The advertisement I choose is for jewerly. I actually found it on an online site for jewerly. The target audience is probably higher class consumers. I do believe the target audience was influenced by it.
I believe my advertisement lures consumers in in two ways: it targets woman who want to look beautiful and have possessions that make them appear rich and beautiful. For men, the beautiful woman stops them in their tracks and the message above promises them special time with Keena if they own that jewerly. This concept is from Roland Marchland's exert.
I also utilized Dorothy Cohen's fundaments to analyze my paper in terms of its layout. The way an ad is made helps to catch a person's attention.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Elements of an Effective Layout
This paper talked about the layout of a print ad. This part focuses specifically on the elements of balance, proportion, movement, unity, clarity and simplicity, and emphasis.
Balance - a matter of weight distribution of the picture. Equilibrium is achieved by balance. The optical center of the ad serves as the fulcrum or balancing point.
Proportion- develops order and creates a pleasing impression for the person viewing the ad. States everything in the ad most be aligned properly to achieve 100% prportionality.
Movement- (sequence) provides the directional flow for the ad. Most have movement in order for an ad to appear dynamic not bland. It provides coherence and makes sure the viewer doesn't miss anything.
gaze motion - directs the reader's attention by directing the loos of the people of animals in the ad.
structural motion - uses the lines of direction in a pattern.
Unity- unification of the layout. All of the ad elements should be aligned making the picture unified as a whole. Using a border surrounding an ad provides method to achieve unity. Utilizing white space can also establish unity. It's a part of the ad space which is not occupied by any other element. When the elements are the same color, size, and equal in value there is unity in the ad.
Clarity and Simplicity- ad should be easy to follow, not too complicated or tricky. The color contrasts should be easily distinguished. A way to achieve this is by combining the company logo, trademark, and tag line into one.
Emphasis- only one part of the print ad should be dominating. This should up to the designer of the ad and should focus on one aspect. Emphasis can be achieved by contrasts in size, shape, and color, or the use of white space.
After going over these elements several times for clarity, I saw three of them in my ad. I had never paid any attention to how certain parts of ads were spaced, the size of writing compared to other elements, nor whether the people pictures were looking at something or right back at myself. I see how these elements make advertisements more effective. I believe balance, proportion and movement are really important in ads. Although clarity and simplicity are probably the obvious choices, I've seen many ads that were almost overwhelming or ones that didn't seem to have a punch line..if you will.
Knowing these elements does not ruin advertisements for me at all. If anything, it helps explain why certain choices are made.
Balance - a matter of weight distribution of the picture. Equilibrium is achieved by balance. The optical center of the ad serves as the fulcrum or balancing point.
Proportion- develops order and creates a pleasing impression for the person viewing the ad. States everything in the ad most be aligned properly to achieve 100% prportionality.
Movement- (sequence) provides the directional flow for the ad. Most have movement in order for an ad to appear dynamic not bland. It provides coherence and makes sure the viewer doesn't miss anything.
gaze motion - directs the reader's attention by directing the loos of the people of animals in the ad.
structural motion - uses the lines of direction in a pattern.
Unity- unification of the layout. All of the ad elements should be aligned making the picture unified as a whole. Using a border surrounding an ad provides method to achieve unity. Utilizing white space can also establish unity. It's a part of the ad space which is not occupied by any other element. When the elements are the same color, size, and equal in value there is unity in the ad.
Clarity and Simplicity- ad should be easy to follow, not too complicated or tricky. The color contrasts should be easily distinguished. A way to achieve this is by combining the company logo, trademark, and tag line into one.
Emphasis- only one part of the print ad should be dominating. This should up to the designer of the ad and should focus on one aspect. Emphasis can be achieved by contrasts in size, shape, and color, or the use of white space.
After going over these elements several times for clarity, I saw three of them in my ad. I had never paid any attention to how certain parts of ads were spaced, the size of writing compared to other elements, nor whether the people pictures were looking at something or right back at myself. I see how these elements make advertisements more effective. I believe balance, proportion and movement are really important in ads. Although clarity and simplicity are probably the obvious choices, I've seen many ads that were almost overwhelming or ones that didn't seem to have a punch line..if you will.
Knowing these elements does not ruin advertisements for me at all. If anything, it helps explain why certain choices are made.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Democracy of Goods
The thesis statement:
"Thus, according to the concept of the Democracy of Goods, no differences in wealth could prevent the humblest citizens, provided they chose their purchases wisely, from coming home to a setting in which they could contemplate their essential equality, through possession of a particular product, with the nation's millionaires."
The democracy of goods concepts in advertising allows consumers to believe they can be equal to the rich and famous.
The amount of celebrities that feature in advertisements can be linked to the desire people have to be something better. Since these celebrities have earned their fortunes in some way, this reinforces to consumers that success is achievable. This makes it easier to believe that having the same product as a successful individual will make them successful as well.
This concept allows people of middle to low class to believe they can fit in with the upper class by simplying purchasing the item in the advertisement. These ads make people believe they can enjoy the same pleasures and wonders as the upper class do because of the wonders of mass production and distrubition.
"Thus, according to the concept of the Democracy of Goods, no differences in wealth could prevent the humblest citizens, provided they chose their purchases wisely, from coming home to a setting in which they could contemplate their essential equality, through possession of a particular product, with the nation's millionaires."
The democracy of goods concepts in advertising allows consumers to believe they can be equal to the rich and famous.
The amount of celebrities that feature in advertisements can be linked to the desire people have to be something better. Since these celebrities have earned their fortunes in some way, this reinforces to consumers that success is achievable. This makes it easier to believe that having the same product as a successful individual will make them successful as well.
