Blog 8: What Does the Next Semester Look Like for You?

Engl 165-09 Fall '24, Freshman

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We have now completed Freshman Year by Sarah Mai. Unlike you, she has completed her first full semester while you are quickly approaching completion of your first semester. As you look forward to spring semester, how do you see your experiences possibly lining up with Sarah’s? What challenges do you think you’ll face in the upcoming semester? Will spring break be on your radar from day one? Do you already have plans for spring break? Do you have plans for your summer already: traveling, working, internship, vegging?

Think through how you think your upcoming semester will reflect of differ from Sarah’s.

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Blog post 7

Engl 165-09 Fall '24

 

In chapter 7 of academic reading, several elements of structure, language, and reference are discussed. 

The thesis statement, which forms the basis of the argument and needs to be precise and debatable, is one important structural component. 

The chapter also discusses many organizational patterns, such as chronological, thematic, or comparative structures. For language, a formal tone is necessary in humanities writing. 

For reference, citation of sources is essential. It also shows how the author can interact with one another. The most commonly used citations are MLA, CMS, and APA.

In the story at the end of the article, I first recognized the thesis. The author portrayed the thesis well and also made some observations and did the correct research to organize that. Reference is used consistently to cite the authors whose work was used in the second paragraph. “Idea of joyful love and marriage” is a significant use of language, with the author’s joyfully referring to love and marriage. 

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Post 7 Writing in Humanities

Engl 165-09 Fall '24

 

The important parts of reading and writing are structure, language, and reference. Within in these pieces there are also elements that shape them. Structures main element is an argument of a paper or something of the sort. Arguments are thesis driven so writers must build a strong one to write their paper on. To build a strong thesis writers must make observations that pose good questions. After that research takes place. What the thesis essentially does is say what the author wants to prove to you is correct after their questions and research. A thesis should be debatable, conversation, and have significance. The structure of many papers is built around the idea of a 5 paragraph essay which can be adjusted per the point and style of the paper.

Next is how the paper is worded. Language is another element of writing. Language’s subcategories are descriptive, rhetorical, and active writing. As well as hedging. Descriptive writing entails the authors individuality showing through the words and voice. Rhetorical writing includes using devices such as similies and metaphors to show an authors language. By using active voice an author is stating the subject of the sentence very upfront, whereas passive voice is the opposite of active. Hedging in writing is when authors will draw a sentence out so it doesn’t sound or look like a straight fact. It can be interpreted based on judgement of the reader as opposed to looking like an obvious fact.

Referencing in writing shows how one author can interact with another just by using their works. Proving things are facts will sometimes be needed, in doing so a citation must come with it. In the humanities, the most commonly used citations are MLA, CMS, and APA. This way authors can also prove where they stand with a point by possibly picking a source that aligns more so with their beliefs than that of which they are writing.

In the sample story at the end of the article the first thing that I notice is the thesis. The author framed the thesis well and obviously made some observations and did the research to organize that. Reference is used frequently to cite the authors whose works were used in particularly the second paragraph. “ideal of joyful love and marriage.”, is a great use of language with the descriptor joyful referring to the love and the marriage. “The authors setting for this science is crucial in the development of not only the plot but also her critique of marriage.”, is an example of hedging because it shows how this sentence could be examined but t is not the author trying to make it an end-all-be-all.

 

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Blog Post 7

Engl 165-09 Fall '24

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In Chapter 7 of AW, the common elements of structure, language, and reference in the humanities were discussed. The structure in the humanities is typically thesis driven. The thesis is usually built off of research questions. It follows a five paragraph essay structure. It starts with a thesis, likely to be found in the introduction paragraph. Then followed by body paragraphs that include evidence of the claim. At the end there is a conclusion that is a summary and includes key points of the writing. Titles are also an important part of the structure. The author of AW describes titles to be creative and artistic. Transition words are used to think back to the thesis and to back up the reasoning behind the claim. 

In the sample text, Ray starts with a Thesis statement and then goes into her body paragraphs that give supporting evidence from the text about the author’s view on marriage, specifically oppressive ones. At the end of her writing she has a conclusion paragraph that sums up the key points in the text that back up her claim. In between each of her paragraphs she uses transition statements and words that help her writing flow. For example she says “Chopin goes on to emphasize…”. 

Language in the humanities is “flowery” language. There is a lot of use of figurative language. Typically authors will write in an active voice to clearly state the subject. Hedging is used to show possibilities of exceptions in claims.

In the Rays’ writing, there are some examples of hedging. Especially when she is referencing the author’s claims. She says things like “seem to”. In the sample text, the author uses an active voice. We know this because she clearly states the subjects in her writing. 

Reference in the humanities often entails incorporating references of other’s work to show the relevance of the topic. Referencing articles can show the author’s standpoint on the topic. Citations are usually done in Modern Language Association, and Chicago Manual of Style.

On the works cited page of the sample paper, Ray’s citations are done in MLA format. She uses in text citations from the other authors’ work to back up what she explains about Kate Chopin’s writing. 



