nexusilluminati.blogspot.com

Rough Reflection Outline

Madeleine Seltzer's Reflection

        The goals that I had at the beginning of the semester varied from expanding my knowledge in grammar to being able to produce a clear essay with an opposing argument. Eventually my goal was to persuade my reader with my research.  I did accomplish being able to differentiate between an exemplification essay and a research essay. My grammar also improved and I learned about logical fallacies and their importance.  

      Before enrolling in this class, I was unable to focus on a topic and I could not narrow down the argument in order to persuade the reader. This class has helped me discover a way to concentrate on the subject by thinning down the theme and pumping up the research. I became aware of databases this semester and the importance of a reliable source. It made my work so much easier and it let me trust the material I was reading without having to do a background check on the website. I also noticed how crucial an opposing argument is to a research essay, and that the counter argument actually made my initial argument even stronger.

       The chunks of my paper that I am most proud of are within the meshing of global ideas and individual benefits. Before I started writing this paper, I was having tremendous trouble narrowing down my topic. I wanted to be able to persuade the reader and I felt like writing a paper about local green commuting would reassure this. Instead, I decided to go in the opposite direction and draw the scale much wider. From a global perspective, I was able to achieve my main purpose of exemplifying the beneficial aspects an individual will feel while green commuting. At the same time I was able to show why some countries adapt more than the United States. I think that my revelations and my counter argument are solid parts of this essay as well. Since my thesis and the point I was trying to prove was about enhancing an individual’s life by green commuting, I felt like the counter argument needed to fit that level. Instead of researching the reason why taxes are not spent on better public transit in most cities in the United States, I decided to press on the hesitation of why people do not green commute because of fear of danger and inconvenience. I assume that my instructor will be fond of my topic on a personal level, because she is a green commuter herself. I also think that my instructor will be impressed with my counter argument and the thought that I put into it. It was difficult for me to even find a counter argument for this topic because it seemed strange to me that anyone would be opposed to exercise, improving air quality and finding more ways to be immersed in social settings. I then began to think about why more people do not participate in green commuting and landed on a couple issues that individuals battle with, such as fear of danger and simple inconvenience.

     The technology aspect of this class overwhelmed me in the beginning. I had barely read blogs let alone published one of my own. I think that the instructor did a tremendous job on interconnecting more technological factors into learning. It makes sense as a student, to be introduced to more web skills because that is where the majority of information can be found. Formatting my papers in the MLA format was a constant struggle throughout the class, but by the end of this paper I felt confident in the citations and I was not hesitant to find more resources just because I did not want to have to cite them. I enjoyed unraveling the argument and discovering new points that I could use, I found that exciting and interesting. It kept my motivation going through this process. I also enjoyed going to the writing center and seeking out help there. At one point of this process I felt completely overwhelmed. I had put a lot into the topic that I had planned to write on but I did not feel attached to it. I felt like it was too far to turn back so I proceeded with my initial topic. I am glad that I did because in this process I learned that any topic can have many different features and as the writer, I did not need to feel stuck, I just had to refresh my research and become more passionate.

      The most useful and helpful part of this entire development was when I gathered all of the research I was interested in and then wrote a paragraph that explained why those pieces of data were crucial to my topic. After that, I narrowed down my topic and from there I considered the opposing argument. Once the opposing argument was set in stone I was able to work around that and counter it throughout the essay, which in the end persuaded the reader even more.

     

READING RESPONSE!

Chapter 16 Reading Response 

By Madeleine Seltzer

        Chapter 16 titled Finding and Evaluating Sources was extremely helpful. It solidified my idea 

about databases and whether or not I should use them more. The internet is usually the first place I 

turn to, along with many of my other peers, when investigating a subject. As I prepare to do more 

research in my academic career I found several aspects to be tedious. For example, the book refers to 

the internet as not always the best choice because of its currency and accuracy. I have found that to 

be true. Most of the time I stumble upon articles that are not objectively written and out of date. 

