Final Reflection
This semester has given me an opportunity to grow in my writing skills. With the six threshold concepts we were provided we were able to write stories and essays properly. Our assignments were to write essays. We began by having to choose what we will be researching or writing about. We learned about the MLA format and how we will utilize this tool to format our essays. And in between for our research on the essays we would read stories related to the threshold concepts and answer questions on the stories. Once we got pretty far along with our research it was time to have a peer review of our essays which was helpful due to the many perspectives given. Once we have had a peer review our essays we would then revise and edit the essays. Our first essay is our Flash Narrative. This essay I think focuses on writing because we are using it to tell a story whether it's fiction or nonfiction. I also think we used contingency from the threshold concepts as well. Since we had to use this essay to maybe let the reader feel what we were writing about. This essay was very fun for me. I enjoyed the freedom we got with it. I really think this is the best essay I have written, I am very proud of it. It sorta made me realize I’m not that bad of a writer in my opinion. The second essay we were assigned is our Rhetorical Analysis Essay. We had to analyze an article and determine the perspective of the writer and who the potential audience could be. This essay was interesting to me. Having to analyze the article, I felt like a detective. It was a little tricky to analyze the article and try to figure out the potential target audience. This article used rhetoric because we had to study the article and analyze it. Engagement is used as well because we are summarizing the text. We also used writing from the threshold concepts as well. Our third and final essay is Viewpoint Synthesis. We had to find an issue and compare both sides of the debate. As well as find stakeholders for this issue. I was not able to complete this essay. I was having a hard time comparing both viewpoints for my research question, which was “Should Abortion Be Banned?”. When researching I was able to find many viewpoints on why abortion shoudl be banned. It was more difficult to find reliable resources. I tried going to a tutor as well but I just didn’t get it. Once I thought I was getting it I was told I was Writing it incorrectly. The essay would have used rhetoric for studying other people's articles. Engagement because we are showing people both sides of a question. Also through this essay we could let people see what issues there are in their opinion.
Narrative Essay
Valentin Andrade
Professor Walton
English 1010
25 January 2022
Strangers
Another day working the same 9 to 5. The smell of paper, and the sound of phones ringing. This is my daily routine as an accountant for a stockbroker. Life in the big apple is thought to be amazing, it’s actually just people trying to survive. Every day it’s the same thing for me. I go to work during the day and at night go to Think Coffee on the corner of 16th street and 6th avenue. I just need something to distract me.
Today is a new day, but with the same record on loop. As the day goes by and 5pm comes around I pack my things and head to the coffee shop. As I enter a woman catches my attention from the corner of my eye. Her hair was around shoulder length, and the way she was dressed was interesting with the mismatched colors that worked somehow. Her eyes were a pretty hazel color that was protected by some very large frames. I walked up to the register and ordered myself a black coffee and sat down to wait for my name to be called. As I sat waiting while reading my book “The Happiness of Pursuit”. She walked up to me and introduced herself “Hey, my name is Jennifer but you can call me Jen”. Her smile was beautiful, I responded. “My name is Mathew, nice to meet you”. I shook her hand, and she began telling me how good the book I'm reading is. I agreed with her and we began talking about our favorite books. The conversation felt like it was in slow motion, but it was actually only two minutes. In those two minutes, I decided to gather up the courage and ask her on a date. I felt like it was weird to ask someone on a date after 2 minutes about a book, so I was very hesitant and had to really dig deep for the courage. She agreed on a date and began writing her number on a paper for me. I felt so much joy that she said yes I think I was feeling the same as a dog when you take them on a car ride. As I was handed the paper, she told me “I’ll be expecting a call” and she began to walk out. I stood there as if I was in a dream, awakened by my name being called out by the barista.
I took Jen out on our first date, we went to a showing of Avengers: Infinity War and then to dinner. It may not sound super-cool but we enjoyed ourselves, and have since then gone out multiple times. On our second date, I decided to try something cheesy, went to a nice view, and just looked at the stars. I got a bunch of snacks and even borrowed my friend's telescope to get an awesome view of the moon. When we were up on the view we enjoyed our company. Even though we had an amazing night I couldn’t help but notice a hesitance in speaking about our future as a couple. Maybe she’s just nervous because it’s our second date. But besides that, I had an amazing night, and she seemed to have a great night too! Jen has been really cool. The way she listens to me and just shows understanding just shows me how caring she is. It’s as if we’ve known each for a long time, sharing embarrassing stories comfortably. Going to work isn’t as horrible as it used to be, I now have something to look forward to after. I was able to experience going to a party that wasn’t family related. I also learned there's more to this city than work and coffee. With these past dates, I was able to experience going to a party that wasn’t family related. I also learned there's more to this city than work and coffee. Tomorrow I have a date planned at the aquarium where we will be able to look at the stars and enjoy time with each other.
