Friday, January 29, 2010

Writing Topic: Rules for Writers chapter 4

Paragraphs are made up of a topic sentence that describes your main points of your following paragraphs. Chapter takes you through the main goals of writing a paragraph which includes being clear and concise. From the beginning of the writing, the reading should be able to get a clear idea of what the message is. Once the message is clear its important to create a pattern of organization that links one main to another.

I plan on using this information in my own future writings as a reference on how to organize my work. I often get off topic and this chapter really emphasized the importance of the process of organization. In my future writings I will remember that its my job to make the reader understand my direction of writing and attempt this within the first paragraph. This chapter also used good descriptions on how to create a process of organization through transitions and examples.

“The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman and Me” Dialogue

Education can serve as a life saver by providing options for one when they feel stuck or in helpless situations. Having an education gives you multiple pathways in not just career options but with a broad spectrum of knowledge which can also better your communications skills. These communication skills can assist you in everyday relationships. Alexie is a perfect example of how education saved his life. He lived on the Spokane Indian reservation in eastern Washington which gave him limited options of a future outside Indian culture and traditions. Instead of struggling with English and writing, singing powwow songs he spent his day reading everything he could get his hands on.
Alexie is now a writer although he was planning on being a pediatrician. He goes to schools and teaches the Indian children creative writing. Alexie knows that writing is beyond the Indians, so he provides these children an opportunity to a new world, a new opportunity in life. He teaches them poetry, short stories and novels. These children look up to Alexie, they are now reading books and engaging more in the writing process.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Rules for Writers Ch 2-3 Summary

Rules for Writers Chapters 2-3 Summary
Chapters 2 and 3 of Rules of Writers explain the beginning steps of the writing process. These beginning steps include generating a rough draft and then produce the revisions. In order to create a rough draft, the writer must keep in mind that it’s just a simple rough draft, it does not need to be near perfection. First, begin the writing process by writing the introduction which includes the thesis. Then, formulate the body of the writing with paragraphs that follow a topic sentence pattern. The conclusion should wrap up the ideas and possibly leave the reader with a sense of “aw”. Once the rough draft is formulated, revisions are necessary. The point of revisions is to clarify points, correct grammar and punctuations.
I plan to use the information from Chapters 2 and 3 from Rules of Writers in my future writings to help guide me in the writing process. I learned that formulating a rough draft doesn’t mean making a final draft, its just the first step. The information in these chapters in regards to how to start with an introduction and how to include your thesis was extremely helpful. I will remember this information in the future when writing. I’m also someone who revises within the rough draft, rather than letting that be the next step. In my future writings, I don’t intend on repeating bad habits.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Week 1: Introduction

Week 1: Prestons Introduction. Hi class, my name is Preston and this is my second year at SRJC. Im currently enrolled in the SRJC Police Academy at the Windsor campus. Its a 5 month full time program Mon- Fri 7-4 pm. Im really enjoying the academy so far, keep in mind Ive only completed my second day. Im taking this course because my educational goal is to continue on with my education and go to a CSU. Im not sure if I want to major in criminal justice or something else. I spend a lot of my free time excercising, especially running, with my 4 year old pit bull, and with my girlfriend and friends. I love Mexican food and Im down to try anything new!. I hope to walk away with this course with a better understanding and knowledge of english. I know English is one of those subjects that I will use in my future, and will also be useful in the police force. Cant wait to read all your blogs. Thank you, Preston.