Thursday, April 30, 2009
Comment...
I just left a comment on the blog Classics v. Twilight. I think this is an interesting debate in light of the recent popularity of Twilight. I personally, still think the classics are more important than Twilight, but y'all should check it out!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
HW 4/22: My Argument
Michelle Massaro
English 1302: Essay 3
4/22/08
New Endangered Species: The Bookworm
What happened to the bookworm? The kid who used to sit in the corner with their nose so far up a book, that no distraction could tear them away from the page. It seems to me that as technology changes so do the interests of young people. What once was popular, suddenly becomes passé and the amount of time spent on a once exciting leisure activity rapidly decreases. Reading books has suffered this same fate. The Internet stimulates the youth with different images, ideas, casual language and most importantly, convenience. Today, most adolescents cringe at thought of having to open a book and stare at the monotonous pages. The truth is that books encourage people to expand their thinking critically and creatively in ways the Internet cannot. By critical thinking, I mean having the ability to think analytically about subjects, understand concepts fully and relate topics and ideas to our lives. While books can not compete with the popularity of online reading, in reality, they are necessary in developing an intellectual generation.
One way books encourage creative and critical thought is by their tangible nature. The physical aspect of books requires the use of senses and skills that the Internet does not. In my own personal experience, I find reading a physical, or as many refer to as “hard-copy,” necessary in understanding a subject fully and with clarity. Reading a book allows individuals to see the outline of an argument more clearly. The physical sight of the page, allows readers to understand the flow of the writer’s case and connect paragraphs with one another. In talking about today’s youth, Bauerlein comments “they recognize better the pacing of stories, and the form of arguments, an aptitude that doesn’t develop as effectively through other media” (59). The organization of books allows readers to better understand the reasoning and form of an author’s claim, which in turn helps in the future, when occupational writing skills are necessary. Furthermore, the more senses a person uses when reading, the greater ability they have to internalize material. By senses, I meaning the physical touch a piece of paper or reading out loud. In my own personal experience last semester, my English teacher, Professor Hopper, recommended that we place our finger along each sentence as we read, while speaking aloud. The more senses used, the more opportunity my brain had to commit the material to memory. A computer screen can not offer this same connection to a piece of literature. Even “researchers suggest that the most valuable aspect of the read-aloud activity is that it gives children experience with decontextualized language, requiring them to make sense of ideas that are about something beyond the here and now” (Beck and McKeown, 10). Online reading, just isn’t comparable to the connection that physical books provide.
Additionally, books are organized more formally than online reading, which forces people to learn new vocabulary, sentence structures and writing skills. Lee Siegel points out that one of the great opportunities the Internet provides is this chance for egalitarianism. While this may be great for individuals who want to have a voice online, in truth the Internet has become a mish-mash of casual language and typographical errors. Books use formal language, which expands people’s vocabulary, something the Internet does not. Bauerlein found that teens that read “have a larger vocabulary, which means they don’t stumble with more difficult texts” (59). Furthermore, in a study done by Beck and MeKeown, which measured word recognition in children, teachers reported “that often in story reading children recognized and remarked on the use a word that they had learned from an earlier story” (18). This formal language and nature of books not only helps with the creation of an extensive vocabulary, but it aids people in developing their own writing skills.
“A 2004 study from the National Commission on Writing surveyed business leaders and found that a significant portion of them complain of serious reading and writing problems among new employees, forcing corporate America to spend approximately $3.1 billion annually on in-house literacy tutoring.” (Bauerlein 68-69)
If this is true along with the established decrease in reading, then it is necessary we revive books and teach people to write like the classics and professionals, not the generation of amateur bloggers. In the NEA annual report, the found that “among high school graduates, ‘writing in English’, was the most commonly reported basic skill deficiency reported by employers (72%)” (79-80). Writing is basic skill and requirement for most jobs. The NEA report continues on to comment that those who do not possess this skill, are put at a disadvantage and have low chance of success in the working world. While the Internet might be a great place to socialize, it has become a proponent of slang. LOL, BRB, TTYL, LMAO, G2G, don’t you speak abbrevs? In reality, these terms can not be used in formally writing, let along the majority of jobs. Sticking to reading books, really seems like the best option.
