Taking Essay Tests
Chapter 25
This chapter will help you write better essay answers. Also, it will show a variety of other helpful ways to improve your test taking skills.
Essay or subjective exams may include either short answer questions or long general questions. These exams have no one specific answer per student. They are usually scored on an opinion basis, although there will be certain facts and understanding expected in the answer. The main reason students fail essay tests is not because they cannot write, but because they fail to answer the questions fully and specifically, and because their answer is not well organized.
Essay exams require recall learning. Carefully figure out the major content areas to learn. If you are not caught up, this is not a time to read everything in a frantic manner. Focus on the key source for the test: notes or textbook, or whatever you think will be most heavily covered on the test. It's better to understand and know a few things very well than to have a large quantity of unorganized, poorly learned material
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Persuasive Paper:
Why Marijuana Should be Legalized
If Marijuana were to be a legal drug it would be a major influential force in our country today. The problem has gotten so out of hand that many options are being considered to control it or even solve it. Ending the drug war seems to be a bit impossible. The war on drugs seems to be accomplishing a lot but this is not true. Different options need to be considered. Legalization is an option that hasn't gotten a chance but should be given one. Although many people feel that legalizing marijuana would increase the amount of use, marijuana should be legalized because it will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement and it will increase our country’s revenue. There are also many benefits that can be uncovered to help people if legalization of marijuana is given a chance. Marijuana should be taxed heavily to increase our revenue. Marijuana and other drugs would be made by the same people who make aspirin so the quality would be assured, containing no poisons or adulterants. These could be taxed heavily because the users will be assured of "clean drugs." And again, making drugs legal will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement every year. Drug dealers and users are one step ahead on the enforcement process. If one drug lord is caught, another one will show up somewhere else. We cannot win. A high percent of the people in federal prison are drug law violators. Too much money is wasted on a cause that seems to have no end. All of this money could be used on better things, such as education and homelessness. By lifting the ban on marijuana use and treating it like other drugs such as tobacco and alcohol, the nation would gain immediate and long-term benefits. This change in the law would greatly improve the quality of life for many people. Victims of glaucoma and those needing antinausea treatment, would find marijuana very helpful and easily available. Also, the cloud of suspicion would disappear, and doctors could get on with investigating marijuana’s medical uses without fear of controversy. It might become possible to discuss the dangers of marijuana use without getting caught up in a policy debate.. Meanwhile, the black market would disappear overnight. Some arrangement would be made to license the production of marijuana cigarettes. Thousands of dealers would be put out of business, and a secret part of the economy would come into the open. It is difficult to say whether this change would reduce crime because criminals would probably continue to sell other drugs, but it would have an impact on the amount of money flowing through criminal channels, and this might weaken organized crime. The legalization of marijuana would benefit the federal budget in two ways, the federal revenues would increase because marijuana cigarettes would be taxed at the point of sale. In return, the companies that make the cigarettes would also pay income taxes Second, there would be a reduction on the amount spent on law enforcement efforts to apprehend and prosecute users and sellers of marijuana. The drug enforcement authorities might reduce their budget requests, or, more likely, focus more intensely on hard drugs and violent crimes. The courts would be relieved of hearing some drug cases, as well. The most important gain would be in the quality of government. The sorts of temptations and opportunities that lead to corruption would be significantly minimized. The illogical pattern of law enforcement which now treats marijuana as more dangerous as alcohol, would end. It would set more achievable goals for law enforcement, and this would lend strength and credibility to the government. I believe that it is possible to stop most drug addiction in the United States within a very short time, Simply by making them available.
If Marijuana were to be a legal drug it would be a major influential force in our country today. The problem has gotten so out of hand that many options are being considered to control it or even solve it. Ending the drug war seems to be a bit impossible. The war on drugs seems to be accomplishing a lot but this is not true. Different options need to be considered. Legalization is an option that hasn't gotten a chance but should be given one. Although many people feel that legalizing marijuana would increase the amount of use, marijuana should be legalized because it will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement and it will increase our country’s revenue. There are also many benefits that can be uncovered to help people if legalization of marijuana is given a chance. Marijuana should be taxed heavily to increase our revenue. Marijuana and other drugs would be made by the same people who make aspirin so the quality would be assured, containing no poisons or adulterants. These could be taxed heavily because the users will be assured of "clean drugs." And again, making drugs legal will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement every year. Drug dealers and users are one step ahead on the enforcement process. If one drug lord is caught, another one will show up somewhere else. We cannot win. A high percent of the people in federal prison are drug law violators. Too much money is wasted on a cause that seems to have no end. All of this money could be used on better things, such as education and homelessness. By lifting the ban on marijuana use and treating it like other drugs such as tobacco and alcohol, the nation would gain immediate and long-term benefits. This change in the law would greatly improve the quality of life for many people. Victims of glaucoma and those needing antinausea treatment, would find marijuana very helpful and easily available. Also, the cloud of suspicion would disappear, and doctors could get on with investigating marijuana’s medical uses without fear of controversy. It might become possible to discuss the dangers of marijuana use without getting caught up in a policy debate.. Meanwhile, the black market would disappear overnight. Some arrangement would be made to license the production of marijuana cigarettes. Thousands of dealers would be put out of business, and a secret part of the economy would come into the open. It is difficult to say whether this change would reduce crime because criminals would probably continue to sell other drugs, but it would have an impact on the amount of money flowing through criminal channels, and this might weaken organized crime. The legalization of marijuana would benefit the federal budget in two ways, the federal revenues would increase because marijuana cigarettes would be taxed at the point of sale. In return, the companies that make the cigarettes would also pay income taxes Second, there would be a reduction on the amount spent on law enforcement efforts to apprehend and prosecute users and sellers of marijuana. The drug enforcement authorities might reduce their budget requests, or, more likely, focus more intensely on hard drugs and violent crimes. The courts would be relieved of hearing some drug cases, as well. The most important gain would be in the quality of government. The sorts of temptations and opportunities that lead to corruption would be significantly minimized. The illogical pattern of law enforcement which now treats marijuana as more dangerous as alcohol, would end. It would set more achievable goals for law enforcement, and this would lend strength and credibility to the government. I believe that it is possible to stop most drug addiction in the United States within a very short time, Simply by making them available.