I picked her up from her condo the next week, I waited patiently for a single flower for her. As she came down I noticed a look of sadness on her face and she seemed to be acting colder. I handed her the flower and asked her if there were any issues and she told me there weren’t with a smile. We arrived at the aquarium and it was amazing going through all the interactive displays. And seeing all the beautiful fish in their tanks. This moment felt as if it was a movie, everything just seemed perfect, even though the air was filled with the smell of saltwater. we laughed and just had an awesome time. The day has come to an end and we’re arriving at her building. I was asking her if next time we should go to the zoo. She turned to me and said, “we have to talk”. At that moment my body grew cold and it felt as if time had stopped, I had a horrible feeling in my gut. I knew what was going to happen. She explained how she isn’t ready for a relationship and it’s better to end things now before it becomes harder to say goodbye in the future. My eyes teared and it felt as if someone was gripping my throat. I tried talking but with every word that came out I started choking up. We both looked at each other with teary eyes and knew it was what had to happen. A gaze that lasted for a second but felt as if we both had a whole conversation. I leaned in for one last hug and the only words I could mutter were “thank you”. I walked away, head hung low and tears running down my face. It’s funny how the days after it rained, just like in the movies.
The smell of paper, and the sound of phones ringing. Back to the same 9 to 5 trying to get rid of the recurring thoughts. Sometimes I think it was all a daydream or hoping it was. I try to drown myself in work to forget the drowning feeling of unease. Was it me or something I did? These thoughts torture my head every now and again, but in the end, I will have to forget the person who had my heart. The stranger.
Professor Walton
English 1010
25 January 2022
Strangers
Another day working the same 9 to 5. The smell of paper, and the sound of phones ringing. This is my daily routine as an accountant for a stockbroker. Life in the big apple is thought to be amazing, it’s actually just people trying to survive. Every day it’s the same thing for me. I go to work during the day and at night go to Think Coffee on the corner of 16th street and 6th avenue. I just need something to distract me.
Today is a new day, but with the same record on loop. As the day goes by and 5pm comes around I pack my things and head to the coffee shop. As I enter a woman catches my attention from the corner of my eye. Her hair was around shoulder length, and the way she was dressed was interesting with the mismatched colors that worked somehow. Her eyes were a pretty hazel color that was protected by some very large frames. I walked up to the register and ordered myself a black coffee and sat down to wait for my name to be called. As I sat waiting while reading my book “The Happiness of Pursuit”. She walked up to me and introduced herself “Hey, my name is Jennifer but you can call me Jen”. Her smile was beautiful, I responded. “My name is Mathew, nice to meet you”. I shook her hand, and she began telling me how good the book I'm reading is. I agreed with her and we began talking about our favorite books. The conversation felt like it was in slow motion, but it was actually only two minutes. In those two minutes, I decided to gather up the courage and ask her on a date. I felt like it was weird to ask someone on a date after 2 minutes about a book, so I was very hesitant and had to really dig deep for the courage. She agreed on a date and began writing her number on a paper for me. I felt so much joy that she said yes I think I was feeling the same as a dog when you take them on a car ride. As I was handed the paper, she told me “I’ll be expecting a call” and she began to walk out. I stood there as if I was in a dream, awakened by my name being called out by the barista.
I took Jen out on our first date, we went to a showing of Avengers: Infinity War and then to dinner. It may not sound super-cool but we enjoyed ourselves, and have since then gone out multiple times. On our second date, I decided to try something cheesy, went to a nice view, and just looked at the stars. I got a bunch of snacks and even borrowed my friend's telescope to get an awesome view of the moon. When we were up on the view we enjoyed our company. Even though we had an amazing night I couldn’t help but notice a hesitance in speaking about our future as a couple. Maybe she’s just nervous because it’s our second date. But besides that, I had an amazing night, and she seemed to have a great night too! Jen has been really cool. The way she listens to me and just shows understanding just shows me how caring she is. It’s as if we’ve known each for a long time, sharing embarrassing stories comfortably. Going to work isn’t as horrible as it used to be, I now have something to look forward to after. I was able to experience going to a party that wasn’t family related. I also learned there's more to this city than work and coffee. With these past dates, I was able to experience going to a party that wasn’t family related. I also learned there's more to this city than work and coffee. Tomorrow I have a date planned at the aquarium where we will be able to look at the stars and enjoy time with each other.
