I've been mulling over my writing process for about a week now. It's an interesting thing, really. I thought everyone wrote their papers the same way. I thought everyone's writing process way the same as mine. Imagine my surprise when a friend of mine from Chicago approached me with questions about how I complete my papers!
My friend wanted to know how I came up with my ideas. The answer to that is an honest one: I really don't know. They just come to me. I pick a topic - I look for something that I can connect with. If the topic is chosen for me I try to find a way to connect with it. I might Google a news article or two, to see what kind of ideas are out there. Usually the rest of the paper comes together quickly.
After looking into my chosen topic, I immediately begin to think about a thesis sentence. I find that a good thesis sentence practically writes the paper for you. If I can create three topics to mention in a thesis sentence, I've got three paragraphs/topics to write about for my paper. If I cannot find three - I look to see if there's anything I've overlooked.
For example, with the research topic paper: I wanted to write about the joys of renting a home. I find it to be fantastic! If I could come up with three things that I could research information on, then I had my topic for my paper. A little time with Google and I had my thesis!
Once the thesis sentence is complete, I find forming the paragraphs and doing the research is really enjoyable. I look for interesting facts, and entertaining ways to make my point. All in all, I've really come to enjoy my writing process this semester!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Life in the World of Fallacies
I really enjoyed learning about logical fallacies. It took me some time to start thinking of the examples for the week, but once I did, suddenly there were quite a few of them!
I think one of the best logical fallacies that I've seen used (and that's worked) has been the "eat anything you want and still lose weight" fallacy. Everyone has things about their body that they'd prefer to change. We are all a little insecure. This diet plan seizes that insecurity and uses it to it's advantage.
We're insecure, and we don't like to give up the foods we enjoy. This fallacy leads us to believe that we can keep everything the way it is and magically the pounds will just drop away. If that were the case, why are we facing a critical obesity epidemic in our country?
Clearly, we cannot keep eating cheeseburgers and french fries and hoping for the best. Even going for a walk afterward won't help the cause. It's my own, personal goal, to start living a healthier lifestyle. I don't want to be a part of the obesity problem, and I'm going to do everything I can to ensure my health in the later years of my life!
I think one of the best logical fallacies that I've seen used (and that's worked) has been the "eat anything you want and still lose weight" fallacy. Everyone has things about their body that they'd prefer to change. We are all a little insecure. This diet plan seizes that insecurity and uses it to it's advantage.
We're insecure, and we don't like to give up the foods we enjoy. This fallacy leads us to believe that we can keep everything the way it is and magically the pounds will just drop away. If that were the case, why are we facing a critical obesity epidemic in our country?
Clearly, we cannot keep eating cheeseburgers and french fries and hoping for the best. Even going for a walk afterward won't help the cause. It's my own, personal goal, to start living a healthier lifestyle. I don't want to be a part of the obesity problem, and I'm going to do everything I can to ensure my health in the later years of my life!
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Overwhelmed.
I know that there is usually a 'theme' or a 'topic' for the blogs that we are supposed to write. I didn't want to have one today. I just need to vent about some things, and I thought this might be an okay place to do so.
I am officially overwhelmed. This semester has proven to be much more challenging than the semesters before it. I am striving to balance school and work. I give credit to my fellow students who are able to balance school, work, and family. If I had children or other responsibilities to tend to, I don't know that anything would get achieved.
It seems I rarely have the time I want to have to devote to my studies. I constantly feel like I'm playing 'catch up' in my courses, even though I'm handing in the work on time. My GPA isn't where I wanted it to be - not that it's terrible, but I've done better.
This week my goal is to truly focus on my studies when I'm not at work. I will devote every moment of my time at home to my work until it has all been achieved.
I was a lot more spoiled than I thought last semester when I wasn't working. School seemed 'easy' and without much challenge, but I was spending upwards of 7 hours a day on homework. Now, when time is limited, I find myself constantly under a ridiculous amount of stress. Hopefully this week things will change. I will not procrastinate, I will put off my chores and whatnot, I will do the best I can with the time allotted.
A week from now-ish I'll have a new laptop. Hopefully I'll be able to spend less time on the phone with technical support representatives, less time looking for files, and more time just focusing on what needs to be done. You'd be surprised how much a screwy computer really zaps time away from your studies! Especially when all your courses are online, and you're 200 miles away from campus!
I am officially overwhelmed. This semester has proven to be much more challenging than the semesters before it. I am striving to balance school and work. I give credit to my fellow students who are able to balance school, work, and family. If I had children or other responsibilities to tend to, I don't know that anything would get achieved.
It seems I rarely have the time I want to have to devote to my studies. I constantly feel like I'm playing 'catch up' in my courses, even though I'm handing in the work on time. My GPA isn't where I wanted it to be - not that it's terrible, but I've done better.
This week my goal is to truly focus on my studies when I'm not at work. I will devote every moment of my time at home to my work until it has all been achieved.
I was a lot more spoiled than I thought last semester when I wasn't working. School seemed 'easy' and without much challenge, but I was spending upwards of 7 hours a day on homework. Now, when time is limited, I find myself constantly under a ridiculous amount of stress. Hopefully this week things will change. I will not procrastinate, I will put off my chores and whatnot, I will do the best I can with the time allotted.
A week from now-ish I'll have a new laptop. Hopefully I'll be able to spend less time on the phone with technical support representatives, less time looking for files, and more time just focusing on what needs to be done. You'd be surprised how much a screwy computer really zaps time away from your studies! Especially when all your courses are online, and you're 200 miles away from campus!
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