Persuasive Paper:
Why Marijuana Should be Legalized
If Marijuana were to be a legal drug it would be a major influential force in our country today. The problem has gotten so out of hand that many options are being considered to control it or even solve it. Ending the drug war seems to be a bit impossible. The war on drugs seems to be accomplishing a lot but this is not true. Different options need to be considered. Legalization is an option that hasn't gotten a chance but should be given one. Although many people feel that legalizing marijuana would increase the amount of use, marijuana should be legalized because it will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement and it will increase our country’s revenue. There are also many benefits that can be uncovered to help people if legalization of marijuana is given a chance. Marijuana should be taxed heavily to increase our revenue. Marijuana and other drugs would be made by the same people who make aspirin so the quality would be assured, containing no poisons or adulterants. These could be taxed heavily because the users will be assured of "clean drugs." And again, making drugs legal will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement every year. Drug dealers and users are one step ahead on the enforcement process. If one drug lord is caught, another one will show up somewhere else. We cannot win. A high percent of the people in federal prison are drug law violators. Too much money is wasted on a cause that seems to have no end. All of this money could be used on better things, such as education and homelessness. By lifting the ban on marijuana use and treating it like other drugs such as tobacco and alcohol, the nation would gain immediate and long-term benefits. This change in the law would greatly improve the quality of life for many people. Victims of glaucoma and those needing antinausea treatment, would find marijuana very helpful and easily available. Also, the cloud of suspicion would disappear, and doctors could get on with investigating marijuana’s medical uses without fear of controversy. It might become possible to discuss the dangers of marijuana use without getting caught up in a policy debate.. Meanwhile, the black market would disappear overnight. Some arrangement would be made to license the production of marijuana cigarettes. Thousands of dealers would be put out of business, and a secret part of the economy would come into the open. It is difficult to say whether this change would reduce crime because criminals would probably continue to sell other drugs, but it would have an impact on the amount of money flowing through criminal channels, and this might weaken organized crime. The legalization of marijuana would benefit the federal budget in two ways, the federal revenues would increase because marijuana cigarettes would be taxed at the point of sale. In return, the companies that make the cigarettes would also pay income taxes Second, there would be a reduction on the amount spent on law enforcement efforts to apprehend and prosecute users and sellers of marijuana. The drug enforcement authorities might reduce their budget requests, or, more likely, focus more intensely on hard drugs and violent crimes. The courts would be relieved of hearing some drug cases, as well. The most important gain would be in the quality of government. The sorts of temptations and opportunities that lead to corruption would be significantly minimized. The illogical pattern of law enforcement which now treats marijuana as more dangerous as alcohol, would end. It would set more achievable goals for law enforcement, and this would lend strength and credibility to the government. I believe that it is possible to stop most drug addiction in the United States within a very short time, Simply by making them available.
If Marijuana were to be a legal drug it would be a major influential force in our country today. The problem has gotten so out of hand that many options are being considered to control it or even solve it. Ending the drug war seems to be a bit impossible. The war on drugs seems to be accomplishing a lot but this is not true. Different options need to be considered. Legalization is an option that hasn't gotten a chance but should be given one. Although many people feel that legalizing marijuana would increase the amount of use, marijuana should be legalized because it will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement and it will increase our country’s revenue. There are also many benefits that can be uncovered to help people if legalization of marijuana is given a chance. Marijuana should be taxed heavily to increase our revenue. Marijuana and other drugs would be made by the same people who make aspirin so the quality would be assured, containing no poisons or adulterants. These could be taxed heavily because the users will be assured of "clean drugs." And again, making drugs legal will reduce the great amounts of money spent on enforcement every year. Drug dealers and users are one step ahead on the enforcement process. If one drug lord is caught, another one will show up somewhere else. We cannot win. A high percent of the people in federal prison are drug law violators. Too much money is wasted on a cause that seems to have no end. All of this money could be used on better things, such as education and homelessness. By lifting the ban on marijuana use and treating it like other drugs such as tobacco and alcohol, the nation would gain immediate and long-term benefits. This change in the law would greatly improve the quality of life for many people. Victims of glaucoma and those needing antinausea treatment, would find marijuana very helpful and easily available. Also, the cloud of suspicion would disappear, and doctors could get on with investigating marijuana’s medical uses without fear of controversy. It might become possible to discuss the dangers of marijuana use without getting caught up in a policy debate.. Meanwhile, the black market would disappear overnight. Some arrangement would be made to license the production of marijuana cigarettes. Thousands of dealers would be put out of business, and a secret part of the economy would come into the open. It is difficult to say whether this change would reduce crime because criminals would probably continue to sell other drugs, but it would have an impact on the amount of money flowing through criminal channels, and this might weaken organized crime. The legalization of marijuana would benefit the federal budget in two ways, the federal revenues would increase because marijuana cigarettes would be taxed at the point of sale. In return, the companies that make the cigarettes would also pay income taxes Second, there would be a reduction on the amount spent on law enforcement efforts to apprehend and prosecute users and sellers of marijuana. The drug enforcement authorities might reduce their budget requests, or, more likely, focus more intensely on hard drugs and violent crimes. The courts would be relieved of hearing some drug cases, as well. The most important gain would be in the quality of government. The sorts of temptations and opportunities that lead to corruption would be significantly minimized. The illogical pattern of law enforcement which now treats marijuana as more dangerous as alcohol, would end. It would set more achievable goals for law enforcement, and this would lend strength and credibility to the government. I believe that it is possible to stop most drug addiction in the United States within a very short time, Simply by making them available.
