience to better understand my writing. I believe this concept will be useful in the future because I will continue writing different things for the rest of my life, whether it be for a class, a job, or any other purpose. I believe this could be immensely helpful in other classes, especially those in which I will be writing a lot because it will help my writing to be clearer and more effective.
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