This concept allows people of middle to low class to believe they can fit in with the upper class by simplying purchasing the item in the advertisement. These ads make people believe they can enjoy the same pleasures and wonders as the upper class do because of the wonders of mass production and distrubition.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Advertising
It seems like sex, popularity, and humor captivate the viewers and reel us in.
You cannot turn on the television, internet, or open a magazine without seeing a half dressed woman. These women are usually made to look childlike even while men is sexual advertisements are always protrayed as greater beings. A lot of these ads seem to be promising people they will get sex itself if they purchase these products. I've read that companies use sexual imagines to catch our attention and made us focus more on their product.
And it's the same for ads that seem to make people look more popular and cool if they own a certain product. They are trying to make consumers believe that this will happen to them if we buy this product. It's very dangerous for children to see these ads.
Advertisers are good at marketing what people want from life though. The women who want men who are more caring, or men who have a better body, the men who want a woman that doesn't talk so much as just wants sex more, kids who have parents that buy them whatever they want... Advertisements are like slick men that know what a woman wants to hear, and they say it to get us to buy their product.
My favorite ads utilize humor. We all love the funny Super Bowl commercials and they seem to get more talk actually than any other ads. I love the ads from two seperate insurance companies, the weird Dairy Queen blizzard ads, and many others that utilize humor.
The ones I hate the most are the ones about donating money to those poor animals. Although I would love to say every animal in the world, I can not afford to with three kids, my husband and I living on one income while I finish school. These ads intentionally try to pull at your heart strings, obviouslly. They make my son cry! I hate them b/c they always leave me feeling like a big jerk that doesn't do anything to help anyone else...if I don't donate money to them. It's torture. I'm truly glad these organizations are made to help these animals but think they should tone down the ads a little.
You cannot turn on the television, internet, or open a magazine without seeing a half dressed woman. These women are usually made to look childlike even while men is sexual advertisements are always protrayed as greater beings. A lot of these ads seem to be promising people they will get sex itself if they purchase these products. I've read that companies use sexual imagines to catch our attention and made us focus more on their product.
And it's the same for ads that seem to make people look more popular and cool if they own a certain product. They are trying to make consumers believe that this will happen to them if we buy this product. It's very dangerous for children to see these ads.
Advertisers are good at marketing what people want from life though. The women who want men who are more caring, or men who have a better body, the men who want a woman that doesn't talk so much as just wants sex more, kids who have parents that buy them whatever they want... Advertisements are like slick men that know what a woman wants to hear, and they say it to get us to buy their product.
My favorite ads utilize humor. We all love the funny Super Bowl commercials and they seem to get more talk actually than any other ads. I love the ads from two seperate insurance companies, the weird Dairy Queen blizzard ads, and many others that utilize humor.
The ones I hate the most are the ones about donating money to those poor animals. Although I would love to say every animal in the world, I can not afford to with three kids, my husband and I living on one income while I finish school. These ads intentionally try to pull at your heart strings, obviouslly. They make my son cry! I hate them b/c they always leave me feeling like a big jerk that doesn't do anything to help anyone else...if I don't donate money to them. It's torture. I'm truly glad these organizations are made to help these animals but think they should tone down the ads a little.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Persausive Essay Summary
Paper topic and thesis statement:
Supporting evidence: PepsiCo is also very committed to helping their community develop healthy lifestyles by helping in a program called Activate America.
Arguement #2: Many will argue that despite all the contributions this company has made to its consumers, that it’s still a sugary, fatty cola company. Recently, Pepsi fell to the number three spot in ranking carbonated beverages. In the new CEO defense, it’s difficult to make carbonated drinks healthy.
Supporting evidence:
PepsiCo is one of the world’s most familiar consumer food and beverage companies, offering brands like Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Tropicana and Quaker. The company offers more than 500 beverages and snacks that appeal to every consumer age group and demographic category, spanning every time of the day. These brands also serve a wide variety of consumer needs- from fun and enjoyment to health and nutrition- and they remain the single greatest reason for PepsiCo’s continued success. “Today, PepsiCo is a $29 billion company, employing more than 150,000 people speaking more than 40 languages around the globe. The company is consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, philanthropic efforts and diversity programs,” (The Pepsi-Cola Story). All of these factors contribute to PepsiCo being the best food and beverage company in the world.
Arguement:
Many will argue still today that there is a great Cola War still brewing between PepsiCo and Coca-Cola. Yet Pepsi, fueled by smarter and more aggressive advertising campaigns, has moved ahead. PepsiCo achieved a new CEO in 2006, Indra Nooyi, who completely changed the game for this company. The company started a new strategy: Better- For –You Products. With the growing concern about obesity in our nation, the company decided it needed to offer an alternative beverage to the market.
Today PepsiCo is the world’s fourth-largest food and beverage company. This company has a strong plan to continue to expand with a large lineup of convenience foods and drinks that provide great taste and nutrition. The company has contributed millions of dollars and countless hours of its employee’s time in providing humanitarian and philanthropic aide through countless programs, grants, and organizations.
Research, Research, Research
Works Cited
“The Pepsi-Cola Story.”
©2005 PepsiCo, Inc. Purchase, N.Y.-based Pepsi-Cola North America
PepsiCo Contributions & Programs/PepsiCo.com
“Coke vs. Pepsi…Are the Cola Wars Finally Over?” by Tony D’Altorio
“The Pepsi Challenge Loses its Fizz,” by Tony D’Altorio
PepsiCo Values & Philosophy/PepsiCo.com
PepsiCo Purpose & Foundation/PepsiCo.com
PepsiCo Foundation – Disaster Response
Style
I found many of these to be helpful when writing my paper, as I am guilty of a few.
#6. Do not overwrite.
I tend to get carried away at times, especially when writing about a topic I am passionate about. I babble and carry on jusst when speaking and seem to carry that into my writing style. I think that one goes hand in hand with #7. Do not overstate. It's hard to not want to fill in some gaps with slightly more exciting text.
