Get the Lead Out
Lead disturbs the way almost all of the neurotransmitters in the brain perform, according to Dr. David Bellinger, PhD. (Farley, par. 10). Extreme exposure to lead can cause seizures, comas, or death. Recent recalls of children's toys containing unsafe amounts of lead, has instilled fear into the minds of Americans, especially those with children. Although the American public appears quick to blame China for this horrifying occurrence, the truth is a substantial number of lead dangers may be found right here in the United States. Since the 1960s, the U. S. government has been implementing programs to cut down on, and eventually eliminate, the unnecessary use of lead in the manufacturing industry. These programs have greatly reduced the amount of lead people are exposed to on a daily basis. However, considerable damage has already been done. The potential for lead poisoning is still all around us. The use of lead in the manufacturing of items has left the environment toxic and is harming both children and adults as a result.
Lead used in manufacturing processes has polluted the environment. Homes in the past have been coated inside and outside with paints that contain lead. Water pipes, drinking fountains, solder, foil wine bottle capsules, and the seals of food cans have all been constructed with the use of lead. Despite the fact that the practice of producing these items with lead has been outlawed, many of these objects are still contaminating our homes, work places, and schools. Leaded gasoline has not been in use since 1995, but it has caused an extensive amount of soil contamination, especially near roadways. Work sites are often prime locations for dangerous amounts of lead. Not only does this pose a risk for the worker; lead particles that are carried home to the worker’s family on clothing and shoes are a threat as well. Animals are also affected by lead toxicity because of the fact that it poisons the nervous systems of all warm-blooded vertebrates, not just those of human beings (Leibert, par.1). Air, soil, bodies of water, plants, and meat-sources have the potential to be contaminated with lead.
Children are especially vulnerable to the hazards of lead exposure. In 1998, almost one million children younger than the age of six were found to have potentially damaging blood lead levels (Farley, par. 11). The recent discovery of unsafe levels of lead in several toys and jewelry items that have been promoted to children has prompted the California Public Interest Research Group to push the federal government to implement legislation to prohibit any more lead than trace amounts in toys (Kucher, par. 5). In children, 30 to 75 percent of lead that reaches the digestive tract is absorbed, 50 percent of inhaled lead particles are absorbed, and less than 1 percent of lead that has come in contact with skin is absorbed (Farley, par. 10). However, children frequently put their hands to their mouths, increasing the chances of ingestion. Exposure to dust and chips from deteriorating lead paint is the main cause of lead poisoning in children (EPA 2). Because of this, children living in older homes have been shown to have higher levels of blood lead than those living in newer homes (Farley, par. 11). Neurological and memory problems, hearing impairment, decreased growth, and muscle pain and coordination issues are some of the results of increased blood lead levels in children. Premature birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, and miscarriage of infants are major concerns for pregnant mothers who have had too much exposure to lead.
Adults are not immune to the harm caused by lead. They are exposed to the same lead toxins as children are exposed to, albeit in different amounts. Cosmetics, gradual hair dyes, foil wine capsules and certain foreign digestive remedies are all culprits of lead poisoning in adults. Even nutritional supplements may contain high levels of lead. Unlike children, adults only absorb approximately 11 percent of lead through digestion (Farley, par. 10). But they still face serious risks when exposed to lead. Trouble recalling recently learned skills, bizarre behavior, altered consciousness, high blood pressure, and damage to reproductive organs are some of the problems of adults who have experienced lead poisoning. Unfortunately, the damage may not be reversible.
The environment has been negatively affected by the use of lead in manufacturing processes. Air, water, and soil have been contaminated, along with animal and plant life. Children are suffering the consequences of exposure to this poisonous substance. Adults are being forced to look for solutions to rid the planet of the effects of this toxic menace, while dealing with health issues it may have caused them as well. The use of lead by the manufacturing industry has left behind problems for the environment, children, and adults that need to be addressed.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Deadline 18, Outline
Thesis statement: The use of lead in the manufacturing of items has left the environment toxic and is harming both children and adults as a result.
I. Damaging to environment
II. Hazardous to children
III. Harmful to adults
Conclusion: The use of lead by the manufacturing industry has left behind problems for the environment, children, and adults that need to be addressed.
I. Damaging to environment
II. Hazardous to children
III. Harmful to adults
Conclusion: The use of lead by the manufacturing industry has left behind problems for the environment, children, and adults that need to be addressed.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Deadline #17
A cause and effect essay investigates causes or provides a prediction or depiction of results. Transitional words and phrases such as because, as a result, a more important result, one cause, and another cause are transitional words and phrases used in cause and effect essays. “The foundation of an excellent musician is based upon the amount of practice, private lessons taken, and participation in performances,” the last sentence of the first paragraph, is the thesis of the essay. Saying that practice, lessons, and performing are the foundation of making a musician, indicate the author will be analyzing what causes a musician to become exceptional. The author’s tone in the essay is straight-forward and a bit serious, but not overly serious. The author uses specific examples to support her analysis. The examples helped to give me a clearer understanding of the point she was trying to make. However, after all, instead, and in addition are some of the transitions used in the essay. The author of the cause and effect essay explains how certain actions cause a person to become an excellent musician.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Deadline #16, Argument Rough Draft
Keep Analog Alive
New laws are forcing Americans to change the way they watch television, talk on the phone, and listen to music. Citizens are being bombarded with the message that the new digital technology is better than the old analog technology. In February of 2009, analog television broadcasts will be completely replaced by digital broadcasts on the airwaves, freeing 60MHz of wave-space to be auctioned to wireless mobile carriers (HDTV Info Port). Although digital technology has its benefits, it is not a good substitute for analog in all situations. Analog technology must remain a viable tool for television, telephone, and sound recording uses, even as digital technology increases.
The original tools for transmitting video and sound were analog based. Analog technology refers to the changing of video or audio signal into electronic pulses. It is time-tested and inexpensive to use. Because of a long history of availability, analog equipment such as television sets, telephones, and some recording devices are low-cost as well. Television has been broadcasting analog video and audio signals since its very beginning. The warm, realistic pictures and sounds that come across airwaves into our homes can be attributed to analog broadcasting. Analog telephone lines provide American homes with the means to hear loved ones across the country, or even across the world, as if they were standing nearby. Because of the rich, warm tones of analog, it is the preferred medium for transmitting the human voice. Even professional recording studios equipped with digital technology still depend on the use of analog tape in order to produce the highest quality sound recordings.
In the 1980s, digital mediums for video and sound transmission began growing in availability and popularity. Digital technology can transmit more data than analog, and involves the use of binary code. This means the signal is divided into a sequence of 1s and 0s, broken down, and reassembled into the original signal by the digital apparatus. Due to the relatively new admission of digital tools into the world of technology, they are usually expensive. Digital television, also known as Standard Definition Television (SDTV), and not to be confused with the analog and digital capable High Definition Television (HDTV), provides a reliable signal with picture clarity (Cringely). However, the picture and sound are not as rich or realistic. Digital telephone lines are also available but used mostly in large corporations that require multiple lines and capabilities, not in the average smaller office, store, or home. If connected directly to a digital line, an analog device generally will not perform properly. The internal circuitry of an appliance may even be destroyed even though digital lines carry a lower voltage than analog lines (Wotel, par. 11). Benefits of digital telephone technology would include less distortion and eavesdropping on cordless phones and the capability of more people to talk on their cell phones at one time (Wotel, pars. 14 and 17). An aesthetic problem with digital phones is that it can make the voice being transmitted sound unrealistic or mechanical. In the audio recording realm, digital technology can be an asset as far as mass production, editing, and artificial enhancement are concerned. Nevertheless, there are extreme drawbacks to using exclusively digital gear for producing sound recordings. Besides the often obvious cut off of sound at the beginning of the initial note on a compact disc, the warm, realistic quality of a performance is not captured. For this reason, most professional recording studios rely heavily on analog tape for mastering recordings.
