The ups and downs of creating a website

I think using different medias for this project is a great benefit because the stakes are a little higher. We are still being graded but now Ms. Ludeker will not be the only one seeing our paper. Anyone who searches a keyword linked to our webpages and blogs will be directed there. So, we have to really think a lot more in depth of the content we put up. Now, the one downside to this project, at least for me, is that it’s a lot harder for me to write the textual component for my website. Unfortunately, I am so focused on the design and layout and I sort of put aside the actual information. I think it would have helped if I treated this project like a traditional essay first so I can get my arguments out of the way and then focused on the aesthetics or the page.

Evaluation Argument

I think the evaluation paper is going to be a whole lot easier to write for everyone.  From class lectures, we’ve been having trouble separating this paper from the definition and narrative arguments.  This is so true of human nature.  We are quick to judge without really understanding the meaning behind our ideas.  I think that dividing up one research topic into four different ‘lenses’ was smart because now we know how to better organize a winning argument.  Drawing in pathos from the narrative and then clearing up terms so that everyone is on the same page gives the evaluation and later rebuttal/proposition more ethos so that even if the audience doesn’t agree with your view point, they now understand your position a lot better.  If everyone knew how to argue like this, we would have less ignorant people and more scholars who are making better decisions on our lifestyles.

The importance of the MLA format

The example of a properly documented MLA paper in chapter 20 is extremely helpful.  In class we usually review the main points of MLA formatting, but chapter 20 highlights all the minute details.  For instance, when I turned in my 2nd draft for the Definition Argument I didn’t realize that the date is written as day, month, year rather than the conventional method of month, day, year.  I thought the header with the last name and page number should be in the top left corner, but it’s in the top right corner.  Also, each paragraph has to be indented 5 spaces. 

I know a lot of people feel that all these rules are unimportant and unnecessary but I beg to differ.  If you think about it, the rules help bring order to the composition world.  Within any sport there are rules to follow and just because I do not understand it doesn’t mean it’s not needed.  Looking at the MLA format, since certain information is located in certain places, it helps readers who are familiar with the format find specific information within  the text.  Also, the line spacing and indents are easy on the eyes so it helps make the paper flow better.  We may not notice any of this because all published works we read are formatted the same (within their own categories of MLA, APA, Chicago, etc).  All these rules are only put in place to help the writer organize their work better and to help the audience read more easily.

Strategies for Research

I am sure Ms. Ludeker put a lot of effort into picking which chapter should be read during each week because the chapters correspond to the topic we cover each weekl.  Therefore it is important to read them when they’re assigned.  I say this because I did not read chapter 16 weeks ago and now I am paying the price.  Chapter 16 covers strategies for picking a research topic.  It says to find an interesting topic that you can do an ample amount of research on and provide enough time to do the research.  My topic is interesting, to me at least, but I did not think hard enough about the type of research I would need.  It ‘s easy to find sources that talk about the issues of  child discipline but the topic is still too broad.  As a result, my paper is not focused, clear or concise.  Now I know to spend more time on brainstorming and properly planning for a paper before I dig into it.

Definition Argument: Audience Analysis

I have a feeling that the Definition Argument will be the most inportant of the four papers we write this semester.  It sets the tone for the criteria of the topic, the writer’s view points and it also establishes ethos and pathos.  Once we write this paper, everything after will be based off of what we defined initially.  I know many of our arguments are probablyoperational definitions so it’s really important to know who the audience is specifically. 

Unfortunately, that’s where I am having problems.  In the examples that the book give us it’s clear who the audeinces are.  Martin Luther King is addressing both supporters and nonsupporters of the civil rights movement, Scott McCloud is speaking to the people who do not view comic books with high regards and Chris Nguyen is adressing students and faculty at his college. 

Now, I am speaking to young adults about the most effective methods of parenting  and that’s hard because at this age that’s probably the last things on our mind.  My paper doesn’t have a clear audience in mind.  Maybe it will be better if I just switch my audience to the parents?  Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

Writing an Outline

In previous english classes, teachers always ask for an outline before turning in a paper.  As chapter 4 reinforces, outlines help to organize thoughts, ideas and arguments.  It aids in audience analysis because you have to think of which points to make and in what order to make them depending on the audience.  It’s interesting how I know and understand these concepts but still don’t apply them.  I didn’t really write out a formal outline for this narrative before I started writing it and now I really regret it.  My ideas are all over the place and I’m still not even sure what my specific purpose for this project is.

Amanda C. Test

Yea! English 106 is the best!!! 🙂