Chapter 7b Exercise
For each of the following excerpts, decide what the author's purpose is in writing.
1. The ACT, like the SAT, is designed to test what a student has learned and demonstrate the application of ideas. It uses both multiple-choice and essay questions. The ACT is the most common college admission test in Michigan, and test administrators make slight adjustments to maintain the same degree of difficulty each year.
The author's purpose in this excerpt is to inform.
2. We finally have driven the fift-generation Nissan Z-car, the new 350Z, and, like a chocolate souffle that takes an extra twenty minutes to emerge from the restaurant's kitchen, it was worth the wait. All of us who've been behind the wheel of the 350Z agree that to drive it is to love it.
The author's purpose in this excerpt is to persuade you to buy.
3. God is not a jolly fellow like Santa Claus; He is a great bookkeeper. And He is keeping a book on you? I am a Western Union boy? I have a death message? I must tell you plainly you are going to hell! You listen! Don't you trifle with God! Don't you think you can barter! You are a sinner! You have come short of God's requirements! Your punishment is sure!
The author's purpose in this excerpt is to scare, warn, pursuade you.
4. I asked my mother, What was Daddy like?"
"Crunchy, a bit salty, rich in fiber."
"Before you ate him, I mean."
"He was a little guy, insecure, anxious, neurotic-pretty much like all you baby boys".
I felt closer than ever to the parent I had never known, who'd been dissolved in Mom's stomach just as I was being conceived. From whom I had gotten not nurturning but nourishment. I though, thank you Dad. I know what it means for a (praying) mantis to sacrifice himself for the family.
The author's purpose in this excerpt is entertainment.
5. The terrorists who killed Danny stood at the other extreme of what Danny represents. They could only wield their knife and cowardice against Danny's intellectual courage and bold spirit. Danny died holding only a pen. They stole his life but were unable to seize his soul. By killing Danny, terrorists took my life as well but could not lay claim to my spirit. Dead and alive we will never let them win.
The author's purpose in this excerpt is to inform.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
CRCB Chapter 6 & 7 Summaries
Chapter 6 CCRB Summary
Authors use details to illustrate and explain their main ideas. There are two types of details, major and minor supporting details, they are used to validate and clarify the main ideas. Details are found in word clues and phrases. They are usually presented as facts, opinions, examples and illustrations. Being able to identify main ideas and supporting details in your reading is crucial in critical thinking and college success.
Chapter 7 CCRB Summary
Authors assume a certain level of knowledge in their readers. They rely on inference which is the process of making assumptions and drawing conclusions about information when an authors opinions or ideas are not directly stated. To understand an authors purpose note comparisons and implied similarities, detect an authors bias are example of inference strategies. These strategies will help you to better infer meaning when an author doesn’t directly state their points. One problem that arises is that the reader will tend to infer too much. Make sure you do not ignore the speaker.
Authors use details to illustrate and explain their main ideas. There are two types of details, major and minor supporting details, they are used to validate and clarify the main ideas. Details are found in word clues and phrases. They are usually presented as facts, opinions, examples and illustrations. Being able to identify main ideas and supporting details in your reading is crucial in critical thinking and college success.
Chapter 7 CCRB Summary
Authors assume a certain level of knowledge in their readers. They rely on inference which is the process of making assumptions and drawing conclusions about information when an authors opinions or ideas are not directly stated. To understand an authors purpose note comparisons and implied similarities, detect an authors bias are example of inference strategies. These strategies will help you to better infer meaning when an author doesn’t directly state their points. One problem that arises is that the reader will tend to infer too much. Make sure you do not ignore the speaker.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
TFY Chapter 6 & 7 Summaries and Exercises
Chapter 6 Thinking for Yourself
Summary
Opinions
This chapter looks at the word Opinions. This word can be confused with facts. An opinion express the decisions we make about life. It involves a judgment, belief, claim or statement we believe to be true. There are several types of opinions, judgments, advice, generalizations and personal taste or sentiments. Public opinion polls can be used to determine or manipulate public sentiments.
CHAPTER 6 TYF
An Exercise in Evaluating Opinioins
Rate the following opinions as:
A. An opinion I would accept and act on.
B. Worthy of consideration.
C. I’d want another opinion.
D. Forget it!
A 1. Your doctor says you need surgery immediately.
B 2. A psychiatrist testifies in court that the defendant is not guilty by reason of insanity.
C 3. The weather forecaster says it will rain tomorrow.
C 4. Your attorney says you should sue your neighbor for damages.
C 5. You want to rent an apartment but the neighbor next door says the landlord is a weirdo.
D 6. Your best friend tells you your fiancée is tacky.
D 7. Your English instructor says you don’t know how to think and should see a psychiatrist.
B 8. Your astrologer tells you not to go on any long trips in May.
A 9. The judge says you are guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol.
A 10. An engineer says you can prevent your basement from flooding by blasting holes for drainage in your foundation.
Chapter 7 Thinking for Yourself
Summary
Evaluations
In critical thinking, one must learn to recognize an evaluation because it can be viewed in many ways. It intentions can be honest, hidden and manipulative. To evaluate is to determine the value of something or to examine, judge, appraise and estimate. Quite often we prematurely evaluate things without carefully looking it over. This can lead us to make hasty judgments and can lead to a lot of problems. Evaluations are not facts and expectations can influence evaluations. Evaluations are opinions and word connotations can manipulate our evaluations.
Discovery Exercise Page 202
Recognizing Evaluative Words’ Persuasive Powers.
Underline the words in the following passages that contain connotations that could influence feelings, and thus opinion as well.
1. I listen to the feminists and all these radical gals-most of them are failures. They’ve blown it. Some of them have been married, but they married some Caspar Miquetoast who asked permission to go to the bathroom. These women just need a man in the house. That’s all they need. Most of these feminists need a man to tell them what time of day it is and to lead them home. And they blew it and they’re mad at men. Feminists hate men. They’re sexist. They hate men-that’s their problem.
2. We saved these helpless pets from being butchered for ‘gourmet’ food in South Korea. You can help us save thousands more from the cruel Cages of Despair.
3. (Photograph of a happy white middle-class family walking into the arms of a grandfatherly figure). All these years we’ve been protecting you. When you walk into our insurance office, you’ll learn how we can protect the lives of a husband and wife. Your children. Or even the lives of your business associates.
4. Before Sept. 11, though, we thought of globalization as mainly meaning us sending ‘them’ good things, like the Internet and Coca-Cola. Now we understand that globalization also means ‘them’ being in a position to send ‘us bad things like terrorist attacks, emerging diseases, illegal immigrants and situations requiring the dispatch of U.S. troops.
5. This city does not need our vote for a ballpark shopping mall complex that would only be a megashrine to cookie-cutter consumerism.
6. Corporate welfare – the enormous and myriad subsidies, bailouts, giveaways, tax loopholes, debt revocations, loan guarantees, discounted insurance and other benefits conferred by government on business – is a function of political corruption.
Summary
Opinions
This chapter looks at the word Opinions. This word can be confused with facts. An opinion express the decisions we make about life. It involves a judgment, belief, claim or statement we believe to be true. There are several types of opinions, judgments, advice, generalizations and personal taste or sentiments. Public opinion polls can be used to determine or manipulate public sentiments.
CHAPTER 6 TYF
An Exercise in Evaluating Opinioins
Rate the following opinions as:
A. An opinion I would accept and act on.
B. Worthy of consideration.
C. I’d want another opinion.
D. Forget it!
A 1. Your doctor says you need surgery immediately.
B 2. A psychiatrist testifies in court that the defendant is not guilty by reason of insanity.
C 3. The weather forecaster says it will rain tomorrow.
C 4. Your attorney says you should sue your neighbor for damages.
C 5. You want to rent an apartment but the neighbor next door says the landlord is a weirdo.
D 6. Your best friend tells you your fiancée is tacky.
D 7. Your English instructor says you don’t know how to think and should see a psychiatrist.
B 8. Your astrologer tells you not to go on any long trips in May.
A 9. The judge says you are guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol.
A 10. An engineer says you can prevent your basement from flooding by blasting holes for drainage in your foundation.
