Writing Revived

[kburtonh]

The Concept of Discourse Community

Every discourse community or writing community has their own specific style of wtiting. People who are not apart of that immediate community may not understand the terms or language of that discourse community. Even though some people are on the outside of the community, they will still be able to gain some information about that community because of prior knowledge.

[snowsoracle]

Academic Writing

In Fiona Glade’s writing she examines the variety of writing across differing areas of study.  She correctly notes that different majors ask students for different styles of writing, and different formats within those styles.  

While using different styles and forms makes sense, the professors seldom give reasons as to why we (the students) need to use one particular style and form.  For example the differences in citation standards between APA and ASA perhaps some differences are mundane preferences only to be obeyed because it shows submissiveness to authority, or maybe the differences have arose from a need to access different parts of the cited text sooner.  Unfortunately the reasons for these differences and reasons for needing to follow them religiously are almost never given.    

[kburtonh]

Writing Across The University

While growing up in high school, I believe everyone was taught a five paragraph method when writing for academic purposes. However when you enter into college, some professor require a different format when writing papers. Around the college campus, each professor has a different perspective when it comes grading papers. Some professors look for grammar, while others look for structure. Some professors give the student rubrics to follow while writing, to let the student know exactly what they are looking for. While others do not and it a toss up with those professors. 

Freire‟s problem posing strategy is a way for people to gain a better understanding about a genre or style of writing that is unfamiliar to them. this method is helpful when entering in to a new writing circle. The problem posting strategy allows the person to uncover and clarify things in a new writing environment, all while maintaining their own personal foundation of writing.

[kburtonh]

The Love of a Family is Life's Greatest Blessing

Dear family,

 The past few years have drastically changed for me but you all have never left my side. You have been behind me, supporting me one hundred percent of the time. Whenever I needed you, I could always count on your advice. Because of you, I am well prepared for my future. You have showed me how to lead, how to become independent, but most importantly you showed how to become a man. You molded me in to the man that can do anything possible or impossible. Without you I do not know where I would be or how my future will turn out. When I was younger, I did not fully understand some of the things such as disciple, why I was not allowed to do certain things or hang out with specific people. However, as I grow older, I know it was preparing me for greater things. Even if I failed and fell flat on my face, everyone would rush to help me up with no hesitation or questions asked but with all the understanding and care.

So as I conclude this letter, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you, thank you, and thank you for all that you have done for me. I could not possibly explain how thankful I am for all the knowledge and support you have given me throughout my entire life, the good and the bad. I just wanted to say thank you and I love you.

 Love, Kyle

[kburtonh]

SHITTY FIRST DRAFTS

To become successful you first must fail. This is what I believe Lamott was telling us. Writing is a process that takes time. When it comes to writing no one is perfect and no one writes the perfect paper the first time. To become a good writer you must know that it is ok to fail, its ok for you ideas to be all over the place. Good writers first get all their ideas on the paper no matter how crazy, stupid, or lame they are. They find ways to get the first couple of ideas on the paper whether it be bullet points, brainstorming, or any other way to get your ideas flowing on to the paper. The craziest ideas from brainstorming or from those bullet point maybe the foundation to your paper but you would never have gotten to that point if you were always trying to be perfect in your writing, thinking inside the box rather than outside of the box.

In conclusion, we are all capable of being great and wonderful writers. But first we must understand that everything is not perfect. Once we allow ourselves to fail then we can reflect and fully formulate our thoughts within writing our finished product. In order to succeed we must fail and in order to fail we must start somewhere.

[kburtonh]

Malcolm X

While Malcolm X was in prison he felt as if he was unable to clearly express his feelings, opinions and ideas intelligently. Even while he wrote letters in prison he believed people would not understand what he was trying to say. Therefore while imprisoned for 7 years Malcolm X began to read and educate his self.The first step he took to become educated was copying the entire dictionary. Malcolm X copied each and every word and every punctuation on each page. after he copied the first page he would read aloud what he wrote repeatedly. then on the next day he would be amazed on how much information he retained and the words he did not remember he went over again. Also when Malcolm X was in prison he began to read and comprehend the readings. by him expanding his vocabulary he was able to understand the concept of those books he was reading.

I personally was interested by how he did not allow the restriction of the prison and the 8th grade education determine his future. usually people who are uneducated or in prison are complacent and uses that as an excuse for their lives.

[kburtonh]

Sponsors of Literacy

As I was reading Sponsors of Literacy I felt as if Brandt lead me to believe that we all can achieve anything no matter what social background we come from. Wealthy or poor we can be successful if we use the resources we have and work hard enough for our success. In the reading, Dora Lopez didn't allow her childhood or her family's social background define her future. She was able to use her mother's discount at the bookstore to learn Spanish from her own interest and dedication. She  separated herself from the other Spanish-American children in her family by learning to read and write Spanish to communicate with another culture.

Also, Raymond Branch use the economical privileges and resources, created by his parents as a support system to find success. Since an early age computers were in his face constantly which he became very interested and familiar with. As a result, Raymond began to tamper with the computers and became computer savvy would be the ideal path for his success.