Cause and Effect paper
Abortion: Cause and Effect
By Gina Taylor
To have abortion or not is a very difficult choice to make. The final choice comes from religious and ethical beliefs. However, to have an abortion means to participate in a horrendous crime against humanity, God, and oneself. Abortion can also have deleterious effects on the mother’s health and well being. Many of the couples, mainly the mothers, that have an abortion tend to go into a state of depression known as Post-abortion syndrome. Negative effects on the mother’s body can also stem from using abortion methods, such as the use of RU 486, a controversial abortion pill; increased risk of breast cancer is another effect of abortions. Other side effects of abortion, from emotional scars to a detachment from God and religion can also result. The choice to have an abortion is not only immoral and murder, but it can lead to negative effects on the mothers psychological, physical, and spiritual well being. The health of the mother, should be the main concern governing an abortion. Many of the pregnant women that have an abortion, tend to regret their decision later on; this regret and state of desolation, as well as depression is known as Post-abortion Syndrome. The Post-Abortion Syndrome, is better classified as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The symptoms of this syndrome can be characterized as depression, substance abuse, sleep disorders and suicidal thoughts. Many of the symptoms usually arise after the abortion has been performed. Many of these symptoms, such as suicide can be a threat to the mother’s health. If the mother decides to commit suicide then that would defeat the whole idea of having an abortion in order to save the mother’s life. Many of the pregnant women that have an abortion justify the action upon unwanted conditions, such rape or congenital defects. In cases pertaining to rape, the pregnant women justify having an abortion as a means to erase the tragic events from consciousness. However, by having an abortion she is giving up the most important tool to help her in the recovery process. The unborn child can evoke a sense of loneliness in the mother after the abortion.
But if one sees the constitutional infringement to women by the restriction of abortion, the torment to the unwanted child and the anguish society has to sustain, then this topic would not be so debatable. Too many people do not see the cause and effect of not being able to have abortions. All human beings are given some inalienable right guaranteed by the constitution. One of those privileges is the right to pursue happiness. A baby can sometimes disrupt a woman's pursuit of happiness. Even if she decides to give it up for adoption, she still has the burden of carrying the fetus for nine months. Having the option to perform an abortion can solve that obstacle. Taking away this right would be invading on a woman's constitutional liberty. The unwanted child also suffers. Most of the time the mother of the unwanted child is very young and inexperienced or too poor to take care of the child. The child is usually malnourished, has no medical care, and gets very little attention or love. The foster care system isn't any better. Only a small percentage of the children are adopted by suitable parents. But the rest remain in the foster care system, where there is little or no personal care. In both cases, the child has a poor education because of the lack of attention and discipline. He/she grows up to be unproductive individuals or a menace to society. Many get involved in drugs and crimes. These individuals also tend to be violent, lacking morality due to the small amount of care they received themselves. In the long run, not only does the child suffer but also society, who has to tolerate his violent behavior and crimes. An abortion can be seen as putting the child out of misery while he/she doesn't have the ability to reason or fear. In short, abortion allows a woman to retain her constitutional rights.
By Gina Taylor
To have abortion or not is a very difficult choice to make. The final choice comes from religious and ethical beliefs. However, to have an abortion means to participate in a horrendous crime against humanity, God, and oneself. Abortion can also have deleterious effects on the mother’s health and well being. Many of the couples, mainly the mothers, that have an abortion tend to go into a state of depression known as Post-abortion syndrome. Negative effects on the mother’s body can also stem from using abortion methods, such as the use of RU 486, a controversial abortion pill; increased risk of breast cancer is another effect of abortions. Other side effects of abortion, from emotional scars to a detachment from God and religion can also result. The choice to have an abortion is not only immoral and murder, but it can lead to negative effects on the mothers psychological, physical, and spiritual well being. The health of the mother, should be the main concern governing an abortion. Many of the pregnant women that have an abortion, tend to regret their decision later on; this regret and state of desolation, as well as depression is known as Post-abortion Syndrome. The Post-Abortion Syndrome, is better classified as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The symptoms of this syndrome can be characterized as depression, substance abuse, sleep disorders and suicidal thoughts. Many of the symptoms usually arise after the abortion has been performed. Many of these symptoms, such as suicide can be a threat to the mother’s health. If the mother decides to commit suicide then that would defeat the whole idea of having an abortion in order to save the mother’s life. Many of the pregnant women that have an abortion justify the action upon unwanted conditions, such rape or congenital defects. In cases pertaining to rape, the pregnant women justify having an abortion as a means to erase the tragic events from consciousness. However, by having an abortion she is giving up the most important tool to help her in the recovery process. The unborn child can evoke a sense of loneliness in the mother after the abortion.
But if one sees the constitutional infringement to women by the restriction of abortion, the torment to the unwanted child and the anguish society has to sustain, then this topic would not be so debatable. Too many people do not see the cause and effect of not being able to have abortions. All human beings are given some inalienable right guaranteed by the constitution. One of those privileges is the right to pursue happiness. A baby can sometimes disrupt a woman's pursuit of happiness. Even if she decides to give it up for adoption, she still has the burden of carrying the fetus for nine months. Having the option to perform an abortion can solve that obstacle. Taking away this right would be invading on a woman's constitutional liberty. The unwanted child also suffers. Most of the time the mother of the unwanted child is very young and inexperienced or too poor to take care of the child. The child is usually malnourished, has no medical care, and gets very little attention or love. The foster care system isn't any better. Only a small percentage of the children are adopted by suitable parents. But the rest remain in the foster care system, where there is little or no personal care. In both cases, the child has a poor education because of the lack of attention and discipline. He/she grows up to be unproductive individuals or a menace to society. Many get involved in drugs and crimes. These individuals also tend to be violent, lacking morality due to the small amount of care they received themselves. In the long run, not only does the child suffer but also society, who has to tolerate his violent behavior and crimes. An abortion can be seen as putting the child out of misery while he/she doesn't have the ability to reason or fear. In short, abortion allows a woman to retain her constitutional rights.