Chapter 7 Thinking for Yourself
Summary
Evaluations
In critical thinking, one must learn to recognize an evaluation because it can be viewed in many ways. It intentions can be honest, hidden and manipulative. To evaluate is to determine the value of something or to examine, judge, appraise and estimate. Quite often we prematurely evaluate things without carefully looking it over. This can lead us to make hasty judgments and can lead to a lot of problems. Evaluations are not facts and expectations can influence evaluations. Evaluations are opinions and word connotations can manipulate our evaluations.
Discovery Exercise Page 202
Recognizing Evaluative Words’ Persuasive Powers.
Underline the words in the following passages that contain connotations that could influence feelings, and thus opinion as well.
1. I listen to the feminists and all these radical gals-most of them are failures. They’ve blown it. Some of them have been married, but they married some Caspar Miquetoast who asked permission to go to the bathroom. These women just need a man in the house. That’s all they need. Most of these feminists need a man to tell them what time of day it is and to lead them home. And they blew it and they’re mad at men. Feminists hate men. They’re sexist. They hate men-that’s their problem.
2. We saved these helpless pets from being butchered for ‘gourmet’ food in South Korea. You can help us save thousands more from the cruel Cages of Despair.
3. (Photograph of a happy white middle-class family walking into the arms of a grandfatherly figure). All these years we’ve been protecting you. When you walk into our insurance office, you’ll learn how we can protect the lives of a husband and wife. Your children. Or even the lives of your business associates.
4. Before Sept. 11, though, we thought of globalization as mainly meaning us sending ‘them’ good things, like the Internet and Coca-Cola. Now we understand that globalization also means ‘them’ being in a position to send ‘us bad things like terrorist attacks, emerging diseases, illegal immigrants and situations requiring the dispatch of U.S. troops.
5. This city does not need our vote for a ballpark shopping mall complex that would only be a megashrine to cookie-cutter consumerism.
6. Corporate welfare – the enormous and myriad subsidies, bailouts, giveaways, tax loopholes, debt revocations, loan guarantees, discounted insurance and other benefits conferred by government on business – is a function of political corruption.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Acceptance
My days are filled
with hopes and dreams,
that I one day
will witness great things.
I wanna live by
an oceanside,
to watch my
fears and worries
easily subside..
I wanna see smiles
on the children's faces,
No more hungry nights
and trips to strange places.
I want us all
to simply get along,
and make each other feel
we really do belong.
As I watch your
low regards and grins,
simply cause of the
beauty of my skin,
It really scares me
one can be so blind,
as not to see
what really shines.
We've come so far
yet have miles to go,
come tomorrow,
what will we show.
Don't hate me cause
I'm beautiful.
Love oneself,
open up and learn
why there's a certain
glide in my stride,
a pep in my step
and there's definitely
funk in my spunk.
I invite you
to know me,
to love me,
to admire me.
I am one of many who are very proud,
stand tall,
refuses to fall.
I'll gracefully
walk my walk,
and talk my talk.
Strong determination
will take me there.
Where?
Beyond, and then some.
If you choose
to meet me there,
Smile when you pass
accept the radiant glow
from my skin,
allow it to flow
to your heart,
It'll give you
a beautiful start.
Let's strive for
Peace, Forgiveness,
Understanding
and most of all
ACCEPTANCE.
Chapter 5 - TYF, Summaries/Exercises
Chapter 5
Assumptions:
What’s Taken for Granted?
Summary:
Assumption means to take up or accept something. It is said to be an unproven belief. Critical thinkers must learn to identify hidden assumptions such as stereotypes, which are hasty generalizations. There are four types of assumptions. Unconscious or unwarranted assumptions are usually wrong and can lead to problems. A conscious assumption is used to gain more information and a warranted assumption is based on knowledge. They both are useful tools for problem solving.
A good persuasive argument is based on claims supported by facts, examples, evidence and reasoning, not assumptions.
Discussion Break Questions
(Hidden Assumptions)
Identify and express the hidden assumptions underlying each of the following statements.
2. I couldn’t visit a Buddhist temple because they worship idols there.
a. Buddism is not a respected religion.
b. I am superior in my beliefs.
c. Buddist people would allow nonbelievers to visit.
3. How can that marriage counselor help people if he himself is divorced?
a. He is not a qualified counselor
b. It is his fault he is divorced
c. He did not try to work out his relationship with his spouse.
4. You go into a pharmacy and see a young woman standing behind the counter. You ask her if you can speak to the pharmacist. She tells you she is the pharmacist.
a. She is a pharmaceutical technician.
b. She is too young to be a pharmacist.
c. She is a female and cannot be the pharmacist.
5. You shouldn’t be critical of corporations. Aren’t you in favor of free enterprise?
a. All corporations should be trusted.
b. I am in favor of free enterprise.
c. I am not an owner of a corp
6. I can’t understand why I haven’t met my soul mate this year. My astrologer said I would.
a. My astrologer is always right
b. I will never meet my soulmate.
c. Everything my astrologer has told me, has been true.
7. Villagers in the Fiji Islands live in poverty and hardship. They do not have running water, baths, and toilets in their homes. It will take them a hundred years to catch up with the rest of the world.
a. The villagers are very poor.
b. They are very dirty and smelly.
c. They are behind time and not very smart.
8. In a television program about earthquake preparedness, an expert demonstrated his gas-driven generator. “In the event of a major disaster,” he said, “this generator would run our children’s television set so that they would have something to do.”
a. We allow our children to watch too much television.
b. Our kids would rather watch tv than read a story.
c. We will have a major disaster.
Assumptions:
What’s Taken for Granted?
Summary:
Assumption means to take up or accept something. It is said to be an unproven belief. Critical thinkers must learn to identify hidden assumptions such as stereotypes, which are hasty generalizations. There are four types of assumptions. Unconscious or unwarranted assumptions are usually wrong and can lead to problems. A conscious assumption is used to gain more information and a warranted assumption is based on knowledge. They both are useful tools for problem solving.
A good persuasive argument is based on claims supported by facts, examples, evidence and reasoning, not assumptions.
Discussion Break Questions
(Hidden Assumptions)
Identify and express the hidden assumptions underlying each of the following statements.
2. I couldn’t visit a Buddhist temple because they worship idols there.
a. Buddism is not a respected religion.
b. I am superior in my beliefs.
c. Buddist people would allow nonbelievers to visit.
3. How can that marriage counselor help people if he himself is divorced?
a. He is not a qualified counselor
b. It is his fault he is divorced
c. He did not try to work out his relationship with his spouse.
4. You go into a pharmacy and see a young woman standing behind the counter. You ask her if you can speak to the pharmacist. She tells you she is the pharmacist.
a. She is a pharmaceutical technician.
b. She is too young to be a pharmacist.
c. She is a female and cannot be the pharmacist.
5. You shouldn’t be critical of corporations. Aren’t you in favor of free enterprise?
a. All corporations should be trusted.
b. I am in favor of free enterprise.
c. I am not an owner of a corp
6. I can’t understand why I haven’t met my soul mate this year. My astrologer said I would.
a. My astrologer is always right
b. I will never meet my soulmate.
c. Everything my astrologer has told me, has been true.
7. Villagers in the Fiji Islands live in poverty and hardship. They do not have running water, baths, and toilets in their homes. It will take them a hundred years to catch up with the rest of the world.
a. The villagers are very poor.
b. They are very dirty and smelly.
c. They are behind time and not very smart.
8. In a television program about earthquake preparedness, an expert demonstrated his gas-driven generator. “In the event of a major disaster,” he said, “this generator would run our children’s television set so that they would have something to do.”
a. We allow our children to watch too much television.
b. Our kids would rather watch tv than read a story.
c. We will have a major disaster.
Chapter 5 CRCB Summary and Exercises
Chapter 5
Summary
Locating Stated Main Ideas
1. A topic is a word or short phrase about the main ideas of an essay, paragraph or article. The main idea is the major point the author makes about the topic. The details are specifics supporting the main ideas. Mind maps are used as line drawings that show relationships between the ideas.