Changes are on the horizon for video and audio transmission. Although cable television companies may choose to supply either analog or digital television, the standard networks will be required by law to transmit only digital broadcasts as of February 2009. At the expense of tax payers, the U.S. government will provide each household with two vouchers towards the purchase of set-top digital to analog converter boxes. For those who choose to keep their analog televisions, the use of set-top-boxes along with an antenna will be necessary. The wave-space no longer used by analog television broadcasters will soon be filled with cell phone communication. A small portion of the airwaves will be allotted to emergency services, but the majority will be used by mobile phone companies. One argument for the use of digital technology in the sound recording industry is it does not require the use of tape, therefore does not contribute to the use of animal based products such as gelatin. This argument falls short though, as vegetable based gelatin is a feasible alternative. Those working in the recording industry are not likely to relinquish the use of analog recording anytime soon because of its superior sound quality. Instead, audiophiles are finding ways to use the two technologies together to enhance the enjoyment of sound recordings.
We have been served well for decades by analog technology. The newer digital technology is a promising means of transmitting video and audio. Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses. Newer is not always better. On the contrary, analog technology delivers superior sound quality and often a richer, more realistic picture than digital technology delivers, despite the clarity of digital transmissions. Analog technology needs to continue to be available because of the benefits it provides its users.
New laws are forcing Americans to change the way they watch television, talk on the phone, and listen to music. Citizens are being bombarded with the message that the new digital technology is better than the old analog technology. In February of 2009, analog television broadcasts will be completely replaced by digital broadcasts on the airwaves, freeing 60MHz of wave-space to be auctioned to wireless mobile carriers (HDTV Info Port). Although digital technology has its benefits, it is not a good substitute for analog in all situations. Analog technology must remain a viable tool for television, telephone, and sound recording uses, even as digital technology increases.
The original tools for transmitting video and sound were analog based. Analog technology refers to the changing of video or audio signal into electronic pulses. It is time-tested and inexpensive to use. Because of a long history of availability, analog equipment such as television sets, telephones, and some recording devices are low-cost as well. Television has been broadcasting analog video and audio signals since its very beginning. The warm, realistic pictures and sounds that come across airwaves into our homes can be attributed to analog broadcasting. Analog telephone lines provide American homes with the means to hear loved ones across the country, or even across the world, as if they were standing nearby. Because of the rich, warm tones of analog, it is the preferred medium for transmitting the human voice. Even professional recording studios equipped with digital technology still depend on the use of analog tape in order to produce the highest quality sound recordings.
In the 1980s, digital mediums for video and sound transmission began growing in availability and popularity. Digital technology can transmit more data than analog, and involves the use of binary code. This means the signal is divided into a sequence of 1s and 0s, broken down, and reassembled into the original signal by the digital apparatus. Due to the relatively new admission of digital tools into the world of technology, they are usually expensive. Digital television, also known as Standard Definition Television (SDTV), and not to be confused with the analog and digital capable High Definition Television (HDTV), provides a reliable signal with picture clarity (Cringely). However, the picture and sound are not as rich or realistic. Digital telephone lines are also available but used mostly in large corporations that require multiple lines and capabilities, not in the average smaller office, store, or home. If connected directly to a digital line, an analog device generally will not perform properly. The internal circuitry of an appliance may even be destroyed even though digital lines carry a lower voltage than analog lines (Wotel, par. 11). Benefits of digital telephone technology would include less distortion and eavesdropping on cordless phones and the capability of more people to talk on their cell phones at one time (Wotel, pars. 14 and 17). An aesthetic problem with digital phones is that it can make the voice being transmitted sound unrealistic or mechanical. In the audio recording realm, digital technology can be an asset as far as mass production, editing, and artificial enhancement are concerned. Nevertheless, there are extreme drawbacks to using exclusively digital gear for producing sound recordings. Besides the often obvious cut off of sound at the beginning of the initial note on a compact disc, the warm, realistic quality of a performance is not captured. For this reason, most professional recording studios rely heavily on analog tape for mastering recordings.
Changes are on the horizon for video and audio transmission. Although cable television companies may choose to supply either analog or digital television, the standard networks will be required by law to transmit only digital broadcasts as of February 2009. At the expense of tax payers, the U.S. government will provide each household with two vouchers towards the purchase of set-top digital to analog converter boxes. For those who choose to keep their analog televisions, the use of set-top-boxes along with an antenna will be necessary. The wave-space no longer used by analog television broadcasters will soon be filled with cell phone communication. A small portion of the airwaves will be allotted to emergency services, but the majority will be used by mobile phone companies. One argument for the use of digital technology in the sound recording industry is it does not require the use of tape, therefore does not contribute to the use of animal based products such as gelatin. This argument falls short though, as vegetable based gelatin is a feasible alternative. Those working in the recording industry are not likely to relinquish the use of analog recording anytime soon because of its superior sound quality. Instead, audiophiles are finding ways to use the two technologies together to enhance the enjoyment of sound recordings.
We have been served well for decades by analog technology. The newer digital technology is a promising means of transmitting video and audio. Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses. Newer is not always better. On the contrary, analog technology delivers superior sound quality and often a richer, more realistic picture than digital technology delivers, despite the clarity of digital transmissions. Analog technology needs to continue to be available because of the benefits it provides its users.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Deadline 15, Outline
Thesis statement: Analog technology must remain a viable tool as digital technology increases.
I. Benefits of analog
II. Problems with digital
III. Changes for the future
Conclusion: Because of the benefits analog technology provides, its availability should continue.
I. Benefits of analog
II. Problems with digital
III. Changes for the future
Conclusion: Because of the benefits analog technology provides, its availability should continue.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Deadline 14
When writing an argumentative essay, it is imperative to have an understanding of what goes into that particular type of essay. A fact is a statement that something is true or actually occurred, which can be verified. An opinion is a personal belief or judgment that that can not be proven beyond a doubt and is able to be debated. Reliable evidence that is accurate, relevant, sufficient, and representative of a variety of views has a better chance of persuading readers to accept a statement. Basing conclusions on preconceived notions rather than on evidence is using bias. Fallacies are flawed arguments used unintentionally by writers who are not thinking logically, or deliberately by writers who are attempting to mislead readers. Some logical fallacies are argument to ignorance, hasty generalization, and false analogy. An argumentative essay must focus on a debatable topic. When refuting opposing arguments, it is important not to damage your credibility by creating a straw man, in other words, oversimplifying or distorting it.
