2/29/2012

This year is a leap year. What a surprise. I hope whoever has the birthday today must enjoy it. We talk about "what is an essay" and I think an essay is five paragraphs with one introduction, three supporting paragraph and one conclusion. A perfect essay is divided by three parts, introduction, supporting idea and conclusion. Every essay should have a topic sentence and it should be vivid, unique and attractive. Audiences will pay more attention to the attractive topic sentence. The main paragraph should always have three supporting detail idea to convince audiences also the the supporting idea should match the topic sentence to prevent audiences' confusion. Finally, the conclusion should follow up to the introduction but not exactly same. Conclusion needs to have the points same as introduction but has a different way to express to convince the audience.

February 29, 2012

Woke up this morning and forgot this year is LEAP YEAR, Happy Birthday to all born on this special day. So, today I decided to tag along with my fiance to school just so I could get work done sitting in the library aside from at home in bed where the t.v is right in front of me. The weather today is wonderful, I love the rain and I love wind, but the side effect of getting sick isn't that wonderful. On another note, today in class we discussed what an essay is and the the four parts to formatting a great essay. I really enjoyed this topic because writing essays is a big thing in school, especially college. It's a great topic for us as individual college students because it gives us the opportunity to learn the possible mistakes were making in our essays. Discussing it as a class and getting opinions from our peers just makes it comforting because we're all coming from the same place. Just reading parts on Chapter 6 has helped me to write my essay that's due in Anthropology tomorrow.

Test today!

Today in our class we had a test. I was completely unprepared. Although my lack of knowledge didn't keep me from trying my best on this test. I sure hope I pass. After the test we had to do exactly what I'm doing in this blog. Blog about what we had done and respond to others. Over all it was a good session.

2/27/2012

We took our first test on 2/27. I think the test is sort of difficult to me maybe because I did not study it well. the test are separate into four parts, matching, fill in the blank, short answer and multiple choices. I think I will not fail the test but also not having an A. However, at least the test we took from today, I know the direction to study for the next test. Also the prevent the next failure.

1st Test

Today was our first test for EN 100, on chapters one through four. I learned a lot from just these four chapters and I hope I did well on the test. I didn't have a lot of time to study because along with this test, I had others to study for as well. I tried to balance out the study time for each exam, but most of the information I retained from class. The techniques of chapters one through four will be things I will retain for a while because they are very useful when writing a good paper. I really hope I did good on this test! 

TEST

Today was our first test. I just turned in mine, and I really feel like I didn't do that great.When I made myself a study guide, I felt very confident in passing. We were tested on chapters one through four. The different stages weren't confusing for me, but there's too many sections. I'm not trying to make excuses for myself, but we all have our good tests and our bad ones. While I was going over my test, I saw that I could have done better. I know that I could have done better. So, for the next test or exam we have, my plan is to have more of a better study guide and really go over the entire chapter until I feel like I touched base in the sections. For future references, if any of my classmates read my entry, study before the test and the night before. In the past this was very effective for me, and this test, I most definitely did not do that. When I study the night before and right before, my memory of the material is there on the tip of my brain.

Test

Today, we had our first test and it was fairly difficult due to my insufficient studying, but I think I did fairly well. I reviewed and outlined the chapters, so it helped better than not looking at the book at all. I was able to comprehend some material, but we shall see how much of a grade it has achieved. I hope my classmates did well.

2/27 Test #1

Today we had our first test on chapters 1-4. I liked how it had various types of questions such as Mix and match, fill in the blanks, true or false, multiple choice, and listing and describing. I hope I did really well on this test. Studying is very important, and knowing how this test went down, I need to spend lots of time studying on the next test. I admit, I stumbled upon a few difficult ones that I could not answer, but I did my very best. That's what matters.

27FEB12

       Today we had the first test of the semester in chapters one through four of Paragraphs and Essays. I thought the test was going to be harder but I noticed that most of the answers can be found in Writers Guidelines. Now that I know where to find most of my answers I feel excited about the next test and I look forward to study harder.