2. Previewing is a strategy used to prepare you for reading new material. It involves reading the title, introduction, headings and summary. The stated main idea can either be implied or stated directly in the text.
3. There are four strategies used for recognizing the main idea. The first comes with asking the question “What is this all about?” The second is to look in the usual spots, usually placed at the beginning, in the first or second sentence or at the end of the paragraph. The third strategy is to notice word clues. Word clues signal what is important in the text. They indicate changes in the author’s thinking. Emphasis word clues grab your attention and let you know which words are key to remember. A few examples are “in conclusion, most importantly, thus, therefore, in summary and hence”. Support word clues lets you know when the details of the main idea are coming up. Some examples are for example, for instance, first of all, also, because, finally and as a result, just to name a few. The fourth strategy involves categorization, which helps you decide which are the main ideas and which are details.
Exercise 5a
General and Specific Ideas
Box/Underline the most general item in each list.
1. Saab 4. gas
Audi matter
Mustang solid
cars liquid
2. genetics 5. Buddhism
DNA Sikhism
RNA religions
3. English Islam
history 6. control group
majors variables
research
data
Exercise 5b
Identifying Topics
For each list, think about what the separate items have in common and ask yourself, What is the general subject, or topic, of this list?
1. Topic: holidays 2. Topic: Authors/poets
Labor Day Langston Hughes
Fourth of July Emily Dickinson
Memorial Day T.S. Eliot
3. Topic: puzzles 4. Topic: nutrition
crossword calories
riddles carbohydrates
jigsaw fat
conundrum protein
5. Topic: resume 6. Topic: dental hygiene
name gingivitis
education tartar
employment experience periodontal disease
references plaque
Summary
Locating Stated Main Ideas
1. A topic is a word or short phrase about the main ideas of an essay, paragraph or article. The main idea is the major point the author makes about the topic. The details are specifics supporting the main ideas. Mind maps are used as line drawings that show relationships between the ideas.
2. Previewing is a strategy used to prepare you for reading new material. It involves reading the title, introduction, headings and summary. The stated main idea can either be implied or stated directly in the text.
3. There are four strategies used for recognizing the main idea. The first comes with asking the question “What is this all about?” The second is to look in the usual spots, usually placed at the beginning, in the first or second sentence or at the end of the paragraph. The third strategy is to notice word clues. Word clues signal what is important in the text. They indicate changes in the author’s thinking. Emphasis word clues grab your attention and let you know which words are key to remember. A few examples are “in conclusion, most importantly, thus, therefore, in summary and hence”. Support word clues lets you know when the details of the main idea are coming up. Some examples are for example, for instance, first of all, also, because, finally and as a result, just to name a few. The fourth strategy involves categorization, which helps you decide which are the main ideas and which are details.
Exercise 5a
General and Specific Ideas
Box/Underline the most general item in each list.
1. Saab 4. gas
Audi matter
Mustang solid
cars liquid
2. genetics 5. Buddhism
DNA Sikhism
RNA religions
3. English Islam
history 6. control group
majors variables
research
data
Exercise 5b
Identifying Topics
For each list, think about what the separate items have in common and ask yourself, What is the general subject, or topic, of this list?
1. Topic: holidays 2. Topic: Authors/poets
Labor Day Langston Hughes
Fourth of July Emily Dickinson
Memorial Day T.S. Eliot
3. Topic: puzzles 4. Topic: nutrition
crossword calories
riddles carbohydrates
jigsaw fat
conundrum protein
5. Topic: resume 6. Topic: dental hygiene
name gingivitis
education tartar
employment experience periodontal disease
references plaque
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
CRCB - Chapters 1-4, Summaries and Exercise
Critical Reading for College and Beyond
Part One Chapters 1-4
Chapter 1 Exercises
Exercise 1A
Concentration Survey
Y 1. I know that concentraton is a skill that can be learned.
N 2. I have a study area, complete with study supplies, and this area is used only for studying.
N 3. I try to concentrate as I read, but my mind usually drifts to other things, such as bills I have to pay or people I have to call.
Y 4. If I get angry, I am unable to concentrate on my reading.
Y 5. I know how to minimize all distractions.
N 6. I cannot read unless my house, or study environment, is immaculate.
N 7. I have a system to let others know when I am reading ad that I do not want to be disturbed.
Y 8. I lose concentration easily when I am bored with what I’m reading.
Practice with Reading Passage
Letting Justice Flow
1. What was the problem that the author had in the essay?
b. She had to use the bathroom and could not find a bathroom stall on campus wide enough to accommodate her wheelchair.
2. How did she solve her problem?
d. She relieved herself outside in the meditation garden.
3. What did her professor do when she told her about her problem and what she had to do to solve her problem?
a. She told the students the school president’s name so that they could write letters.
4. What did the president of the school do when the author had a meeting with him to discuss the problem?
d. He said the school could not currently afford to build an accessible bathroom stall.
5. What did the author do to help resolve the problem?
b. She continued to relieve herself in the garden, complained in the halls, and wrote another letter to the president.
Chapter One Summary
Chapter One defines reading as an active process involving both the author, who conveys meaning through words, and the reader who establishes an interpretation of the meaning of the words. A learning journal can be a valuable tool to the reader by allowing one to think on paper. The journal will provide awareness to the reader of his strengths and weaknesses when it comes to reading.
Concentration requires patience and perseverance. It requires disciplining of the mind. One must first recognize what blocks your concentration. It is helpful to document these findings in your journal so that you can control and train your mind to work for you and not lose focus. Blocks can be either internal or external distracters. Internal is the things that are going on inside of you and external comes from the outside environment.
There are different learning styles we must be aware of. By knowing the style that works best for you, it would make reading and learning more pleasurable and effective. Auditory learning comes from what we hear. Visual learning is through what we see, watch or read. Kinesthetic learning involves touch, by practicing, drawing, “hands on”, or writing over and over.
By knowing how to concentrate, learning styles and how to create a positive attitude and study environment, you can make the necessary changes and become an effective reader.
Chapter Two Assignments
Context Clues
Exercise 2a
2. She was so overcome with joy by the birth of her baby that she was able to say nothing other than that the whole experience was simply ineffable.
c. Incapable of being expressed in words.
3. Most of us eventually reach our goals, but life’s path to success is often a circuitous one.
c. Marked by roundabout or indirect procedures.
4. The preacher took a pedagogic approach with his sermon, hoping that those attending would learn something meaningful from it.
a. Instructional
6. Although teaching is not a lucrative profession, I know that I wouldn’t want tot do anything else. Helping others learn is far more important to me that money.
b. well paying
6. Buying a lottery ticket is a very capricious way to plan for your future. The chances of winning are 1 in 10,000,000.
d. unpredictable
Context Clues in Textbooks
Exercise 2b
1. exacts – demands
b. Forces
2. circadian - the behavioral or physiological rhythms associated with the 24hr cycle of the earth’s rotation.
b; Daily behavioral cycle
3. conciliatory – to win over, make friendly
b. Agreeable, accommodating
4. desynchronized – out of rhythm
5. mitigate – to make or become less severe, less painful.
Chapter Two Summary
Developing your vocabulary is important because it allows you to understand what the author is saying. You should have a dictionary with you while reading, as it is an important reading strategy which will build your vocabulary. Having an extensive vocabulary will allow for a better concentration of your readings and also allow you to compete in the workforce. There are many ways to understand new vocabulary. One way is through different types of context clues. They are words found within the text that conveys the meaning of the words. They can be found by definitions, examples, punctuations, and personal experience, opinion and knowledge.
Words can be broken down into three parts, the root, prefix and suffix. The root is the most basic part of the word. A prefix attached to a word can change it’s meaning dramatically. Suffixes are added to the end of the word and doesn’t necessarily change the meaning of the word.
Creating word maps and the card review system (CRS) are other strategies that makes it easy to remember new vocabulary. Word maps are similar to mind maps with the new word written in the center. Then create a branch with the original sentence, your prediction of what the word means, followed by the definition. Next, create your own sentence and the last branch should tell the part of speech, verb, noun, adjective or adverb. You should have five branches with the definition in the middle. The CRS involves copying the new word on an index card with the definition on the back.
