Blog Prompt #8

For those students completing a major in Fine Arts, does USCA provide enough of a variety of courses to achieve success in the work force after graduation.

Depending upon whether you are majoring in music or art, the choices are more varied. For music there are numerous classes available, however, there are not as many for art.

I am interested in this topic since I am going to go to USC next year and going major in Studio Art.

Blog Prompt #7

Paper #1
Foreign Athletic Limits
Grade: D

Clarity of Purpose
The thesis statement is clear and strong; it may be followed throughout the paper.
The author understands audience and the purpose of the paper is defined as well.

Quality of Thought
It does have rational thought, but not necessarily organized as clearly as it could be being as it kind of runs together.
However with the use of sources represented throughout the composition the argument is supported.
A stronger introduction could make the paper flow better.

Effective Organization of Content
The content could be condensed in a few instances.
The arrangement is good but could have improvements for example it can be repetitive.
The conclusion and introduction are organized well since both contain the thesis statement.
The structure of paper is not coherent.
The conclusion has a couple of confusing sentences which contradict what the writer said throughout the paper.

Language and Style
Most sources are represented correctly.

Language and Style
The style is simple in construct, however it does have consistency.
The language could have more use of literary elements, adjectives, adverbs, etc. which would make this argument more effective for the audience.

Grammar and Mechanics
Numerous comma/apostrophes with possessive noun/pronoun errors
Errors in punctuation with quotes and capitalization with quotes
Run-on in the 2nd paragraph
Capitalization/punctuation errors
A couple of pronoun errors
Misspelled words
Words need in a few places
Topic sentence of paragraphs not always clear

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Paper #2
Online College Vs. Online High School
Grade: C

Clarity of Purpose
No clear thesis is found within the introduction.
The introduction could be more in depth as to what is contained within the essay.
The authors awareness of the audience is good and the perception that he/she needs to make his/her argument known. However, the essay does not do so in the introduction as well as it could have the purpose understood more so within the paper.


Quality of Thought
Ideas are supported by credible evidence but they are not correctly identified by all sources.
The writer rationally explains his/her purpose.

Effective Organization of Content
The arrangement of paragraphs are clear and makes sense.
The content is arranged effectively and is presented so that the reader understands what the author's topic is.
It supports the purpose even though the purpose needs to initially be identified.

Use of Sources
A few times the use of sources are not represented correctly.

Language and Style
The vocabulary is alright but could be more colorful.
The style is consistent and the structure of the paper is coherent.
Literary elements could be used more.
The author's own personal style is displayed throughout with questions for the audience to consider, which are then answered or explained along with personal statements from the author to grab the readers attention.

Grammar and Mechanics
Numerous misspelled words
Contraction error in introduction
And or but used to start 2 sentences
Could combine a couple of sentences
In the 1st paragraph when it the author gives the example of a woman in her 30s it is unclear and a stereotype, since not all woman in their 30s are married, have kids, or a job. This could be corrected only if talking of a specific example then it should be cited. If not specific then it must be explained further that it is an example by the author and should be backed up by a source of some kind.
Fragment in 3rd paragraph
5th paragraph has numerous sources need to be fixed
Comma errors throughout

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Paper #3
Predisposed to Divorce
Grade: B

Quality of Purpose
The thesis statement is presented clearly and followed through with in the following paragraphs.
The purpose of the author is presented well and continues to be seen throughout.

Quality of Thought
The ideas and thoughts of the writer is represented well.
The author gets their purpose of the paper and their thesis is backed up by the ideas and information contained within the paper.
However, ideas found within paragraphs following the intro and ending before the conclusion are lacking enough credible sources and evidence to give the paper the substance it needs.
The statements and info the author includes to support the thesis are not supported by credible sources.
-Paragraph 2-needs more credible sources as to why divorce affects children mentally.
Not just info from the author. More statistics are needed in addition.
-Paragraph 3- Idea of children living with divorce will go through "emotional and
self doubt" needs more of an explanation as to why this is so and also as to why this is so.
-Paragraph 4- Needs more credible sources why it affects children and why it
would be hard for the example of a young girl who had divorced parents to adjust
to married life
Paragraph 1 also should go into detail aobut why genetics are "still up in the air" as discussed in the intro in the thesis
Strong Intro but weak conclusion

Effective Organization of Content
It has excellent organization. Everything discussed in the intro is gone into further depth in the following paragraphs.
The thesis statement contains key topics of the up and coming paragraphs. Each paragraph is designated a topic that is explained.

Use of Sources
Correctly done

Language and Style
Vocabulary and diction are presented well.
The author has a consistent construction when building each paragraph. It is sensible and understandable for the viewing audience.