Chapter 14 Classification
Classification
Chapter 14
In a classification essay, a writer organizes, or sorts, things into categories.
Sort things into useful categories : Be thorough don't leave out a critical category. For example, if you say water sports of Hawaii include snorkeling and sailing, but leave out surfing, your essay would be incomplete because surfing is Hawaii's most famous water sport. On the other hand, don't include too many categories, which will blur your classification. For example, if your topic is sports shoes, and your organizing principle is activity, you wouldn't include high heels with running and bowling shoes.
-Make sure all the categories follow a single organizing principle. Once you have categories, make sure that they fit into the same organizing principle. The organizing principle is how you sort the groups. Do not allow a different principle to pop up unexpectedly. For example, if your unifying principle is "tourist-oriented" water sports, don't use another unifying principle, such as "native water sports," which would have different categories: pearl diving, outrigger, or canoe racing.
-Give examples that fit into each category. In general, you should write the same quantity, give the same number of examples, for each category. The most important category, usually reserved for last, might require more elaboration.
These are the steps in writing a classification essay. To classify, or sort, things in a logical way, find the categories to put them into. For example, say you need to sort the stack of papers on your desk. Before you would put them in random piles, you would decide what useful categories might be: papers that can be thrown away; papers that need immediate action; papers to read; papers to pass on to other coworkers; or papers to file.
Chapter 14
In a classification essay, a writer organizes, or sorts, things into categories.
Sort things into useful categories : Be thorough don't leave out a critical category. For example, if you say water sports of Hawaii include snorkeling and sailing, but leave out surfing, your essay would be incomplete because surfing is Hawaii's most famous water sport. On the other hand, don't include too many categories, which will blur your classification. For example, if your topic is sports shoes, and your organizing principle is activity, you wouldn't include high heels with running and bowling shoes.
-Make sure all the categories follow a single organizing principle. Once you have categories, make sure that they fit into the same organizing principle. The organizing principle is how you sort the groups. Do not allow a different principle to pop up unexpectedly. For example, if your unifying principle is "tourist-oriented" water sports, don't use another unifying principle, such as "native water sports," which would have different categories: pearl diving, outrigger, or canoe racing.
-Give examples that fit into each category. In general, you should write the same quantity, give the same number of examples, for each category. The most important category, usually reserved for last, might require more elaboration.
These are the steps in writing a classification essay. To classify, or sort, things in a logical way, find the categories to put them into. For example, say you need to sort the stack of papers on your desk. Before you would put them in random piles, you would decide what useful categories might be: papers that can be thrown away; papers that need immediate action; papers to read; papers to pass on to other coworkers; or papers to file.
Chapter 13 Compare and Contrast
Comparison and Contrast
Chapter 13
In this chapter, four writers use compare and contrast organization. Comparing and Contrasting is a writing and thinking strategy. Compare and contrast essays are the other big essay types in academic writing. These essays will follow a specific question and are fairly easy to complete. There are several ways to write this type of essay. The most important thing to remember is structure. Many wonderful essays fall victim to the woes of bad structure, making any ingenuity to fall by the wayside.
You probably use comparison all the time. Maybe you want to buy some candy, so you go to the store and look at all of the candy that is available
You can't buy all the candy, so you have to narrow down your choices you compare and contrast the different kinds of candy so that you can make your decision.
In comparison and contrast, transition words tell a reader that the writer is changing from talking about one item to the other.
Transitional words and phrases help make a paper smoother and more coherent by showing the reader the connections between the ideas that are being presented.
Chapter 13
In this chapter, four writers use compare and contrast organization. Comparing and Contrasting is a writing and thinking strategy. Compare and contrast essays are the other big essay types in academic writing. These essays will follow a specific question and are fairly easy to complete. There are several ways to write this type of essay. The most important thing to remember is structure. Many wonderful essays fall victim to the woes of bad structure, making any ingenuity to fall by the wayside.
You probably use comparison all the time. Maybe you want to buy some candy, so you go to the store and look at all of the candy that is available
You can't buy all the candy, so you have to narrow down your choices you compare and contrast the different kinds of candy so that you can make your decision.
In comparison and contrast, transition words tell a reader that the writer is changing from talking about one item to the other.
Transitional words and phrases help make a paper smoother and more coherent by showing the reader the connections between the ideas that are being presented.
Chapter 12 Cause and Effect
Cause and Effect
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 describes the steps taken to write a cause and Effect paper. Before you begin writing or even researching, make a list of all the causes of this event you already know about. Ask questions like these: Why did this happen? What preconditions existed? Were the results foreseen? Could they have been foreseen? Then do some preliminary research, using what you already know to guide the direction of your reading. Change or add to your original list of causes to reflect new information gathered from your research. Done in depth, this kind of analysis is likely to uncover an almost unlimited chain of linked causes, far more than you can effectively address in one paper. Identify one to three of them as more important (or interesting, or overlooked) than the others. Then, acknowledging that multiple causes exist, limit your discussion to those most important.
The following example names the cause first, followed by the effect:
Because the technology program received independent funding from grants and federal Title I funds, it was relatively untouched by the school district's own budget cuts.