In order to improve your vocabulary, you must follow the different strategies as outlined in the text. Most importantly, use them in your everyday life and make learning work to your advantage.
Chapter Three Assignments
Exercise 3e Organization for Retrieval
Set 1
Write in the requested items using the letters on the right at the beginning of each word.
Name a bird beginning with the letter B - bluejay
Name an animal C – Cat
Fruit P – pineapple
Metal L - Lead
Country G – Germany
Boy’s name M – Mike
Girl’s name J – Jessica
Weapon S – sword
Vegetable P – pickle
Classic fairytale C – Cinderella
Flower P – Petunia
Set 2
Write in the requested items using the letters on the right at the end of each word.
Name a bird beginning with the letter W sparrow
Name an animal G - dog
Fruit H - peach
Metal R - copper
Country Y - Germany
Boy’s name N - Justin
Girl’s name E - Michelle
Weapon W - Saw
Vegetable T - carrot
Classic fairytale E - Snowwhite
Flower T – violet
Chapter Three Summary
Memory is the process of storing information. There are three stages in the memory process. The first stage is sensory memory, followed by short-term memory and then long-term memory. Chunking is a strategy used by condensing the amount of information into groups. Ultimately one wishes to have information stored in your long-term memory which is the final stage where information can be permanently stored. This can be obtained by using several different strategies such as organizing newly learned information, mastering technical vocabulary and by creating a memory matrix. Other strategies include connecting new information to information you already know and by going beyond textbook information. Another effective strategy can be by reviewing, reading out loud and teaching or lecturing the information.
Information can be recalled by using Mnemonics, which are tricks used after you understand it. Memory cues help you call up information whereas, key words represents the topic or main idea. Acronyms differ from acrostics in that acronyms use the first letter of each word or phrase to come up with a single word such as HOME or F.A.C.E. Acrostics use the first letter to make a phrase or sentence. It uses different words to stand for the actual word.
Chapter Four Assignments
Managing your Reading Time
Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women
Rate: 3.22 min 112 words per min
1. Which of the following statements is not accurate according to the exerpt:
b: Prostitutes have flawed characters lackin in values.
2. Which of the following statements is true, according to the excerpt?
d: Almost nine out of 10 Ranch prostitutes had earned their general equivalency diplomas or had graduated from high school.
3. According to the excerpt, what is one reason why streetwalkers rarely become regular brothel prostitutes?
c: Brothels have lots of rules and mandatory confinement.
4. According to the author, the prostitutes she investigated at the Mustang ranch were:
b: Women who were very committed to their families.
5. In your opinion, the author’s attitude toward the prostitutes at Mustang Ranch is:
b: Accepting
Chapter Four Summary
Comprehension is more important in reading than how fast you read. You should develop a reading and study schedule. Efficient reading is comprehending text at an appropriate reading rate and understanding the information. Speed reading consists of grouping words and reading in chunks, only some of the words. Critical reading involves thinking about what you are reading. Skimming is reading groups of words instead or individual words. Regressing is rereading. Subvocalizing is reading out loud. Pacing is using your finger to guide your reading.
Part One Chapters 1-4
Chapter 1 Exercises
Exercise 1A
Concentration Survey
Y 1. I know that concentraton is a skill that can be learned.
N 2. I have a study area, complete with study supplies, and this area is used only for studying.
N 3. I try to concentrate as I read, but my mind usually drifts to other things, such as bills I have to pay or people I have to call.
Y 4. If I get angry, I am unable to concentrate on my reading.
Y 5. I know how to minimize all distractions.
N 6. I cannot read unless my house, or study environment, is immaculate.
N 7. I have a system to let others know when I am reading ad that I do not want to be disturbed.
Y 8. I lose concentration easily when I am bored with what I’m reading.
Practice with Reading Passage
Letting Justice Flow
1. What was the problem that the author had in the essay?
b. She had to use the bathroom and could not find a bathroom stall on campus wide enough to accommodate her wheelchair.
2. How did she solve her problem?
d. She relieved herself outside in the meditation garden.
3. What did her professor do when she told her about her problem and what she had to do to solve her problem?
a. She told the students the school president’s name so that they could write letters.
4. What did the president of the school do when the author had a meeting with him to discuss the problem?
d. He said the school could not currently afford to build an accessible bathroom stall.
5. What did the author do to help resolve the problem?
b. She continued to relieve herself in the garden, complained in the halls, and wrote another letter to the president.
Chapter One Summary
Chapter One defines reading as an active process involving both the author, who conveys meaning through words, and the reader who establishes an interpretation of the meaning of the words. A learning journal can be a valuable tool to the reader by allowing one to think on paper. The journal will provide awareness to the reader of his strengths and weaknesses when it comes to reading.
Concentration requires patience and perseverance. It requires disciplining of the mind. One must first recognize what blocks your concentration. It is helpful to document these findings in your journal so that you can control and train your mind to work for you and not lose focus. Blocks can be either internal or external distracters. Internal is the things that are going on inside of you and external comes from the outside environment.
There are different learning styles we must be aware of. By knowing the style that works best for you, it would make reading and learning more pleasurable and effective. Auditory learning comes from what we hear. Visual learning is through what we see, watch or read. Kinesthetic learning involves touch, by practicing, drawing, “hands on”, or writing over and over.
By knowing how to concentrate, learning styles and how to create a positive attitude and study environment, you can make the necessary changes and become an effective reader.
Chapter Two Assignments
Context Clues
Exercise 2a
2. She was so overcome with joy by the birth of her baby that she was able to say nothing other than that the whole experience was simply ineffable.
c. Incapable of being expressed in words.
3. Most of us eventually reach our goals, but life’s path to success is often a circuitous one.
c. Marked by roundabout or indirect procedures.
4. The preacher took a pedagogic approach with his sermon, hoping that those attending would learn something meaningful from it.
a. Instructional
6. Although teaching is not a lucrative profession, I know that I wouldn’t want tot do anything else. Helping others learn is far more important to me that money.
b. well paying
6. Buying a lottery ticket is a very capricious way to plan for your future. The chances of winning are 1 in 10,000,000.
d. unpredictable
Context Clues in Textbooks
Exercise 2b
1. exacts – demands
b. Forces
2. circadian - the behavioral or physiological rhythms associated with the 24hr cycle of the earth’s rotation.
b; Daily behavioral cycle
3. conciliatory – to win over, make friendly
b. Agreeable, accommodating
4. desynchronized – out of rhythm
5. mitigate – to make or become less severe, less painful.
Chapter Two Summary
Developing your vocabulary is important because it allows you to understand what the author is saying. You should have a dictionary with you while reading, as it is an important reading strategy which will build your vocabulary. Having an extensive vocabulary will allow for a better concentration of your readings and also allow you to compete in the workforce. There are many ways to understand new vocabulary. One way is through different types of context clues. They are words found within the text that conveys the meaning of the words. They can be found by definitions, examples, punctuations, and personal experience, opinion and knowledge.
Words can be broken down into three parts, the root, prefix and suffix. The root is the most basic part of the word. A prefix attached to a word can change it’s meaning dramatically. Suffixes are added to the end of the word and doesn’t necessarily change the meaning of the word.
Creating word maps and the card review system (CRS) are other strategies that makes it easy to remember new vocabulary. Word maps are similar to mind maps with the new word written in the center. Then create a branch with the original sentence, your prediction of what the word means, followed by the definition. Next, create your own sentence and the last branch should tell the part of speech, verb, noun, adjective or adverb. You should have five branches with the definition in the middle. The CRS involves copying the new word on an index card with the definition on the back.
In order to improve your vocabulary, you must follow the different strategies as outlined in the text. Most importantly, use them in your everyday life and make learning work to your advantage.
Chapter Three Assignments
Exercise 3e Organization for Retrieval
Set 1
Write in the requested items using the letters on the right at the beginning of each word.