2/27

Today we had our first test on chapters one through four. I would have to say that I honestly did not study hard for it. Although I knew what I studied for, I did not spend enough time for it and during class before we took our test, I knew that I was not ready for it. On the next test, I will definitely study harder and spend more time on studying. I would have to say that the extra credit was helpful though!

2/27

Today in class we had our first test on Chapters 1-4. I have to say, I kinda stressed out about this test over the weekend only because I have that personality of always needing to succeed in what I do, I try to really do my best. Surprisingly the test isn't exactly what I thought it would be, In my mind I thought we were going to write an essay and base what we've learned off that essay. Although it wasn't what I expected I still had my mind set on doing my best. Without a doubt the test was a bit tough but I knew what was needed to be known for this test and hopefully aced it. On another note, I'm excited to learn more in this class. The more chapters and information, the more knowledge I comprehend everyday.

February 27, 2012

Today we had our first test of the semester. It was on chapters one through four of the text. I felt very much prepared for the test, but I still had that little gut feeling that kept me worried. I studied the writers guidelines like we were told and had a good feel of all the information that were taught throughout the chapters. Now that I am finished and have seen what was on it, I feel that I did my best. I knew most of the answers except for one or two. I enjoyed the extra credit very much and I thank Dr.Rivera for giving it. I hope everyone else did well, too!

Test #1 2/27/12

Today we came in and took our first test of the semester . I know I didn't do great but I don't think I failed . Some of the test problems I don't remember reading because I wasn't here earlier in the semester, but I gave it my best guess. I'm thankful we had those Extra Credit problems, I'm pretty sure I need it. Hope everyone else did good on this test.

Test number one.

Right now we are all waiting to receive our test to show what we have been learning and how much of it is "stuck" in our brains. I feel like I'm not going to do well on the test, but I always feel this way before I take a test. I think I have some testing anxiety, but I'm not 100% sure. I just hope that I do well and that all my classmates do well on the test so we can pass the course. Then we can move on to what we want to do with out lives.

Now that the test is over, I feel I did my best, but I know I can do better. I need to find a way to get things to stick better in my head so I can get them out properly as well. I hope that you all did your best and ended up with a great grade on your test.

2-22-2012

On the 22nd we read Vera's essay. It was nice to see everything in action of how everything works. I'm just hoping that reading that and going over all the chapters again will help me with my next essay. I am also hoping I do well on the test tomorrow, and that my Math test won't wipe me out so I do horrid on my English test. Best of luck to all of you and may we all pass with remarkable scores.

2/22

In today's lesson, we learn about the writing process worksheet. It's a worksheet that has three stages to help guide you in writing your paper. The first stage is called 'Explore', in this stage you  begin to brainstorm or gather information and list topics down for your paper. In the second stage, which is called 'Writing the Controlling Idea', this is where you compose your topic sentence and complete an outline for your paper. The last stage is called 'Writing/Revising/Editing', this is where you write your first draft and edit it by proofreading it as many times as you need until you're ready to write your final draft. In the lesson, this girl, Varis, was using the writing process worksheet to help her write her paper. In the first stage, she came up with an idea to compare her customers from work as types of dogs. In the second stage, she organized her ideas and listed them in order by the type of dog and the way they act. In the third and final stage, she wrote her first draft, revised it a few times, edited it, and finally wrote her final draft. By using the writing process worksheet she was able to write an impressive paper.

Feb20.

On Monday, we learned paragraph patterns. There are two types: Pattern A and Pattern B.
The difference between the two is that Pattern A has a topic sentence and supporting sentences, while Pattern B has all that, but with a concluding sentence. We read paragraphs to point out whether it is pattern A or pattern B so we could distinct the two.

02/20

I did not make it to class on Monday, but I read up on the lesson for that day which was "Writing the Paragraph". It discussed two effective patterns of a paragraph structure, which are A and B. The differnce between the two is that pattern B has a concluding sentence. Its a good thing that we have a syllabus because I would have probably missed a lot of information. I learned so much these past few chapters and I hope It shows on the upcoming test next monday. Good luck everyone!