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AW 7

Academic Writing, Engl 165-09 Fall '24

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Chapter seven of AW focuses on how writing in the humanities is conceived. The structure of the writing style consists of a thesis, which is the introduction of the text. It shows a clear central idea of the text, which will be built off of it in the rest of the text. Beyond the thesis, the body paragraphs often start with a topic sentence telling the reader what information is within this paragraph. It is then finished with a transition sentence linking it to the following body paragraph. Language should avoid being passive and should use human emotion. These aspects contribute human-like elements, so your writing can come across as more expressive. The writing styles for the humanities include MLA and Chicago.

For the example essay given within chapter seven, I find the introduction to help explain the background and what beliefs and society were like when this essay was written; however, I feel the thesis is overly complicated for no explicit reason, using just the sentence “Chopin explores marriage as the oppression of one’s true self and desires.” would be a much easier thesis for the reader to grasp. The overall structure is well done with a clear hook at the beginning into the background of the time, finally building a thesis. The language used in this introduction is very on-point, engaging, and somewhat concise on the topic of the essay. Reference in the opening paragraph includes properly citing the text the author is using. They also include names of other famous writers writing around the same time.

The body paragraphs are the meat of this essay and contain evidence to support the author’s claims. This essay would be better represented under headers rather than just paragraphs but to the formatting. Many paragraphs often are written about the same section of text. The topic is introduced in one paragraph, and in the following, certain aspects of the text are explored for how they build the story’s meaning. Besides this structure issue, the rest of the formatting is fine. Each paragraph includes a topic sentence, followed by drawing meaning from the text and analyzing it, then is tied back to the thesis. The author often goes down the path of summarizing the text without linking it to their thesis. The language is the standard for this style of writing and has no major flaws. Quotes are abundant in this paper, and the author does them correctly by naming the story’s author once with the paragraph number, then only including the paragraph for the rest of their citations. 

In their concluding paragraph, the thesis is retouched, and key points of the text are used to provide final proof of the author’s claim. A final meaning is also drawn from the text, which wraps up the paper.



 

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A Guide to Academic Writing: Chapter 7; Reading and Writing in the Humanities

Academic Writing, Engl 165-09 Fall '24

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One of the readings this week came from A Guide to Academic Writing. This chapter was about reading and writing in the humanities. Throughout the reading, I was able to learn the common elements of structure, language, and reference in the humanities and understand them on a deeper level. 

Regardless of the type of writing, structure is something which is extremely important. One of the main elements of structure for writing in the humanities comes from the argument. Arguments are structured to be thesis-driven; meaning that they make an interpretive claim about a text and then support the claim with specific evidence from the text and sometimes material from other sources that support their interpretation. This is different from writing in the social and natural sciences, as they are driven by a hypothesis that is requires testing and provides for a different kind of structure. In addition to this element of structure, writing in the humanities includes structure elements that include titles, paragraphs, and transitions. For instance, authors create titles that reflect the value of artistic and creative use of language. Additionally, paragraphs are connected through transitional words and phrases that guide readers through the parts of an argument and help them understand how one paragraph connects to the other.

When it comes to language in the humanities, one that is creative or playful is often used. For instance, an author might use figurative language and rhetorical devices. Overall authors choose precise and sometimes artistic language that not only conveys information, but also engages in rhetorical activity of its own. Additionally, writing in the humanities favors the use of the active voice instead of the passive voice. This is because the active voice clearly states the subject of the sentence, the agent, as the person or thing doing the action. Lastly, authors use the technique of hedging to allow for other interpretations of and perspectives on texts. 

References are used in the humanities to establish what the focus and stance of their own research will be. Furthermore, when work of other scholars is cited, the authors show how their research contributes to ongoing conversations about a subject. These references overall allow for strengthening of the argument and direct support of it because it is showing how another scholar had a similar idea. When citing this references, MLA or CMA format are usually used. 

Towards the end of this chapter, there is a student sample paper in which these elements of structure, language, and references can be exemplified. For instance, the student provides a thesis, that is clearly stated and provides a preview that allows the reader to understand how her paper will develop. Along with this, transitions are used between the student’s paragraphs, which organize her ideas and connect all of her different ideas. Additionally, the student uses the active voice, which allows her to clarify who is doing what in her sentences. Lastly, when the student cites her source, she uses MLA format.

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Blog Post 7: How bout that Writing in the Humanities

Academic Writing, Engl 165-09 Fall '24

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So this week you read AW: Chapter 7, “Reading and Writing in the Humanities.” For this blog post, please discuss in detail as many of the common elements of structure, language, and reference in the humanities as you were able to identify and give examples from the text. After that, read the student sample paper near the end of the chapter and identify and give examples of as many of the elements of structure, language, and reference as you can find. BE SPECIFIC. What do you find lacking? This will get you in the habit of discussing these items in a piece of writing. Thus helping you to discuss these things in your own writing.

