Analyze a Short Piece of Writing

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pet_overpopulation/facts/why_spay_neuter.html

Developing My Argument

1. I believe everyone should spay or neuter their pets. It would reduce the number of homeless animals, improve your pet's health, reduce unruly behavior, and you save on the costs of pet care.
2. I am writing to pet owners, future pet owners, and the community as a whole!
3. People will feel sad that there is so many homeless animals, that lots of animals are killed each year, and there is something they can do to change that.
4. They should believe me because I am knowledgeable of the topic, and I will show that this will affect them too.
5. Reduce the number of homeless animals, improve your pet's health, reduce unruly behavior, you save on the costs of pet care, the procedure isn’t that expensive.
6. It costs too much money, it will change my pet's personality, etc.
7. There is many options as to paying for the procedure, low cost clinics, and even a free spay and neuter day a local shelter offers. The surgery will not change your pet's personality, just stop unruly behavior.
8. Puppies and kittens are so cute!
9. Fixing your pet will prevent the number homeless pets. It will lower the number of pets euthanized each year. Reduce the number of unwanted animals.
10. Animals will benefit the most! The community will be safer from aggressive homeless dogs, children, etc.

Homework Response

One of us wrote about about the drunk driving, and two of us watched the texting while driving video. Both of our summaries were quite similar in that they both featured a personal account of a tragic accident that resulted of these two types of mistakes. They both had dramatic slow piano music, teary eyed interviewees, and dramatic texts. Both stories follow several stories, both talking about the victims, and the effects that this accident had on the families. For example, in the drinking and driving video, the parents of the deceased had a hard time after, but they worked to create an organization to help intoxicated kids. They both use pathos (emotion) as the most effective piece in each video. The sad music, and stories from victims is really sad, and is a strong persuasive tool for the viewer. It also uses ethos (ethics) to show logically what could happen to you if you drink and drive, or if you text and drive. The videos still have a big shock value showing real videos and pictures from the accidents, while avoiding any gory scenes. Even without the gore, the messages are very persuasive.

AT&T Texting and Driving Documentary

The AT&T Texting and Driving Documentary was made in 2010 to educate people the dangers of texting and driving. The video begins with a policeman sharing his story regarding a texting and driving accident and is followed with many testimonies from families and friends. The family and friends shared stores of the victim and expressed their emotions from what had happened. This story was clearly trying to appeal to our emotions. Next in the video a man who was in a car crash because of texting shares his story. The man had survived the crash, even after being declared dead three times, but he sustained several injuries and has become severely disabled. The story shared by the man himself not only appeals to our emotions, but appeals logically because it not only tells - but shows - the repercussions of texting and driving. Using multiply stories reiterates that crashes resulted from texting and driving are become common and horrific. At the end of the video they show the texts that changed the victims (and families) lives forever - comparing a life to a text. The video mainly relies on appealing to the audience's emotions to influence them not to text and drive.

How Things Mean

Peace Sign Buttons

1. What do they suggest?

The buttons suggest peace, and somewhat of an anti-war attitude.

2. How do do they suggest it?

Both buttons include the “peace” sign, one specifically says “peace” and the other says “make love, not war.”

3. Which elements of each image work on the viewer in various ways?

The image on the left, suggests a more playful, laid back attitude toward this notion of “peace,” versus the image on the right, is a more refined and professionally done organized logo/button. Both may appeal to differing audiences while still illustrating the same point.  

Rolex & Hello Kitty watches

1. What do they suggest?

Both suggest that the watch is somehow a fashionable and that the the consumer will be making a statement by wearing the product.

2. How do they suggest it?

They show off their features and their key feature (one being the Hello Kitty, the other being that it has diamonds and that it is a Rolex)

3. Which elements of each image work on the viewer in various ways?

Obviously the two audience's are significantly different, however toward their audience, both have the same point; to sell their watch.

Outline:

       Thesis: Each of the pairs of images illustrate the same point toward two different target audiences.