Nothing is filtered on the internet whereas the databases are edited by scholars, and written by 

scholars. Instead of forcing citations from the internet, this chapter has successfully persuaded me to 

look at more college libraries and databases. 

www.ntnu.no

Madeleine's Research

Part One:

IMPRESSION: I began this assignment by searching the topic of violence in video games. The links that popped up were relevant to my curiosity. I started by clicking on the third link down on the search engine. Immediately, a pop up came to the surface of my screen. It gave me the option to sign up for the websites email list. After I closed out that screen I proceeded to investigate the procon.org website. I quickly learned that this website’s main focus was to explore the pros and cons of controversial issues. A list of over fourteen bullet points of the pros and cons of video games and violence appeared. The website claims that they are a non-profit which lead me to find the donation box in the upper left hand corner. 

GATHERING THE INFORMATION: The website starts out by stating “Did You Know?” facts and then proceeds to list over fourteen pros and cons that are filled with information. I noticed that after almost each line, the work is cited. When I clicked on the number it brought me to a footnotes page on the same website where all the work was cited. I think that this site has appropriate material for its purpose. Although the information is extremely wordy and a little too thick for the reader. This website is pretty up to date with its information as well as its predictions. It sources information from 2014. There is a link on the website for all of its donors and sponsors. According to the website the sponsors and donors prefer to remain anonymous though. The other topics on the website are related to the controversial topic that I chose to search. 

I think that in today's society the culture of violence is heavily influenced by video games. The use of guns and weapons in games are excessive and the gender roles are also showing signs of inequality. Playing violent video games causes more bullying and fighting. (Anderson)

Works Cited 

Craig A. Anderson and Wayne A. Warburton, "The Impact of Violent Video Games: An                     Overview," Growing Up Fast and Furious, 2012. Web. 

Part Two:

EVALUATE: My impression of the quality of this article is that it is written by an expert. As soon as I saw that the APA constructed the study, I was sold.

COMPARE: I feel like the information provided from the database does not need to be second guessed. The author is a psychiatrist and is apart of the American Psychological Association which ensures that what I am reading is written by educated people. Also the article from the database also introduces an opposing argument and still persuades the reader. The article from the web simply just lists pros and cons and does not give enough valid reasons why or why not the reader should side with them.

RECORD: One source that the article has in its Reference List is the American Psychological Association.

Blog Review Number Two

Class Blog Review #2 By Madeleine Seltzer 

       I chose to review the giveuhdogabone.blogspot.com. When I first pulled up the page it was unlike any blog I had ever seen. Now let me tell you that I do not look at a lot of blogs so this might be a normal layout. But the way this blog was it gave the reader the option of how he/she could choose the layout they desired to look at. It was visually appeasing and impressive to be able to switch from one layout to the next. My only critique would be that it was a little bit overwhelming and sometimes when you give the reader too many choices, they exit the page instead of continuing on with it.  On the other hand, the images were quite compelling and entertaining. I think that the content is clear and easy to comprehend.  

       Looking at their blog compared to mine, I noticed a few things. Although their blog is not extremely visual appealing and their layout is a little confusing, their content is killer. It was actually interesting to read the responses and the reviews and really hear the voice of the speaker. I feel like our blog is awesome, but the content is pretty dry and does not really entrance the reader. After seeing how important the visual aspect of a blog is, I think that I will propose the idea to re decorate our blog with more inviting colors.

       The last point I want to make is that as I read several of the posts on this blog, I noticed the mentioning of a theme. The bloggers declared that their blog has a Scooby-Doo theme. To be honest, I don’t really see a pattern or any traces of this, except maybe the name. Regardless, I enjoyed seeing someone else’s work and relating it to mine. I know we have a lot to do with our blog in order to make it as enticing as possible.

Ways to Improve:

11.)    Brighten the blog up with more vibrant colors.

22.)    Make the content more personable and not so much like a definition.