I don't think I'm ever guilty of #14, Avoid fancy words. Being a brash person myself, I tend to just spit it out without needing to make it sound prettier than it is.
#17 was a good one for me to read as I was going over my papr beause it would have been easy for me to place a lot of my opinion in a paper about my favorite drink...or rather the company that produces my favorite drink.
#20 is kind of the "dah" one. At this level of writing, no one should be adding foreign languages.
#6. Do not overwrite.
I tend to get carried away at times, especially when writing about a topic I am passionate about. I babble and carry on jusst when speaking and seem to carry that into my writing style. I think that one goes hand in hand with #7. Do not overstate. It's hard to not want to fill in some gaps with slightly more exciting text.
I don't think I'm ever guilty of #14, Avoid fancy words. Being a brash person myself, I tend to just spit it out without needing to make it sound prettier than it is.
#17 was a good one for me to read as I was going over my papr beause it would have been easy for me to place a lot of my opinion in a paper about my favorite drink...or rather the company that produces my favorite drink.
#20 is kind of the "dah" one. At this level of writing, no one should be adding foreign languages.
Effective Arguement
Logos:
He clarifies all of the reasons for his arguments and supports them well. His arguments are also logical in their appeal. For example, in the beginning of his letter he gives a response to the clergymen’s claim that the demonstrations were unwise and untimely. He states that the Negro community had no alternative except to prepare for direct action. He supports this claim by saying that the Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers, but they consistently refused to engage in good-faith negotiation. He also gives more support to his argument by writing about another incident in September when the Negro leaders finally got their chance to talk with the leaders of Birmingham. He states that in the course of negotiations certain promises were made by the merchants-for example to remove the stores’ humiliating racial sings. On the basis of these promises, the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth and the leaders of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights agreed to a moratorium on all demonstrations. As the weeks and the months went on, they realized that they were the victims of broken promises, because the signs went back up. Due to the fact that their hopes were yet again blasted they were forced to resort to direct action. This is just one example of many others in which Martin Luther King makes excellent appeals to logos.
Ethos:
He establishes this from the very start of the argument. In the first paragraph he sets the tone for the letter. He states that he wants to answer the clergymen’s statements in patient and reasonable terms. Also, he establishes his credibility in the second paragraph by responding to the clergymen’s view that he was an outsider coming in. He reveals that he is the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. This clearly establishes his credibility on arguments and claims throughout his letter. Martin Luther King also appeals to ethos by even stating the clergymen’s views throughout his letter, which of course embodies the alternative to his views.
Pathos:
The last issue addressed in King’s letter is that of the Birmingham police force being commended for keeping “order” and “preventing violence”. This section contains the greatest sense of pathos in the letter. He starts out by talking about some of the actions that the police force took, such as letting dogs loose on the people and their treatment of the people. He states that he saw the dogs sinking their teeth into unarmed, nonviolent Negroes. He says that the clergymen would not so quickly commend the police if they observed their ugly and inhumane treatment of Negroes in the city jail; if they were to watch them push and kick old Negro man and young boys; if they were to observe them refuse the give the demonstrators food because they wanted to sing their grace together.
He clarifies all of the reasons for his arguments and supports them well. His arguments are also logical in their appeal. For example, in the beginning of his letter he gives a response to the clergymen’s claim that the demonstrations were unwise and untimely. He states that the Negro community had no alternative except to prepare for direct action. He supports this claim by saying that the Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers, but they consistently refused to engage in good-faith negotiation. He also gives more support to his argument by writing about another incident in September when the Negro leaders finally got their chance to talk with the leaders of Birmingham. He states that in the course of negotiations certain promises were made by the merchants-for example to remove the stores’ humiliating racial sings. On the basis of these promises, the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth and the leaders of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights agreed to a moratorium on all demonstrations. As the weeks and the months went on, they realized that they were the victims of broken promises, because the signs went back up. Due to the fact that their hopes were yet again blasted they were forced to resort to direct action. This is just one example of many others in which Martin Luther King makes excellent appeals to logos.
Ethos:
He establishes this from the very start of the argument. In the first paragraph he sets the tone for the letter. He states that he wants to answer the clergymen’s statements in patient and reasonable terms. Also, he establishes his credibility in the second paragraph by responding to the clergymen’s view that he was an outsider coming in. He reveals that he is the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. This clearly establishes his credibility on arguments and claims throughout his letter. Martin Luther King also appeals to ethos by even stating the clergymen’s views throughout his letter, which of course embodies the alternative to his views.
Pathos:
The last issue addressed in King’s letter is that of the Birmingham police force being commended for keeping “order” and “preventing violence”. This section contains the greatest sense of pathos in the letter. He starts out by talking about some of the actions that the police force took, such as letting dogs loose on the people and their treatment of the people. He states that he saw the dogs sinking their teeth into unarmed, nonviolent Negroes. He says that the clergymen would not so quickly commend the police if they observed their ugly and inhumane treatment of Negroes in the city jail; if they were to watch them push and kick old Negro man and young boys; if they were to observe them refuse the give the demonstrators food because they wanted to sing their grace together.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Logical Fallacies
Ethos:
It is wrong to murder.
For those of us that choose to live by God's standards, it's against the 6th commandment..."Thou Shall Not Kill..." It's also wrong because it's not up to man but God to choose who lives and who dies.
Murder is stealing another person's right to live, without their consent.
It is also wrong because it is illegal in all fifty states of the US, and every country I can think of at this moment. It goes directly against the Constitution of the United States which gives us the right to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness..."
Last but not least, it's pretty socially unacceptable!
Pathos:
Denote $ to save the whales, or these poor cats/dogs, or any other animal on those commercials...
A personal note: Having a really huge heart for all God's living creatures. I really wish they'd stop putting those commercials on tv as it makes my son cry every time.