I picked her up from her condo the next week, I waited patiently for a single flower for her. As she came down I noticed a look of sadness on her face and she seemed to be acting colder. I handed her the flower and asked her if there were any issues and she told me there weren’t with a smile. We arrived at the aquarium and it was amazing going through all the interactive displays. And seeing all the beautiful fish in their tanks. This moment felt as if it was a movie, everything just seemed perfect, even though the air was filled with the smell of saltwater. we laughed and just had an awesome time. The day has come to an end and we’re arriving at her building. I was asking her if next time we should go to the zoo. She turned to me and said, “we have to talk”. At that moment my body grew cold and it felt as if time had stopped, I had a horrible feeling in my gut. I knew what was going to happen. She explained how she isn’t ready for a relationship and it’s better to end things now before it becomes harder to say goodbye in the future. My eyes teared and it felt as if someone was gripping my throat. I tried talking but with every word that came out I started choking up. We both looked at each other with teary eyes and knew it was what had to happen. A gaze that lasted for a second but felt as if we both had a whole conversation. I leaned in for one last hug and the only words I could mutter were “thank you”. I walked away, head hung low and tears running down my face. It’s funny how the days after it rained, just like in the movies.
The smell of paper, and the sound of phones ringing. Back to the same 9 to 5 trying to get rid of the recurring thoughts. Sometimes I think it was all a daydream or hoping it was. I try to drown myself in work to forget the drowning feeling of unease. Was it me or something I did? These thoughts torture my head every now and again, but in the end, I will have to forget the person who had my heart. The stranger.
Rhetorical Analysis
Valentin Andrade
Professor Marget Walton
English 1010
March 04, 2022
Rhetorical Analysis on “I Know Where You’ve Been: Digital Spying And Divorce In The Smartphone Age”
Link to Article: https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2018/01/04/554564010/i-know-where-you-ve-been-digital-spying-and-divorce-in-the-smartphone-age (Links to an external site.)
“I Know Where You’ve Been: Digital Spying And Divorce In The Smartphone Age” an article written by Aarti Shahani. She is a journalist and author who has won awards for her writings. She has received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Edward R. Murrow award, and the Investigative Reporters and Editors award. She is also a host of a podcast “Art of Power”. This article was published by npr.org on January 4, 2018. The tone of this text makes me think it’s for people who are currently or have gone through a divorce and maybe looking for articles that can inform them on the cons of technology through the process. Throughout this passage, logos are mainly used to persuade the reader through evidence, statistics, and logical reasoning. There is also some pathos being used through the feeling of the victims that have been through this situation. Which makes for a great and convincing read.
Aarti Shahani uses logos to convince her readers, that while going through the divorce process trackers could be used and they have been used in the past. The usage of this technology allows for the couple to spy on each other which causes many marriages to fall apart, and this is according to many lawyers. As technology advances the price for such technology becomes cheaper and easier to get a hold of. Many of these devices can be small devices that could fit in a wheel well or many other small, hard to find hard-to-find places. Phones may also be used as a deviating track of the person. These are all examples of how they are tracked. The author also uses statistics such as, “In 2012, the last time the Justice Department attempted to quantify stalking, it estimated that 1.5 percent (Links to an external site.) of all adults in the U.S. were victims. That figure more than doubled — to 3.3 percent — for people who were divorced or separated.” which does show an increased rate of stalking in divorced people. The only issue I see with this statistic is it doesn’t necessarily state if these are all stalkings by tracking devices. But In a later paragraph, she does show better evidence “An even earlier DOJ survey (Links to an external site.) of stalking victims in 2005 and 2006 found that electronic monitoring of some kind was used on one in 13 victims.” I like this evidence better because it is a direct connection between electronic monitoring and stalking. Though it is generally illegal to put tracking devices without consent many people still do it. Even against the advice of many lawyers. Randy Kessler an attorney in Atlanta said in an interview “I see it in their eyes. I tell them: 'Don't do it.' But they still do it. And you know personally, if it was in my life, I'd be tempted.”. These are all examples of how Aarti Shahani uses logos in the article.
The article also uses pathos by the usage of “M” this is a victim of this stalking but has chosen to remain anonymous. She gives an example of how “M” was affected by technology. She uses many words for emotion such as “terrified”, “worried”, and “fears”. The story for this example took place in 2016, and it is about “M” and how her ex-husband used trackers on her. She noted that her ex knew exactly where she would be and began to question how this was possible. She took her vehicle to get inspected and they indeed found a tracker, though they were divorced it technically wasn’t illegal due to the car being owned by both parties. Now that “M” knows this she said that she fears for her life”. I think this is a really good example of pathos because it gives an account of someone who has gone through this issue. I think that the usage of pathos wouldn’t be as effective but it works. At first, I thought this was an example of logos, but since we are not able to confirm the source of this to be factual I saw it to be more as pathos to move the reader emotionally. I also think this was a pretty good way to start the article because it does pique the reader's interest with the true encounter. Even though it may not be true it could be true due to Aarti Shahani’s credibility which leads to my next topic.
Ethos, though the author may have not technically put her credentials into the article about her background or her credibility. A quick google searches and you can find many other articles she has written. As stated in paragraph one she has multiple awards as a journalist and author. Not only does she have awards to back up her credibility she also has a master's degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Chicago. Schooling may not prove credibility but it does show that she is educated and has experience in writing. Aarti has also contributed to helping New York City prisoners and families facing deportation. Her activism was commended by the Legal Aid Society and Union Square Awards.