The essay titled "Such a Waste" adheres well to the technique of an argumentative essay. “The amount of solid waste generated in this country is a significant problem that must be addressed through application of the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling”, is the thesis of the essay. The words “significant problem” and “must be addressed” indicate the author’s strong feelings about his or her subject. The introductory paragraph uses powerful verbs to incite the reader’s interest. I like the introduction because it affects me personally, and also inspires me to take action. The author presents good examples in order to persuade readers. Both examples of what the problem is and what to do about it are stated. The examples are complete and descriptive enough for the reader to gain a clear understanding of the issue and ways to solve the problem. The ending is adequate but the very last part takes away from the main point of the essay. The quoted works in the essay were not always explained.
The essay titled "Such a Waste" adheres well to the technique of an argumentative essay. “The amount of solid waste generated in this country is a significant problem that must be addressed through application of the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling”, is the thesis of the essay. The words “significant problem” and “must be addressed” indicate the author’s strong feelings about his or her subject. The introductory paragraph uses powerful verbs to incite the reader’s interest. I like the introduction because it affects me personally, and also inspires me to take action. The author presents good examples in order to persuade readers. Both examples of what the problem is and what to do about it are stated. The examples are complete and descriptive enough for the reader to gain a clear understanding of the issue and ways to solve the problem. The ending is adequate but the very last part takes away from the main point of the essay. The quoted works in the essay were not always explained.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Deadline 13, Classification Rough Draft
Sweet or Sour
Consumers today are more health conscious than ever before. They like to know what they are putting in their bodies and how nutrients and additives will affect their health. High quality foods that also taste good are the preference of most shoppers. The option to select products according to individual needs and wants is of extreme importance to customers. Manufacturers of sweeteners are aware of the diversity of consumers and provide goods to please a wide range of buyers. The three main types of sweeteners on the present market are sugars, natural sweeteners, and artificial sweeteners.
Whether in refined or natural form, sugar has remained the most common type of sweetener throughout history. It can be purchased in granular, powdered, and syrup varieties. Refined sugar products on the market include white beet sugar, white and brown cane sugar, confectioners or powdered sugar, fructose, raw or turbinado sugar, and corn syrup. Popular natural sugar products available are honey, barley malt syrup, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, and fruit juice. Sugar does more than just add sweetness to food and beverages; it provides nutrition, serves as a preservative, and allows ice cream to freeze at higher temperatures than without sugar. Unfortunately, sugar has its drawbacks too. It contributes to dental caries, insulin imbalance, type 2 diabetes, blood clotting, heart disease, and aging.
An alternative to using sugar, especially for the health conscious, is making use of one of the many available natural sweeteners on the market. These are plant based and can be found in many health food and grocery stores in powdered or liquid forms. The natural sweeteners sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, and mannitol are all derived from the sugar alcohol of trees and other plants such as fresh mushrooms and marine algae. All four of these sweeteners have been approved by the FDA. Although not approved by the FDA for use as a sweetener, stevia, made from the sweet leaves of the stevia plant, is another natural substance that is gaining popularity as a sweetener. Stevia reduces cravings for sweets and has many health benefits as well. It has antibacterial properties, balances blood sugar, and is used in the treatment of candidiasis and autoimmune disease. Each of these natural sweeteners contains few to zero calories, can be used as part of diabetic diets, and help reduce the incidence of tooth decay. The main drawback found with these natural sweeteners is a laxative effect when taken in excess, and with stevia, a bitter after taste is sometimes noticed.
In pursuit of sweet tasting food and beverages without the sugar or calories, many people turn to the highly marketed artificial sweeteners. These may be found in local grocery stores in granular, powdered, and liquid forms. Aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin, and sucralose are the currently popular types of artificial sweeteners, and are sold under the names, NutraSweet, Sunette or Sweet One, Sweet’N Low and Splenda, respectively. The only real benefits of using one of these artificial sweeteners is the absence of sugar and calories, along with the illusion of a sweet taste, as they trick the brain into believing the body is ingesting something sweet. No food value is present in these substances. Numerous health problems have been associated with artificial sweeteners such as liver toxicity, hypoglycemia, tumors, respiratory illness, and various cancers. Irritability and psychiatric disorders such as panic attacks, depression, and mania have also been attributed to the use of artificial sweeteners. In addition to these side effects, aspartame, the most dangerous of all the sweeteners, has been shown to cause headaches, seizures, optic nerve damage, blindness, and obesity.
Choosing a sweetener can be a harrowing task in the current age. Flavor and convenience are not the only factors to consider. Existing and feared health issues now also play a role in deciding on a sweetener. Some sweeteners boast health benefits, while others pose serious health risks. Particular types preserve foods as well as adding sweetness. The availability of sugars, natural sweeteners, and artificial sweeteners offers consumers the chance to decide which products best suit their needs.
Consumers today are more health conscious than ever before. They like to know what they are putting in their bodies and how nutrients and additives will affect their health. High quality foods that also taste good are the preference of most shoppers. The option to select products according to individual needs and wants is of extreme importance to customers. Manufacturers of sweeteners are aware of the diversity of consumers and provide goods to please a wide range of buyers. The three main types of sweeteners on the present market are sugars, natural sweeteners, and artificial sweeteners.
Whether in refined or natural form, sugar has remained the most common type of sweetener throughout history. It can be purchased in granular, powdered, and syrup varieties. Refined sugar products on the market include white beet sugar, white and brown cane sugar, confectioners or powdered sugar, fructose, raw or turbinado sugar, and corn syrup. Popular natural sugar products available are honey, barley malt syrup, brown rice syrup, maple syrup, and fruit juice. Sugar does more than just add sweetness to food and beverages; it provides nutrition, serves as a preservative, and allows ice cream to freeze at higher temperatures than without sugar. Unfortunately, sugar has its drawbacks too. It contributes to dental caries, insulin imbalance, type 2 diabetes, blood clotting, heart disease, and aging.
An alternative to using sugar, especially for the health conscious, is making use of one of the many available natural sweeteners on the market. These are plant based and can be found in many health food and grocery stores in powdered or liquid forms. The natural sweeteners sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, and mannitol are all derived from the sugar alcohol of trees and other plants such as fresh mushrooms and marine algae. All four of these sweeteners have been approved by the FDA. Although not approved by the FDA for use as a sweetener, stevia, made from the sweet leaves of the stevia plant, is another natural substance that is gaining popularity as a sweetener. Stevia reduces cravings for sweets and has many health benefits as well. It has antibacterial properties, balances blood sugar, and is used in the treatment of candidiasis and autoimmune disease. Each of these natural sweeteners contains few to zero calories, can be used as part of diabetic diets, and help reduce the incidence of tooth decay. The main drawback found with these natural sweeteners is a laxative effect when taken in excess, and with stevia, a bitter after taste is sometimes noticed.
In pursuit of sweet tasting food and beverages without the sugar or calories, many people turn to the highly marketed artificial sweeteners. These may be found in local grocery stores in granular, powdered, and liquid forms. Aspartame, acesulfame K, saccharin, and sucralose are the currently popular types of artificial sweeteners, and are sold under the names, NutraSweet, Sunette or Sweet One, Sweet’N Low and Splenda, respectively. The only real benefits of using one of these artificial sweeteners is the absence of sugar and calories, along with the illusion of a sweet taste, as they trick the brain into believing the body is ingesting something sweet. No food value is present in these substances. Numerous health problems have been associated with artificial sweeteners such as liver toxicity, hypoglycemia, tumors, respiratory illness, and various cancers. Irritability and psychiatric disorders such as panic attacks, depression, and mania have also been attributed to the use of artificial sweeteners. In addition to these side effects, aspartame, the most dangerous of all the sweeteners, has been shown to cause headaches, seizures, optic nerve damage, blindness, and obesity.