And, that's what they are going for...which I explain to my child every time.
These ads are meant to appeal to those people who cannot stand to see suffering of any kind. They display the most pathetic, sickly, underweight animals available to them. Fact: before these animals start getting any medical treatment to help their health, they are used to make these commercials. I guess I see where it would be beneficial but it's that the same thing as all those animals rights activits are fighting against??
They use your pity as a tactic to get you to donate your money. They use words like compassionate people, which leaves you feeling like a sick jerk if you don't have the funds to send. Below is one of the favorites I found when searching for some goodies...
"Animals are sentient, sapient, innocent beings. That they should be persecuted, tortured, and murdered - simply for existing - represents the most profane violation of basic morality and decency."
It reminds me of smooth boys I used to date when I was younger. They would just say about anything to get what they wanted. Nothing is off limits. Sorry, best analogy I can think of.
Slippery Slope:
If we pass laws against fully-automatic weapons, then it won't be long before we pass laws on all weapons, and then we will begin to restrict other rights, and finally we will end up living in a communist state. Thus, we should not ban fully-automatic weapons.
You should never gamble. Once you start gambling you find it hard to stop. Soon you are spending all your money on gambling, and eventually you will turn to crime to support your earnings.
If I make an exception for you then I have to make an exception for everyone.
It is wrong to murder.
For those of us that choose to live by God's standards, it's against the 6th commandment..."Thou Shall Not Kill..." It's also wrong because it's not up to man but God to choose who lives and who dies.
Murder is stealing another person's right to live, without their consent.
It is also wrong because it is illegal in all fifty states of the US, and every country I can think of at this moment. It goes directly against the Constitution of the United States which gives us the right to "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness..."
Last but not least, it's pretty socially unacceptable!
Pathos:
Denote $ to save the whales, or these poor cats/dogs, or any other animal on those commercials...
A personal note: Having a really huge heart for all God's living creatures. I really wish they'd stop putting those commercials on tv as it makes my son cry every time.
And, that's what they are going for...which I explain to my child every time.
These ads are meant to appeal to those people who cannot stand to see suffering of any kind. They display the most pathetic, sickly, underweight animals available to them. Fact: before these animals start getting any medical treatment to help their health, they are used to make these commercials. I guess I see where it would be beneficial but it's that the same thing as all those animals rights activits are fighting against??
They use your pity as a tactic to get you to donate your money. They use words like compassionate people, which leaves you feeling like a sick jerk if you don't have the funds to send. Below is one of the favorites I found when searching for some goodies...
"Animals are sentient, sapient, innocent beings. That they should be persecuted, tortured, and murdered - simply for existing - represents the most profane violation of basic morality and decency."
It reminds me of smooth boys I used to date when I was younger. They would just say about anything to get what they wanted. Nothing is off limits. Sorry, best analogy I can think of.
Slippery Slope:
If we pass laws against fully-automatic weapons, then it won't be long before we pass laws on all weapons, and then we will begin to restrict other rights, and finally we will end up living in a communist state. Thus, we should not ban fully-automatic weapons.
You should never gamble. Once you start gambling you find it hard to stop. Soon you are spending all your money on gambling, and eventually you will turn to crime to support your earnings.
If I make an exception for you then I have to make an exception for everyone.
Topic
PepsiCo is the best soft drink company available to consumers. This company is known in over 200 countries with over 500 snacks and soft drinks available to all consumer age groups.
pop music icons Lionel Richie, Tina Turner,
David Bowie, Glen Frey and Gloria Estefan
and sports greats Joe Montana and Dan
Marino. Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman
vice-presidential candidate in the U.S.,
starred in a Diet Pepsi spot. The irrepressible
Michael J. Fox brought a special talent, style
and spirit to a series of Pepsi and Diet Pepsi
commercials. Michael Jackson returned to
star in the first-ever episodic commercial, and
Pepsi made its first trip on the Space Shuttle,
carried in a specially designed “space can.”"
150,000 people speaking more
than 40 languages around the
globe. The company is
consistently recognized for
its corporate citizenship,
philanthropic efforts and diversity
programs."
and is staking its claim as the
global leader in convenience
foods and beverages. PepsiCo has
a strong plan to continue to
expand with an enormous lineup
of convenience foods and drinks
that provide great taste, nutrition
and fun around
the clock."
"Look around and you’ll see PepsiCo’s
brands in nearly 200 countries. The
company offers more than 500 beverages
and snacks that appeal to every consumer
age group and demographic category,
spanning every time of the day. These
brands also serve a wide variety of
consumer needs—from fun and
enjoyment to health and nutrition—and
they remain the single greatest reason for
PepsiCo’s continued success."
"Throughout the ’80s, a long list of stars and
superstars lent their magic to Pepsi, includingpop music icons Lionel Richie, Tina Turner,
David Bowie, Glen Frey and Gloria Estefan
and sports greats Joe Montana and Dan
Marino. Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman
vice-presidential candidate in the U.S.,
starred in a Diet Pepsi spot. The irrepressible
Michael J. Fox brought a special talent, style
and spirit to a series of Pepsi and Diet Pepsi
commercials. Michael Jackson returned to
star in the first-ever episodic commercial, and
Pepsi made its first trip on the Space Shuttle,
carried in a specially designed “space can.”"
"Today, PepsiCo is a $29 billion
company, employing more than150,000 people speaking more
than 40 languages around the
globe. The company is
consistently recognized for
its corporate citizenship,
philanthropic efforts and diversity
programs."
It is the world’s fourth-largest
food and beverage company—and is staking its claim as the
global leader in convenience
foods and beverages. PepsiCo has
a strong plan to continue to
expand with an enormous lineup
of convenience foods and drinks
that provide great taste, nutrition
and fun around
the clock."