Outline of Claim:
Claim: Books encourage people to expand their thinking critically and creatively in ways the Internet cannot.
My Definition of Critical Thinking- thinking analytically about subjects, understanding concepts fully and relating topics and ideas to your life
Reason 1 – The physical nature of books requires the use of senses and skills that the Internet does not.
Evidence 1: Reading a book allows you to see the outline of an argument
“They recognize better the pacing of stories, and the form of arguments, an aptitude that doesn’t develop as effectively through other media” (Bauerlein, 59)
Evidence 2: The more senses you use (touching, repeating out loud), the greater ability you have to internalize material
“Researchers suggest that the most valuable aspect of the read-aloud activity is that it gives children experience with decontextualized language, requiring them to make sense of ideas that are about something beyond the here and now.” (Beck and McKeown, 10)
Reason 2- Books are organized more formally than online reading, which forces people to learn new vocabularly, sentence structures and writing skills.
Evidence: Books use formal language, which expands people’s vocabularly
“They have a larger vocabulary, which means they don’t stumble with more difficult texts.” (Bauerlein, 59)
“We observes and the teachers reported that often in story reading children recognized and remarked on the use of a word that they had learned from an earlier story.” (Beck and Mekeown, 18)
Evidence: Books use formal language and organization that helps people develop their own writing skills (Companies have to hire people to teach employees how to write)
“A 2004 study form the National Commission on Writing surveyed business leaders and found that a significant portion of them complain of serious reading and writing problems among new employees, forcing corporate America to spend approximately $3.1 billion annually on in-house literacy tutoring.” (Bauerlein 68-69)
“Among high school graduates, ‘writing in English’, was the most commonly reported basic skill deficiency reported by employers (72%)” (NEA Report, 79-80)
Reason 3- Books force readers to create mental images, sounds and effects, which the Internet does not
Evidence: Books allow you to get inside the authors mind (ex, how books are always better than movies)
Evidence: Seeing the authors work, encourages development of individual writing style, and creative expression
Reason 4- Books force readers to apply lessons to their lives, rather than quick solutions that come from online sources.
Evidence: Books in historical contexts can teach children lessons, that blogs cannot. Even books written in today’s culture have intellectual benefits
“Adolescents today have the same feelings and experiences—depression, abuse, uncertainty and they don’t have to be geniuses like Mill and Du Bois to profit from books” (Bauerlein 58)
Evidence: Books encourage individuals to develop ideas as they read along and solve problems themselves, whereas blogs and websites answer specific issues with answers that may or may not be relevant (ex seeking enlightenment through a classic text, or seeking answers through a self-help site)
English 1302: Essay 3
4/22/08
New Endangered Species: The Bookworm
What happened to the bookworm? The kid who used to sit in the corner with their nose so far up a book, that no distraction could tear them away from the page. It seems to me that as technology changes so do the interests of young people. What once was popular, suddenly becomes passé and the amount of time spent on a once exciting leisure activity rapidly decreases. Reading books has suffered this same fate. The Internet stimulates the youth with different images, ideas, casual language and most importantly, convenience. Today, most adolescents cringe at thought of having to open a book and stare at the monotonous pages. The truth is that books encourage people to expand their thinking critically and creatively in ways the Internet cannot. By critical thinking, I mean having the ability to think analytically about subjects, understand concepts fully and relate topics and ideas to our lives. While books can not compete with the popularity of online reading, in reality, they are necessary in developing an intellectual generation.