Choosing a sweetener can be a harrowing task in the current age. Flavor and convenience are not the only factors to consider. Existing and feared health issues now also play a role in deciding on a sweetener. Some sweeteners boast health benefits, while others pose serious health risks. Particular types preserve foods as well as adding sweetness. The availability of sugars, natural sweeteners, and artificial sweeteners offers consumers the chance to decide which products best suit their needs.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Deadline 12, Outline
Thesis: The three main types of sweeteners are sugars, natural sweeteners, and artificial sweeteners.
I. Sugars
II. Natural sweeteners
III.Artificial sweeteners
Conclusion: Consumers currently have three choices of sweeteners: sugars, natural sweeteners, and artificial sweeteners.
I. Sugars
II. Natural sweeteners
III.Artificial sweeteners
Conclusion: Consumers currently have three choices of sweeteners: sugars, natural sweeteners, and artificial sweeteners.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Deadline 11, Two Paragraphs
1. A classification essay groups various items into categories by common characteristics and qualities. By dividing similar items into groups, differences may be discerned. Classification assists the writer in presenting information in a way that is easily understood by the reader. Essays using classification help instructors detect how students are using logic to make decisions and arrive at conclusions about knowledge imparted in reading assignments and class lectures.
2. “The western, slapstick comedy, and romance genres were used repeatedly during the early motion picture production,” is the thesis of the essay. Naming western, slapstick comedy, and romance as genres repeatedly used in the making of early films suggests the author will be making classifications. The topic sentences of the essay are:
A) “ Western films were very popular due to a number of factors.”
B) “Another category of the film story line was the slapstick comedy.”
C) “Romance films by far were the most popular due to several factors.”
The author uses effective examples to develop her classification. The examples are inclusive enough to paint an excellent mental picture of the types of films described. Transitions are used in the essay. For instance, “however” is used in the first paragraph, “first” is used in the second paragraph, and “therefore” is used in the final paragraph.
2. “The western, slapstick comedy, and romance genres were used repeatedly during the early motion picture production,” is the thesis of the essay. Naming western, slapstick comedy, and romance as genres repeatedly used in the making of early films suggests the author will be making classifications. The topic sentences of the essay are:
A) “ Western films were very popular due to a number of factors.”
B) “Another category of the film story line was the slapstick comedy.”
C) “Romance films by far were the most popular due to several factors.”
The author uses effective examples to develop her classification. The examples are inclusive enough to paint an excellent mental picture of the types of films described. Transitions are used in the essay. For instance, “however” is used in the first paragraph, “first” is used in the second paragraph, and “therefore” is used in the final paragraph.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Deadline #10, C/C Rough Draft
Drastic changes can be seen in television over the last thirty years. Programs featuring hip, cool heroes fighting crime have been replaced by gray-suited investigators looking at dead bodies. Sitcoms presenting characters in comical situations have been exchanged for comedies that use constant earthy humor. The comedy and music of variety shows have been traded in for the unscrupulousness of reality shows. The television shows of 1977 were more wholesome than the shows of 2007.
There are extreme differences between the substance shown in the crime shows of 1977 and 2007. In 1977, consideration was made as to what may be deemed offensive to crime show audiences. Violence and gore was kept to a minimum. Sexual abuse of children, although rarely a main topic of an episode, was handled in a delicate manner. Only basic details of the characters’ love lives were set forth, and loves scenes were minimal. Several crime shows in 1977, featured crime fighting super heroes as the stars. On the other hand, crime shows of 2007 use the offensive as a selling point. They include realistic looking scenes of violent acts and mutilated bodies. Not only do numerous episodes of crime shows draw viewers by focusing on and graphically portraying the sexual abuse of women and children, but whole series are based on the horror. The personal aspects of the sex lives of the crime fighters are highlighted in 2007, often with partial nudity to draw an audience. The use of super heroes as crime fighters on television has diminished, and the line between the good guys and the bad guys has become especially thin.
Sitcoms of 1977 drew an audience by presenting amusing everyday situations rather than by staging a stream of implausible and raunchy one-liners, as is the norm in 2007. Family sitcoms were truly aimed at everyone in the family. Most of the sitcoms in television in 1977 were safe for children to watch without the accompaniment of an adult. Many shows were aimed at children with the purpose of providing entertainment along with moral lessons. Although adult themes were alluded to in several sitcoms, they were presented in a way so as not to be perceived by young children. In 1977 sitcoms, the parents typically exhibited responsible behavior and expected decent manners from their children. However, in 2007, family sitcoms may incorporate a family of characters, but not be appropriate for children. Both adults and children are exposed to vulgar conversation almost every time the television is turned on. Programs aimed at children often contain hidden lewd humor and symbolism. Almost all sitcoms present adult themes and a large number include children in course jokes. The use of offensive language and rudeness towards spouses and children is prevalent in 2007 sitcoms.
In 1977, clean-cut comedy and musical variety shows were main staples in the television viewing diet, but reality shows are the addiction of 2007. Variety shows in 1977 invited whole families to spend time laughing and singing with each other. Individual and family acts commonly hosted one hour extravaganzas of sketches, monologues, songs, and celebrity guest appearances that families could safely watch together. In programs that did utilize off-color humor, the jokes were kept to a minimum and the meanings were concealed in order to protect the youth who may have been watching. In contrast, the reality shows of 2007 expose their viewers to numerous acts of immoral behavior and greed. Several programs present contestants lying to, betraying, and using each other in order to win prizes. Other programs impart audiences with groups of one gender using trickery, mind games, and lust to attempt to win over one member of the opposite gender. People trading lives with each other and verbally tearing the other person’s family apart is yet another type of show popular with the audiences of 2007.
The past thirty years has brought countless changes to television. The choices of what to watch on television has significantly increased. Although viewers still enjoy watching programs that include crime, situational comedy, and various mixes of excitement, the presentation of subject matter has been altered. TV watching is certainly a greater moral dilemma in 2007 than it was in 1977.
There are extreme differences between the substance shown in the crime shows of 1977 and 2007. In 1977, consideration was made as to what may be deemed offensive to crime show audiences. Violence and gore was kept to a minimum. Sexual abuse of children, although rarely a main topic of an episode, was handled in a delicate manner. Only basic details of the characters’ love lives were set forth, and loves scenes were minimal. Several crime shows in 1977, featured crime fighting super heroes as the stars. On the other hand, crime shows of 2007 use the offensive as a selling point. They include realistic looking scenes of violent acts and mutilated bodies. Not only do numerous episodes of crime shows draw viewers by focusing on and graphically portraying the sexual abuse of women and children, but whole series are based on the horror. The personal aspects of the sex lives of the crime fighters are highlighted in 2007, often with partial nudity to draw an audience. The use of super heroes as crime fighters on television has diminished, and the line between the good guys and the bad guys has become especially thin.