Chapter 12
Chapter 12 describes the steps taken to write a cause and Effect paper. Before you begin writing or even researching, make a list of all the causes of this event you already know about. Ask questions like these: Why did this happen? What preconditions existed? Were the results foreseen? Could they have been foreseen? Then do some preliminary research, using what you already know to guide the direction of your reading. Change or add to your original list of causes to reflect new information gathered from your research. Done in depth, this kind of analysis is likely to uncover an almost unlimited chain of linked causes, far more than you can effectively address in one paper. Identify one to three of them as more important (or interesting, or overlooked) than the others. Then, acknowledging that multiple causes exist, limit your discussion to those most important.
The following example names the cause first, followed by the effect:
Because the technology program received independent funding from grants and federal Title I funds, it was relatively untouched by the school district's own budget cuts.
Chapter 11 Description and Reflection
Description and Reflection
Chapter 11
Writing a descriptive essay requires a strong accent on the observation and the descriptions provided by the author. The facts in this type of essay can be just the background of the vivid experiences presented by the writer. It is crucial to focus strictly on the subject of description. It can be: A certain experience, a special memory, an interesting place, one person, a thing/object.
The identification of the focus of a descriptive essay should be based on the personally perceived experiences. The author basically describes what he observes and perceives. The main message is the reason the author wants to share this experience with the reader. A descriptive essay is to make the reader believe as if he has seen and experienced something on his own.
A standard descriptive essays outline is concentrated on the senses and based on the delivery of the author’s experience through the following means: taste, smell, sight, sound and touch.
Chapter 11
Writing a descriptive essay requires a strong accent on the observation and the descriptions provided by the author. The facts in this type of essay can be just the background of the vivid experiences presented by the writer. It is crucial to focus strictly on the subject of description. It can be: A certain experience, a special memory, an interesting place, one person, a thing/object.
The identification of the focus of a descriptive essay should be based on the personally perceived experiences. The author basically describes what he observes and perceives. The main message is the reason the author wants to share this experience with the reader. A descriptive essay is to make the reader believe as if he has seen and experienced something on his own.
A standard descriptive essays outline is concentrated on the senses and based on the delivery of the author’s experience through the following means: taste, smell, sight, sound and touch.
Chapter 9 Forms of College Writing
Forms of College Writing
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 describes the three divisions into which most college curricula are divided, and the academic departments that constitute each division. The chapter then presents more specific information about academic departments, including the topics students study, the forms of writing teachers assign, and the traits of those forms. The three curricular divisions are Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural and Applied Sciences, these groups are then subdivided into specific departments, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 describes the three divisions into which most college curricula are divided, and the academic departments that constitute each division. The chapter then presents more specific information about academic departments, including the topics students study, the forms of writing teachers assign, and the traits of those forms. The three curricular divisions are Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural and Applied Sciences, these groups are then subdivided into specific departments, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
Chapter 8 The Writers Process
The Writer’s Process
Chapter 8
This chapter describes how student Writer Angela Franco followed the writing process outlined in chapters 2-7. First, she thinks through the assignment’s purpose, audience, form, and assessment method, next she reviewed her assignment and narrowed its focus by clustering and free writing. With a focus selected, Angel selected the best organizational pattern for her writing. After finishing the first draft, Angela was ready to revise.
The next step would be to make a second revision followed by proofreading and formatting her essay.
Chapter 8
This chapter describes how student Writer Angela Franco followed the writing process outlined in chapters 2-7. First, she thinks through the assignment’s purpose, audience, form, and assessment method, next she reviewed her assignment and narrowed its focus by clustering and free writing. With a focus selected, Angel selected the best organizational pattern for her writing. After finishing the first draft, Angela was ready to revise.
The next step would be to make a second revision followed by proofreading and formatting her essay.
Chapter 7 Submitting Writting and creating portfolios
Submitting Writing and Creating Portfolios
Chapter 7
This chapter will help in preparing to write for any audience or publication. Submitting a final paper is the key to writing, you must first, consider your potential audience, Share your writing with peers or family members, and then select the appropriate submission method such as, paper submission or electronic submission.
Creating a work portfolio is one of the most important things you as a working professional can do. There are two basic types of writing portfolios: the first is a working portfolio in which you store documents at various stages of development, and the second is a showcase portfolio with which you share appropriate finished work.
Chapter 7
This chapter will help in preparing to write for any audience or publication. Submitting a final paper is the key to writing, you must first, consider your potential audience, Share your writing with peers or family members, and then select the appropriate submission method such as, paper submission or electronic submission.
Creating a work portfolio is one of the most important things you as a working professional can do. There are two basic types of writing portfolios: the first is a working portfolio in which you store documents at various stages of development, and the second is a showcase portfolio with which you share appropriate finished work.
chapter 6 editing and proofreading
Editing and Proofreading Strategies
Chapter 6
Editing and proofreading are writing processes different from revising. Editing can involve extensive rewriting of sentences, but it usually focuses on sentences or even smaller elements of the text. Proofreading is the very last step writers go through to be sure that the text is presentable. Proofreading generally involves only minor changes in spelling and punctuation.
Editing consists of all of the following, Always think about your target audience, start with sentences, consider words, check grammatical details, punctuation and spelling.
Proofreading is the very last step in preparing a final draft. You should first start with problem areas, read from the end to the beginning and check for typos. Sometimes it takes two or more additional "passes" through a paper to be sure you've found all the remaining typographical errors, misplaced pieces of punctuation, or inaccurate words.
Chapter 6
Editing and proofreading are writing processes different from revising. Editing can involve extensive rewriting of sentences, but it usually focuses on sentences or even smaller elements of the text. Proofreading is the very last step writers go through to be sure that the text is presentable. Proofreading generally involves only minor changes in spelling and punctuation.
Editing consists of all of the following, Always think about your target audience, start with sentences, consider words, check grammatical details, punctuation and spelling.