One way books encourage creative and critical thought is by their tangible nature. The physical aspect of books requires the use of senses and skills that the Internet does not. In my own personal experience, I find reading a physical, or as many refer to as “hard-copy,” necessary in understanding a subject fully and with clarity. Reading a book allows individuals to see the outline of an argument more clearly. The physical sight of the page, allows readers to understand the flow of the writer’s case and connect paragraphs with one another. In talking about today’s youth, Bauerlein comments “they recognize better the pacing of stories, and the form of arguments, an aptitude that doesn’t develop as effectively through other media” (59). The organization of books allows readers to better understand the reasoning and form of an author’s claim, which in turn helps in the future, when occupational writing skills are necessary. Furthermore, the more senses a person uses when reading, the greater ability they have to internalize material. By senses, I meaning the physical touch a piece of paper or reading out loud. In my own personal experience last semester, my English teacher, Professor Hopper, recommended that we place our finger along each sentence as we read, while speaking aloud. The more senses used, the more opportunity my brain had to commit the material to memory. A computer screen can not offer this same connection to a piece of literature. Even “researchers suggest that the most valuable aspect of the read-aloud activity is that it gives children experience with decontextualized language, requiring them to make sense of ideas that are about something beyond the here and now” (Beck and McKeown, 10). Online reading, just isn’t comparable to the connection that physical books provide.
Additionally, books are organized more formally than online reading, which forces people to learn new vocabulary, sentence structures and writing skills. Lee Siegel points out that one of the great opportunities the Internet provides is this chance for egalitarianism. While this may be great for individuals who want to have a voice online, in truth the Internet has become a mish-mash of casual language and typographical errors. Books use formal language, which expands people’s vocabulary, something the Internet does not. Bauerlein found that teens that read “have a larger vocabulary, which means they don’t stumble with more difficult texts” (59). Furthermore, in a study done by Beck and MeKeown, which measured word recognition in children, teachers reported “that often in story reading children recognized and remarked on the use a word that they had learned from an earlier story” (18). This formal language and nature of books not only helps with the creation of an extensive vocabulary, but it aids people in developing their own writing skills.
“A 2004 study from the National Commission on Writing surveyed business leaders and found that a significant portion of them complain of serious reading and writing problems among new employees, forcing corporate America to spend approximately $3.1 billion annually on in-house literacy tutoring.” (Bauerlein 68-69)
If this is true along with the established decrease in reading, then it is necessary we revive books and teach people to write like the classics and professionals, not the generation of amateur bloggers. In the NEA annual report, the found that “among high school graduates, ‘writing in English’, was the most commonly reported basic skill deficiency reported by employers (72%)” (79-80). Writing is basic skill and requirement for most jobs. The NEA report continues on to comment that those who do not possess this skill, are put at a disadvantage and have low chance of success in the working world. While the Internet might be a great place to socialize, it has become a proponent of slang. LOL, BRB, TTYL, LMAO, G2G, don’t you speak abbrevs? In reality, these terms can not be used in formally writing, let along the majority of jobs. Sticking to reading books, really seems like the best option.
Outline of Claim:
Claim: Books encourage people to expand their thinking critically and creatively in ways the Internet cannot.
My Definition of Critical Thinking- thinking analytically about subjects, understanding concepts fully and relating topics and ideas to your life
Reason 1 – The physical nature of books requires the use of senses and skills that the Internet does not.
Evidence 1: Reading a book allows you to see the outline of an argument
“They recognize better the pacing of stories, and the form of arguments, an aptitude that doesn’t develop as effectively through other media” (Bauerlein, 59)
Evidence 2: The more senses you use (touching, repeating out loud), the greater ability you have to internalize material
“Researchers suggest that the most valuable aspect of the read-aloud activity is that it gives children experience with decontextualized language, requiring them to make sense of ideas that are about something beyond the here and now.” (Beck and McKeown, 10)
Reason 2- Books are organized more formally than online reading, which forces people to learn new vocabularly, sentence structures and writing skills.
Evidence: Books use formal language, which expands people’s vocabularly
“They have a larger vocabulary, which means they don’t stumble with more difficult texts.” (Bauerlein, 59)
“We observes and the teachers reported that often in story reading children recognized and remarked on the use of a word that they had learned from an earlier story.” (Beck and Mekeown, 18)
Evidence: Books use formal language and organization that helps people develop their own writing skills (Companies have to hire people to teach employees how to write)
“A 2004 study form the National Commission on Writing surveyed business leaders and found that a significant portion of them complain of serious reading and writing problems among new employees, forcing corporate America to spend approximately $3.1 billion annually on in-house literacy tutoring.” (Bauerlein 68-69)
“Among high school graduates, ‘writing in English’, was the most commonly reported basic skill deficiency reported by employers (72%)” (NEA Report, 79-80)
Reason 3- Books force readers to create mental images, sounds and effects, which the Internet does not
Evidence: Books allow you to get inside the authors mind (ex, how books are always better than movies)
Evidence: Seeing the authors work, encourages development of individual writing style, and creative expression
Reason 4- Books force readers to apply lessons to their lives, rather than quick solutions that come from online sources.