Sitcoms of 1977 drew an audience by presenting amusing everyday situations rather than by staging a stream of implausible and raunchy one-liners, as is the norm in 2007. Family sitcoms were truly aimed at everyone in the family. Most of the sitcoms in television in 1977 were safe for children to watch without the accompaniment of an adult. Many shows were aimed at children with the purpose of providing entertainment along with moral lessons. Although adult themes were alluded to in several sitcoms, they were presented in a way so as not to be perceived by young children. In 1977 sitcoms, the parents typically exhibited responsible behavior and expected decent manners from their children. However, in 2007, family sitcoms may incorporate a family of characters, but not be appropriate for children. Both adults and children are exposed to vulgar conversation almost every time the television is turned on. Programs aimed at children often contain hidden lewd humor and symbolism. Almost all sitcoms present adult themes and a large number include children in course jokes. The use of offensive language and rudeness towards spouses and children is prevalent in 2007 sitcoms.
In 1977, clean-cut comedy and musical variety shows were main staples in the television viewing diet, but reality shows are the addiction of 2007. Variety shows in 1977 invited whole families to spend time laughing and singing with each other. Individual and family acts commonly hosted one hour extravaganzas of sketches, monologues, songs, and celebrity guest appearances that families could safely watch together. In programs that did utilize off-color humor, the jokes were kept to a minimum and the meanings were concealed in order to protect the youth who may have been watching. In contrast, the reality shows of 2007 expose their viewers to numerous acts of immoral behavior and greed. Several programs present contestants lying to, betraying, and using each other in order to win prizes. Other programs impart audiences with groups of one gender using trickery, mind games, and lust to attempt to win over one member of the opposite gender. People trading lives with each other and verbally tearing the other person’s family apart is yet another type of show popular with the audiences of 2007.
The past thirty years has brought countless changes to television. The choices of what to watch on television has significantly increased. Although viewers still enjoy watching programs that include crime, situational comedy, and various mixes of excitement, the presentation of subject matter has been altered. TV watching is certainly a greater moral dilemma in 2007 than it was in 1977.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Deadline # 9, Outline
Thesis: The television shows of 1977 were more wholesome than the shows of 2007.
I. crime dramas
II. sitcoms
III. entertainment,variety, and reality shows
Conclusion: TV watching is a greater moral dilemma in 2007 than it was in 1977.
I. crime dramas
II. sitcoms
III. entertainment,variety, and reality shows
Conclusion: TV watching is a greater moral dilemma in 2007 than it was in 1977.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Deadline # 8, com/con
1. Compare and contrast essays explain similarities and differences between two people, objects, places, or ideas. Comparison is the method of development used in essays to describe similarities between ideas. Contrast is the method of development for illuminating differences. Two ways to develop paragraphs in compare and contrast essays are the block method and the point-by-point method. In an essay that utilizes the block method, all of the ideas of one subject are presented first, and then the ideas of the second subject are put forth. When using the point-by-point method in developing paragraphs, both subjects are established in a topic sentence and the similarities or differences of the subjects are communicated in alternating pattern. Compare and contrast essays are useful tools for the clarification of similarities and differences between two people or things.
Writing a comparison or contrast essay is a process that involves careful consideration and planning. The purpose of using comparison as a mode of development in an essay is to elucidate concepts by indicating similarities shared by two people, objects, or ideas. Contrast is used as a method of development when the writer’s intention is to reveal differences between two people or things. Combing comparison and contrast in one paper will cause that paper to be more in-depth and involve additional development than a paper that uses compare or contrast alone. When deciding on a subject for a comparison or contrast paper, a writer should be careful not to select two subjects that are extremely similar or extremely different. Pointing out what is already evident to the reader should also be avoided. The thesis of a comparison or a contrast essay requires the mirroring of the mode of development applied to the paper. An effective comparison or contrast essay can be achieved through conscientiousness and sufficient preparation.
2. The thesis of the essay is the last sentence of the first paragraph. The author stating that there are two types of men in the world indicates the author will be contrasting the types of men. The essay is set up in a block pattern. In general, the examples used to point out differences between the two types of men were satisfactory. The accounts of how the two types of men behave in dating scenarios provided descriptive details. I thought the depiction of clothing styles seemed to apply only to a certain period of time, and the inclusion of the underwear description was unessential, not necessarily accurate, and too personal for the target audience, especially since it is not something a person could watch out for as the author suggests for women to do. The contrast transition, “however” is used in the third paragraph to assist the reader in shifting between the two types of men. The phrase, “unlike the committer” is used in the sixth paragraph. The author’s tone in the essay is somewhat in praise of the committer, but mostly contemptuous towards the non-committer.
Writing a comparison or contrast essay is a process that involves careful consideration and planning. The purpose of using comparison as a mode of development in an essay is to elucidate concepts by indicating similarities shared by two people, objects, or ideas. Contrast is used as a method of development when the writer’s intention is to reveal differences between two people or things. Combing comparison and contrast in one paper will cause that paper to be more in-depth and involve additional development than a paper that uses compare or contrast alone. When deciding on a subject for a comparison or contrast paper, a writer should be careful not to select two subjects that are extremely similar or extremely different. Pointing out what is already evident to the reader should also be avoided. The thesis of a comparison or a contrast essay requires the mirroring of the mode of development applied to the paper. An effective comparison or contrast essay can be achieved through conscientiousness and sufficient preparation.
2. The thesis of the essay is the last sentence of the first paragraph. The author stating that there are two types of men in the world indicates the author will be contrasting the types of men. The essay is set up in a block pattern. In general, the examples used to point out differences between the two types of men were satisfactory. The accounts of how the two types of men behave in dating scenarios provided descriptive details. I thought the depiction of clothing styles seemed to apply only to a certain period of time, and the inclusion of the underwear description was unessential, not necessarily accurate, and too personal for the target audience, especially since it is not something a person could watch out for as the author suggests for women to do. The contrast transition, “however” is used in the third paragraph to assist the reader in shifting between the two types of men. The phrase, “unlike the committer” is used in the sixth paragraph. The author’s tone in the essay is somewhat in praise of the committer, but mostly contemptuous towards the non-committer.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Deadline # 7, Point of View
Public schools should require students to wear uniforms. In today's world, people are subjected to many prejudices, some of which stem from the type of clothes they wear. If all students wore uniforms, at least one source of prejudice might be eliminated in schools because no one would be wearing expensive designer clothes while others wore second hand clothes that went out of style a decade ago. Students would not be able to discern each others economic status by the clothes they wore. Another reason to favor required uniforms for public school students is to increase students' safety at school. Today, it can be dangerous to wear the wrong colors or accessories such as bandannas. Gang members often take offense at an innocent and unsuspecting student's clothing. There have been cases in which students who wore the wrong clothing were injured or killed because of their choice of attire. Also, supporting mandatory uniforms in public schools so students will not have to make frantic last minute choices when getting dressed for school, is worth considering. Neither would there be such pressure to "fit in" as far as clothing was concerned. Students would know exactly what they would wear on any given day, and they would know without a doubt that they would look like they "belonged." Requiring students to wear a school uniform would solve many problems they face concerning what to wear to school.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Deadline# 6, Narrative Draft
Lying in bed and falling asleep, I wondered how much longer my husband, Chris, would be outside working on his novel. I heard the door open and shut then the sound of boots falling to the floor, one after another. My husband called to me from the living room of our tiny, tiled apartment, asking me to guess what happened. I called back asking what had happened as he entered the bedroom. He told me he had a muse to help him during his writing session. I wondered who this muse was and why this person was outside our apartment so late at night. Seeing the puzzled look on my face, Chris informed me that the muse was not a person at all. It was a little black and brown cat. “Can we keep her?” he asked with the enthusiasm of a young boy. “Well, she probably belongs to a neighbor, and I have allergies,” I replied reluctantly, not wanting dampen his spirits. It was that evening I learned that the decision of where pets live may belong to the pets instead of the owners.
