Rules for Writers Ch. 46

After reading Ch. 46, it talks about ways of being able to find main ideas, thesis, supporting facts, and arguments to name a few. It also references ways of being an active reader by following simple steps which include highlighting, writing notes to the side of the page, underline any key points, interests, as well as researching definitions for unknown words in order to grasp a better understanding.

In this process, we also learn about summarizing what we had read in order to make sure that we have complete understanding. In the summary, we should include the key subject (thesis) and knowing what audience the writer was trying to target as a couple of examples. Also, we learn about how to properly analyze what we had just read in order to find out the main idea of the document and being able to come up with our own thesis that will state our own judgment about the text.

Knowing what I know now, I am now going to make sure to become a more active reader by following the steps mentioned in this chapter by either highlighting anything of importance, researching anything that I may not have complete understanding on, as well as keeping notes throughout the text that I can later refer back to in order to create a well written essay. Also, based off what I had learned, I feel like I am now more aware of what steps I will need to take in order to complete a proper outline, summary and analysis of what I had just read.    

Freewriting Excercise

After reading about freewriting, I came to find out that it is a very good tool to use in order to gather as much information as possible to what we are thinking about. It could be as simple as just jotting down our thoughts about a specific topic we want to write about. By doing this, we can then know if this is something we can write a full essay on or even find out if we know enough about that topic and if we need to do more research.

Reading into this kind of reminded me as another way of brainstorming ideas. Just going for it and writing whatever comes to mind without having to worry about grammar or punctuation since it's not the official essay. I realize that we can all become better writers if we take the time to free write about a topic in mind so that we can become better organized and well aware of what we know, what we don't know, and what we should be working on in order to achieve a well written essay/report.

What I really like about freewriting is that you can write about anything and not really think about the consequences. This is just a stepping stone that you can later refer to in order to find out if this is a topic that others will either accept or reject. Of course, we don't all think the same way so most likely you will come across those few that are completely against your views or are willing to challenge your beliefs/research. This is why I believe it is good to have freewriting because you could at least take a look back and see if you are willing to defend any arguments that may come up.

Autobiography

Hello all! My name is Jaime Rivera. This is my second semester back at the JC after taking 4 years off from school. I am looking forward to further my education in order to obtain my Bachelors in Business Management. Besides going to school, I am also working full time as a Member Service Rep at Redwood Credit Union, so for those who have any questions at all about obtaining a loan, opening an account, or just need some type of financial guidance, please do not hesitate to contact me at jrivera@redwoodcu.org.

I would say that I am visual learner. I do find it difficult for me to understand complex situations without having some kind of visual in order for me to have a better understanding. Other than that, I would say that I am a quick learner and can grasp on to new information as long as I have complete understanding. When it comes to my work, I would have to say that I am a procrastinator, but most of my work comes out the best when I complete it the night before it is due or even a few hours before it is due.

I hope that we all have a great semester and I am looking forward to working with all of you.