Name a bird beginning with the letter B - bluejay
Name an animal C – Cat
Fruit P – pineapple
Metal L - Lead
Country G – Germany
Boy’s name M – Mike
Girl’s name J – Jessica
Weapon S – sword
Vegetable P – pickle
Classic fairytale C – Cinderella
Flower P – Petunia
Set 2
Write in the requested items using the letters on the right at the end of each word.
Name a bird beginning with the letter W sparrow
Name an animal G - dog
Fruit H - peach
Metal R - copper
Country Y - Germany
Boy’s name N - Justin
Girl’s name E - Michelle
Weapon W - Saw
Vegetable T - carrot
Classic fairytale E - Snowwhite
Flower T – violet
Chapter Three Summary
Memory is the process of storing information. There are three stages in the memory process. The first stage is sensory memory, followed by short-term memory and then long-term memory. Chunking is a strategy used by condensing the amount of information into groups. Ultimately one wishes to have information stored in your long-term memory which is the final stage where information can be permanently stored. This can be obtained by using several different strategies such as organizing newly learned information, mastering technical vocabulary and by creating a memory matrix. Other strategies include connecting new information to information you already know and by going beyond textbook information. Another effective strategy can be by reviewing, reading out loud and teaching or lecturing the information.
Information can be recalled by using Mnemonics, which are tricks used after you understand it. Memory cues help you call up information whereas, key words represents the topic or main idea. Acronyms differ from acrostics in that acronyms use the first letter of each word or phrase to come up with a single word such as HOME or F.A.C.E. Acrostics use the first letter to make a phrase or sentence. It uses different words to stand for the actual word.
Chapter Four Assignments
Managing your Reading Time
Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women
Rate: 3.22 min 112 words per min
1. Which of the following statements is not accurate according to the exerpt:
b: Prostitutes have flawed characters lackin in values.
2. Which of the following statements is true, according to the excerpt?
d: Almost nine out of 10 Ranch prostitutes had earned their general equivalency diplomas or had graduated from high school.
3. According to the excerpt, what is one reason why streetwalkers rarely become regular brothel prostitutes?
c: Brothels have lots of rules and mandatory confinement.
4. According to the author, the prostitutes she investigated at the Mustang ranch were:
b: Women who were very committed to their families.
5. In your opinion, the author’s attitude toward the prostitutes at Mustang Ranch is:
b: Accepting
Chapter Four Summary
Comprehension is more important in reading than how fast you read. You should develop a reading and study schedule. Efficient reading is comprehending text at an appropriate reading rate and understanding the information. Speed reading consists of grouping words and reading in chunks, only some of the words. Critical reading involves thinking about what you are reading. Skimming is reading groups of words instead or individual words. Regressing is rereading. Subvocalizing is reading out loud. Pacing is using your finger to guide your reading.
TFY - Chapter 1-4, Summaries and Exercises
Chapter One Assignment
Early Saturday morning I awaken with a slight headache, not sure if it was from the long drudging week I had just endured or could it have been my late night escapade with tequila and orange juice. To the best of my knowledge I had retired for the night around 2:30 am and stupidly awaken around 8:00a.m. My English assignments had been on my mind all week and as each day passed, I was getting further and further away from my scheduled assignments. That worried me. In fact, that might have something to do with my slight headache. As I lay in bed typing away on my computer, I can feel the headache disappearing. Or could that be because I went downstairs, ate a few prunes, popped a Motrin and drank a small glass of orange juice? I think it could be a combination of things. I choose to believe it is because I am finally doing what I needed to do last week, get caught up on my English assignment.
My husband decided two or three days ago that because of my early risings for work and late night return from school, that I need to relax and stay in bed most of the day on Saturday. He got out of bed, went downstairs and started on breakfast while I went to the trunk of my car and retrieved my English book, determined to complete several exercises while I “Chill in Bed.” My husband refused to let me in the kitchen so I asked him to choose any vegetable or fruit and give it to me so I can do my assignment upstairs. He turned around and low and behold the first thing his eyes gazed upon was an onion. He grabbed it and said “Here, now get out of the kitchen”. Immediately, I thought, why did I involve him in my assignment and how difficult it’s gonna be working with a stupid onion. I held the onion in my hand, stared at it and noticed some of the skin was coming off. I then decided to grab a bowl and paper towel so that I won’t have a mess. I then ran upstairs worried about the task at hand with the dreaded onion.
As I lay here typing I think of our other Critical Reading textbooks. Distractions are discussed and I now have several going on trying to sway me from my assignment. The sounds of the football game can easily be drowned out, I know that is a necessity in order for my husband to complete breakfast. The smell of the bacon is a bit much. Then here comes my husband running upstairs force feeding me a slice of bacon with gloved hands. Never had that done before. Next his cell phone rings with the sounds of the old fashioned ring tone we all grew up hearing before any other rings were introduce, which today I hate so much. I didn’t look to see who was calling. Now this distraction cannot be ignored, him standing at the bottom of the stairs loudly calling my name saying come down, breakfast is ready. I must obey and finish later. When I return, I promise to start talking about the dreaded onion, I’ve avoided it long enough.
After ten minutes of filling my gut with grits, bacon, eggs and pancakes, my vision is clear. I see a medium to large size beautiful onion with very few flaws. The crisp golden honey colored skin surrounds and protects the inner onion. The almost perfect rounded onion is very firm and solid. It looks the size of a softball and bears the weight of a canned vegetable. A few pieces of the skin have fallen off into the paper towel. I picked up a piece and brought it closer so that I can better examine it. It feels as thin as paper. There are a few tears in the small piece I am examining. The reddish golden color is at the base and blends upward into a lighter vanilla/banana color near the top. There are golden distinguishable vertical lines also starting at the base and thinning out further along the top. They have a veins and arteries appearance. I wonder what role they play in the development of the onion. The texture is smooth and slick. The outside has a dull appearance whereas the inside is shinier. While holding the onion in my hands, I can see many layers of this protective skin covering the flesh. Judging by looking at the bulb or tip, my guess would be about four or five thin layers. The first layer is already split on two sides, ready for peeling. At the base of the onion, it reminds me of the inside of a sunflower. It looks like a dried flower with short wooded stems popping out of the center. From the base you can see where the lighter colorations are. It appears as though the juice of the onion has bleached the beautiful golden color and you can visibly see a ring around the entire base. This indeed is a beautiful onion. I would say it is as close to perfection as any onion could possibly be. The only fault I see is a small bruise near the base that could only be seen if you really studied it as I have done. Slightly beneath that are small tiny dark circles with the appearance of a ringworm. It is beneath the first layer and I am certain by the time you get to the core there will be no trace. Near the base lies a sticker securely attached to the outer skin. It is of oval shape and about the size of a thumb print. It lists the web site as www.dalenafarms.com slightly circled across the top. The all capital letters in the middle of the label says “SWEET D” 4093. Now I find it interesting that my husband singly selected this one onion and chose this as my vegetable or fruit to do my writings on, as his name is also “De” and more times than fewer he can be called “Sweet De”. I laugh out loud thinking of his reaction to that. I’m sure in the future he will choose this to be his favorite onion.
Because it is still early morning, and my belly is full, I decided to not taste the onion. The house still carries the strong aroma of bacon and doesn’t allow my sense of smell to absorb any others. So when I sniffed all around the onion, I smelt nothing. When I firmly pressed the onion against my face, it was pleasantly cool. At this point, I am now engaged and fascinated. I decided to take a bite through the skin, quite ready for the explosion. I did it twice, however I was not able to penetrate which did leave me with a feeling of dissatisfaction.
It is now noon, time to get up and start my day fresh with an all day concert, Sheryl Crow and friends. I propose that in conclusion, this was a very good learning exercise. I began with little expectations of my subject matter and upon finishing I fell in love with the subject, maybe the “D” connection. I realized the importance of observation and its impact on making final decisions. Slowing down, concentrating, and investing time and patience in most things can possibly leave you with a new, different, often satisfied and rewarding experience.
Chapter Two Assignment
Saved – Malcom X
1. Why, do you think, Malcolm X could be so confident and articulate as a hustler, yet have so much difficulty writing “simple English”?