Over the next several weeks, the little cat put much effort into befriending us. Chris would go outside to work on his novel, and the cat would run up the stairs and sit beside him in the role of his muse. Although not very interested in getting to know me at first, she befriended my husband and would show up any time he was around. She decided she belonged to him and even displayed signs of jealousy like clawing my back when I sat outside next to him. The jealous actions subsided however, when she realized Chris would not stand for those behaviors. Soon I was able to pick the little cat up and we became friends as well. A nightly pattern began to develop. We would come home and she would run up the stairs to meet us. One night it started to rain, and we became concerned about the little cat we had begun to call Traffic Cop. We opened our front door and she was standing there meowing for us to let her in. She slept on a towel outside our bedroom door with a shallow sour cream dish filled with water beside her. Thinking she would be fine outside since the rain had passed, we put her outside the next day. That night we were awakened by the sound of incessant meowing outside our front door. Because we didn’t want the neighbors to complain, we let Traffic Cop in. She had made the decision. Our apartment was her new home.
We discovered Traffic Cop was pregnant just after she became a resident of our apartment. The fact that this small cat, still a kitten herself, could have avoided this dilemma if we had taken her in earlier became apparent to us. Assuming we would easily find homes for the kittens, and experiencing Traffic Cop’s determination to live with us, I spent numerous hours hovered over library books researching kitten birth and care. We helped the mother-to-be make the transition from outdoor cat to indoor cat by setting up a birthing nest with a new, soft, green blanket in the living room closet, although she still performed housekeeping duties on her nest outside in the oleanders. She was now happy she could eat and drink in our apartment. But the evening we brought home a bag of kitty litter, she looked up at us with excitement reminiscent of a child who just opened a birthday present. Then a special day came. I was home alone with Traffic Cop. She started acting extremely uncomfortable. She came over to me as I sat in my canvas camping chair, in our sparsely furnished living room. I asked her what was wrong, knowing that it was probably time for her to give birth. I had prepared for this moment by poring over countless books on the subject of kitten births. Against all the information presented in the books, Traffic Cop was moaning, in pain and pawing at me as if pleading for help. The books said cats want to be left alone while giving birth. Books are often wrong.
As I was attempting to calm the frightened, little cat, her water broke and kittens were on the way. She looked up at me as if she was worried I would be mad at her. I continued comforting her as I put her on the blanket in the closet. All of a sudden, she jumped up and across the room and straight into an empty, pots and pans box that was nearby on the floor! She went through the opening of the cardboard box so fast it closed behind her. About a minute later she came out and was beholding a little, black creature on the floor in front of her. She had an expression of surprise on her adorable, little face. “Look what I have!” her expression seemed to say as her eyes met mine. Her instincts kicked in, and she went straight to work as a mother, cleaning the kitten and making sure it could breathe. I rushed to the phone to call my husband so he could experience the miracle that was taking place in our home, but I could not reach him. Just as I was hanging up the phone, Traffic Cop’s head turned toward me and her eyes opened wide. She quickly jumped back in the box. She excitedly came out of the box again. “I have another one!” she seemed to tell me as she gave me a quick glance. She repeated her actions of entering the mysterious box and bringing forth a new life three more times. When I finally reached my husband on the phone, I greeted him with, “Congratulations Grandpa! We have five new grandchildren!” The next morning, I awoke to Traffic Cop on my pillow beckoning me to follow her. The kittens were all bundled in the soft, green blanket so snug I could not see any of them. I gently unwrapped the cocoon of a protective cover and counted the little beings inside. I was wrong. We had six grandchildren. Chris asked if I wanted to keep all of the kittens. I explained that the books had said that over time, the mother will pick her favorites and ignore the others, and that the siblings will not all get along as they grow older. We made a plan to keep Traffic Cop and decide which kittens to keep after observing which ones she preferred. Not having the read the books I had read, Traffic Cop took on the motherhood role as many human women do and loved her children equally, and the kittens, despite an occasional skirmish, displayed extremely high regard for each other. This family would not be broken apart!
After moving into a larger, newly remodeled, carpeted apartment, it was evident adoption was on the horizon for this loving family of cats. While shopping for large bags of cat food at the nearby pet store, a small black kitten was abandoned by its owner. As the cashier told me the story of how the little cat had come to find a temporary home in a green, plastic basket on the counter next to the cash register, I could not help but notice how he resembled Traffic Cop’s kittens. The cashier had made plans to take the kitten home with her and bottle feed him. I had a feeling that kitten belonged with the family of cats that roamed my apartment, but after telling my mother as an April Fool’s Day joke that I brought another cat home, I let the feeling go. A couple of weeks later, I went back to the same pet store. I walked in and immediately noticed a green shopping basket on the counter with white t-shirt inside that appeared to be squirming. One peer into the basket and I knew it was the same little black kitten that had been abandoned two weeks earlier. The same cashier I had spoken to on my prior visit was at the counter and said to me, “What a coincidence you came in tonight, because he is sick and was just brought back in by a family that begged me to have him.” The cashier told me she was planning to take him home with her again and try to nurse him back to health. I could see by the kitten’s lethargic body and drooping eyelids, that he needed medical attention. I offered to take him to a veterinarian and pay for it out of fear that he might die otherwise. She quickly agreed to my offer and said goodbye to him in a way that told me she was not planning on taking him back. I carried the baby cat, still wrapped in the old t-shirt, to my car and gently placed him beside me on the luxurious, velour seat of my old Cadillac. He began to perk up and as I drove to the all-night animal hospital, he attempted an exploration of the apparent room on wheels. Upon discovering that the medical tests were negative and the source of illness had been food poisoning, I drove home with the kitten, trying to think of someone who would want to adopt him. I unlocked the door, opened it, and the little black kitten and I were greeted by a cluster of black fur and yellow-green eyes staring up at us. “What did you bring us?” Traffic Cop and the kittens on the floor seemed to say. I held the baby cat down for the other cats to see. They immediately began to clean him and care for him like they always had for each other. He was out of my hands. The kittens had just adopted a baby brother.
The little bundles of fur, now fully grown, are taking naps on pieces of furniture and curled up in boxes. I still see the faces of the little kittens on these cats, when they look up at me. I hear the cats purring as they sit by me while I work. These cats have taught me about survival, birth, nurturing, and the importance of family. What I am most grateful for however, is that it is not always the people who determine where pets will live, but the pets that do the choosing.
