I found this piece quite entertaining to read, however, it didn’t seem like a formal piece right from the beginning as the author used a lot of reader inclusion. In this case it shouldn’t be used because it is a formal piece. As I had mentioned in my previous blogs the most effective of the four blogs was Henry Jenkins. Once again I find no competition in terms of argument, style, structure and the use of devices. However, the piece did involve a lot of allusions and anecdotes, which kind of made up for the use of reader inclusion. All the points were strong and supported by strong and reliable resources, but once again if it was considered an informal tone piece it would have been great. But as a formal piece it doesn’t follow the key differences between an informal and formal piece.
I felt that this piece wasn’t very organized as the points were all over the place and not synchronized as any persuasive piece should be; regardless of whether it’s formal or informal. Towards the end of the piece it got worse as it became a little more rushed and lacked flow between arguments. The involvement of examples such as Tom & Jerry could’ve been effective if used in the right manner. However, the jumping between ideas made this piece ineffective when compared to the others. The major upside to this piece was the use of statistics and facts to support all the opinions. Therefore the argument was enhanced to an extent.
Overall, I wasn’t satisfied with this piece, as a result of the lack of flow between the points and the inconsistency of the arguments.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Media Violence - Formal Tone
Media Violence – Formal Tone
This article has discussed the ways that media violence has seeped into today’s society. After reading the persuasive piece I’ve learned how a formal piece is suppose to be written. The rhetorical devices, style, structure, etc have all been used to the full extent in this piece. The involvement of statistics in the argument has made the argument quite effective; although I didn’t find this piece as effective as the informal piece by Henry Jenkins it still got its point through to readers. This piece points out that not everyone who is exposed to media violence is likely to react upon it, but it does clearly state in which ways it can effect teens and children based on their age.
However, I wasn’t satisfied in this piece as the other three it was well written as in facts, but didn’t flow as the other pieces did. I found that some points were scattered and the author could have done a better job of making the paragraphs flow. E.g. “As early as 1958 investigations were being conducted of the effects of television on children.” I wasn’t satisfied with this introductory sentence to the paragraph because each introductory sentence is supposed to interest readers; instead it had the opposite impact on me. As begin a formal piece it could have been written better and should be able to keep the reader entertained. Several points in this piece had gotten me the feeling of an informal piece and wasn’t quite effective in terms of argument as the informal piece by Henry Jenkins.
Overall I found this piece as a joke, from beginning to end it was inconsistent in flow and gave the reader hard time finding the main point of the piece. I think this was given to us on purpose to criticize because it wasn’t effective at all.
This article has discussed the ways that media violence has seeped into today’s society. After reading the persuasive piece I’ve learned how a formal piece is suppose to be written. The rhetorical devices, style, structure, etc have all been used to the full extent in this piece. The involvement of statistics in the argument has made the argument quite effective; although I didn’t find this piece as effective as the informal piece by Henry Jenkins it still got its point through to readers. This piece points out that not everyone who is exposed to media violence is likely to react upon it, but it does clearly state in which ways it can effect teens and children based on their age.
However, I wasn’t satisfied in this piece as the other three it was well written as in facts, but didn’t flow as the other pieces did. I found that some points were scattered and the author could have done a better job of making the paragraphs flow. E.g. “As early as 1958 investigations were being conducted of the effects of television on children.” I wasn’t satisfied with this introductory sentence to the paragraph because each introductory sentence is supposed to interest readers; instead it had the opposite impact on me. As begin a formal piece it could have been written better and should be able to keep the reader entertained. Several points in this piece had gotten me the feeling of an informal piece and wasn’t quite effective in terms of argument as the informal piece by Henry Jenkins.
Overall I found this piece as a joke, from beginning to end it was inconsistent in flow and gave the reader hard time finding the main point of the piece. I think this was given to us on purpose to criticize because it wasn’t effective at all.
Media Violence- Informal Tone
Media Violence – Informal Tone
The persuasive piece by Henry Jenkins is an excellent example of persuasive writing because although his piece was quite long it gave a strong message across to readers like me. Every one of his opinions was backed by facts and evidence. This informal piece is far superior in arguments compared to the previous writers’ formal piece. Almost anyone who believes that Media Violence does affect children, surely won’t feel the same once they’re done reading this piece. This informal piece sets a high standard and shows that informal pieces can be just as effective as a formal piece.