2/22

Today was a moodle session and it was about student demonstration of all stages of the writing process. Vera Harris wrote a good paragraph with the help of the Writing Process Worksheet. There are three stages to the writing process: stage one is about exploring, experimenting, and gathering information. Stage two is about writing the controlling idea and organizing and developing support. Stage three is to write, revise, and edit. I would have to say that this writing process makes sense because of the steps which makes it easier to write a paragraph or essay: to freewrite, brainstorm, cluster, and take notes when doing research. Composing your topic sentence as well as making an outline or outline alternative. Lastly, writing a first draft, then revising and editing as many drafts as possible to reach the final draft.

20FEB12

Learning about paragraph patters was really helpfull. Now I have a clear understanding of the structure of a paragraph. We learned about the 2 patterns A and B and I think is really easy to identify them. B is the one that has a concluding sentence. Dr. Rivera also gave us some Hints for our first test!!! All I can say about this is that im really excited!!!

2/22'2012

Today I learn how to write a good essay such as, Vera's essay. she use many detail ideas to support her essay such as, difference kind of animal and they behave. fist of all, Vera used clustering to make entire essay like a puzzle. the main idea of the essay extend difference support ideas. also Vera used writing, revising and editing technique to write her essay, which is good. In conclude, we can see she done a fantastic job on this essay. Because she combined the three writing strategies free-writing, brainstorm and cluster.  Her essay is in page 79 and everyone should check it out.

02/22

Today was another moodle session and the topic was student demonstration of all stages of the writing process. We had to discuss our thoughts of Vera's essay and why we feel the writing process worksheet is resourceful. Vera's essay was well organized and readable becuase she followed the techniques of the writing process. I think the writing process is very resourceful because without it are papers would be all over the place and lack a lot of information. I like how the text provides examples, like Vera's essay, to show us the stages of the writing process. It really helps to have a visual aid to better understand how everything works.

February 22, 2012

Today I read about a student demonstration of all the stages of writing. I am usually a visual learner, so it was a great way for me too see stages one, two and three of the writing process in action. I thought that Vera's essay was great. She did not give too much information for it to seem run on or overwhelming, but instead seemed like just the write amount. The worksheet provided such a great amount of help that I think I will use one when writing my next paper. It puts all the ideas in order so that it is not scattered and hard to find when it comes to stage three of the writing process. I learned so much throughout these chapters and I hope to continue to enhance my knowledge of writing for the rest of the semester.

Paragraph Structure.

Yesterday we learned about the two types of paragraphs. I honestly don't remember being taught this in High School and it makes me wonder about the accreditation of the school I went to. There is A and B, A has the thesis and support for the paragraph and B has those plus a concluding sentence. We also have our first test on Monday and I am very nervous about it. I have never been great with tests, and my math test yesterday reminded me of a few things I needed to work on with my testing. I just hope I do well and keep striving to complete the class with a good score.

2/21/12

        Today in class, we learned about two different patterns of paragraphs. Each patterns shows a different paragraph structure. Pattern A includes a topic sentence followed by supporting sentences. Pattern B follows Pattern A's structure adding a concluding sentence at the end. Our lesson was cut short due to slow internet speed. This is my first blog post so good thing Dr. Rivera told us about using certain abbreviations on facebook and not on our blogs. We were told about our first test on Monday so I should really study this weekend since I was out for a few chapters.

2/20

With the help of my friend Justin Quenga, I was able to come to class today. Although I was very late, I was able to sign in and not be counted as an absent. I was really relieved and at the same time sorry for coming into class late. I also wrote the notes on the board. I went home and read chapter five, as I took notes and realized how there are two effective patterns for a conventional paragraph structure, pattern A and B. Pattern A states the controlling idea, the topic sentence, and support. Pattern B adds a concluding sentence following the support.

February 20, 2012

Today we discussed the parts of a paragraph. It is not only what makes an essay whole, but there are specific parts. I learned today that there is much more to it. A paragraph has a topic sentence or thesis, supporting sentences, and some have concluding sentences. There are two patterns: A and B. Pattern A has a topic sentence and supporting sentences, while pattern B has those and a concluding sentence. It was quite easy for me to distinguish between the two. We were also advised of some key points or "hint-hints" to study for our upcoming test on Monday. I have to say that I am very nervous. It is the first test of the class and semester, so I hope that I start it on the right note. Make sure to study hard and good luck everyone!