Grammar and Mechanics
A few spelling/comma/tense/punctuation/capitalization error(s)
Run-on in paragraph 2

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Paper #4
NAACP Case Against Gun Manufactures
Grade: D

Clarity of Purpose
No clear thesis statement.
Purpose, however, is clear throughout the paper.

Quality of Thought
Rational thought and ideas are with in the paper.
Although there are credible sources supporting the info there is not enough info or sources to confirm it to make the essay effective.
The conclusion could also be stronger than it is.

Effective Organization of Content
There is no clear conclusion instead an extra paragraph should be added for the purpose of concluding and summing up what is explained in paragraphs 1 through 3.
No thesis however is noticeable in the intro.
The paragraphs are organized well and the info contained within supports the topic of each.

Use of Sources
There are a few missing sources in the essay.
Not all sources are used from the bibliography in the paper.

Grammar and Mechanics
A few spelling/comma/capitalization/pronoun/punctuation error(s)

Blog Prompt # 5 : Continued

Argument Analysis
Within the argument titled Comparing Hitler, Obama is Unfair,found in the Aiken Standard, numerous rhetorical situations such as the writers beliefs, intent, purpose, etc. are discussed backed up by the fallacies found within conservative groups, the government, and the media; all the while both supporting his own fallacies and pointing out the ones of those who provide informative support for what he is attempting to convey. Anthony J. DiStefano argument is a convincing one, stating that the the claims made towards Obama associating not only himself but his entire Administration with Socialism and of all men Hitler, to be more or less insulting and ignorant. Why, ignorant because he goes on to explain the exact history of the Nazi's as if to spell it for those who are misled. He then goes on to define what or more or less whom is holding such accusations and why one could possibly have such an opinion. With this he uses fallacies of his own. Then later turning the tables to describe fallacies created by the media to support these groups or "who" exactly delivers such claims.

Blog Prompt # 5

http://www.aikenstandard.com/Letters/distefano-letter2009-09-09T21-33-10
AIKEN STANDARD Comparing Hitler, Obama Is Unfair
In this letter to the editor, the writer basically sets out to explain why the accusations of Obama being the next Hitler is completely irrational. It goes into further depth first off by stating exactly what Hitler's role was in history and politics. Then goes on to back up why conservatives, not all but a few out there, feel the need to make a rash comparison of the two. He explains that the news media may play into this frenzy as, "they fan the flames of extremism, so that common sense and common ground are harder and harder to find."
The reason for choosing this letter was based on the notion of fallacies discussed in the lecture and seeing those within the text being used as an example for the way in which the media turns "facts" into something completely different. I also plan to analyze other ways in which the author describes the fallacies found within the media. Also, I intend to return to the first couple of paragraphs and discuss what the author's exigence is and analyze a contrary opinion from which he/she derives their own from. Among other things.

Blog Prompt #4

The Fallacies Found In The 2009 Presidential Campaign
John Mccain's Ads attempting to ruin Barack Obama's outward integrity
-The ACORN Ad that Mccain produced against Obama's Campaign plays into Ethical Fallacies trying to establish the guilt by association tactic. In the ad they claim "Barack Obama, Bad Judgement, Blind Ambition, Too Risky For America.". They try to point out that as a member of ACORN and his association with them, he therefore is not qualified as a presidential candidate. Therefore displaying a fallacy against him with attempts to discredit his character.

Blog Prompt #3: continued

Self Assessment
When composing my draft I started out with a couple of hand written paragraphs to begin the process of getting my ideas to emerge and make it possible for me to consider what I was exactly trying to state. Then I sat down and typed out the rest. I put all of my ideas that I was picturing and sculpted them into sentences, forming paragraphs, and eventually the essay.
I wanted to present the main ideas of the up and coming paragraphs in a logical way as to later go into depth about them. Then, I designated each paragraph to a specific idea that I was expressing in the introductory paragraph, in order to establish and specifically describe my thoughts based upon the assigned topic. Following up with the conclusion, in which I presented all the information found within the narrative into a compounded summary.

Blog Prompt #3

My Identity as a Writer

When considering my identity as a writer numerous elements and events come to mind. The individual style of my compositions, along with the progression of my writing persona has evolved this identity into what one may define it as currently. Along the pathway one travels as a writer both of these elements have been molded and constructed, not only by the events occurring in one’s life span, but also with the guidance of editing and revising, the growth one experiences as an individual (not only as a writer), and the discernment of one’s own personal beliefs and opinions etc. . With this in mind, one may reflect upon one’s thoughts, doing so to unmask one’s voice and how one may use it to direct the effect and intentions one wants to display to the reader.