Evidence: Books in historical contexts can teach children lessons, that blogs cannot. Even books written in today’s culture have intellectual benefits
“Adolescents today have the same feelings and experiences—depression, abuse, uncertainty and they don’t have to be geniuses like Mill and Du Bois to profit from books” (Bauerlein 58)
Evidence: Books encourage individuals to develop ideas as they read along and solve problems themselves, whereas blogs and websites answer specific issues with answers that may or may not be relevant (ex seeking enlightenment through a classic text, or seeking answers through a self-help site)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Comment...
After reading a chapter in Bauerlein's book The Dumbest Generation, I left a comment on cec's post, "You know, the guy who was great." I responded to Claire's question of what teachers can do to make reading more interesting. I think that they should make a better effort to apply historical books to modern day lives. What do you think? Check it out!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Comment...
I left a comment on Dyversity's blog about immigration called The Great Movement. I think this issue is of real importance because as we speak Texas is attempting to build a fence along the Mexican border in order to keep out illegal immigrants. I think everyone should check out this post because it has relevance to our lives now. Immigration is a major issue and I think for the most part it is fine as long as it is done legally.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Comment...
I left a comment on azninvasion's blog Southern Millionaires. I think that a lot of what he says is true about SMU students' incredible amounts of wealth. I think SMU is a hard surface to crack. You have to move beyond the exterior stereotype and look around to find people who are real and understanding of the value of money. I think everyone should check it out because it is definitely a topic that is a part our everyday lives.
Missing Item: Paper Towels
If you were to name items essential to a bathroom they would probably include toilets, sinks, showers, soap, and toilet paper. These items can all be found in the SMU community baths, but they seem to have left out one key ingredient, paper towels! Paper towels are essential to a bathroom and I realize that the school is making a move towards a greener world, but how can they cut out such an essential item?
Let me just say that there are thousands of ways this school could create a greener environment without sacrificing such a crucial item. Might I point out the fact that the school prints dozens of copies of the Daily Campus, which I have yet to even pick up. Thus, daily they waste paper on something that most students have never even read, when they could in turn email out a copy or just have a website. I also want to add that SMU allows Park n’ Pony to motor around in those gas powered carts. I mean look at the amount of fuel wasted and air polluted in that case. I’m sorry, but I will walk for paper towels.
I think it is only right for me to point out some of the ways paper towels are essential. Well, the most obvious reason is for drying your hands after washing them. First, paper towels are not only convenient, but they actually dry your hands! The air dryers just move the water around and then people touch their nasty wet hands to the bathroom door so when you go to open it you get a nice wet surprise. Second, I think that is important to note that most people are too lazy to use the air dryers that they just don’t wash their hands because it is such a hassle. If this isn’t gross enough then SMU should look at the flu epidemic that plagued the school at the beginning of the semester. It probably could have been prevented with a little more hand washing.
SMU, we need paper towels. How can we live on such a luxurious campus and not have such a basic item? I’ll walk, turn off my lights, and read articles online, if I can just have them back.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
18 v. 21: The Legal Drinking Age
It’s Spring Break! Yes, finally a time to kick back, relax, and take a little time to myself. For many, spring break is the chance to be wild and outrageous. Most of the SMU students seem to be flocking to Mexico: Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Cabo. What makes Mexico such a hot spot for college students? Ah, well it’s the legal drinking age. After seeing friends enjoying a rowdy spring break, fueled by alcohol, I started thinking about the issue of whether or not the US should lower the drinking age?
In my opinion I think that the drinking age should be kept at 21. Many college students present the argument that at 18 years of age they are considered adults, but cannot purchase nor consume alcohol. Despite the large percentage of underage drinkers, I think that the drinking age should be kept at 21 because it prevents many unnecessary deaths. When you look around see college kids partying in Mexico and hear the horror stories of alcohol poisoning, drunk driving and other events resulting from poor decision making (kidnapping, rape, etc.), it is enough to see that people who are 18 are not mature enough to handle their alcohol.