Over the next several weeks, the little cat put much effort into befriending us. Chris would go outside to work on his novel, and the cat would run up the stairs and sit beside him in the role of his muse. Although not very interested in getting to know me at first, she befriended my husband and would show up any time he was around. She decided she belonged to him and even displayed signs of jealousy like clawing my back when I sat outside next to him. The jealous actions subsided however, when she realized Chris would not stand for those behaviors. Soon I was able to pick the little cat up and we became friends as well. A nightly pattern began to develop. We would come home and she would run up the stairs to meet us. One night it started to rain, and we became concerned about the little cat we had begun to call Traffic Cop. We opened our front door and she was standing there meowing for us to let her in. She slept on a towel outside our bedroom door with a shallow sour cream dish filled with water beside her. Thinking she would be fine outside since the rain had passed, we put her outside the next day. That night we were awakened by the sound of incessant meowing outside our front door. Because we didn’t want the neighbors to complain, we let Traffic Cop in. She had made the decision. Our apartment was her new home.
We discovered Traffic Cop was pregnant just after she became a resident of our apartment. The fact that this small cat, still a kitten herself, could have avoided this dilemma if we had taken her in earlier became apparent to us. Assuming we would easily find homes for the kittens, and experiencing Traffic Cop’s determination to live with us, I spent numerous hours hovered over library books researching kitten birth and care. We helped the mother-to-be make the transition from outdoor cat to indoor cat by setting up a birthing nest with a new, soft, green blanket in the living room closet, although she still performed housekeeping duties on her nest outside in the oleanders. She was now happy she could eat and drink in our apartment. But the evening we brought home a bag of kitty litter, she looked up at us with excitement reminiscent of a child who just opened a birthday present. Then a special day came. I was home alone with Traffic Cop. She started acting extremely uncomfortable. She came over to me as I sat in my canvas camping chair, in our sparsely furnished living room. I asked her what was wrong, knowing that it was probably time for her to give birth. I had prepared for this moment by poring over countless books on the subject of kitten births. Against all the information presented in the books, Traffic Cop was moaning, in pain and pawing at me as if pleading for help. The books said cats want to be left alone while giving birth. Books are often wrong.
As I was attempting to calm the frightened, little cat, her water broke and kittens were on the way. She looked up at me as if she was worried I would be mad at her. I continued comforting her as I put her on the blanket in the closet. All of a sudden, she jumped up and across the room and straight into an empty, pots and pans box that was nearby on the floor! She went through the opening of the cardboard box so fast it closed behind her. About a minute later she came out and was beholding a little, black creature on the floor in front of her. She had an expression of surprise on her adorable, little face. “Look what I have!” her expression seemed to say as her eyes met mine. Her instincts kicked in, and she went straight to work as a mother, cleaning the kitten and making sure it could breathe. I rushed to the phone to call my husband so he could experience the miracle that was taking place in our home, but I could not reach him. Just as I was hanging up the phone, Traffic Cop’s head turned toward me and her eyes opened wide. She quickly jumped back in the box. She excitedly came out of the box again. “I have another one!” she seemed to tell me as she gave me a quick glance. She repeated her actions of entering the mysterious box and bringing forth a new life three more times. When I finally reached my husband on the phone, I greeted him with, “Congratulations Grandpa! We have five new grandchildren!” The next morning, I awoke to Traffic Cop on my pillow beckoning me to follow her. The kittens were all bundled in the soft, green blanket so snug I could not see any of them. I gently unwrapped the cocoon of a protective cover and counted the little beings inside. I was wrong. We had six grandchildren. Chris asked if I wanted to keep all of the kittens. I explained that the books had said that over time, the mother will pick her favorites and ignore the others, and that the siblings will not all get along as they grow older. We made a plan to keep Traffic Cop and decide which kittens to keep after observing which ones she preferred. Not having the read the books I had read, Traffic Cop took on the motherhood role as many human women do and loved her children equally, and the kittens, despite an occasional skirmish, displayed extremely high regard for each other. This family would not be broken apart!
After moving into a larger, newly remodeled, carpeted apartment, it was evident adoption was on the horizon for this loving family of cats. While shopping for large bags of cat food at the nearby pet store, a small black kitten was abandoned by its owner. As the cashier told me the story of how the little cat had come to find a temporary home in a green, plastic basket on the counter next to the cash register, I could not help but notice how he resembled Traffic Cop’s kittens. The cashier had made plans to take the kitten home with her and bottle feed him. I had a feeling that kitten belonged with the family of cats that roamed my apartment, but after telling my mother as an April Fool’s Day joke that I brought another cat home, I let the feeling go. A couple of weeks later, I went back to the same pet store. I walked in and immediately noticed a green shopping basket on the counter with white t-shirt inside that appeared to be squirming. One peer into the basket and I knew it was the same little black kitten that had been abandoned two weeks earlier. The same cashier I had spoken to on my prior visit was at the counter and said to me, “What a coincidence you came in tonight, because he is sick and was just brought back in by a family that begged me to have him.” The cashier told me she was planning to take him home with her again and try to nurse him back to health. I could see by the kitten’s lethargic body and drooping eyelids, that he needed medical attention. I offered to take him to a veterinarian and pay for it out of fear that he might die otherwise. She quickly agreed to my offer and said goodbye to him in a way that told me she was not planning on taking him back. I carried the baby cat, still wrapped in the old t-shirt, to my car and gently placed him beside me on the luxurious, velour seat of my old Cadillac. He began to perk up and as I drove to the all-night animal hospital, he attempted an exploration of the apparent room on wheels. Upon discovering that the medical tests were negative and the source of illness had been food poisoning, I drove home with the kitten, trying to think of someone who would want to adopt him. I unlocked the door, opened it, and the little black kitten and I were greeted by a cluster of black fur and yellow-green eyes staring up at us. “What did you bring us?” Traffic Cop and the kittens on the floor seemed to say. I held the baby cat down for the other cats to see. They immediately began to clean him and care for him like they always had for each other. He was out of my hands. The kittens had just adopted a baby brother.
The little bundles of fur, now fully grown, are taking naps on pieces of furniture and curled up in boxes. I still see the faces of the little kittens on these cats, when they look up at me. I hear the cats purring as they sit by me while I work. These cats have taught me about survival, birth, nurturing, and the importance of family. What I am most grateful for however, is that it is not always the people who determine where pets will live, but the pets that do the choosing.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Deadline # 5, Outline
Thesis: I learned the decision of where pets live may belong to the pets instead of the owners.
I. Little, brown cat befriends the man
II. Happy family born in a box
III. Adolescent kittens adopt a baby brother
Conclusion: It may not be the people who determine where pets will live, but the pets that do the choosing.
I. Little, brown cat befriends the man
II. Happy family born in a box
III. Adolescent kittens adopt a baby brother
Conclusion: It may not be the people who determine where pets will live, but the pets that do the choosing.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Deadline #4
1. A narrative essay presents a series of actions or events in a specific order to tell a story. Narrative essays contain a beginning, middle, and end. The introduction sets up the opinion of the thesis statement, the body develops the sequence of actions and events, and the conclusion restates the thesis in different words. In narrative essays, transitional words and phrases identify logical, chronological, and spatial arrangements in order to define how sentences relate to each other. Transitional words and phrases such as finally, earlier, before, next, now, then, soon, at first, and as soon as, establish chronological sequence in a narrative essay. Through the presentation of occurrences in a particular sequence, a narrative essay can effectively relay a story.