33.)    Spend time finding clever photos that are funny and intelligent. 

blog.tigerpens.co.uk

Argumentation Chapter 14

 

Reading Response for Chapter 14 by Madeleine Seltzer 

       This chapter is about argumentation and how to take a stand and reason with the reader. As I read this chapter I was informed of new ideas that I did not know before. For example, I always heard the words pathos, logos and ethos but I was never exactly sure what they meant.  I also found it really interesting that in an argumentative essay one should not only cater to the reader's reasoning but also to their emotions. These are strategies that truly persuade the reader to side with you on the important topic that one chooses to write about.
       I know that as a writer and reader myself that I tend to be more persuaded by a speaker who is solid on the argument they are writing about. It is important to introduce an opposing argument or a antithesis, but if the speaker is swaying on the topic then it is hard for me to side with them.
       Credibility is important when it comes to the evidence of the essay. Facts and opinions are fine sources of support but it is important to include an expert opinion so that the reader isn't just going off of the writer's own judgement and beliefs.
   

thegapbetween.tumblr.com

Partnered Outline for Dustin Saunders

Exemplification Essay Outline for Dustin Saunders 

By Madeleine Seltzer

Ideas:

• Our generation is addicted to social media
• Most people are more concerned with what is going on in other people's lives more than their own
• People hide behind their computer and eventually it becomes their persona. It makes them avoid living their actual life.

Evidence:

• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/-sarah-bourassa/how-giving-up-my-phone-forced-me-to-live-my-life_b_7841752.html An article from the about a life addicted to social media. It explains that when she gave up her phone she had more interactions with people and less anxiety.
• http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8436831/Student-addiction-to-technology-similar-to-drug-cravings-study-finds.html An article about how the cravings drug addicts and alcoholics feel when they are withdrawing are similar to how people feel when they are without technology. 
• "People today are more connected to one another than ever before in human history, thanks to Internet-based social networking sites and text messaging. But they’re also more lonely and distant from one another in their unplugged lives, says Massachusetts Institute of Technology social psychologist Sherry Turkle, PhD. This is not only changing the way we interact online, it’s straining our personal relationships, as well." http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/06/social-networking.aspx 
• http://www.phonearena.com/news/Cell-phone-addiction-has-a-name-and-yes-there-is-formal-treatment-for-it_id34866 

Thesis- When using technology with the intention of staying connected to one another, it can in fact isolate us and can discourage direct communication.

www.pinterest.com

Logical Fallacy

Non Sequitur (It Does Not Follow) or in other words Getting Off Track

Non-Sequitar literally translates to "it does not follow." This is usually used as an attempt to strengthen a debateable argument by either referencing an irrelevant detail, statement, fact or opinion. Many people, including ourselves, get caught up in proving the point that the examples tend to distract from the actual subject.

Tip to Avoid Non-Sequitur Fallacy

Make a solid, complete outline with distinctive details. Do your research before writing a draft and stick to those examples. Try to not stray from those specific examples that you chose and if you end up getting off track, then quickly bring it back to the main focus.

\https://www.byui.edu/pathway/videos/off-track-commercial

Madeleine Seltzer's Freaking Point

The deviant behavior that drug addicts and alcoholics convey should not be excused because they are considered to have a disease.

http://www.lompocaa.com/1-1-aa-logo-small.gif

Just Walk On By

"Just Walk On By" By Brent Staples

  Questions and Answers

 

Dustin Saunders

Preston Allen

Connor Allen

Madeleine Seltzer

 

Comprehension 

 

1. It describes and exemplifies that he has the power to put her in the category of a victim.

 

2. He fits the stereotype of being dangerous and therefore he has the ability to alter public space or to alter the feelings of other people.

 

3. It is a way to interact with his environment and a way to get around. He lived in major walking cities such as Manhattan and Chicago.

 

4. They usually do not have the means to achieve higher goals and in poor neighborhoods it is usually romanticized to choose the life of a young thug rather than a quiet sensitive type.

 

5. He tries to change his persona by changing his presentation and body language. He even whistles a non threatening tune to let the people know he is harmless.

