Cancelled Class 9/16

 1      Why is it so hard for many people (maybe you) to knowingly put bad writing on paper?

            - It is hard for many people to knowingly put bad writing on a paper because as humans, we are our own biggest critics. We try to be too perfect                                 and think everything though before putting it on paper.

 2      What are your own “coping strategies” for getting started on a piece of writing? Do you have particular strategies for making yourself sit down and start                   writing?

            - When I begin a new paper, I list my ideas with topics that go along with each idea that I can write about. I don't worry about organization or                                      anything at the beginning, just content.

3      What would you say is the funniest line in this piece? Why did it make you laugh?

            - I think the funniest line in the piece is when she says a friend of hers told her to shoot all the voices in the head, but a thought like that would                                    never occur to us. I thought this was funny because of the sarcasm she writes it with. We all wish there was a way to turn off all the other noises in our                    head and just write.

4      Most readers find that Lamott sounds very down-to-earth and approachable in this piece. What is she doing with language and words themselves to give this           impression?

            - She sounds approachable and down to earth because she uses informal language and makes some jokes that ease the reader’s mind.

5      Lamott talks, toward the end of this piece, about all the critical voices that play in her mind when she’s trying to write. Most, maybe all, writers have                       something similar. What are yours?

            - The voices I typically hear in my head are my teachers, but depending on what I’m trying to write about the voices change

 

 

List and explain at least 3 things that you consider good writing characteristics. Why are they important?

•     open mindedness- I think its important to always keep an open mind when writing. Think of everything you write from other people’s point of                                           view.

•     word choice- having the correct word choice for what you're writing is important. Knowing when to be less or more formal, when you can                                       make some jokes, and when you can add some sarcasm can make a big difference in a piece.

•     Organization- Its important to write in a proper order. You shouldn't bounce around from topic to topic and mention things you've already                                        gone over.

 

10 writing rules:

•     10: I agree with this because I think after writing a draft, some time needs to be given to let the thoughts sink in.

•      9: Im half and half with this rule because as reading a lot can help with word choice and literacy in general, its not a necessity to be good with                                       writing.

•      8: I disagree with this one because in formal writing, sometimes the long words are more proper.

•      7: I agree with always using an active voice because I think it gets the reader more involved and interested.

•      6: Agree. Knowing your audience changes how you go about writing what you have to say.

•      5: Im not really sure what this one is saying but I don’t think one should have to read something before they write.

•      4: I agree with this because some people try too hard to be different, when being more ordinary might be more effective.

•      3: I agree because the good copy should contain all the ideas of the draft, but maybe just written more properly and organized better.

•      2: Half and half because sometimes people can be too wordy and become receptive, but sometimes making a longer sentence with extra details has                              more impact.

•      1: Disagree. Not everyone enjoys writing or wants to encourage other people to write. I see advantages of writing, but I’m not one to push it onto                                others.

 

Cancelled Class 9/21

     Reading just anything doesn't make one a better writer. As some readings can improve ones writing by opening their minds to new ideas and improving their vocabulary, they can also do the exact opposite. Reading things that aren't structured or have no meaning can hinder a person’s writing by exposing them to bad habits. Texts, tweets, Facebook posts, blogs, and things along those lines can all make a person’s writing skills go downhill.

 

Journal Entry

"Real World Writing Situations"

1. The dishwasher is bubbling everywhere what do I do?

2. Dear newspaper, 

    please leave the groundhogs alone.

    - John Biasucci

3. Coworkers, please don't take lunches out of the fridge if they aren't yours. Thank you!

4. Looking for a Husky or German Shephard puppy: preferably blue eyes, outgoing, and from an obediant family. 

5. Hey guys so my turtle is in a turtle race this weekend and we really want a big crowd to come out and support!

6. Just saw bigfoot run through my backyard #wod

7. Breaking news: 

    Snuffy the Seal has survived and is returning safely to the ocean. After a long journey through a shark's stomach, Snuffy was able to find his way home. 

 

Journal Entry 10/16

1. What is a single story?

     - A single story is a story that gets told over and over again. 

2. How do single stories hinder us as writers/communities? 

     - Single stories hinder us because they limit what we can write about. They are only told from one point of view and lead to stereotypes. 

3. Do you have a single story? why? 

     - I do not have a single story because many different people view me differently. 

 

 

WTL 8 

My Heritage (Italian)

            Italian culture is full of a little bit of everything. The article by Kim Zimmermann dives into more detail about what makes Italian culture so great. Although there are a handful of different ethnicities that live in Italy, the majority of the population is made up of Italians. While most of the people have the ability to speak English, the common language there is, of course, Italian.

            One of the most important aspects to Italian culture is family. Italians make their entire family a priority and rather than focusing on just the “main” family (mom, dad, and kids), they focus on the entire extended family. Italians enjoy spending as much time as possible with their family, and they truly see the value in their relationships. Family gatherings are held frequently, so they can stay in contact and enjoy each other’s presence.

            Italy is commonly known for both its art and architecture. The Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, two of the most famous structures in the world, are found in Italy.  Michelangelo, and Italian artist, painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican. This painting took him about four years, and is one of the most famous art works in history. Another form of art in Italy is fashion, and “Italy is home to a number of world-renowned fashion houses, including Armani, Gucci, Benetton, Versace and Prada” (Zimmermann).

            Italy is also known for its cuisine. “Italian cuisine has influenced the food culture around the world and is viewed as a form of art my many”. While the food Americans view as Italian, such as pasta and pizza, are important to Italian Cuisine, foods such as fish, rice, and sausage are the main ingredients in other parts of Italy.

            Holidays for Italians are similar to those celebrated by Christians. Christmas and Easter are the same. November 1st is Saints Day, a day where Italians decorate the graves of deceased family members with flowers. They also celebrate the ending of World War II in Italy on April 25th.

            Italians seem to value relationships and the non-tangible things, more than people in America. It seems that they are less worried about wealth and worth, and more worried about the little things, like family and friends. This is obviously a generalization, but I think the traditions and customs in Italy help keep people more humble than the traditions we have in America.

 

Random Heritage (German)

            So I read something on German culture today and apparently they value structure and privacy more than almost anything else. They love being in control, so they manage their time carefully and respect calendars and agendas. Apparently they are also constantly striving for perfection so they hate to admit faults hahahaha and they will hardly ever give out a compliment. And the majority of the population speaks German lol bet you didn't know that!!! The food they eat is crap in my opinion... They eat a lot of pork, cabbage, beets, and turnips:/ And if you're planning on ever living there leave some room for your beer belly cause you'll be getting one in no time! At least they still celebrate Christmas and Easter though!!

 

Works Cited

Zimmermann, By Kim Ann. "German Culture: Facts, Customs and Traditions." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 23 Jan. 2015. Web. 04 Nov. 2015.

Zimmermann, By Kim Ann. "Italian Culture: Facts, Customs & Traditions." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 29 Jan. 2015. Web. 04 Nov. 2015.