2/20 '12

There was no internet connection in computer lab today. Dr. Rivera decided make the lesson shorter for today.
we talk about paragraph defined such as, introductory, developmental, transition and concluding. all of the paragraph points are vital important for the writer. Also, we talk about the basic paragraph pattern. we should always give an account(tell a story), describe people, thing, or event or explain by analyzing, giving example, comparing, defining, showing hot to do something, or showing cause and argue that something should be done or resisted, that something is true or untrue, or that something is good or bad. Dr.Rivera also example what is pattern A and B. A patter is the paragraph with one topic sentence and three support ideas. B pattern is the paragraph with one topic sentence three support ideas and one concluding sentence. After the lesson we did some in class activity than professor released us form class.

Editing

Editing is the final stage of the writing process, it involves examining your work. In editing you paper, you look for capitalization, omissions, punctuation, and spelling errors. You do this because when you first write your paper, you don't see those errors, that's why you or someone else read your paper over to spot those errors. Another way is to read your paper out loud to yourself or to an audience. Reading your paper a loud makes sure your paper doesn't sound weird.

Editing

We read about the final step of the writing process. It is the part when we go over our paper one last time to look for any mistakes we might have missed. I enjoy helping my peers during this stage. It is easier for me to spot out mistakes on a paper I have not read before, rather than my own. The most common mistakes to look for are capitalization, omissions, punctuation, spelling (COPS).

Our final step: Editing.

When you are coming to the conclusion of your paper and are about to hand it in, you will need to do another one over on it to make sure that there are no COPS (Capitalization, omissions, punctuation, and spelling) errors. One thing that I have heard and have never done is to wait a day or just a few hours to check for these kinds of mistakes. I have mostly had others check for mistakes in my work. But this is a good way to hand in a better paper. One thing that I am going to try in the future is to read my work aloud to myself to see if the paper flows correctly and has the appropriate wording I am looking for.

02/13/2012 Chapter 4

The Writing Process: Stage Three( Writing, Revising,Editing)
This chapter gives more in-depth writing techniques and correction and is essential towards the error I have within my writing. It also shares tone, which is a key part with acting is a very favorite subject within my high school years. It enhances my writing and speaking power that I already possess.

The writing process: Stage Three

Today we learned how to write, revise and edit a paper. A good paper is put together by an outline, which helps keep it organized, this is also known as your first draft. After the first draft is complete you need to revise and edit. The Textbook came up with a memory devise to help with the revising process, called "CLUESS". CLUESS is the acronym for coherence, language, unity, emphasis, support, and sentence. Using this technique can enhance a well written paper that readers will understand.When it came to describing the tone, which falls under the language portion, we had to read the sentences with the emotion it expressed. When editing a paper your looking for problems with capitalization, omission, punctuation, and spelling also known as COPS.

JAN2 5th

Today our class met in the DEAL Computer Lab in room 202. As a class, we read through the kinds of support for text-based writing. There are three different kinds of support, one is the explanation, the second is the references and lastly is the quotations. Its important to have all these for a paper because it helps you understand more of what you are explaining. We are going to be writing our papers in the MLA format, which means Modern Language Association. We also recapped on how to properly do a works cited section of any paper we do. Together as a class we read a short autobiography by Elizabeth Wong. She was caught her native culture being Chinese, and her preferred culture, American. What I learned from that essay was how to compare and contrast when writing your own essay.

The Writing Process: Stage Three

      In today's Class we learned about the acronym CLUESS: Coherences, Language, Unity, Emphasis, Support and Sentences. The features we're presented with details, examples and exercises. My favorite part of today's class was when my classmates read a sentence in diferrent tones and it showed me how hard is to be an actor. Im also glad that we have a new picture we're we can actually see our faces even though not everybody in the class showed up. It was a great class an we learned a lot about CLUESS.

Today!