2. The use of visual imagery in the opening paragraph of 'My "Eight Cow" Bracelet' held my attention, making me want to read the rest of the essay. The thesis of the essay is, “It was during this transitional point in my life that my father began to teach me a valuable and significant lesson regarding beauty and the power of words”. Actual narration begins at the start of the second paragraph. Examples of description are used throughout the essay. The first example of description was the writer depicting herself as a baby with two chins, Michelin Tire legs, and hair that would stick up. She later gives a picture of herself as a girl with stringy, long, brown hair, a freckled face, and large brown eyes. Deeper into the story, the writer provides a vivid mental illustration of the slender, silver cuff bracelet with eight round turquoise stones. The use of description contributes to this essay in a way that makes the reader feel a sense of being there, either as the main character or an observer.
2. The use of visual imagery in the opening paragraph of 'My "Eight Cow" Bracelet' held my attention, making me want to read the rest of the essay. The thesis of the essay is, “It was during this transitional point in my life that my father began to teach me a valuable and significant lesson regarding beauty and the power of words”. Actual narration begins at the start of the second paragraph. Examples of description are used throughout the essay. The first example of description was the writer depicting herself as a baby with two chins, Michelin Tire legs, and hair that would stick up. She later gives a picture of herself as a girl with stringy, long, brown hair, a freckled face, and large brown eyes. Deeper into the story, the writer provides a vivid mental illustration of the slender, silver cuff bracelet with eight round turquoise stones. The use of description contributes to this essay in a way that makes the reader feel a sense of being there, either as the main character or an observer.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Deadline #3, Hunt
1. The instructor’s email address is devoncadams@gmail.com.
2. The advice/warning on the syllabus page is that students are responsible for all of the information supplied in the syllabus and for the college policies incorporated in the student handbook and college catalog.
3. The first page of the syllabus says it is important to be an active learner by being self-motivated, having strong organizational skills, and seeking help from the instructor when needed.
4. The highest grade that may be earned on an essay that contains sentence structure errors is a “D”.
5. Fragments, commas splices, etc. are the sentence structure errors in the criteria for an “A” paper.
6. The class policies state the instructor may withdraw a student from the course if no work is submitted by the student for more than a two deadline period.
7. The penalty for a late assignment is that it will not be accepted.
8. The maximum number of essays that can be submitted in any given week is one.
9. Technical assistance is provided by the MCC Helpdesk at (480) 461-7212.
10. The last date assignments will be accepted at the end of the semester is December 7, 2007.
2. The advice/warning on the syllabus page is that students are responsible for all of the information supplied in the syllabus and for the college policies incorporated in the student handbook and college catalog.
3. The first page of the syllabus says it is important to be an active learner by being self-motivated, having strong organizational skills, and seeking help from the instructor when needed.
4. The highest grade that may be earned on an essay that contains sentence structure errors is a “D”.
5. Fragments, commas splices, etc. are the sentence structure errors in the criteria for an “A” paper.
6. The class policies state the instructor may withdraw a student from the course if no work is submitted by the student for more than a two deadline period.
7. The penalty for a late assignment is that it will not be accepted.
8. The maximum number of essays that can be submitted in any given week is one.
9. Technical assistance is provided by the MCC Helpdesk at (480) 461-7212.
10. The last date assignments will be accepted at the end of the semester is December 7, 2007.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Deadline #2
Deadline #2, Paragraphs
Part 1
1. The topic sentence of the paragraph is sentence 1.
2. The subject in the topic sentence is Arizona’s environments.
3. The attitude in the topic sentence is that Arizona’s environments appeal to a variety of tastes.
4. There are 4 subtopic sentences in the paragraph.
5. The #s of the sentences that function as subtopic sentences are 2, 7, and 12.
6. Sentence 17 concludes the paragraph.
7. The concluding sentence gives the paragraph a sense of finality by rephrasing the topic sentence and providing a summary of the important ideas of the paragraph.
8. Transitions are found in sentences 5, 7, 10, 11 12, 16, and 17.
9. Examples of transitional words in the paragraph are “also” in sentence 5 and “in addition” in sentence 11.
10. Indenting the first sentence of a paragraph helps to identify a new sentence, as well as a new idea.
Part 2
Air travel today has become both more convenient and complicated at the same time. The Internet provides a means for simplifying the booking process. Flight schedules can be accessed online and passengers may choose and pay for flights all within a few minutes time. It is even possible to print boarding passes from a home computer. However, on arrival at the airport, airline customers are subject to more than one inconvenience. Family and friends are no longer allowed to see passengers off at the gate. Anyone carrying on cosmetics is restricted to the number of three ounce containers that can fit into a one quart zip-lock bag. Shoes must be removed and placed in bins for screening along with other carryon items. The hassles passengers must endure at the airport are offset by the useful services offered at the airport. Curbside check-in means luggage will not have to be carried by passengers any farther than from the car to the door. Computerized check-in and payments may be taken care of at computer stations. Porters may transfer luggage, or even passengers, to the appropriate gates. Modern airline travel certainly has its conveniences along with its drawbacks.
Part 1
1. The topic sentence of the paragraph is sentence 1.
2. The subject in the topic sentence is Arizona’s environments.
3. The attitude in the topic sentence is that Arizona’s environments appeal to a variety of tastes.
4. There are 4 subtopic sentences in the paragraph.
5. The #s of the sentences that function as subtopic sentences are 2, 7, and 12.
6. Sentence 17 concludes the paragraph.
7. The concluding sentence gives the paragraph a sense of finality by rephrasing the topic sentence and providing a summary of the important ideas of the paragraph.
8. Transitions are found in sentences 5, 7, 10, 11 12, 16, and 17.
9. Examples of transitional words in the paragraph are “also” in sentence 5 and “in addition” in sentence 11.
10. Indenting the first sentence of a paragraph helps to identify a new sentence, as well as a new idea.
Part 2
Air travel today has become both more convenient and complicated at the same time. The Internet provides a means for simplifying the booking process. Flight schedules can be accessed online and passengers may choose and pay for flights all within a few minutes time. It is even possible to print boarding passes from a home computer. However, on arrival at the airport, airline customers are subject to more than one inconvenience. Family and friends are no longer allowed to see passengers off at the gate. Anyone carrying on cosmetics is restricted to the number of three ounce containers that can fit into a one quart zip-lock bag. Shoes must be removed and placed in bins for screening along with other carryon items. The hassles passengers must endure at the airport are offset by the useful services offered at the airport. Curbside check-in means luggage will not have to be carried by passengers any farther than from the car to the door. Computerized check-in and payments may be taken care of at computer stations. Porters may transfer luggage, or even passengers, to the appropriate gates. Modern airline travel certainly has its conveniences along with its drawbacks.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Deadline #1, Help
If a problem arises with a particular assignment due to religious conflict, how is that dealt with? If an assignment is listed with one due date on the syllabus and another on the class calendar, does the calendar date override the syllabus date?
Deadline #1, Introduction
My name is Shannon. I am a student at MCC working towards the Audio Productions Technologies degree. Although my career goals do not necessarily require a degree, the education I am receiving will certainly assist me in accomplishing my goals. English 101 is a required course for my degree, but I also enjoy writing and various other aspects of studying English. I am hoping to build on my writing skills and acquire new information that will help me become a better writer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)