Proofreading is the very last step in preparing a final draft. You should first start with problem areas, read from the end to the beginning and check for typos. Sometimes it takes two or more additional "passes" through a paper to be sure you've found all the remaining typographical errors, misplaced pieces of punctuation, or inaccurate words.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
2-ch revising
CH 5 Revising
This chapter shows you how to take your written first draft and revise it into possibly your final draft. Read your paper for any content errors. Double check the facts and figures. Arrange and rearrange ideas to follow your outline. Reorganize your outline if necessary, but always keep the purpose of your paper and your readers in mind. The following is a checklist that should be used when revising your first draft.
1. Is my thesis statement concise and clear?2. Did I follow my outline? Did I miss anything?3. Are my arguments presented in a logical sequence?4. Are all sources properly cited to ensure that I am not plagiarizing?5. Have I proved my thesis with strong supporting arguments?6. Have I made my intentions and points clear in the essay?
Re-read your paper for grammatical errors. Use a dictionary or a thesaurus as needed. Do a spell check. Correct all errors that you can spot and improve the overall quality of the paper to the best of your ability. Get someone else to read it over. Sometimes a second pair of eyes can see mistakes that you missed.
1. Did I begin each paragraph with a proper topic sentence?2. Have I supported my arguments with documented proof or examples?3. Any run-on or unfinished sentences?4. Any unnecessary or repetitious words?5. Varying lengths of sentences?6. Does one paragraph or idea flow smoothly into the next?7. Any spelling or grammatical errors?8. Quotes accurate in source, spelling, and punctuation? 9. Are all my citations accurate and in correct format?10. Did I avoid using contractions? Use "cannot" instead of "can't", "do not" instead of "don't"?11. Did I use third person as much as possible? Avoid using phrases such as "I think", "I guess", "I suppose"12. Have I made my points clear and interesting but remained objective?13. Did I leave a sense of completion for my reader(s) at the end of the paper?
This chapter shows you how to take your written first draft and revise it into possibly your final draft. Read your paper for any content errors. Double check the facts and figures. Arrange and rearrange ideas to follow your outline. Reorganize your outline if necessary, but always keep the purpose of your paper and your readers in mind. The following is a checklist that should be used when revising your first draft.
1. Is my thesis statement concise and clear?2. Did I follow my outline? Did I miss anything?3. Are my arguments presented in a logical sequence?4. Are all sources properly cited to ensure that I am not plagiarizing?5. Have I proved my thesis with strong supporting arguments?6. Have I made my intentions and points clear in the essay?
Re-read your paper for grammatical errors. Use a dictionary or a thesaurus as needed. Do a spell check. Correct all errors that you can spot and improve the overall quality of the paper to the best of your ability. Get someone else to read it over. Sometimes a second pair of eyes can see mistakes that you missed.
1. Did I begin each paragraph with a proper topic sentence?2. Have I supported my arguments with documented proof or examples?3. Any run-on or unfinished sentences?4. Any unnecessary or repetitious words?5. Varying lengths of sentences?6. Does one paragraph or idea flow smoothly into the next?7. Any spelling or grammatical errors?8. Quotes accurate in source, spelling, and punctuation? 9. Are all my citations accurate and in correct format?10. Did I avoid using contractions? Use "cannot" instead of "can't", "do not" instead of "don't"?11. Did I use third person as much as possible? Avoid using phrases such as "I think", "I guess", "I suppose"12. Have I made my points clear and interesting but remained objective?13. Did I leave a sense of completion for my reader(s) at the end of the paper?
2-ch 4 Drafting
CH 4 Drafting
This chapter outlines how to write a rough draft of your essay. Like the previous chapter, you again learn how to re-look at your topic, think about your audience, purpose and your subject. When you are writing your first draft you will probably find that you don't have all of the material you need for a finished essay. For example, you may know that you need examples of several of your points. If you have them, fine. If you're stumped, just put a note in brackets: "[need example of classroom exercise for team building]." Then move on to the next point. Likewise with evidence that you haven't found yet. Put a note in brackets to remind yourself what you need, but don't stop to look for it as you write your draft. It is important that you make notes to yourself as to what you need to find and develop before you have a finished essay. Doing so will save you a great deal of time because you will have a "shopping list" to bring to class or to the library that will help define what you need to finish the essay. This will make your further research much easier. But it is equally important that you try to get down on paper what you want the whole essay to say. This is the only way to test and develop your trial thesis statement. The whole should determine the parts, not the parts the whole. You may find that your thesis needs major revision and that you really want to take a different approach than you had originally planned. That will help to clarify what details are important enough to pursue and what can be omitted.
This chapter outlines how to write a rough draft of your essay. Like the previous chapter, you again learn how to re-look at your topic, think about your audience, purpose and your subject. When you are writing your first draft you will probably find that you don't have all of the material you need for a finished essay. For example, you may know that you need examples of several of your points. If you have them, fine. If you're stumped, just put a note in brackets: "[need example of classroom exercise for team building]." Then move on to the next point. Likewise with evidence that you haven't found yet. Put a note in brackets to remind yourself what you need, but don't stop to look for it as you write your draft. It is important that you make notes to yourself as to what you need to find and develop before you have a finished essay. Doing so will save you a great deal of time because you will have a "shopping list" to bring to class or to the library that will help define what you need to finish the essay. This will make your further research much easier. But it is equally important that you try to get down on paper what you want the whole essay to say. This is the only way to test and develop your trial thesis statement. The whole should determine the parts, not the parts the whole. You may find that your thesis needs major revision and that you really want to take a different approach than you had originally planned. That will help to clarify what details are important enough to pursue and what can be omitted.