"Look around and you’ll see PepsiCo’s
brands in nearly 200 countries. The
company offers more than 500 beverages
and snacks that appeal to every consumer
age group and demographic category,
spanning every time of the day. These
brands also serve a wide variety of
consumer needs—from fun and
enjoyment to health and nutrition—and
they remain the single greatest reason for
PepsiCo’s continued success."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
When Your Opinion Matters
Unfortunately, a week doesn't go by when I wish I would have worded something differently. Whether for the purpose of getting my point across more effectively or because I stuck my giant foot in my mouth again, I usually have doubt over what I say several times a month.
I am currently helping run a flag football/cheerleading league. It has been very stressful what with also being a full time student and mother of three. There has been countless times these last few months where I had the opportunity to voice my opinion but was practically shut down before even considered. It's very frustrating to feel like you don't have a voice in the matter, especially when you donate hours of your time to something.
When I look back on the times when I felt my opinion was not considered, I see now that I wasn't able to sucessfully get my views across.
There are other aspects of my life where my arguementative skills get much better use, especially when it deals with home or domestic issues. One of the ways I parent my children is to express to them way something needs to be a certain way or way something was wrong and am usually sucessful in having them see my views. Almost shockingly sucessful, since it's dealing with children.
I am currently helping run a flag football/cheerleading league. It has been very stressful what with also being a full time student and mother of three. There has been countless times these last few months where I had the opportunity to voice my opinion but was practically shut down before even considered. It's very frustrating to feel like you don't have a voice in the matter, especially when you donate hours of your time to something.
When I look back on the times when I felt my opinion was not considered, I see now that I wasn't able to sucessfully get my views across.
There are other aspects of my life where my arguementative skills get much better use, especially when it deals with home or domestic issues. One of the ways I parent my children is to express to them way something needs to be a certain way or way something was wrong and am usually sucessful in having them see my views. Almost shockingly sucessful, since it's dealing with children.
Muddiest Point!
The first part that isn't my strongest suite in regards to writing this paper is reading one of my two choices is utilizing APA format. Last semester, I had to write every paper in my human disease course in this format and it is really confusing for me. I also think it's a little redundant which is ironic to me since we are taught in English classes to not write redundantly.
It's a little muddy which format I should utilize as my field of study does utilize both formats.
I also am a little ensure of what topic matter I should choose now as I was always taught that persuasive papers did argue for or against a certain position.
In writing these papers, it's always been easy for me to write mostly about logic knowing to utilize the emotional or moral appeals only when wanting to emphasize something more. Utilizing these more sparingly is correct because you are writing as though you are working for that certain group, organization, etc. If you were, you would not want your personal emotions clouding the facts and getting in the way of providing the facts that help lead people to seeing your view.
It's a little muddy which format I should utilize as my field of study does utilize both formats.
I also am a little ensure of what topic matter I should choose now as I was always taught that persuasive papers did argue for or against a certain position.
In writing these papers, it's always been easy for me to write mostly about logic knowing to utilize the emotional or moral appeals only when wanting to emphasize something more. Utilizing these more sparingly is correct because you are writing as though you are working for that certain group, organization, etc. If you were, you would not want your personal emotions clouding the facts and getting in the way of providing the facts that help lead people to seeing your view.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Notaro
- The writer does an excellent job of reeling us into this story. He also gives permanent information to help the reader fully understand the story.
- The writer focuses on one particular story for the duration of the essay. He does get into other accounts for the benefit of the reader, as there in-lies important details.
- His accounts are very detailed and descriptive, which really allowed me to visualize the events.
- The writer utilizes quoted speech many times throughout the essay. It was just the right amount to help the reader picture the situation. They also added a great deal of humor to the story and made it so you could have almost been there yourself. It showed the character of everyone.
- His accounts were described so well that it was with the least of difficulty to have correlations of my own.
- The author wanted the reader to find humor in this situation with the grandparent. Details was given in order to establish why certain elements were important. His explanations make perfect sense.
- His conclusion was not only the end of the story but how the story impacted his life. He wants us to see that he can now find much humor in these events that once caused him stress, I'm sure.
White
The writer starts his essay where the story begins, the first time his father had taken the family to the camp. It's easy to become interested right away with his writing because he is so descriptive.
The writer only writes about the times at the camp and how they relate back to him now as a grown man with a son of his own. He is remembering moments with his father at the camp over the years and he makes them with his son now.
I could imagine each character and moment he held in his memory with ease. He details were so great that I even imagined vitals I don't own being cold. He described the entire camp, from the way the forest smelled, to the girl's whom served him his meals.
There were no quotations throughout, but that didn't take away from the piece. Every moment was detailed enough for me to see the story unfold in my mind.
The writer is great as showing us the emotion he has connected with these times wit his father. It's easy to drawl from it and remember your own.
I believe the writer has issues with his own mortality and accepting where is was at that point in his life. The son must have been several years old at that time, yet the writer just now sees his role. It seems he wants life to not move forward and obsessed about what is the same and what little has changed.
The writer does a fine job concluding not only the story but the underlining message.
The writer only writes about the times at the camp and how they relate back to him now as a grown man with a son of his own. He is remembering moments with his father at the camp over the years and he makes them with his son now.
I could imagine each character and moment he held in his memory with ease. He details were so great that I even imagined vitals I don't own being cold. He described the entire camp, from the way the forest smelled, to the girl's whom served him his meals.
There were no quotations throughout, but that didn't take away from the piece. Every moment was detailed enough for me to see the story unfold in my mind.
The writer is great as showing us the emotion he has connected with these times wit his father. It's easy to drawl from it and remember your own.
I believe the writer has issues with his own mortality and accepting where is was at that point in his life. The son must have been several years old at that time, yet the writer just now sees his role. It seems he wants life to not move forward and obsessed about what is the same and what little has changed.