The standard is set by Henry’s ability to back up all his points with effective evidence, but he did have a couple downfalls. As a writer he made a couple spelling mistakes, which gives the reader a bad impression on him. However, the strength of his arguments overcomes his mistakes and isn’t remembered after reaching the end of the piece. Some people might think bringing up the Virginia Tech topic will be a logical fallacy, I disagree because of the way the topic was used. Almost every argument is explained to a large extent because he goes through all the steps of how Mr. Cho wasn’t influenced by media violence alone, but was always weird when asked about by fellow students. I agree with the authors approach of explaining the incidents with steps and proving his point with each argument. The quality of his writing as in devices, structure, etc; was what made his piece effective.
The style of Henry’s opinion piece is vibrant and can be recognized by any reader within the first paragraph. His paragraphs flow together and his facts coincide with his opinions, and help strengthen his argument. Basically, he states his opinion, and then proves his points with facts and agreements. The high dictions used in his piece, makes it more entertaining and keeps readers interested. At the same time it is an effective method of getting the message across.
The piece’s effectiveness came from the use of examples and incidents that have occurred. In each incident/example Henry proves his point with force; that violence has been existing for as long as we can all remember. The fuss between the media and parents are just a waste of time, instead people should think of other ways to reduce the time kids and teens spend with media, by thinking of alternative activities. Although the piece is informal Henry avoids the usage of street language and colloquial words and once again makes the informal piece more effective. This is a well written informal piece and regarding media violence.
The persuasive piece by Henry Jenkins is an excellent example of persuasive writing because although his piece was quite long it gave a strong message across to readers like me. Every one of his opinions was backed by facts and evidence. This informal piece is far superior in arguments compared to the previous writers’ formal piece. Almost anyone who believes that Media Violence does affect children, surely won’t feel the same once they’re done reading this piece. This informal piece sets a high standard and shows that informal pieces can be just as effective as a formal piece.
The standard is set by Henry’s ability to back up all his points with effective evidence, but he did have a couple downfalls. As a writer he made a couple spelling mistakes, which gives the reader a bad impression on him. However, the strength of his arguments overcomes his mistakes and isn’t remembered after reaching the end of the piece. Some people might think bringing up the Virginia Tech topic will be a logical fallacy, I disagree because of the way the topic was used. Almost every argument is explained to a large extent because he goes through all the steps of how Mr. Cho wasn’t influenced by media violence alone, but was always weird when asked about by fellow students. I agree with the authors approach of explaining the incidents with steps and proving his point with each argument. The quality of his writing as in devices, structure, etc; was what made his piece effective.
The style of Henry’s opinion piece is vibrant and can be recognized by any reader within the first paragraph. His paragraphs flow together and his facts coincide with his opinions, and help strengthen his argument. Basically, he states his opinion, and then proves his points with facts and agreements. The high dictions used in his piece, makes it more entertaining and keeps readers interested. At the same time it is an effective method of getting the message across.
The piece’s effectiveness came from the use of examples and incidents that have occurred. In each incident/example Henry proves his point with force; that violence has been existing for as long as we can all remember. The fuss between the media and parents are just a waste of time, instead people should think of other ways to reduce the time kids and teens spend with media, by thinking of alternative activities. Although the piece is informal Henry avoids the usage of street language and colloquial words and once again makes the informal piece more effective. This is a well written informal piece and regarding media violence.
Adolescence and the Media - Informal Tone
Adolescence and the Media - Informal Tone
This persuasive piece was nicely organized with the subheadings it made it a lot easier to read and didn’t bore me out as the Media Violence (Informal Tone). The subheadings of the piece helped it seem more organized, and easy to read. However, piece was short and to the point unlike some of the other pieces. The criticism was quite effective in getting the message across and the coverage of the debatable topics was key toward the major points of the piece. The informal tone of this piece made the structure, content and style of the piece not as effective.
As far as content is concerned, I feel the author did a great job because he clearly describes how media violence affected children and teens. The explanation not only mentioned the impact on teen violence, but also involved drugs, sex, etc. As stated in the article children and teens are viewing at least one junk food or beer ad every commercial break. The ability to use statistics to give his opinions some support helped hammer his arguments. “There are more than 1000 studies linking exposure to media violence to real-life aggressive behaviour.”
To say the truth I find this topic quite stupid because of the arguments, each side continues to accuse the other of doing wrong things. The parents accuse the media; than the media accuses the parents again it’s all a circle that keeps repeating itself.
Most importantly I have found this article quite interesting and effective although it is an informal piece, the main argument gets across quite clearly.
