Blog # 12 Directions on writing CATW Essay

First step in writing an essay is to read the original article than reread it. Start picking out your main ideas and the supporting ideas. How I do it is, I look for main ideas and make sure by finding the supporting/ evidence to what I think is a main idea. Than look at all of the main ideas and figured out which one I can write about best. That becomes my thesis/position on how I am going to set up the essay.

1^st Paragraph

 Introduction to the article, I think of this as an opening sentence to my article. This is how I am going to introduce the topic I am writing about.

In my own words a summary of main ideas on the article I just read.  No supporting Ideas.

Than a thesis/Position

2^nd Paragraph

Example 1 Personal experience- Derive something from a life experience; it doesn’t have to be only yours. Use family, friends or co-workers experiences too.

3^rd & 4^th Paragraph

Example 2 & 3 Use some examples from Magazines, Newspapers, T.V and Internet to show that these are stories pertaining to the article. Be sure to use one at a time in each paragraph. In blog 10 I used the Home Alone movie in 3^rd  paragraph than in my 4^th paragraph I used the story I read about My sisters keeper.

5^th Paragraph

Conclusion- This is when I wrapped everything up in about 3-4 sentences about how I feel, advice or matter of fact words.

The flow of your essay is important; my essays tend to break off into specific paragraphs. I am learning how to combine and make it into one flowing read.

Grammar and spelling- it is evitable for me to spell something wrong like researches, a instead of an. I first draft and look in the dictionary and write down a couple of words on the side of my paper.

Just take the time to reread your essay and make minor corrections.

  

Blog #11 Revised CATW Practice 2

Do I act differently with others around? Carol Travis wrote the article “In Groups We Shrink”. The passage is about changes in people’s behaviors and actions in groups compared to people by themselves. Through experiments doctors have determined another underlying cause for this behavior called “Diffusion of Responsibility” or “Social Loafing". I agree with the idea of diffusion of responsibility or social loafing stated in this article.

 I have experienced numerous times when diffusion of responsibility has played out. One day I had gone to work earlier than usual and proceeded to go down to the locker rooms. I was approached by employees with their concern about another employee who wasn’t feeling well. I first asked did anyone tell the manager on duty, their response was they did but she wants to go home so she is waiting for you to take care of it. I was appalled by that statement, but before I could confront her I checked up on the employee. Fortunately for him I stepped in, the employee had first signs of a heart attack. While all this is going on the manger on duty got dressed and left. This is just one situation amongst the many at work. I could not understand why people were like this but after reading the article; I felt a little at ease that this behavior is going on elsewhere.

Diffusion of responsibility is typically heard or read in the news. I read an article in the New York post in 2010 about a homeless man coming to aid of a woman who being attacked. The homeless man was stabbed and left there in a pool of blood and 25 people walked passed him before action was taken. Shocked that this actually happened, I was so upset but unfortunately it happens. Social loafing is a similar concept as well; people are just plain lazy and figure someone else will figure it out.

None the less perfect example is the report about Luisa Brown. Watching channel 7 in 2008, a picture of this 7 year-old girl was shown. Little Brown was beaten to death by her step father all because she ate his yogurt. Family suspected abuse but did nothing and figured her mother would sort it out. The sad part is she had a social worker who claims she did not see anything. Both parents were charged but it was too late for Luisa Brown. Only if someone stepped on time, this little girl would be alive today. Just like the staged situation in the article about the woman with the broken ankle.

 All these situations are brought to life in the news, articles, and workplace and even at home, with that, behaviors and actions of certain people are seen and maybe we all can learn from them.Everyone has a choice to help or not but responding would prevent a lot of tragedies.

Blog # 10 CATW Practice 3

      Predetermined roles for children? Lucille Forer wrote this article "How Your Birth Order Influences Your Life Adjustment”. A child’s characteristics, behavioral and how they view themselves are impacted by the order in which they were born. The child takes on a particular role in the family dynamic and learns different mannerisms. Just like the older sibling is the reliable one, compared to the younger siblings. I agree with the author on “It influences him to develop certain attitudes toward himself and toward other people and helps him develop specific patterns of behavior” This all coming from a middle child too!

     I have developed certain behaviors from being the middle child. I learned to be quiet but effective. To wait and listen before I speak. Some might not think this is a good thing. I found that I learned more, improved skills in whatever I was doing or wanted to do. I also felt there were benefits growing up in a large family.

     In the movie “Home Alone” is an example of the youngest sibling being irresponsible. Macaulay Culkin gets in to trouble and is sent to his room for punishment. Culkin wakes up late and misses the family vacation and is all alone! I this turn of events he develops the traits of an only child. Culkin learns to fend for himself because no one is there to take care of him. It just goes to show the adaptability.

     There are many situations which depicts this article like “My Keeper” is a story of an older sister having to take on a mentally ill younger sister. She becomes her guardian and provider, just like the characteristics of the older sibling.

     Everyone has distinct characteristics from our upbringing and environment. Be it good or bad ones, everyone needs to acknowledge them and make a change if needed. Having the traits or behaviors could be beneficial if used correctly.