The writer does a fine job concluding not only the story but the underlining message.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Sedaris
The writer starts the essay by giving us ensight on the situation in which he's writing about. He gives us details to help us understand how it's hard for him to return to school later in life with peers who are younger and more experienced.
The writer gives percise details to help us imagine the story he is telling. He is focusing on one event rather than telling us of his entire life's story.
He does a terrific job of describing the peers in his class and even the teacher. He describes his feeling throughout the class which helps us see the point of the essay. The detailed accounts of his teacher helps us see how he felt during his time with her.
He quotes the teacher often to help us see what abuse he and his peers put up with during the course of the class. He also remember a time when his mother talked about the things she loved and uses a good quote to help us visualize his memory of her.
Sedaris does a great job of relating his characters to ones in our lives.
In showing us how the teacher treated him and his peers, we see why it was so important for him to conquer French. I am guessing the teacher knew this abuse would weed out the week and cause the stubburn to work harder. The teacher purposefully taunted him hoping to cause him to work harder in learning the language.
Sedaris concludes by letting the readers know he finally can understand the teacher's words. Only the first step in fully learning French, but a great step towards his achievement. He wrote about even being joyed in understanding the putdown.
The writer gives percise details to help us imagine the story he is telling. He is focusing on one event rather than telling us of his entire life's story.
He does a terrific job of describing the peers in his class and even the teacher. He describes his feeling throughout the class which helps us see the point of the essay. The detailed accounts of his teacher helps us see how he felt during his time with her.
He quotes the teacher often to help us see what abuse he and his peers put up with during the course of the class. He also remember a time when his mother talked about the things she loved and uses a good quote to help us visualize his memory of her.
Sedaris does a great job of relating his characters to ones in our lives.
In showing us how the teacher treated him and his peers, we see why it was so important for him to conquer French. I am guessing the teacher knew this abuse would weed out the week and cause the stubburn to work harder. The teacher purposefully taunted him hoping to cause him to work harder in learning the language.
Sedaris concludes by letting the readers know he finally can understand the teacher's words. Only the first step in fully learning French, but a great step towards his achievement. He wrote about even being joyed in understanding the putdown.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sentence Variety
Sam got in her car and drove to the mall. While at the shoe store, she bought a pair of boots and a shoe shine kit. Sam went to the food court and bought a buritto, which had onions and peppers on it. While eating the buritto, Sam saw a cute boy at the pretzel stand. The boy looked at Sam, who blushed, and then walked over to her. When Sam said hi, the boy wrinkled up his nose. This confused her, so she said hi again. The boy gagged and then walked away. Sam was shocked as she realized she had bad breath. She ran into the bathroom and cried. She put on her boots, first shining them, and walked out of the bathroom confidently. Sam found the boy and told him he needed manners as she kicked him with her new boots. As the boy fell to the ground, Sam walked away from him and out of the mall.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Mechanics
There are several rules that I follow correctly the majority of the time. The first one being # 20, keep related words together. I have always done a good job of keeping the main subject and the principal verb together, knowing that any other phrase or clause would need to be at the beginning of the sentence.
The last English class I took emphaised writting in positive form as #15 states. I had always done a fairly fine job of this but did learn how to polish that skill during the semester.
There is definite room for improvement as it pertains to #21, In summaries, keep to one tense. I am guilty of overusing the expressions, "he said," "she stated," etc. After reading this rule, I see that I waste words in repeating the notification when summarizing.
After reading all of these rules, I have more ideas on what to look for in my writting and what do take out.
The last English class I took emphaised writting in positive form as #15 states. I had always done a fairly fine job of this but did learn how to polish that skill during the semester.
There is definite room for improvement as it pertains to #21, In summaries, keep to one tense. I am guilty of overusing the expressions, "he said," "she stated," etc. After reading this rule, I see that I waste words in repeating the notification when summarizing.
After reading all of these rules, I have more ideas on what to look for in my writting and what do take out.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Revision checklist
1. What is the thesis statement? Is it an accurate reflection of the author’s thesis
statement? Is it stated in your own words? How could you refine it to be more clear and conciseStudents feel parental and economic pressures, peer pressure, and even self-induced pressure.
Yes, I feel as though it’s an accurate thesis statement an is stated in my own words. I think it’s pretty straight forward how it’s written.
2. How is the essay introduced? Do you mention the article’s title, author, purpose and audience? Does it clearly set the tone for the paper and accurately reflect what is discussed therein? Could it be improved?
I introduced my essay by titling it after the author’s and stating the author’s name in the first paragraph. The tone of my paper reflects it’s purpose and the chosen audience. I believe this paper focusing on the main elements noted by the author. Papers could always stand to be improved when written by a student.
3. What are the main points of the summary? How do you recognize them? Do you leave out minor points and repetitive points for emphasis? Most importantly, do you leave out your own opinion, feelings or conclusions on the subject of the article?
The main point in my summary reflect the types of pressures seen by college students and then speak about how our nation needs to make a change in how young people view the college experience and it’s pressures. I tried not to be repetitive in this paper and also try to convey what Zinsser did in his.
4. How is the essay organized? Does it follow the organization of the original article? What transitions do you use? Think of some additional possibilities for more logical organization.
I organized my essay to follow along with how I ordered the pressures experienced by students. It somewhat follow Zinsser’s flow. I transitioned by showing my readers how certain pressures are interrelated to one another. I guess going in exact order with his essay may have been a more logical choice.
5. After your reading, can you say the thesis statement accurately reflects the topic and focus of the essay? How is the essay concluded? What technique do you employ in the conclusion? How is that effective or not?
I believe my thesis statement is accurate. I concluded by briefly summarizing the essay but also speaking about the need to break this cycle. I used another quotation by Zinsser to start my conclusion. I believe this was effective because it makes sure the reader sees the correlation between the essays.