Malcolm X felt comfortable in his life as a hustler and was able to express himself confidently and verbally amongst the people in the streets. I’m sure the street language spoken was mostly slang. It was difficult for him to write “Simple English” because it was a language that was not native to his ancestry. During the times in which he was educated, it was harder for blacks because the “status quo” did not involve successful learning of the black man and success in the classroom was frowned upon and not expected.
2. What do you think of his practice of copying out every word in a dictionary?
It was a very good strategy and learning tool. It allowed him to enhance his writing skills as well as increased his reading and comprehension skills.
3. Why did Malcolm X find it so empowering to learn new words?
It empowered him in the sense that he could be like Bimbi, take charge of any conversation and write letters and be less frustrated. Because he commanded attention, he could now possess power in both the spoken word along with the written word.
4. What motivated him to read in his cell in semidarkness late through the night?
He was excited, fascinated and engrossed in learning and never wanted it to end. His street life only required a few hours of sleep and now that he has found a whole new life, he was thrilled. Time was also a factor. His new life of learning made prison time quickly drift away.
5. Why do you think Malcolm X wanted others to hear this story?
He wanted to give others different ways of bettering themselves. He wanted them to understand the valuable tool of a dictionary. He did something that seemed so simple and made it become a “Grand Accomplishment”. Through this type of learning, it empowered him and made it easier for him to write and speak on a very large stage. His demise unfortunately was brought on because of his further curiosity, questioning of the status quo and his freedom of expression which many others were not quite ready for.
Chapter Three Exercise
Core Discovery Writing Application page 91
1. Choose one photograph from this book. Spend time absorbing the photo. Imagine writing for someone who cannot see the picture and make a specific and detailed list of ten or more factual statements. Be careful of assumptions.
Taken from the photo on page 14
1. This is a black and white photo
2. The only person in the picture is a young girl.
3. The girl is white.
4. Her hair is pulled back and she also is wearing a bang across the front.
5. The girl is looking downward.
6. She is wearing a sweat shirt, sweat pants and tennis shoes.
7. In her right hand she is holding the head of a doll.
8. The doll is wearing a long white dress.
9. In her left hand she is holding a cane.
10. At the end of the cane is a round ball.
Chapter Four Exercises
Discovery Exercises
Drawing Inferences from Evidence
Read the following scenarios and think of three inferences you could make to explain each situation?
1. Your neighbors have regular habits and spend a lot of time at home. One day you notice that no lights have appeared in their house in the evenings for at least a week.
a. They went on vacation
b. Someone is sick
c. They moved away
2. In an airport waiting room, you sit down next to a nun wearing a dark blue dress, starched white collar, and starched white headdress. You notice she is reading Playboy magazine.
a. She’s doing research
b. She’s just interested and this is part of her normal reading
c. She’s dressed up in costume
3. Your child, age four, usually has a good appetite. However, she says no this morning when you offer her a dish of applesauce.
a. She is sick
b. She no longer likes applesauce
c. She wants something else to eat
4. You are on a Greyhound bus. A man gets on and sits beside you. He is carrying an expensive briefcase, although he is shabbily dressed, unshaven, and perspiring heavily. When you suggest he place his briefcase on the rack overhead, he refuses, saying he doesn’t mind holding it in his lap.
a. He stole the briefcase
b. He was once employed and is now unemployed reminiscing.
c. He really don’t mind carrying the briefcase.
5. You are looking in your wife’s closet for your missing shoe, and you notice a new and expensive man’s sports jacket hanging there.
a. She brought him a gift.
b. She’s cheating on him.
c. Someone gave her the jacket to give to her husband.
6. After a class you go to see your professor about an error in addition on your test score. You explain to him respectfully that 100 minus 18 is 82, not 79. He tells you to get the hell out of his office.
a. He just found another man’s jacket in his wife’s closet.
b. He doesn’t like to be questioned about his grading.
c. He received some bad disturbing news and is angry.
7. You are driving through a valley on a spring morning in a heavy rainstorm. You are on a two-lane highway, and you notice that only about half the cars that pass you head-on have their lights on.
a. They don’t know that they should turn on their lights.
b. The weather is better on the side they are leaving.
c. They are rude, inconsiderate drivers.
8. You want to buy a used car but your first priority is that it be smoke free. The owner of the car assures you that she is a nonsmoker. You notice small holes the size of cigarette ends in the upholstery of the front seats and the car has a strong smell of lemon deodorant.
a. She is lying and trying to cover up the smell.
b. She is not aware of the burns.
c. She just wants to sell the car and is very greedy and selfish
Chapter One Summary
Observation Skills
Observation is to hold something in front and pay close attention to. It requires slowing down, staying awake and focusing. The observation process involves sensing, perceiving and thinking. When we take in data without preconceptions, we are sensing. It occurs through feel and using the sense organs such as eyes and skin. In other words, we feel it. Perception means to catch, seize or hold. It is both passive and active, holds sensations in consciousness long enough to interpret them. Perception allows us to move through the physical world. Thinking is explained as an active process whereas people organize their perceptions.
Chapter Two Summary
Word Precision
Writing involves careful selection of words. The use of dictionaries allow us to have better word choices and can be a valuable tool in building a vocabulary. We need to understand what dictionaries can and cannot do for us. Thesaurus helps us when we are writing nonverbal experiences into words. The dictionary helps us when we are reading and need to interpret the word. Writing challenges you to stretch your abilities in using words. Definitions clarify words through boundaries. The word to be defined is a term which can be broken down into classes. Word connotations are about feelings, negative or positive. Concepts are a word that organizes and abstracts a body of related experience. A general idea. Concepts abstract experience. Critical reading is an active thinking endeavor that must begin with accurate comprehension under bias control.
Chapter Three Summary
Facts: What’s Real
Facts are our interpretations of what is real and true. Reality can be divided into relative and absolute, some say what reality is while others say it is what it is whether you like it or not. Facts are not the equivalent of truths or reality; they are decisions about what seems to be most real. The facts that are most useful are the ones that have been proven over and over. Critical thinking is a product that value the freedom to search for the truth.
It is said that we should be objective (facts) and not subjective (feelings) in order to determine the facts. This is not necessarily true. There are many times when our feelings would draw us to look closely at the situation.
Our need for verification of facts or confirmation can often leave us vulnerable to manipulation. This is quite often demonstrated through social pressure. We are limited in our ability to know the facts because of our limitations of our senses. Dogs can hear levels of pitch we cannot and butterflies can see colors we can not. We rely on science and wisdom to help us compensate for the limitations of our senses.
When we are stating facts, our language has to reflect the limits of our data as well as the measure of our certainty. How we state a fact makes all the difference.
When thinking critically, the four standards we use to determine facts are:
1. Verifiability – data can be conformed by another source.
2. Reliability – consider the degree of dependability.
3. Plausibility – does it makes sense, undergo the test of credibility.
4. Probability - as tested through time and repetition.
Chapter Four Summary
Inferences:
What follows?
Inference enables us to imagine, decide, guess, conclude, and predict about things unknown. Inferences can be confused for facts. Descriptive writing can become challenging for the mind. It lets the facts speak for themselves. Stating the facts with responsible clarity is also interesting writing, which involves clearly describing what we observe and think. This makes our work become concrete and specific. Reasonable inferences can be used to tie facts together. Many professionals are required to examine facts and make the best inferences from them. Laws are generalizations based on observations and relationships. We must look for patterns, analyze them, and draw conclusions. We should learn to draw generalizations that can be supported. The topic sentence is a generalization that states the main idea. It is a kind of conclusion that is repeated at the end of the paragraph. Observation helps determine facts, imagination, and reasoning to link the facts with explanations, and how a generalization ties all this together.
Early Saturday morning I awaken with a slight headache, not sure if it was from the long drudging week I had just endured or could it have been my late night escapade with tequila and orange juice. To the best of my knowledge I had retired for the night around 2:30 am and stupidly awaken around 8:00a.m. My English assignments had been on my mind all week and as each day passed, I was getting further and further away from my scheduled assignments. That worried me. In fact, that might have something to do with my slight headache. As I lay in bed typing away on my computer, I can feel the headache disappearing. Or could that be because I went downstairs, ate a few prunes, popped a Motrin and drank a small glass of orange juice? I think it could be a combination of things. I choose to believe it is because I am finally doing what I needed to do last week, get caught up on my English assignment.