 

Purpose and Audience

 

1. He states his thesis and it is "it was in the echo that terrifies woman's footfalls that I first began to know the unwiedly inheritance I'd come into-the ability to alter public space in ugly ways."

 

2. Both were used. He provides examples that are backed up by both logic and emotion to capture the reader and persuade them further.

 

3. The preconception is that if you are walking at night and run into a tall black man then you are in danger of being mugged, raped or robbed.

 

4. He is trying to paint a picture of his experience and explain the effect his presence has.

 

Style and Structure

 

1. He mentions Norman Podhoretz because it is introducing someone else's point of view. It is also a logical example instead of just a personal experience. It gives the essay variety.

 

2. It was a very effective strategy because it hooks the reader and starts the essay off with an example.

 

3. It is very convincing and he uses several examples and several different types of examples.

 

4. He spreads out the personal experience examples and the logical points of view of others. He lists several examples in a row but then shortly after goes into detail about a specific one. It was easy to follow and understand.

 

5. Thug- criminal, mugger, deviant, gangster, bad boy, delinquent, hard ass, tough, hooligan, hoodlum. They all convey the same idea.

 

Journal Entry

 

Being a white young woman it is hard to come off as threatening. Once, I was outside late at night with a hood on and a backpack, and my neighbor saw me and was put off. He proceeded to call my parents to make sure that I was not being disobedient and then never called me to babysit his kid again.

 

Writing Workshop

 

3. Intimidation is associated with power and the most masculine usually wins. If a man backs down from a physical fight or shows any signs of feminity, he is perceived as weak. There is most definetly a romance surrounding intimidation.

 

Combining the Patterns

 

He could have been more clear of the steps in becoming a thug. He is relatively clear about the aftermath and the process after a young man is classified as a thug but there could have been more detail in the upbringing of it.

 

 

 

www.scadconnector.com 

 

 

Reading Response Chapter 8

Madeleine Seltzer

Reading Response 

Chapter 8

Exemplification

         In chapter eight the method of exemplification is introduced. It gives examples about the supporting factors of composing an essay. The first step is to figure out a thesis or main point that the following essay will prove. Then, the writer will introduce several examples persuading the reader. 

      The number of examples that is appropriate is subjective to the topic or thesis, but each example should be detailed and thorough. Usually each piece of evidence or support is designated a paragraph where the writer goes into depth about the idea. Or if the writer only has one strong example then the evidence is supported  throughout the paragraphs. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce new information to the reader. Sometimes the writer will start off with the weakest example and lead up to the strongest to prove their point better. It is important that the support is detailed and not vague or else the reader will not be convinced. 

     The conclusion of the essay should always end with a conclusion that re states the writer's thesis. Sometimes the conclusion can strike the reader with one more piece of evidence but the main point is to make sure that the point is reminded. 

     My response to this chapter was that it was informative and helpful. The example outline gave me a clear concept of what the body paragraphs are supposed to consist of. It was new knowledge to me that some essay conclusions should add an extra piece of evidence to leave the reader with. It seems that the writer would not have enough details to convince the reader, therefore leaving them confused. Overall, I found it interesting and precise. It makes sense that if you wanted to convince someone of something that you would need detail oriented evidence.

http://www.unm.edu/~unmvclib/images/exemplification.JPG

Mini Essay Outline

By Madeleine Seltzer

Topic: Book review of The Language of Flowers

Ideas:

• Informative about the meanings of flowers
• A strong and sentimental tale of growing up without a mother
• A story regarding a struggle but finding the beauty in small aspects of life

Evidence:

• Main character studies and is interested in the Victorian language of flowers
• She is a foster child growing up and has to learn how to be a mother
• Her life is so difficult and sad yet she finds something to keep her OK

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-BpUery9L.jpg

Thesis: This book is an example of a struggling girl who is starving for love and has to learn how to give it away.