This persuasive piece was nicely organized with the subheadings it made it a lot easier to read and didn’t bore me out as the Media Violence (Informal Tone). The subheadings of the piece helped it seem more organized, and easy to read. However, piece was short and to the point unlike some of the other pieces. The criticism was quite effective in getting the message across and the coverage of the debatable topics was key toward the major points of the piece. The informal tone of this piece made the structure, content and style of the piece not as effective.
As far as content is concerned, I feel the author did a great job because he clearly describes how media violence affected children and teens. The explanation not only mentioned the impact on teen violence, but also involved drugs, sex, etc. As stated in the article children and teens are viewing at least one junk food or beer ad every commercial break. The ability to use statistics to give his opinions some support helped hammer his arguments. “There are more than 1000 studies linking exposure to media violence to real-life aggressive behaviour.”
To say the truth I find this topic quite stupid because of the arguments, each side continues to accuse the other of doing wrong things. The parents accuse the media; than the media accuses the parents again it’s all a circle that keeps repeating itself.
Most importantly I have found this article quite interesting and effective although it is an informal piece, the main argument gets across quite clearly.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Persuasive Piece: Reflection
Definition: a writer takes a position for or against and attempts to convince the reader to believe or do something.
Writing a persuasive piece is quite difficult as I have noticed with my first editorial. My mark reflects my work, but I’ve learned a huge lesson. This lesson has taught me that it is important to provide more statistics with the opinions that are stated because knowing the basics is not enough to convince the reader. The basics of a topic can be found easily, but knowing the depths of the topic is what becomes the key to the success of the persuasive piece. The more knowledgeable you are, that much stronger the argument becomes. Personally, I have a lot of work to do and I will not rest till I get up to par, but the research and time that is put into the topic is important.
It is essential to have the basic knowledge of persuasive pieces and it makes it a lot easier to write it. SESICU (Statement Explain Support Illustrate Connect Unite) will make a big difference if everyone follows the steps. The time and effort put into every type of piece is essential to the quality of it and the number of rough drafts also makes an impact on the final product. No matter what circumstance an outline is mandatory when writing any sort of piece and it gives the reader a better understanding of the format of the piece. This is something that I had missed out on and more research into my topic would’ve helped me quite significantly.
As far as marks are concerned for students, it will all come down to their effort and writing skills. If they’re not a good writer this course should be dropped immediately, but another persuasive piece assignment will do the class a huge favour. This is because it is a chance for those who did not do so good the first time around to redeem themselves and a couple days spent on this will not hurt. Especially, considering myself I feel I can do a much better job and another chance will be of great help.
Writing a persuasive piece is quite difficult as I have noticed with my first editorial. My mark reflects my work, but I’ve learned a huge lesson. This lesson has taught me that it is important to provide more statistics with the opinions that are stated because knowing the basics is not enough to convince the reader. The basics of a topic can be found easily, but knowing the depths of the topic is what becomes the key to the success of the persuasive piece. The more knowledgeable you are, that much stronger the argument becomes. Personally, I have a lot of work to do and I will not rest till I get up to par, but the research and time that is put into the topic is important.
It is essential to have the basic knowledge of persuasive pieces and it makes it a lot easier to write it. SESICU (Statement Explain Support Illustrate Connect Unite) will make a big difference if everyone follows the steps. The time and effort put into every type of piece is essential to the quality of it and the number of rough drafts also makes an impact on the final product. No matter what circumstance an outline is mandatory when writing any sort of piece and it gives the reader a better understanding of the format of the piece. This is something that I had missed out on and more research into my topic would’ve helped me quite significantly.
As far as marks are concerned for students, it will all come down to their effort and writing skills. If they’re not a good writer this course should be dropped immediately, but another persuasive piece assignment will do the class a huge favour. This is because it is a chance for those who did not do so good the first time around to redeem themselves and a couple days spent on this will not hurt. Especially, considering myself I feel I can do a much better job and another chance will be of great help.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Obama's Inauguration Speech
Obama’s inauguration speech has struck me like a cupid’s arrow. Although it may have not been as lengthy as the other two speeches, it was the most effective. His speech was addressed not only to Americans, but to political leaders globally. Obama’s ability to deliver his speech has touched the hearts of many, as well as myself. With the visions of a new America, Obama delivers his speech with clarity and the usage of rhetorical devices. “The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.” The inauguration speech was both similar and different to the others in a variety of ways.