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Post 6

Engl 165-09 Fall '24

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Through the semester of being in the class English 165 we have learned so many perspective, different styles of writing, and many more. much of this information is from many great books such as, Understanding Rhetoric and They Say, I Say. My favorite reading thus far is from chapter fourteen from They Say, I Say. In it we go over “What’s Motivating This Writer?” which goes over the topic of understanding what an author is really trying to say and impart upon their knowledge to the audience. In contrast, my least favorite reading would have to be anything from Academic Writing, I hate it. Unfortunately, the reason I dislike Academic Writing is not because of the content but rather much the content repeats itself. Though I understand that the author is  probably  so repetitive  because they’re trying to nail down the information, that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

Speaking of academic writing, my own writing is what I could compare to actual Hog Wash. I don’t think that it’s totally irredeemable, nothing really is.  It’s just that I don’t know if what I’m writing is comprehensible to my audience, and it makes me worried that my writing is even worth reading, but that is another topic entirely. I do see some strengths in my writing, such as my usage of words in writing. However, I struggle with expressing more complex ideas in a way that’s easy for my readers to understand. To tackle this issue, I think the best solution is to write more often and not let my anxiety about others’ opinions hold me back. By practicing regularly and allowing myself to experiment with my writing, I hope to become more confident and clearer in my expression. Writing is a skill that takes time to develop, and I’m determined to keep improving.

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What I have Learned

Engl 165-09 Fall '24

 

My favorite chapter from They Say, I Say is “You Mean I Can Just Say It That Way?” I love that it emphasizes using everyday language when writing. I often try to use big words or complicated sentences, thinking it will make my writing sound smarter, but this chapter encourages me to make my writing more inviting by addressing the readers directly. I also liked the examples comparing unclear and clear writing. They show how small changes can make a big difference in understanding and they have inspired me to revise my own work more carefully, ensuring I communicate my ideas effectively. This chapter has changed how I think about writing. Its focus on clarity and connection makes it my favorite so far, and it provides me with great tools to improve my writing in the future.

I don’t have a least favorite chapter in any of the books I’ve read so far because they all teach me new things. If I did have one I didn’t like, I would go back and review it as much as possible. I once heard that “something you don’t like is trying to teach you something,” so I live by this idea. That’s why I can say I do not have a chapter I dislike.

Honestly, I think my writing can still improve. I feel like I’m in the middle with my writing. Writing is challenging, I recently told my friend that I find writing poems easier than writing essays because I’m more passionate about poetry. My ideas also flow easily when I write about topics I care about, but when it’s something I’m less interested in, my mind often goes blank.

One of my strengths in writing is imagery. I feel like I can paint a picture for readers with my words. Another strength is that my writing is clear, making my main ideas easy to understand. However, I do struggle with poor structure and sometimes neglect my audience. To overcome these weaknesses, I plan to seek feedback from people who are my target audience and revise my work based on their insights.

So far, I know that academic writing follows a structure that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The language used in academic writing is mostly formal, but it can vary depending on the field. References are important in academic writing because they support your claims and give credit to original ideas.

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Blog 6

Engl 165-09 Fall '24

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Hello once again,
today I will be writing about not the graphic novel Freshman  but instead the some of the other reading materials I have had the pleasure of reading for class. Of the reading material I have read so far I believe my favorite topic was in Understanding Rhetoric(UR), specifically in Issue(chapter) 1. I liked talking about Ethos, Logos, Pathos, and Kairos. I liked learning about this subject because it was an expansion on something I was already familiar with, Ethos, Logos, and Pathos are all things I heard about in high school and had helped me a great deal in righting papers before but the introduction of Kairos was new and seemed simple enough to learn (additionally Kairos sounds a lot like Kronos in my mind so it was simple to remember Kairos is about time because Kronos held dominion over time in Greek myth and my love of Greek myth just enjoyed that a bit). It also helped that UR is written in a comic book style so it is so much easier to digest compared to the other books I have had to read for class. On the flip side a section i really did not enjoy learning about was well not a specific section but most anything in AW: A Guide to Academic Writing, there is nothing overtly wrong with the readings from it, I just find them very dull in comparison to other reading for class, I think they remind me to much of the science textbooks I had to read back in high school so maybe that is why, because for all intents and purposes they are very similar to the readings in They Say, I Say but I do not mind reading that book.

But honestly the reading I feel have helped me with my writing quite a bit. I am not a huge fan of writing, I don’t do it if I can help it, and to be fair I have never been a huge fan of my own writing. I mean I’ve never been disappointed in it I always have given good work when i need to, but it could definitely improve. I have always felt that given enough time I could wright about almost any subject for most any given length so writing papers for classes with a page minimum in a subject I am not particularly interested in is simple but on the downside of that I have always felt that my writing is unnecessarily wordee, additionally I would use words in my writing that I would never in my day to day life just to add length to my text. But I am working on it, I have slowed my self down given myself more time to think because my go to plan for writing is to just type what ever words pop into my head but as of late i’ve been thinking more about word choice and how to effectively use my words. All in all, I have much to imporve on and Im working to better myself in the way I wright.

Thanks for tunning in,
Logan Wooton

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