Blog Reviews And Ratings

                                http://undergroundnewyorkpubliclibrary.com/image/47539635406 

Blog Ratings 

Madeleine Seltzer followed Lofimusicblog.com and found that it was consistent with their posting and frequent. It was visually pleasing and inclusive but it could have used more text, image relevance and reviews instead of only audio posts. The rating it received was a 8. 

Connor Allen followed Hemmings.com and found that it was consistent and frequent. It was especially visually pleasing if you were a car enthusiast. The rating it received was a 6. 

Preston Allen followed Classicrockblog.com and thought the blog was consistent considered nothing ever changed. It feels like there is a sense of abandonment to the site. The rating it received was a 7. 

Blog Review
http://undergroundnewyorkpubliclibrary.com

        Dustin Saunders followed the blog Undergroundnewyorkpubliclibrary.com and came to the conclusion that a blog does not necessarily need to include tons of text to still be appeasing. Interesting images suffice just as well. The audience that this blog is targeting is anyone interested in literature but it also expands to anyone interested in photography as well as urban environments. 

        This blog is not only visually stimulating but it is also informative. The author simply takes a photo of a stranger reading on the New York subway and then lists resources regarding the book. It includes a place to rent or buy and a brief preview of the novel. 

        Although the ratio of text to images is slim, the pictures convey an emotion to the reader that makes them return to the site. Usually it would be difficult to keep a stable audience but it is done so well in this blog and it inspires you to read and return. 

What Your E-mail Etiquette Says About You

http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/ftc-fines-debt_collection-texting-1282.php

Thesis:  “But even the most garbled and indecipherable of them are saying something, and what they have to say is, in terms of social status, a bummer. See, the e-blurt, like so many modes of personal expression, is all about power.”

The thesis states that the emailer or texter is too busy to spell out what he or she is trying to convey, so they have given you the job to decode it.  They do this because they are more busy or powerful then you and don’t have time to waste.

First Supporting Argument:  “To shoot a messy spitball through the cybernetic air is to convey a very simple and subconscious message to it recipient: I am busier than you, hence I am more powerful than you.”

The first supporting argument states that the sender feels as though they have already mastered the correct etiquette. In that case they don’t feel the need to practice it on a lower status’.

Second Supporting Argument:  “But these days it is often the highly wired overlords, and those who aspire to march among them, who choose to express themselves in the brute vernacular of 12-year-old- mall rats. “One, it says that you’re sort of ‘hip’ powerful. You’re not formal and stuffy. And done right, it can also remind people of your power. In other words, you’re so confident of your position in life that what might be considered errors for others are not errors for you.”

The second supporting argument states that it is also done to stay current and connect to the times and connect to a younger audience.  As well as to not appear stuffy and stale.

Third Supporting Argument:  “Still, the catch is that that CEO might be planting the seeds of his own sabotage. As Flynn explains, “If your poorly written e-mail messages are retained as part of the company’s electronic business records, and the company is hit with a lawsuit, and your e-mail is subpoenaed, the fact that your messages were written in an unprofessional illogical way could come back to haunt not only you but the company as well. Because that may help support a plaintiff’s claim that it wasn’t a professional work environment.”

The third supporting argument doesn’t support the flow of the thesis, but it does back up the fact that there can be consequences to inadequate use of grammar and communicating.

Conclusion:  “Which only confirms what I’ve always felt about power: that the people who really understand it don’t say anything at all.”

The conclusion states the underlying feelings that the author truly has about the subject.

Connor Allen, Preston Allen, Madeleine Seltzer, Dustin Saunders

Chapter Three: Arrangement

By Madeleine Seltzer

         Chapter three is a nice introduction about the structure and pattern a successful essay should include. My personal reaction was pleased because I feel like I understand the flow of the arrangement that the book presented. As students, we are assigned many different writing assignments, many of them essays. It is clear in this chapter what is expected of us. I enjoyed that an essay could be done by a formula but the book also let the writer have room to be an individual with a different style. I also learned that it is acceptable to begin the introduction with a question or quotation as long as it prompts some kind of interest.

http://dementiaillawarra.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Superstar-Essay.jpg