2-CH 3 Planning
CH 3 Planning
In this chapter it describes the steps in which you plan out the essay you are going to write. First, you must have an introduction and a conclusion. You need about three other paragraphs. Start researching. Find points to put in your middle paragraphs. Some paragraphs might only have one point but others may have three, four or five. This is one of the hardest steps and is the core to your essay. It only needs to be written in short hand. Keep a record of websites, books (including page numbers) and articles you use to help you. Back up your points. For each point you write you need to find evidence to prove it. This could be a quote or an example. If it's a quote be sure you write it down exactly how it is so you can copy it from your mind map. Write your introduction. Just a few key points for the plan. Make sure you don't try to put too much in the introduction. Write the conclusion points. Make sure you tie up everything nicely and that you've answered the question. The best essays will link between the paragraphs so it all flows smoothly. Often this is quite difficult and sometimes you might just have to move abruptly to a new topic but avoid this as much as possible. Write your essay.
In this chapter it describes the steps in which you plan out the essay you are going to write. First, you must have an introduction and a conclusion. You need about three other paragraphs. Start researching. Find points to put in your middle paragraphs. Some paragraphs might only have one point but others may have three, four or five. This is one of the hardest steps and is the core to your essay. It only needs to be written in short hand. Keep a record of websites, books (including page numbers) and articles you use to help you. Back up your points. For each point you write you need to find evidence to prove it. This could be a quote or an example. If it's a quote be sure you write it down exactly how it is so you can copy it from your mind map. Write your introduction. Just a few key points for the plan. Make sure you don't try to put too much in the introduction. Write the conclusion points. Make sure you tie up everything nicely and that you've answered the question. The best essays will link between the paragraphs so it all flows smoothly. Often this is quite difficult and sometimes you might just have to move abruptly to a new topic but avoid this as much as possible. Write your essay.
2-CH1 Critical Thinking through Viewing and Writing
This chapter on “Critical Thinking through Reading, Viewing and Writing” has basically given an outline for how to read, view and write better. The chapter covers SQ3R, which stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review. This technique enables you to focus more, go deeper into your work, and absorb the information you are given more easily. When you are reading, you need to be active in that process. You need to be sure and pace yourself, take notes or map your reading material, evaluate the information, have a response to the text as well as summarize it. You also need to learn how to use critical thinking for viewing and analyzing images and how to apply critical thinking into your writing. Basically when you are reading, viewing and writing you need to open your mind, ask questions, and be an active participant in the task you are completing. You need to be able to pull apart the text or image and put it back together again in your own words.
chapter 2- Begining the Writing Process.
In this chapter, “Beginning the Writing Process,” gives a full explanation of the steps you must take before and during you begin writing a paper. You first must have an understanding of your subject/ assignment and the options and restrictions of the assignment. You also need to know your audience and the purpose or benefit of writing the assignment. In this chapter you get many tips for helping you select a subject to write about. You need to meet all requirements laid out for the assignment and then you can begin your search for the perfect idea. There are many different places you can look for an idea, such as the library, class notes, websites, etc. Just make sure you pick a topic that genuinely interests you. Once you have selected a topic to write about, you can begin collecting information. It’s best to start with what you know and then move on to other sources. Great sources for your research are the Internet, libraries, interviews, surveys and many more sources. Writing can be a messy task while you are thinking, evaluating, collaborating all the information for your topic. Just keep in mind that all writing assignments come with some challenges. Work through them, and you’ll end up with a great final draft.
Unit 1 Paper
The worst day of my life
By: Gina Taylor
March 17th 1993 was the worst day of my life. I was sound asleep around 4am when I was awaken by a telephone call followed by my mothers silent cry, as I got out of bed to make sure she was ok she was walking towards my room, I instantly felt like something very bad had happened, my heart was racing and my stomach was all in knots. I could tell that what ever happened my mother was afraid to tell us, both my brother and I asked her repeatedly “what happened”! “What’s going on?” As she sat on the floor in the middle of the hallway she said “im so sorry you guys but I just got off the phone with your grandmother and your father has been murdered”
At that point, I felt like I was standing outside of myself, almost dreamlike. I felt like then and still do now that the whole scene went in slow motion, I felt as if my breath had been taken from me and my heart was being squeezed. I was daddy’s little girl so at that point a part of my soul had died, even though we had somewhat of a rocky relationship he was my protector.
After taking a little time to myself, sorting through my thoughts and feelings, my mother, younger brother and I immediately drove to where my family was, even though it was one city away the drive felt like it took hours. During the drive there I thought about how I just spoke to my father a couple days prior and how he wanted me to come see him, due to our unsteady relationship I was upset with him at that time and didn’t want to be bothered. Me being a very sensitive person and him being an extremely selfish and insensitive person, our personalities often clashed and we had weeks in between the time that we spoke.
My brother was very quiet and seemed to be in shock, he was always the opposite of me. As we arrived at the hospital I was very anxious to get to my father, when we walked in we were greeted by allot of family members, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandmother. “He’s gone” my grandmother kept screaming “my baby boy is gone”. I’m still not sure why but we weren’t able to see him when we got there.
The days that followed were full of planning, preparations and gathering of family members that I hadn’t seen in years. Everything happened so fast, the last time I saw my father he was dressed in his favorite grey suit with a beautiful smile on his face, as he layed in the casket I kept waiting for him to get up, I thought if I prayed long and hard enough god would give him another chance at life, another breath, another chance to be with his family.
After that day things were very different for me, a part of me was taken from me and remains missing, I always thought with time the feeling of emptiness would gradually ease, here it is 16 years later and the same void still remains embedded within.