1. The watches have the same goal - to sell their product that do the same thing. The way they present each one is different.
1. The Rolex is more formal and sophisticated (aimed toward rich adults)
2. Hello Kitty is playful (aimed toward kids)
2. The buttons have the same goal - to advocate for peace and love. The way they present each one is different.
1. The “peace” button is more whimsical (aimed to more hippies)
2. The “make love - not war” button is more organized and simple (aimed at people advocate for peace and love but are not hippies)
3. The level of formality, style and appealing features differ depending on the audience, however within the pairs, the goal of the watch or button is consistent.

Reading Sources Critically

Tim Wise; “Use Of The N-Word”

1. What arguments does the author make?

The author makes all arguments toward the position of not verbally using the N-word. Multiple arguments are brought up from playground examples such as “I can talk about my mother, but you sure as hell better not talk about my mother!” Another example that Tim Wise used was about a particular comedian Jeff Foxworthy and his jokes regarding “rednecks.” He argues that because Jeff may somewhat fall into the category of group that he is making fun of, it is seen as acceptable. On the flip-side, if Jerry Seinfeld was to use these same jokes in a standup routine, it would be inappropriate. His main position is that white people should not use verbally the N-word, however it is at the discretion of black people to use freely.

2. How persuasive do you find the argument?

The argument is very persuasive. Tim Wise supports his stance on the topic with plenty of evidence. Wise is clear on why this issue is important, while giving his view of how it should be handled. He explains more than just the white man's point of view, and explains the point of view of a black man. The medium allows him to express his authority with a strong tone.

3. What is the author's stance?

The stance the author takes is that he believes it isn't his place to determine how and when it is acceptable to use the word due to him being a white person. Although he does take a firm stance that it’s not his place to determine the above points, he does voice very clearly that if you’re not black you shouldn't use the word.

4. Does the publisher bring a certain stance to the work?

His speech was part of Boston College’s FACES organization, which is designed to promote awareness about discrimination and racism. Boston College is interested in race relations and wants their community to be a part of discussions like this.

5. Do you recognize ideas you’ve run across in other sources?

To my limited knowledge on the subject, Tim Wise brought up some new original and very persuasive ideas to the table to help illustrate his point. Some of the more generic things he said about Mark Twain and his use of the N-word in his book Huckleberry Finn I had heard before.

6. Does this source support or challenge your own position - or does it do both?

I am in agreement with Tim Wise and his statements of when it is appropriate to use the word. As a white person, hearing other white people say the N-word sounds very inappropriate and out of place (being that this is not the 1950’s anymore). His examples only furthered my own belief/stance on the subject, and I think this was a very informative and explanatory video.

7. What can you tell about the intended audience and purpose?

The purpose of the piece is to educate and offer some solution on who/ how the “n-word” should be used. The intended audience is students and faculty members who attend Boston College. He also aims to further educate people like who are fans of his writing, take a particular stance on the subject, or raise awareness of his opinion on how the topic should be dealt with. Also, since Tim Wise’s video is on YouTube, it can be intended for the general public and anyone who is interested in being involved in the topic.

Think About Your Writing - Student Brag Sheet

Student Brag Sheet

Recently I filled out something called a “student brag sheet.” When applying to colleges the counseling office gives you forms to fill out in order for your counselor to recommend you to a school. In the sheet I am to follow a series of questions and respond to them in essay form. The questions are asking about my strengths and weaknesses as a student, my aspirations for college, etc. When responding to the questions I am quite serious - as the results go towards an essay going to my future college. I make sure to say positive qualities that I posse, what I have accomplished, and how I plan to do well.  I want to seem like a interested and motivated student who wants to succeed. When writing this I take a positive and selling position, as I am selling myself as a student.

I believe my position is very clear. I am clear and answer each question, making sure that I sound good as a student (while being truthful). I want to make sure that the counselor can vouch as to what kind of student I am.