Taking this English course has allowed me the opportunity to learn more about a few things. For example, I learned how to properly format a works cited page, structure an essay, navigate through the library database/ do internet research, and also use correct punctuations for writing. One of the things I wished I had learned was to research more.

For me personally, I really don't prefer to work with a group. My ideal research partner would be myself. Working in a group creates added pressure to all parties involved. Besides, I would prefer it much more to only be responsible for my own work. However, on a more positive note, working in a group allows a division of work for all group members.

The affects of a food documentary

After watching the documentary Food Inc. I was left with negative opinions on the role industrialized food played in my everyday life. I too, was an American that was accustomed the convenient perplexities of fast food. However, this documentary enhanced my emotions regarding the treatment of animals; more notably for the living conditions of chickens. The emotional images shown combined with personal interviews and mind blowing statistics, conjured an indescribable feeling. The effect for me has been a huge decrease in the amount and type of fast food eaten. Honestly, chicken is something I don't plan on eating anytime soon

Peer Review

Recently in English class, students were asked to do a peer review on an essay. The review proved to be beneficial to me as a writer, because it forced me to complete my rough draft on time, and not procrastinate. One of the things I learned from the peer review, was that if I am using dialogue from a source I must Identify that source. Another lesson was learning to cope with constructive criticism, and not be offended.

After watching the movie "Finding Forrester" in class, I was asked to give examples of cause and effect and compare/contrast. In my opinion, the movie was based on cause and effect. My reasonings, are exampled by the change in Jamal's writing abilities and self confidence; the same could be said for William Forrester, who was considered a recluse and also lacked self confidence. To compare and contrast is to look at the differences of the two yet also recognizing the similarities. While both lived in the same neighborhood, William was older and thus had different views on life. Both William and Jamal expressed a love for literary arts, yet Jamal lacked discipline. While William helped Jamal, He was unknowingly help himself. 

Ethos, pathos, logos

The definition of Ethos;
In classical rhetoric, a persuasive appeal (one of the three artistic proofs) based on the character or projected character of the speaker or writer.

Example;

"Everyone makes an appeal to ethos, if only an ethos of choosing never to stoop to such matters as ethos. No speech with intent is 'non-rhetorical.' Rhetoric is not everything, but it is everywhere in the speech of human arguers."
(Donald N. McCloskey, "How to Do a Rhetorical Analysis, and Why." New Directions in Economic Methodology, ed. by Roger Backhouse. Routledge, 1994)

The definition of Pathos;
In classical rhetoric, the means of persuasion (one of the three artistic proofs) that appeals to the audience's emotions. Adjective: pathetic.

Example;
"Hillary Clinton used a moment of brilliantly staged emotion to win the New Hampshire Democratic primary . . .. As she answered questions in a diner on the morning before the election, Mrs. Clinton's voice began to waver and crack when she said: 'It's not easy. . . . This is very personal for me.

The definition of Logos;
In classical rhetoric, the means of persuasion by demonstration of logical proof, real or apparent. Plural: logoi.

Example;

"The appeals to reason that an orator might use do not violate the principles of strict logic; they are merely adaptations of logic. So, whereas the syllogism and induction are the forms that reasoning takes in logic, the enthymeme and the example are the forms that reasoning takes in rhetoric."
(Edward P.J. Corbett and Robert J. Connors, Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student. Oxford Univ. Press, 1999)

Education

I read an article written by the New York Times, about the declining enrollment rate in public schools across America. Many people will argue that it's the so called recession that is the cause of the rapid decrease in funding for educational providers and institutions. Lets be honest, demographics have always played a part in the type of education one receives. Public schools often lack the funding to provide the same education as say a private or charter school. Without sufficient funding, teachers are faced with trying to teach with outdated materials. Thus, leading to learning disabilities, declining enrollment, competing with surrounding schools and finally teachers are being laid off. No longer is it a matter of children being advanced enough to attend "better" schools or the educational state of the children, but simply weather or not they have the financial means to "pay" for proper education.