Divulging into the events that makes one a writer, or even more specifically a single event, may be difficult to pinpoint at first. However, with careful consideration on part of the writer one can identify the moment one found oneself starting to stroll along the way of establishing their role as an author. Throughout one’s academic career the notion that one is a true writer is realized. For it is the knowledge acquired from numerous English and Literature classes that morphs into the final producer of one’s writing. As the years pass, many link a time in their life to the acknowledgement that one doesn’t have to be a professional author to view themselves and to be considered as a writer.

For myself this moment occurred during my attendance at Schofield Middle School, in the 8^th grade. I was in English I honors at the time, with an amazing teacher whose passion for reading matched her passion for her profession. This made writing for a tween more enjoyable of course, being that she would assign compositions, all of which were different genres, where we could take the time to express ourselves and let our individual voice be heard. One assignment in particular actually was considered extra credit. It consisted of constructing a poem or short essay in correlation to a piece of art work from the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, Georgia, only later to be submitted to the Museum for determination of the contest winners. From here we had to meditate upon the meaning of the work of art, providing it with a perception, and apply the indications of the guidelines to the essay or poem. Choosing to create a poem, I decided upon a work of art that interested me and began. After submission, a few weeks later, to my astonishment, I had won Honorable Mention. For the first time I realized I was a writer indeed, and I from here I continued to work with my compositions establishing a style all of my own. Extending on, from that significant moment, the rest of the years of my academic career consisted of constant essays, research papers, short narratives, poems, etc. that built the structure of what one may find when reading what I write today.

As one flourishes as an individual growing and finding oneself, one does so as a writer as well. The growth one experiences as person reflects over into one’s writing, as one forms opinions and ideas of their own. From beginning high school to graduation, the editing and revision process one goes through after writing each and every draft aides in this; one notices mistakes, finds new ways to express one’s thoughts onto paper, and discovers different ways to formulate a composition, of any genre for that matter. This is the expansion of quality of work one may find from reading a paper done years and then reviewing one written of recent years. I have found that as I have expanded my writing capabilities that this is true for me as well. I have recognized the fact that as I matured over the years, my style of writing did too. I developed a sense of what the reader would look for and apply literary elements. I would define myself as a “free” writer, because when composing something I gather all the thoughts in my head, visualize them, and then simply apply them to paper. All the while, constantly thinking of ideas, letting them flow onto the page. I pay attention the smallest detail, analyzing, detailing sentences with what I intend the reader to see as well.

Thus, when comprising a piece of work everything from a moment in one’s life, a specific event, to the numerous papers written throughout their school years, comes into effect. All converging into making up the style of what the reader examines presently. The voice one discovers throughout the progression or evolvement as a person in the writing and in their life explains the very essence of the authors design and approach to the subject.

Blog Promt #2

When I sit down to write, I find myself letting the ideas that come to mind flow. From here I form them into a coherent structure of sentences; expressing myself and these ideas uniquely with the style in which I have formed.
When it comes to communicating ideas upon the sheet of paper lying before me, I simply just write. By focusing on the topic presented at the time, I create a visualization of what I am trying to describe with the use of the implements at hand (be it manual (such as a pen or pencil) or digital (computer)). All the time, having the intentions for the reader to visualize, depict, and analyze the work as well.
For me, I jot down ideas, but have exactly what I want to display on the page already in thought. Carrying with me the design that I have formerly established, only to then scroll it into a composition.
At no precise time in my life has there been an event in which that has defined myself as a writer. Instead, it is many individual moments, papers, poems, etc. that have built the style and way in which I construct my writings; for all of these combined into a representation of what the result of my compositions are today.

Blog Prompt #1

My name is Nikole Whitley and am attending USCA. I am from Aiken, SC. As far as interests go, I enjoy art, spending time with friends, reading, listening to music, and relaxing. One topic that is especially important to me is art.
To me it is a passion not just a hobby or something to do to pass the time. It is the reason I have chosen the artistry of Tattooing as my career goal; to be able to get an apprenticeship after college and start my own buisness. Where after, I may not only have the capability to create something meaningful for someone that they may cherish their entire life when they glance at it, but in doing so providing memorabilia and significance to a work of art as well.
I began taking art classes in middle school and continued to do so throughout high school. In tenth grade I was accepted into the Governor's School of Arts and Humanties for my up and coming eleventh and twelfth grade years. However, even after only staying there for the first couple months (due to the fact that the environment just was not for me), my passion and enthusiasm for the arts held.
Thus, that is why today, I look to transfer to USC next year and finish out my four year degree with a B.A. in Art Studio. For, I still am captivated by a piece of art work; analyzing its every detail and the questions that come to mind when viewing an artist's finished product; paying tribute to the effort, the meaning, the time, the creative genius behind its design.