My husband decided two or three days ago that because of my early risings for work and late night return from school, that I need to relax and stay in bed most of the day on Saturday. He got out of bed, went downstairs and started on breakfast while I went to the trunk of my car and retrieved my English book, determined to complete several exercises while I “Chill in Bed.” My husband refused to let me in the kitchen so I asked him to choose any vegetable or fruit and give it to me so I can do my assignment upstairs. He turned around and low and behold the first thing his eyes gazed upon was an onion. He grabbed it and said “Here, now get out of the kitchen”. Immediately, I thought, why did I involve him in my assignment and how difficult it’s gonna be working with a stupid onion. I held the onion in my hand, stared at it and noticed some of the skin was coming off. I then decided to grab a bowl and paper towel so that I won’t have a mess. I then ran upstairs worried about the task at hand with the dreaded onion.
As I lay here typing I think of our other Critical Reading textbooks. Distractions are discussed and I now have several going on trying to sway me from my assignment. The sounds of the football game can easily be drowned out, I know that is a necessity in order for my husband to complete breakfast. The smell of the bacon is a bit much. Then here comes my husband running upstairs force feeding me a slice of bacon with gloved hands. Never had that done before. Next his cell phone rings with the sounds of the old fashioned ring tone we all grew up hearing before any other rings were introduce, which today I hate so much. I didn’t look to see who was calling. Now this distraction cannot be ignored, him standing at the bottom of the stairs loudly calling my name saying come down, breakfast is ready. I must obey and finish later. When I return, I promise to start talking about the dreaded onion, I’ve avoided it long enough.
After ten minutes of filling my gut with grits, bacon, eggs and pancakes, my vision is clear. I see a medium to large size beautiful onion with very few flaws. The crisp golden honey colored skin surrounds and protects the inner onion. The almost perfect rounded onion is very firm and solid. It looks the size of a softball and bears the weight of a canned vegetable. A few pieces of the skin have fallen off into the paper towel. I picked up a piece and brought it closer so that I can better examine it. It feels as thin as paper. There are a few tears in the small piece I am examining. The reddish golden color is at the base and blends upward into a lighter vanilla/banana color near the top. There are golden distinguishable vertical lines also starting at the base and thinning out further along the top. They have a veins and arteries appearance. I wonder what role they play in the development of the onion. The texture is smooth and slick. The outside has a dull appearance whereas the inside is shinier. While holding the onion in my hands, I can see many layers of this protective skin covering the flesh. Judging by looking at the bulb or tip, my guess would be about four or five thin layers. The first layer is already split on two sides, ready for peeling. At the base of the onion, it reminds me of the inside of a sunflower. It looks like a dried flower with short wooded stems popping out of the center. From the base you can see where the lighter colorations are. It appears as though the juice of the onion has bleached the beautiful golden color and you can visibly see a ring around the entire base. This indeed is a beautiful onion. I would say it is as close to perfection as any onion could possibly be. The only fault I see is a small bruise near the base that could only be seen if you really studied it as I have done. Slightly beneath that are small tiny dark circles with the appearance of a ringworm. It is beneath the first layer and I am certain by the time you get to the core there will be no trace. Near the base lies a sticker securely attached to the outer skin. It is of oval shape and about the size of a thumb print. It lists the web site as www.dalenafarms.com slightly circled across the top. The all capital letters in the middle of the label says “SWEET D” 4093. Now I find it interesting that my husband singly selected this one onion and chose this as my vegetable or fruit to do my writings on, as his name is also “De” and more times than fewer he can be called “Sweet De”. I laugh out loud thinking of his reaction to that. I’m sure in the future he will choose this to be his favorite onion.
Because it is still early morning, and my belly is full, I decided to not taste the onion. The house still carries the strong aroma of bacon and doesn’t allow my sense of smell to absorb any others. So when I sniffed all around the onion, I smelt nothing. When I firmly pressed the onion against my face, it was pleasantly cool. At this point, I am now engaged and fascinated. I decided to take a bite through the skin, quite ready for the explosion. I did it twice, however I was not able to penetrate which did leave me with a feeling of dissatisfaction.
It is now noon, time to get up and start my day fresh with an all day concert, Sheryl Crow and friends. I propose that in conclusion, this was a very good learning exercise. I began with little expectations of my subject matter and upon finishing I fell in love with the subject, maybe the “D” connection. I realized the importance of observation and its impact on making final decisions. Slowing down, concentrating, and investing time and patience in most things can possibly leave you with a new, different, often satisfied and rewarding experience.
Chapter Two Assignment
Saved – Malcom X
1. Why, do you think, Malcolm X could be so confident and articulate as a hustler, yet have so much difficulty writing “simple English”?
Malcolm X felt comfortable in his life as a hustler and was able to express himself confidently and verbally amongst the people in the streets. I’m sure the street language spoken was mostly slang. It was difficult for him to write “Simple English” because it was a language that was not native to his ancestry. During the times in which he was educated, it was harder for blacks because the “status quo” did not involve successful learning of the black man and success in the classroom was frowned upon and not expected.
2. What do you think of his practice of copying out every word in a dictionary?
It was a very good strategy and learning tool. It allowed him to enhance his writing skills as well as increased his reading and comprehension skills.
3. Why did Malcolm X find it so empowering to learn new words?
It empowered him in the sense that he could be like Bimbi, take charge of any conversation and write letters and be less frustrated. Because he commanded attention, he could now possess power in both the spoken word along with the written word.
4. What motivated him to read in his cell in semidarkness late through the night?
He was excited, fascinated and engrossed in learning and never wanted it to end. His street life only required a few hours of sleep and now that he has found a whole new life, he was thrilled. Time was also a factor. His new life of learning made prison time quickly drift away.
5. Why do you think Malcolm X wanted others to hear this story?
He wanted to give others different ways of bettering themselves. He wanted them to understand the valuable tool of a dictionary. He did something that seemed so simple and made it become a “Grand Accomplishment”. Through this type of learning, it empowered him and made it easier for him to write and speak on a very large stage. His demise unfortunately was brought on because of his further curiosity, questioning of the status quo and his freedom of expression which many others were not quite ready for.
Chapter Three Exercise
Core Discovery Writing Application page 91
1. Choose one photograph from this book. Spend time absorbing the photo. Imagine writing for someone who cannot see the picture and make a specific and detailed list of ten or more factual statements. Be careful of assumptions.
Taken from the photo on page 14
1. This is a black and white photo
2. The only person in the picture is a young girl.
3. The girl is white.
4. Her hair is pulled back and she also is wearing a bang across the front.
5. The girl is looking downward.
6. She is wearing a sweat shirt, sweat pants and tennis shoes.
7. In her right hand she is holding the head of a doll.
8. The doll is wearing a long white dress.
9. In her left hand she is holding a cane.
10. At the end of the cane is a round ball.
Chapter Four Exercises
Discovery Exercises
Drawing Inferences from Evidence
Read the following scenarios and think of three inferences you could make to explain each situation?
1. Your neighbors have regular habits and spend a lot of time at home. One day you notice that no lights have appeared in their house in the evenings for at least a week.
a. They went on vacation
b. Someone is sick
c. They moved away
2. In an airport waiting room, you sit down next to a nun wearing a dark blue dress, starched white collar, and starched white headdress. You notice she is reading Playboy magazine.
a. She’s doing research
b. She’s just interested and this is part of her normal reading
c. She’s dressed up in costume
3. Your child, age four, usually has a good appetite. However, she says no this morning when you offer her a dish of applesauce.
a. She is sick
b. She no longer likes applesauce
c. She wants something else to eat
4. You are on a Greyhound bus. A man gets on and sits beside you. He is carrying an expensive briefcase, although he is shabbily dressed, unshaven, and perspiring heavily. When you suggest he place his briefcase on the rack overhead, he refuses, saying he doesn’t mind holding it in his lap.
a. He stole the briefcase
b. He was once employed and is now unemployed reminiscing.
c. He really don’t mind carrying the briefcase.