Obama’s excessive use of anecdotes in this speech was what made it different from the others. In this speech Obama constantly involves the audience as a part of his vision for the future. “Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many.” His involvement of the audience into almost every aspect of his speech is a key part to its success. "But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you." It makes everyone feel apart of this historic time and gets everyone involved in his speech. A major difference in this speech was the involvement of the past as it was essential to the success of America. , “For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life….For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth…” Unlike the other speeches Obama goes into a little bit more detail about how America Foreign Affairs will get more involved in the crisis between Muslims and Christians, Iraq war, Afghanistan War, etc. Once again Obama has shown his ability to be unique and standout from past governments.
The similarity between the articles is Obama’s ability to use rhetorical devices to the greatest extent. Obama’s ability to impressively use rhetorical devices in all the speeches is crucial to how he gets his message across. "Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)." Although Obama is not the script writer his ability to say the words was effective and the rhetorical devices were used effectively in all three speeches.
Most importantly I’ve enjoyed all three speeches greatly, but it is what I learned about rhetorical devices and their usage that helped me the most.
Obama’s excessive use of anecdotes in this speech was what made it different from the others. In this speech Obama constantly involves the audience as a part of his vision for the future. “Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many.” His involvement of the audience into almost every aspect of his speech is a key part to its success. "But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you." It makes everyone feel apart of this historic time and gets everyone involved in his speech. A major difference in this speech was the involvement of the past as it was essential to the success of America. , “For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life….For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth…” Unlike the other speeches Obama goes into a little bit more detail about how America Foreign Affairs will get more involved in the crisis between Muslims and Christians, Iraq war, Afghanistan War, etc. Once again Obama has shown his ability to be unique and standout from past governments.
The similarity between the articles is Obama’s ability to use rhetorical devices to the greatest extent. Obama’s ability to impressively use rhetorical devices in all the speeches is crucial to how he gets his message across. "Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)." Although Obama is not the script writer his ability to say the words was effective and the rhetorical devices were used effectively in all three speeches.
Most importantly I’ve enjoyed all three speeches greatly, but it is what I learned about rhetorical devices and their usage that helped me the most.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Obama's Victory Speech
Obama’s victory speech was amazing; when I had first heard it live with my parents it sounded even better. His speech involved thanking everyone who helped him and discussed some topics about his plans for the future. The historical impact that this victory had on society was huge; as Obama became the first African-American President.
After watching/reading Obama’s Victory & Acceptance Speech I realized that Obama speaks in a similar order in both situations. In both speeches he thanks those who helped him at first and mentioned his family before starting with the actual speech in both circumstances. Each issue was addresses one at a time and involved a lot of real life examples that helped the audience understand the message of his speech. Most importantly he not only speaks to those who votes for him, but addresses all Americans. “It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white… - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.” This is one of my most favorite quotes because of its ability to get the message across with such efficiency.
The most common rhetorical devices used in both speeches are: anecdotes, reader inclusion, chiasmus, etc. What makes Obama’s speeches so powerful is his ability to weave these rhetorical devices into his speeches. This not only makes the message stronger, but also more effective. Rhetorical devices were used right from the beginning of the speech right toward the end. The first rhetorical device that was used was Repetition. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.” Repetition was constantly used throughout this speech, but just one of them is enough to show the effectiveness of the device. Reader Inclusion is also one of the major factors behind the effectiveness of Obama’s speech, because of the ability to get the crowd involved. “Yes we can,” was a famous line during most of Obama’s speeches and almost every single time it was mentioned the crowd started to chant that very phrase. As these two devices were successful in getting the message across, so where the others.
These particular techniques were used because of Obama’s intellectual ability to know when and how to use them. Every single one of his speeches, I feel is a work of art. His creativity and ability to write is what makes the devices he uses effective. Most importantly, Obama also involves more than one rhetorical device that transitions perfectly to one another. This is effective because the use of rhetorical devices involves creativity and his ability to weave it into his speeches is astonishing.
After watching/reading Obama’s Victory & Acceptance Speech I realized that Obama speaks in a similar order in both situations. In both speeches he thanks those who helped him at first and mentioned his family before starting with the actual speech in both circumstances. Each issue was addresses one at a time and involved a lot of real life examples that helped the audience understand the message of his speech. Most importantly he not only speaks to those who votes for him, but addresses all Americans. “It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white… - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.” This is one of my most favorite quotes because of its ability to get the message across with such efficiency.