By: Gina Taylor
March 17th 1993 was the worst day of my life. I was sound asleep around 4am when I was awaken by a telephone call followed by my mothers silent cry, as I got out of bed to make sure she was ok she was walking towards my room, I instantly felt like something very bad had happened, my heart was racing and my stomach was all in knots. I could tell that what ever happened my mother was afraid to tell us, both my brother and I asked her repeatedly “what happened”! “What’s going on?” As she sat on the floor in the middle of the hallway she said “im so sorry you guys but I just got off the phone with your grandmother and your father has been murdered”
At that point, I felt like I was standing outside of myself, almost dreamlike. I felt like then and still do now that the whole scene went in slow motion, I felt as if my breath had been taken from me and my heart was being squeezed. I was daddy’s little girl so at that point a part of my soul had died, even though we had somewhat of a rocky relationship he was my protector.
After taking a little time to myself, sorting through my thoughts and feelings, my mother, younger brother and I immediately drove to where my family was, even though it was one city away the drive felt like it took hours. During the drive there I thought about how I just spoke to my father a couple days prior and how he wanted me to come see him, due to our unsteady relationship I was upset with him at that time and didn’t want to be bothered. Me being a very sensitive person and him being an extremely selfish and insensitive person, our personalities often clashed and we had weeks in between the time that we spoke.
My brother was very quiet and seemed to be in shock, he was always the opposite of me. As we arrived at the hospital I was very anxious to get to my father, when we walked in we were greeted by allot of family members, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandmother. “He’s gone” my grandmother kept screaming “my baby boy is gone”. I’m still not sure why but we weren’t able to see him when we got there.
The days that followed were full of planning, preparations and gathering of family members that I hadn’t seen in years. Everything happened so fast, the last time I saw my father he was dressed in his favorite grey suit with a beautiful smile on his face, as he layed in the casket I kept waiting for him to get up, I thought if I prayed long and hard enough god would give him another chance at life, another breath, another chance to be with his family.
After that day things were very different for me, a part of me was taken from me and remains missing, I always thought with time the feeling of emptiness would gradually ease, here it is 16 years later and the same void still remains embedded within.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Chapter 10 Meaning of Narration and Description
Narration is a defined point of view, often the author's, so there is feeling as well as specific and often sensory details provided to get the reader involved in the elements and sequence of the story. The verbs are vivid and precise. Narration is a point and that point is often defined in the opening sentence, but can also be found as the last sentence in the opening paragraph.
Since a narrative relies on personal experiences, it often is in the form of a story. When the writer uses this technique, he or she must be sure to include all the conventions of storytelling: plot, character, setting, climax, and ending. It is usually filled with details that are carefully selected to explain, support, or embellish the story. All of the details relate to the main point the writer is attempting to make.
In narrative writing, an author has a chance to make his or her mark on the world by relating a story that only he or she can tell. Whether it comes from a personal experience or is one that the writer has imagined, the point of a narrative is to bring one's subject to life. By using sensory details, who, what, where, when, why, and how.Description lists the appearance, smell, mood, or other characteristics of something. Descriptive text might account the appearance of a person (he had blue eyes, a big nose, and curly brown hair), or the details of a location (two stands of tall oak trees dripping with ivy lined the long, narrow driveway), or some other element that lets you immerse yourself into the story. Descriptive text adds the details that help you visualize the characters and events in your mind's eye
Since a narrative relies on personal experiences, it often is in the form of a story. When the writer uses this technique, he or she must be sure to include all the conventions of storytelling: plot, character, setting, climax, and ending. It is usually filled with details that are carefully selected to explain, support, or embellish the story. All of the details relate to the main point the writer is attempting to make.
In narrative writing, an author has a chance to make his or her mark on the world by relating a story that only he or she can tell. Whether it comes from a personal experience or is one that the writer has imagined, the point of a narrative is to bring one's subject to life. By using sensory details, who, what, where, when, why, and how.Description lists the appearance, smell, mood, or other characteristics of something. Descriptive text might account the appearance of a person (he had blue eyes, a big nose, and curly brown hair), or the details of a location (two stands of tall oak trees dripping with ivy lined the long, narrow driveway), or some other element that lets you immerse yourself into the story. Descriptive text adds the details that help you visualize the characters and events in your mind's eye
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Bio Poem 2
Bio Poem
Kalem
Funny, smart, stylish and cute
Son to Gina and Kalem, brother to Akeem, Kayli and Alissa
Who loves football, wing stop and my x-box 360
Who hated separation, losing and school lunches
Who feared crime, math tests and football playoffs
Who survived and accomplished elementary school, the first day of junior high school and my parents separation
Who wants to get straight A’s in school to get in to Bishop O’Dowd and then Florida State.
Born and raised in Berkeley California
Voss.
Kalem
Funny, smart, stylish and cute
Son to Gina and Kalem, brother to Akeem, Kayli and Alissa
Who loves football, wing stop and my x-box 360
Who hated separation, losing and school lunches
Who feared crime, math tests and football playoffs
Who survived and accomplished elementary school, the first day of junior high school and my parents separation
Who wants to get straight A’s in school to get in to Bishop O’Dowd and then Florida State.
Born and raised in Berkeley California
Voss.
Bio Poem
Gina
Loving, honest, feisty and focused
Daughter to Diane and Marty, Sister to Marty Maurice, Markell and Nashawn
Who loves life, freedom and opportunity
Who hated hatred, poverty and abuse
Who feared death, motherhood and my children's future
Who survived and accomplished goals and became the best mother ever
Who wants to live a peaceful, happy and healthy life
Born in Martinez California and raised in Berkeley California
Taylor.
Loving, honest, feisty and focused
Daughter to Diane and Marty, Sister to Marty Maurice, Markell and Nashawn
Who loves life, freedom and opportunity
Who hated hatred, poverty and abuse
Who feared death, motherhood and my children's future
Who survived and accomplished goals and became the best mother ever
Who wants to live a peaceful, happy and healthy life
Born in Martinez California and raised in Berkeley California
Taylor.
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