5. You are looking in your wife’s closet for your missing shoe, and you notice a new and expensive man’s sports jacket hanging there.
a. She brought him a gift.
b. She’s cheating on him.
c. Someone gave her the jacket to give to her husband.
6. After a class you go to see your professor about an error in addition on your test score. You explain to him respectfully that 100 minus 18 is 82, not 79. He tells you to get the hell out of his office.
a. He just found another man’s jacket in his wife’s closet.
b. He doesn’t like to be questioned about his grading.
c. He received some bad disturbing news and is angry.
7. You are driving through a valley on a spring morning in a heavy rainstorm. You are on a two-lane highway, and you notice that only about half the cars that pass you head-on have their lights on.
a. They don’t know that they should turn on their lights.
b. The weather is better on the side they are leaving.
c. They are rude, inconsiderate drivers.
8. You want to buy a used car but your first priority is that it be smoke free. The owner of the car assures you that she is a nonsmoker. You notice small holes the size of cigarette ends in the upholstery of the front seats and the car has a strong smell of lemon deodorant.
a. She is lying and trying to cover up the smell.
b. She is not aware of the burns.
c. She just wants to sell the car and is very greedy and selfish
Chapter One Summary
Observation Skills
Observation is to hold something in front and pay close attention to. It requires slowing down, staying awake and focusing. The observation process involves sensing, perceiving and thinking. When we take in data without preconceptions, we are sensing. It occurs through feel and using the sense organs such as eyes and skin. In other words, we feel it. Perception means to catch, seize or hold. It is both passive and active, holds sensations in consciousness long enough to interpret them. Perception allows us to move through the physical world. Thinking is explained as an active process whereas people organize their perceptions.
Chapter Two Summary
Word Precision
Writing involves careful selection of words. The use of dictionaries allow us to have better word choices and can be a valuable tool in building a vocabulary. We need to understand what dictionaries can and cannot do for us. Thesaurus helps us when we are writing nonverbal experiences into words. The dictionary helps us when we are reading and need to interpret the word. Writing challenges you to stretch your abilities in using words. Definitions clarify words through boundaries. The word to be defined is a term which can be broken down into classes. Word connotations are about feelings, negative or positive. Concepts are a word that organizes and abstracts a body of related experience. A general idea. Concepts abstract experience. Critical reading is an active thinking endeavor that must begin with accurate comprehension under bias control.
Chapter Three Summary
Facts: What’s Real
Facts are our interpretations of what is real and true. Reality can be divided into relative and absolute, some say what reality is while others say it is what it is whether you like it or not. Facts are not the equivalent of truths or reality; they are decisions about what seems to be most real. The facts that are most useful are the ones that have been proven over and over. Critical thinking is a product that value the freedom to search for the truth.
It is said that we should be objective (facts) and not subjective (feelings) in order to determine the facts. This is not necessarily true. There are many times when our feelings would draw us to look closely at the situation.
Our need for verification of facts or confirmation can often leave us vulnerable to manipulation. This is quite often demonstrated through social pressure. We are limited in our ability to know the facts because of our limitations of our senses. Dogs can hear levels of pitch we cannot and butterflies can see colors we can not. We rely on science and wisdom to help us compensate for the limitations of our senses.
When we are stating facts, our language has to reflect the limits of our data as well as the measure of our certainty. How we state a fact makes all the difference.
When thinking critically, the four standards we use to determine facts are:
1. Verifiability – data can be conformed by another source.
2. Reliability – consider the degree of dependability.
3. Plausibility – does it makes sense, undergo the test of credibility.
4. Probability - as tested through time and repetition.
Chapter Four Summary
Inferences:
What follows?
Inference enables us to imagine, decide, guess, conclude, and predict about things unknown. Inferences can be confused for facts. Descriptive writing can become challenging for the mind. It lets the facts speak for themselves. Stating the facts with responsible clarity is also interesting writing, which involves clearly describing what we observe and think. This makes our work become concrete and specific. Reasonable inferences can be used to tie facts together. Many professionals are required to examine facts and make the best inferences from them. Laws are generalizations based on observations and relationships. We must look for patterns, analyze them, and draw conclusions. We should learn to draw generalizations that can be supported. The topic sentence is a generalization that states the main idea. It is a kind of conclusion that is repeated at the end of the paragraph. Observation helps determine facts, imagination, and reasoning to link the facts with explanations, and how a generalization ties all this together.
Election 2008
"A problem is a chance for you to do your best." (quote by Duke Ellington)
Today America is faced with a huge problem, will we choose the right man for the next president of the United States? What will be the main factors in our decision? Will we do our best and honestly make the decision based on facts, not assumptions about the candidate? Are we in a position as a country to take this election lightly and pick one and hope for the best?
This is one of the most important elections in many of our lifetimes. It worries me that many people will be bias and closedminded and select a candidate simply because they feel "he looks like them". I believe there will be a certain percentage of Americans that will do just that. They will say one thing, but when it comes right down to it and they are all alone in the booth, their true inner selves will prevail. That is not the best that we can do for ourselves and fellow Americans.
The second presidential debate in my opinion was just like the first one. One candidate answered the questions, while the other chose to say whatever he felt like. Several key issues were brought up and again it is my opinion that Senator Obama did a much better job relating to the average American. It appeared as though he was talking directly to us and not above us. He spoke eloquently in a language we common folks understood. Senator McCain seemed to be out of touch and talked to much about people and events in the past that noone seemed to care about. It was very distracting watching McCain writing uncontrollably on that ledger pad. I also thought that was disrespectful, the same as he referred to Obama as "That One". Obama displayed leadership qualities we need to see in a President. He listened and looked at McCain attentively while he was speaking showing no signs of disrespect. I think McCain might have looked at Obama once which was far more times than he looked at him during the first debate. When you are dealing with people of different countries, who might or might not speak your language, you should be very careful of body language. Could the disrespect being shown to Mr. Obama be simply because he has a different name then what we are accustomed to hearing in such a powerful position. By the way, I think that is name is a very strong one which has very important meaning, Barack (blessed one), Hussein (handsome) Obama (named after his African father).
I believe we owe it to ourselves, our family, our fellow Americans to do the best that we can and make the right decision on election day. First, study the facts, make the right decision and more importantly, Vote.
Today America is faced with a huge problem, will we choose the right man for the next president of the United States? What will be the main factors in our decision? Will we do our best and honestly make the decision based on facts, not assumptions about the candidate? Are we in a position as a country to take this election lightly and pick one and hope for the best?
This is one of the most important elections in many of our lifetimes. It worries me that many people will be bias and closedminded and select a candidate simply because they feel "he looks like them". I believe there will be a certain percentage of Americans that will do just that. They will say one thing, but when it comes right down to it and they are all alone in the booth, their true inner selves will prevail. That is not the best that we can do for ourselves and fellow Americans.
The second presidential debate in my opinion was just like the first one. One candidate answered the questions, while the other chose to say whatever he felt like. Several key issues were brought up and again it is my opinion that Senator Obama did a much better job relating to the average American. It appeared as though he was talking directly to us and not above us. He spoke eloquently in a language we common folks understood. Senator McCain seemed to be out of touch and talked to much about people and events in the past that noone seemed to care about. It was very distracting watching McCain writing uncontrollably on that ledger pad. I also thought that was disrespectful, the same as he referred to Obama as "That One". Obama displayed leadership qualities we need to see in a President. He listened and looked at McCain attentively while he was speaking showing no signs of disrespect. I think McCain might have looked at Obama once which was far more times than he looked at him during the first debate. When you are dealing with people of different countries, who might or might not speak your language, you should be very careful of body language. Could the disrespect being shown to Mr. Obama be simply because he has a different name then what we are accustomed to hearing in such a powerful position. By the way, I think that is name is a very strong one which has very important meaning, Barack (blessed one), Hussein (handsome) Obama (named after his African father).
I believe we owe it to ourselves, our family, our fellow Americans to do the best that we can and make the right decision on election day. First, study the facts, make the right decision and more importantly, Vote.
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