6. Make sure to fix any major grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
7. Is the sentence structure varied and interesting? Do you have any weak, overly wordy, awkward, or confusing sentences? Does the essay strive to use active, direct, present tense verbs?
My sentence structure is concise and straight to the point. The wording in that in which many students can relate to, as it the content.
8. Were the textual passages (quotes and paraphrases) well-chosen? Remember you should try avoiding direct quotations when writing a summary.
I chose the quotes that would reinforce the message I was helping to convey. Direct quotations were used in my paper, but I believe they are effective.
9. Is the essay written in third-person? Are all instances of first- and second-person removed from the piece?
I referred to Zinsser and the students in the third person.
10. Is the draft two to three (2-3) pages typed, double-spaced? Are all the margins one inch (1”)?
Yes!
statement? Is it stated in your own words? How could you refine it to be more clear and conciseStudents feel parental and economic pressures, peer pressure, and even self-induced pressure.
Yes, I feel as though it’s an accurate thesis statement an is stated in my own words. I think it’s pretty straight forward how it’s written.
2. How is the essay introduced? Do you mention the article’s title, author, purpose and audience? Does it clearly set the tone for the paper and accurately reflect what is discussed therein? Could it be improved?
I introduced my essay by titling it after the author’s and stating the author’s name in the first paragraph. The tone of my paper reflects it’s purpose and the chosen audience. I believe this paper focusing on the main elements noted by the author. Papers could always stand to be improved when written by a student.
3. What are the main points of the summary? How do you recognize them? Do you leave out minor points and repetitive points for emphasis? Most importantly, do you leave out your own opinion, feelings or conclusions on the subject of the article?
The main point in my summary reflect the types of pressures seen by college students and then speak about how our nation needs to make a change in how young people view the college experience and it’s pressures. I tried not to be repetitive in this paper and also try to convey what Zinsser did in his.
4. How is the essay organized? Does it follow the organization of the original article? What transitions do you use? Think of some additional possibilities for more logical organization.
I organized my essay to follow along with how I ordered the pressures experienced by students. It somewhat follow Zinsser’s flow. I transitioned by showing my readers how certain pressures are interrelated to one another. I guess going in exact order with his essay may have been a more logical choice.
5. After your reading, can you say the thesis statement accurately reflects the topic and focus of the essay? How is the essay concluded? What technique do you employ in the conclusion? How is that effective or not?
I believe my thesis statement is accurate. I concluded by briefly summarizing the essay but also speaking about the need to break this cycle. I used another quotation by Zinsser to start my conclusion. I believe this was effective because it makes sure the reader sees the correlation between the essays.
6. Make sure to fix any major grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors.
7. Is the sentence structure varied and interesting? Do you have any weak, overly wordy, awkward, or confusing sentences? Does the essay strive to use active, direct, present tense verbs?
My sentence structure is concise and straight to the point. The wording in that in which many students can relate to, as it the content.
8. Were the textual passages (quotes and paraphrases) well-chosen? Remember you should try avoiding direct quotations when writing a summary.
I chose the quotes that would reinforce the message I was helping to convey. Direct quotations were used in my paper, but I believe they are effective.
9. Is the essay written in third-person? Are all instances of first- and second-person removed from the piece?
I referred to Zinsser and the students in the third person.
10. Is the draft two to three (2-3) pages typed, double-spaced? Are all the margins one inch (1”)?
Yes!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Blog #4 College Pressures by Zinsser
I would have to say my number one pressure right now is having the time to get all my homework done. I have three children, whom have a number of extracircular activities that I have to manage. First one up in the morning and last one to bed at night, that is the life I've been living for a number of years now.
I decided to go back to school after being laid off from a job I had a career in. It was a joyless job, but one that supported the family I created.
I feel pressured to get a high grade in my Physics class because I will probably not be accepted into the diagnostic sonography program without it. I feel pressured to just get in to that because waiting another year will be terrible for my family. After the spring semester, I will have completed everything else needed to graduate with my Bachelors.
It keeps me up at night thinking about the thousands of dollars we borrow every semester to help pay bills because I just CANNOT go to school full time, handle all three kids, and work. We tried that and it didn't go so well. I worry that my children will have to then borrow a lot of money because I will not have very much paid back on my loans. My oldest child is 10 and wants to be a teacher. I know I will not have my loans paid off in eight years, in time for her to start college. Then my next child, being 9, will start college. I may have them paid off in time for my youngest to attend, her being 4.
The thought of all this debt accumulating with interest makes me sick. Will we ever be able to buy a house? During their childhood?
Then there's the young people, there on their parent's money or maybe scholarship, who actually get to involve themselves in extra activities. These activities always look good on paper. What about PTO mom, or Awana mom, or cleans the house mom? Do employers look at that? NO!
Then the pressures at my home life. My husband wants more time with me, but so do the kids. I understand we went about this the hard way, but... Do I finish my homework or cook dinner? Can those dishes wait? Does anyone have clean underwear? ARG!?!?!
Am I smart enough to handle Physics? That question has been in my head for the last week. If not, than I cannot handle ultrasound classes. So then what will I do? This is way I have more grey hairs than any other 28 year old. I am sure of it.
Wow. It felt really good to vent all that.
I decided to go back to school after being laid off from a job I had a career in. It was a joyless job, but one that supported the family I created.
I feel pressured to get a high grade in my Physics class because I will probably not be accepted into the diagnostic sonography program without it. I feel pressured to just get in to that because waiting another year will be terrible for my family. After the spring semester, I will have completed everything else needed to graduate with my Bachelors.