Today in class, we met in the computer lab.While i was walking to class it was really windy outside. I felt like i was going to be blown away. The wind made my allergies act up. I come into class and im out of breath because i was power-walking. Dr. Rivera started to discuss Stage 3 of the writting process. This stage actually is vital to writing a successful paper. Im really glad that im taking this class because I did not have that much of an idea of how to write to a good paper. Class was very fun today! We all took a class group photo for our blog, and we had a comical relief when we were going through the usage of tone. Dr. Rivera had a select of us recite some of the dialects. We all had a good laugh at how well we can simulate like for example, I had anger and sarcasm. I think I did fairly well. I like when the whole class kind of mingles together.

February 13, 2012

Today we reviewed stage three of the writing process. We discussed the acronym CLUESS, which stands for: Coherence, Language, Unity, Emphasis, Support, Sentences. One of my favorite features would be, tone. When we discussed tone in class, everyone was very involved. For me, trying to act out a sentence with an objective tone was not quite easy being that I'm a very nice person and it's hard for me to speak in an angry voice. As far as learning the different features of revising a good writing, the topic today really helped my ongoing learning of proper writing skills. Like I mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, I'm more of a free writer. All these writing processes are helpful when it comes writing material for class, I really would hate to fail based off what I haven't really put my mind to. I am appreciative that it's a small class because if it was any bigger my chances of really sharpening my knowledge would be 50/50.

February 13, 2012

Today in class we learned about C.L.U.E.S.S. It is an acronym for Coherence, Language, Unity, Emphasis, Support and Sentences. Each gives some advice for writing a paper. It tells what to do and what not to do when writing. I never knew there were so many rules to follow when putting ideas together. We took our class picture today; I thought that was nice. The part I enjoyed the most was when we went over the "tone" part of the lesson. It was a chance for all of us to engage ourselves in the class. To hear all the tones from my classmates sure gave me a good laugh. Great job guys!

2/13/2012

Today's class was fun and interesting. Learning about rough drafts and revising our papers. For the first time I learned the acronym CLUESS, which is pronounced "clues." CLUESS provides the guide: Coherence, Language, Unity, Emphasis, Support, and Sentences. We also learned about tones in the contexts of the essay of how the sound of the speaker's voice conveys to the listener. Going over the contexts: Objective, Humorous, Angry and sarcastic, Servile, and Overbearing, giving examples of them was a lot of fun.

Stage 3 Writing.

It was great with everyone trying to do tone today. It was humorous and I quite enjoyed it. I hope everyone enjoyed it like I did. While we were doing this we were learning about CLUESS. CLUESS is an acronym for:
Coherence
Language
Unity
Emphasis
Support
Sentences
I am learning a lot with the stages of writing, I don't remember being taught half of what I am learning now. I hope this will increase my ability to write better and have a more coherent paper. I also feel like when we are in class I can learn and understand what we are learning better. I am getting excited for our next essay that we are going to write so I can apply all that I have learned into it.

February 13, 2012

I came in late today because I thought we have the class on first floor. CLUESS stands for coherence, language, unity, emphasis, support and sentences. Those features can be good techniques to apply easily to our first draft. In class today, I learned other tips to improve my essay.

Listing, Clustering and Outlining

The three techniques given to help a writer organize really lends a helping hand. Listing, clustering and outlining are the three techniques. I think I use listing when I am taking notes and when I am in a rush. The last time I remember using outlining and clustering was for my English class my senior year. Outlining was required for my last paper of the year. It helped when putting the final touches to my paper. Without those steps, I do not think it would have been that easy.

Organizing.

Even though these techniques help you organize your essays I still feel like its unorganized. I feel that there could be a better flow to the paper and for some reason I can never get it to flow right. Even with the  techniques I don't think it flows right. I think I might just be a little over critical at times but I could be wrong.

2/8/12

Listing is to list what are the main idea and support we are going to write.

Clustering is a method of writing technique. We list the points we will be writing and put them into different circles, then find the differences and similarities.

Outlining is one of the traditional ways of writing. Essentially we will list all the ideas and start to develop the point.

2-06

Sadly I missed class this day, hopefully with some help I will have a better understanding of the controlling idea. I have always had a hard time understanding what is effective/ineffective for a sentence. I have always had a hard time when it came down to the structure of a sentence though, I feel like its not all that important when you are out in the real world, out of school anyway. When are you going to have to tell someone what a pronoun is?? Any who, wish I had been there to get a better understanding of how to do this.