If you look at the number one cause for car accidents in America you will find that teenage drivers are the reason. If you permit these newly legal youngsters to buy and consume alcohol, you will see a huge increase in the number of alcohol related collisions. In addition, if you look at the number of people who die from alcohol poisoning or are hospitalized for it each year, you’ll find the majority are under 21. I think this is enough proof to show that the barely legal need time to mature before given the privilege of alcohol, not only for their own safety but for the safety of others. If this isn’t enough to convince America to keep the drinking age at 21, then take a look at some of the insanity that goes on in Mexico, while the college students are away.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Comments...
I just left a comment on Kee's blog post Skinny Campus. I thought this post was really interesting because spring break is just around the corner and the SMU gym is crowded with girls trying to shed the last few pounds. I think this post is really interesting and relevant to life at SMU right now. Check it out!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Comment...
I commented on Almost Famous's blog, Forgive and Forget. I thought this post was well-written and extremely interesting. It talks about the Michael Phelps Marijuana scandal. I would definitely check out this blog, it's great.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Life in the Fast Lane
This past weekend I almost had a near death experience. I was driving from Houston to Dallas, going about 90 mph. This number isn’t even close to the speed limit, and I wasn’t in a hurry I was just being impatient. A cop pulled me over and in doing so saved my life. If I had continued at my speed, I would have been part of the major collision that occurred right up ahead of me. Twenty cars were pilled up in what looked one of the most catastrophic events I’d ever seen. I didn’t get a ticket but I sure learned my lesson, speed kills.
Fox News just put out an article called “Top Ten Deadliest Stretches of Road in America” and guess what? I45 is on the top of the list. Maxim Lott, a news reporter, titled part of the story “153 Deaths: I45 Harris, County, TX.” I had been spared from becoming just another number. Lott talks about an incident that happened just a month ago in which a man speeding through the county missed a turn and rolled his car over twice. Getting pulled over by the police was enough to scare me and I set my cruise control to 65 and just settled in for the long drive. What the cop said, had really made an impact on me, “speed kills.” When you are driving that fast, you are operating a piece of machinery that can easily become a death trap. When you travel faster, the adjustments you make steering have a huge impact on the movement of the car and thus vehicles can easily lose control. Even worse, when you go that fast, the sudden stop ahead can end disasterously. There is a reason the police set speed limits; it's for everyone's safety. Speed kills, and even though I wasn’t involved in the accident, the thought of losing my own life or worse taking the life of another is enough to make me set the cruise the control to 65 and become a more patient person.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A Cruel Initiation
Last weekend I was eating at Campisi’s and my very chatty waiter began to spill his life story to us. He was a twenty-something Hispanic man from lower Greenville. His story started with how he had been shot 7 times and stabbed 15 times. He had been part of a Hispanic gang in Dallas. This young man had come to the conclusion after seeing friends and family die, that being in a gang isn’t worth it. He told us that there are only two outcomes, you either die or you go to jail. I mean you really don’t see that many forty-year old gang members running around the streets.
This anecdote brings me to my point today. Since it is the beginning of March, it is the beginning of gang initiations. I am from Houston, and I remember this time last year there was a bunch of hype about the MS 13 gang. They are an El Salvadorian group who seems to be the most merciless of all gangs. In order to be initiated into the gang you must kill someone. One of the ways they do gang initiations is by having a potential new member bump your car from behind and when you get out of the car to exchange information, they will shoot you.
Am I the only one shocked by this danger that goes on outside the confines of SMU? We are surrounded by this lush beautiful campus, and today could be the day I leave these sheltered conditions and find myself facing life or death out in the real world, where people die for no reason. When I got a text from my friend reminding me to be careful over these next few weeks when I’m driving, I realized how isolated I am as an SMU student from the real world. It’s crazy to think that just over off Greenville, some of the deadliest men alive are plotting ways to initiate their new members. It’s good thing I always carry mace me with then, even though I don’t think it’s enough to keep off these violent attackers.
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