It keeps me up at night thinking about the thousands of dollars we borrow every semester to help pay bills because I just CANNOT go to school full time, handle all three kids, and work. We tried that and it didn't go so well. I worry that my children will have to then borrow a lot of money because I will not have very much paid back on my loans. My oldest child is 10 and wants to be a teacher. I know I will not have my loans paid off in eight years, in time for her to start college. Then my next child, being 9, will start college. I may have them paid off in time for my youngest to attend, her being 4.
The thought of all this debt accumulating with interest makes me sick. Will we ever be able to buy a house? During their childhood?
Then there's the young people, there on their parent's money or maybe scholarship, who actually get to involve themselves in extra activities. These activities always look good on paper. What about PTO mom, or Awana mom, or cleans the house mom? Do employers look at that? NO!
Then the pressures at my home life. My husband wants more time with me, but so do the kids. I understand we went about this the hard way, but... Do I finish my homework or cook dinner? Can those dishes wait? Does anyone have clean underwear? ARG!?!?!
Am I smart enough to handle Physics? That question has been in my head for the last week. If not, than I cannot handle ultrasound classes. So then what will I do? This is way I have more grey hairs than any other 28 year old. I am sure of it.
Wow. It felt really good to vent all that.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Blog #3 - Thurber's "University Days"
I once took a class from a professor that didn't teach material correctly. This was a beginning level health care course and I had already learned a great deal in that field having completed my EMT-Basic and Intermediate beforehand. We were about a month into class when one day we had a lecture about aspiration and the unfortunate consequences. Well, I have a big mouth sometimes. This professor rattled off some information to the students that was not correct. I raised my hand and corrected him. I can still remember the other students looking at me with their mouths handing wide open. I didn't see the alarm like they did. The professor said, "Well... I will look it up after class and a correction will be made during the next class if need be." Let me just say.. need be. That was not the only time it happened too. I ended up correcting him three times before that class was over. I can also say that I did not learn much and felt like my time and money was wasted.
Oh.. the other students were in shock because he was a dean... is a dean. I didn't know that at the time. Of course, I found out the hard way. He ended up needing to enroll me in classes two semesters later. We both acted like we did't remember that semester, but I know better. I sometimes wonder when I tell that story to others feeling jaded by this university, would I have spoken up if I had known who this person was? YES!
And, as it turns out, I did a similar thing just recently. I voiced a opinion in opposition with the one person who could approve my major. I sure know how to really plant my foot in my mouth. The good thing is and was, both these fine persons knew what professionalism is. I guess I am just not the type of person that can stand around while things aren't being done right.
The subject that keeps me up at night right now, Physics. I know there will be nightmare to come.
Oh.. the other students were in shock because he was a dean... is a dean. I didn't know that at the time. Of course, I found out the hard way. He ended up needing to enroll me in classes two semesters later. We both acted like we did't remember that semester, but I know better. I sometimes wonder when I tell that story to others feeling jaded by this university, would I have spoken up if I had known who this person was? YES!
And, as it turns out, I did a similar thing just recently. I voiced a opinion in opposition with the one person who could approve my major. I sure know how to really plant my foot in my mouth. The good thing is and was, both these fine persons knew what professionalism is. I guess I am just not the type of person that can stand around while things aren't being done right.
The subject that keeps me up at night right now, Physics. I know there will be nightmare to come.
Blog #2 over Didion's "On Keeping a Notebook"
From time to time in my life, I have felt the need to write in a journal. While sitting here thinging about the reason why, I believe it was because I had voids in my life that needed to be filled. There were times when I did not have that person to listen to what I had to say or needed to say. Maybe I needed to vent about something that I was going through at the time, but didn't have that outlet.
I do not believe it is exercise in narcissism. Although I am sure there are many other whom just like to hear themselves.
I do utilize other forms of media to communicate things that one may write in a notebook. Sometimes I recite a great quote on facebook. Other times I use it to vent a complaint about some stupid person that cannot drive correctly in my eyes. The main purpose for my use of this social network, however, is to keep up with my extended family that is spread out all over these states.
Sometimes I wish people would just pick up a notebook rather than spilling out on these social networks. I do not need to know all their personal life stories nor do I really care. Does that make me seem like a rude person? I am not a fan of their drama.
Recording our daily lives this way is the same and is different. You can always go back and look in a notebook to see what you have written over the years..or whatever. How do we know what we write today on these will be there in the future? It's also different because we are exposing ourselves to comments and criticism whereas just journaling would keep things more private.
I sometimes wonder about what I'll remember when I am old and grey. I always take a lot of photos of my three children and joke that this is how I will remember when they all grow up and leave me. Should I be keeping a notebook of all the happenings during their childhoods?
I do agree with her opinion about those children who feel the need to write down everything..that they are more lonely than others that embrace life every second.
Marisa
I do not believe it is exercise in narcissism. Although I am sure there are many other whom just like to hear themselves.
I do utilize other forms of media to communicate things that one may write in a notebook. Sometimes I recite a great quote on facebook. Other times I use it to vent a complaint about some stupid person that cannot drive correctly in my eyes. The main purpose for my use of this social network, however, is to keep up with my extended family that is spread out all over these states.
Sometimes I wish people would just pick up a notebook rather than spilling out on these social networks. I do not need to know all their personal life stories nor do I really care. Does that make me seem like a rude person? I am not a fan of their drama.
Recording our daily lives this way is the same and is different. You can always go back and look in a notebook to see what you have written over the years..or whatever. How do we know what we write today on these will be there in the future? It's also different because we are exposing ourselves to comments and criticism whereas just journaling would keep things more private.
I sometimes wonder about what I'll remember when I am old and grey. I always take a lot of photos of my three children and joke that this is how I will remember when they all grow up and leave me. Should I be keeping a notebook of all the happenings during their childhoods?
I do agree with her opinion about those children who feel the need to write down everything..that they are more lonely than others that embrace life every second.
Marisa
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