Writing Quick Start - Page 339

There are many differences and similarities in the scenes depicted on page 339. For example, it’s no secret that both of the pictures were taken at musical performances. However, that’s pretty much were the similarities end. If someone were to look at these pictures they would notice that, for instance, the clothes worn by the performers in the top picture are representative of a Rock Concert of some kind. In contrast, in the bottom picture, the attire of the performers is much more formal.

To me, as a person who has never seen these pictures before, it looks as if the bottom photograph may have been taken at some sort of auditorium, whereas the  top picture was obviously taken outdoors, probably at some sort of sports stadium. Perhaps the band in the top picture was performing during a half–time show at a football game. The bottom picture looks more finished and decorated than the picture on the top. The picture on the top looks more impromptu, almost as if it were just taken on a whim, and unplanned.

There is no doubt in my mind that the man in the center of the bottom picture is a musical conductor. He has sticks in his hands and it looks as if he is moving them up and down in a wave-like motion. Another interesting fact to note about the bottom picture is that most of the performers are older than both the singer and the fans in the top picture. From this information one can assume that the younger fans in the top picture probably would not like the same type of music that the people in the bottom picture do.

There also appears to be a noticeable difference in the energy level of the people in the two pictures. The people in the top picture look as if they are having a good time and just enjoying themselves. In contrast , the people in the bottom picture look as if they all have stone cold serious looks on their faces. They all look as if they are in deep concentration.

Personally, if I had to choose which performance to attend, I’d choose the top one. It looks to me like that one would be more fun to be at than the bottom one.

Blog Post 2 - Writing quick start page 201

On January 1, 2010 John and his friend Jim were studying at john’s house for a math final they had the next day at school. After about two hours of studying factoring, Jim said “Hey john, I’m getting really hungry.  Let’s go get some food; we’ll finish studying when we get back.” John agreed and they proceeded to walk down the road to the convenience store.

As they walked into the convenience store they both said hello to the clerk at the register and began to look for what they wanted to eat. As they scanned the numerous shelves, they heard another customer enter the store. Jim turned around and a load popping noise rang out. Instinctively, John turned to see what had caused the noise. As he turned, he caught a glimpse of a man running full speed out of the door. At the same time he noticed his friend Jim lying on the floor. “What happened!” he cried. “Oh my god, we’ve just been robbed!” said the clerk “Call the police!” screamed Jim. The police arrived 30 minutes later however; Jim had already succumbed to his injuries.

A week later a memorial was held in Jim’s honor at Virginia Tech. He had been studying Accounting at the school with his friend John. Over 1500 mourners attended the memorial. After giving the eulogy, John knelt down next to Jim’s grave alongside Jim’s former girlfriend and said a prayer on his friend’s behalf. Neither John, nor Jim’s former girl friend could hold back their tears any longer. The emotions of the situation finally got to them and they started crying. Reality had hit them like a ton of bricks. Their beloved friend was gone because of someone’s carelessness and there was nothing they could do about it. All they had left now was memories.

What do I want to accomplish in this course?

The one thing I expect to achieve in this course is an overall understanding and firm grasp of all fundamental concepts of English writing. Yes, this is a simple and obvious answer for sure, but that doesn’t make my answer any less true, and the rest of this Blog Post will explain why.

When I was taught Writing in high school it felt as if they were just teaching me a broad range of superficial lessens that seemed to be designed with nothing but memorization in mind. I wouldn’t say I necessarily LEARNED anything; in fact, all I did was memorize as much as I could, take the SOL test, pass it, and move on to the next grade.  I believe this is the reason why I still struggle with some of the most fundamental concepts pertaining to the Writing process. Some of these concepts include Expressiveness and Mechanics.

 For instance, I have noticed throughout my life that I tend to rely heavily on words such as nevertheless, moreover, and however throughout my writings.  Needless to say I’d love to expand my vocabulary so that I no longer feel the need to rely so heavily on these words in the future.  As mentioned above I also have many mechanical problems in most of my essays.  I graduated high school and I still don’t know when to use the words there and their or whole and hole. Now I’m not an expert or anything but, I’d say that’s a problem.

Now as you know, this course is not the only subject in which I am going to have to write essays. Consequently the things that I learn in this course will prove useful in many other classes that I may choose to participate in while I attend Tidewater Community College.

This class will help me in my professional life as well. I plan to pursue a career in Business Administration. Understanding the fundamentals of Writing is crucial to being a good businessman. If I ever have to write a Cover Letter or Proposal for example, I want to write it correctly.