Feb. 06

In class we discussed stage two of the writing process. We learned about the subjects and focus/treatments of sentences, as well as when a sentence is ineffective and effective. We went over a few exercises that helped us understand more of what it was. I understood the subjects and treatments very well, but had a bit of a hard time when telling if a sentence is effective or ineffective. However, after more exercises, I felt I had the hang of it. We also learned how to write topic sentences and thesis'. I felt that we had a very productive class and that I gained much more knowledge of English.

2/6 '2012

We talked about writing stage one in class yesterday. Writing a vivid topic for your essay is very important such as, it tells reader and audio information and detail. Therefore, every time when I write an essay, I do some freewriting draft or brainstorm to develop my supporting idea and the content.

UOG Alumni Homecoming

I wasn't sure what to expect for class that afternoon, I had many thoughts to what the Celebration was going to be like. I invited my fiance, who is also a UOG Student to join me for class. We really enjoyed ourselves, especially with Dr. Underwoods speech.  He's a very inspirational person, along with all the others that spoke. His speech alone really opened my eyes to the word: teach. He made a great point stating that, without teachers there would be no professions. It gives me a big appreciation for teachers. I also enjoyed the many talents that were performed. It was nice to sing along with everyone else, very comforting. All in all, I'm glad I experienced such a celebration with my fiance because we are expecting a child and furthering our education together is a wonderful thing.

Stage One Strategies

Stage one strategies are highly important when writing an essay. They are keys to writing a good essay. It helps you organize your thoughts and put them together. It is beneficial for both the writer and the reader because it makes it easier for the writer to put things in order and it does not give the reader a hard time reading the essay.

February 1

The stage one strategies are vitally important for all writers. The most important thing of being a writer is telling others our thoughts and point. Stage one strategies allow you to organize the writers' point. In the meantime, it convinces the reader about our thought. Therefore, stage one strategies are so important.

UOG Alumni Homecoming

On Monday, January 30th, I was rushing to class knowing that I would get there just in time; however, when I had arrived, the classroom was locked and there was an announcement saying that the class will be met at the SBPA building room 129. I was not too sure where exactly the room was. Being the stubborn me, I looked all over the buildings until I finally asked a person. As I finally found the room, I quickly took my seat next to my classmates. Soon after, Dr. Rivera announced the UOG's 60th anniversary. Dr. Underwood's speech really touched me, as he talked about how one's criticism really affects another. I really enjoyed the live entertainment and being able to get to know more of my classmates as well as other people.

02/03

Since we didn't have class this Wednesday, I am going to blog about my All About Me Essay. This is my first semester of school since I have graduated from high school. So, this was the first essay I wrote in about six months. I was very nervous because I felt like I forgot all the basic rules. However, when I really got into writing my essay, it became much easier. The essay made me reflect on myself and my background. I also realized that my family keeps me going in life. I can't imagine life without them.

Stage one Strategies.

With the stage one strategies I was never able to figure out a great way to organize my thoughts, cause they would come to me all at once and I could never write them down fast enough to remember them all. I think with learning the freewriting I will be able to organize and get all my ideas down now. The first time I get to use this I will be excited to see the outcome of my paper.

Homecoming

On monday, January 30th, our whole class met to hear the speakers for the UOG homecoming. It was very inspirational to me and made me really appreciate being back in school. In a way it made me want to major in Education :) When Dr. Underwood was speaking, he talked about how one teacher made him never take another math class because of the comments he stated about Guam. Its sad how some individuals cant see the true beauty and what kind of paradise our island really is. Anyways, that impact one teacher had on a student, good or bad, is what teaching really is about. I have had a good handful of teachers establish their knowledge into me.

UOG Alumni Celebration.

We had the opportunity to attend the Alumni 60th Homecoming Celebration. It was an honor. Mr. Underwood gave an inspirational speech that made me open my eyes and appreciate teachers and what they really do. Teachers DO have the power to touch our hearts, whether it's good or bad.  There was also entertainment which I enjoyed. Lots of talent that was admirable. I'm glad we had the chance to attend the celebration because it was educational, inspirational, and entertaining.