The most common rhetorical devices used in both speeches are: anecdotes, reader inclusion, chiasmus, etc. What makes Obama’s speeches so powerful is his ability to weave these rhetorical devices into his speeches. This not only makes the message stronger, but also more effective. Rhetorical devices were used right from the beginning of the speech right toward the end. The first rhetorical device that was used was Repetition. “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.” Repetition was constantly used throughout this speech, but just one of them is enough to show the effectiveness of the device. Reader Inclusion is also one of the major factors behind the effectiveness of Obama’s speech, because of the ability to get the crowd involved. “Yes we can,” was a famous line during most of Obama’s speeches and almost every single time it was mentioned the crowd started to chant that very phrase. As these two devices were successful in getting the message across, so where the others.
These particular techniques were used because of Obama’s intellectual ability to know when and how to use them. Every single one of his speeches, I feel is a work of art. His creativity and ability to write is what makes the devices he uses effective. Most importantly, Obama also involves more than one rhetorical device that transitions perfectly to one another. This is effective because the use of rhetorical devices involves creativity and his ability to weave it into his speeches is astonishing.
Obama's Acceptance Speech
After watching and reading Obama's Acceptance Speech I was astonished at his ability to get the message across with such power and emphasis. After watching him speak I've realized that Obama's speech shows a lot about his character and style. His voice let alone persuades my thoughts and how Americans can think. The attitude that Obama puts toward rebuilding America is so effective, and rallies many allover America toward him. At the same time I've noticed that Obama involves diction in this speech with the repitition of words, this had a major impact toward the persuasion of the audience. Most importantly he's confident and poise during his speeches, always addresses everyone in the audience. Obama also involves anecdote by retelling a lot of past experiences during his life.
Obama's success during his speech involves his ability to use rhetorical, literary and narrative devices that has helped him get his message across to the world. The one thing that impressed me the most was the criticism of the "Bush Administration." Personally I hate Bush and for Obama to get out on the stage and reveal the mistakes of the past presidential term. His ability to hammer McCain based on the Bush Administration was also great because it showed how McCain agreed with Bush 90% of the time. This was an amazing strategy because it helped him basically destroy the McCain & Bush policies.
Obama's ability to use abstract ideas sounded well during his speech. At the same time Obama let known his plans for change when he becomes President of the "United States of America." Reader Inclusion was also an essential part during his speech, this makes the audience/reader feel like a group and makes everyone involved. Obama always refers to Americans as a whole and considers all Americans as family. " I am my brothers keeper...,etc." “And now is the time to keep the promise of equal pay for an equal day's work, because I want my daughters to have exactly the same opportunities as your sons.” This was my most favorite quote during his first speech because it involves everyone.
Lastly, I also found that watching or hearing the speech greatly enhanced my understanding of the speech because it gives me two tools. Difference wise, I actually felt the same way as I was reading because of Obama's choice of words. However, I enjoyed listening to the speech because of the way Obama presented his speech, his ability to get the message across with clarity played a major role in the success. Most importantly he made sure that every single part of his speech was heard & understood by the audience.
Gowtham
Obama's success during his speech involves his ability to use rhetorical, literary and narrative devices that has helped him get his message across to the world. The one thing that impressed me the most was the criticism of the "Bush Administration." Personally I hate Bush and for Obama to get out on the stage and reveal the mistakes of the past presidential term. His ability to hammer McCain based on the Bush Administration was also great because it showed how McCain agreed with Bush 90% of the time. This was an amazing strategy because it helped him basically destroy the McCain & Bush policies.
Obama's ability to use abstract ideas sounded well during his speech. At the same time Obama let known his plans for change when he becomes President of the "United States of America." Reader Inclusion was also an essential part during his speech, this makes the audience/reader feel like a group and makes everyone involved. Obama always refers to Americans as a whole and considers all Americans as family. " I am my brothers keeper...,etc." “And now is the time to keep the promise of equal pay for an equal day's work, because I want my daughters to have exactly the same opportunities as your sons.” This was my most favorite quote during his first speech because it involves everyone.
Lastly, I also found that watching or hearing the speech greatly enhanced my understanding of the speech because it gives me two tools. Difference wise, I actually felt the same way as I was reading because of Obama's choice of words. However, I enjoyed listening to the speech because of the way Obama presented his speech, his ability to get the message across with clarity played a major role in the success. Most importantly he made sure that every single part of his speech was heard & understood by the audience.
Gowtham
Sunday, February 8, 2009
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/388587/ethics_and_my_personal_values_an_opinion_pg2.html?cat=9
my article \\\\\\\\i know you said not to blog on it but this way \\i don't have to p rint it
my article \\\\\\\\i know you said not to blog on it but this way \\i don't have to p rint it
Thursday, February 5, 2009
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