This whole article, I think mainly uses two of the three rhetorical strategies, pathos and logos. Though Logos is the more important and credible resource, Ethos is also great at connecting emotionally with the reader. The main thesis of this article is the use of trackers in divorce is bad for both parties causing distress and other issues regarding the marriage. Although in the last paragraph the attorney does say “I’d be tempted”. The article points to many reasons it is being messed up. I think if Aarti were to put her credentials in the passage it would be better if she seems to have a great background in journalism. Overall this was a well-written passage with effective usage of rhetorical strategies.
Professor Marget Walton
English 1010
March 04, 2022
Rhetorical Analysis on “I Know Where You’ve Been: Digital Spying And Divorce In The Smartphone Age”
Link to Article: https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2018/01/04/554564010/i-know-where-you-ve-been-digital-spying-and-divorce-in-the-smartphone-age (Links to an external site.)
“I Know Where You’ve Been: Digital Spying And Divorce In The Smartphone Age” an article written by Aarti Shahani. She is a journalist and author who has won awards for her writings. She has received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Edward R. Murrow award, and the Investigative Reporters and Editors award. She is also a host of a podcast “Art of Power”. This article was published by npr.org on January 4, 2018. The tone of this text makes me think it’s for people who are currently or have gone through a divorce and maybe looking for articles that can inform them on the cons of technology through the process. Throughout this passage, logos are mainly used to persuade the reader through evidence, statistics, and logical reasoning. There is also some pathos being used through the feeling of the victims that have been through this situation. Which makes for a great and convincing read.
Aarti Shahani uses logos to convince her readers, that while going through the divorce process trackers could be used and they have been used in the past. The usage of this technology allows for the couple to spy on each other which causes many marriages to fall apart, and this is according to many lawyers. As technology advances the price for such technology becomes cheaper and easier to get a hold of. Many of these devices can be small devices that could fit in a wheel well or many other small, hard to find hard-to-find places. Phones may also be used as a deviating track of the person. These are all examples of how they are tracked. The author also uses statistics such as, “In 2012, the last time the Justice Department attempted to quantify stalking, it estimated that 1.5 percent (Links to an external site.) of all adults in the U.S. were victims. That figure more than doubled — to 3.3 percent — for people who were divorced or separated.” which does show an increased rate of stalking in divorced people. The only issue I see with this statistic is it doesn’t necessarily state if these are all stalkings by tracking devices. But In a later paragraph, she does show better evidence “An even earlier DOJ survey (Links to an external site.) of stalking victims in 2005 and 2006 found that electronic monitoring of some kind was used on one in 13 victims.” I like this evidence better because it is a direct connection between electronic monitoring and stalking. Though it is generally illegal to put tracking devices without consent many people still do it. Even against the advice of many lawyers. Randy Kessler an attorney in Atlanta said in an interview “I see it in their eyes. I tell them: 'Don't do it.' But they still do it. And you know personally, if it was in my life, I'd be tempted.”. These are all examples of how Aarti Shahani uses logos in the article.
The article also uses pathos by the usage of “M” this is a victim of this stalking but has chosen to remain anonymous. She gives an example of how “M” was affected by technology. She uses many words for emotion such as “terrified”, “worried”, and “fears”. The story for this example took place in 2016, and it is about “M” and how her ex-husband used trackers on her. She noted that her ex knew exactly where she would be and began to question how this was possible. She took her vehicle to get inspected and they indeed found a tracker, though they were divorced it technically wasn’t illegal due to the car being owned by both parties. Now that “M” knows this she said that she fears for her life”. I think this is a really good example of pathos because it gives an account of someone who has gone through this issue. I think that the usage of pathos wouldn’t be as effective but it works. At first, I thought this was an example of logos, but since we are not able to confirm the source of this to be factual I saw it to be more as pathos to move the reader emotionally. I also think this was a pretty good way to start the article because it does pique the reader's interest with the true encounter. Even though it may not be true it could be true due to Aarti Shahani’s credibility which leads to my next topic.
Ethos, though the author may have not technically put her credentials into the article about her background or her credibility. A quick google searches and you can find many other articles she has written. As stated in paragraph one she has multiple awards as a journalist and author. Not only does she have awards to back up her credibility she also has a master's degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Chicago. Schooling may not prove credibility but it does show that she is educated and has experience in writing. Aarti has also contributed to helping New York City prisoners and families facing deportation. Her activism was commended by the Legal Aid Society and Union Square Awards.
This whole article, I think mainly uses two of the three rhetorical strategies, pathos and logos. Though Logos is the more important and credible resource, Ethos is also great at connecting emotionally with the reader. The main thesis of this article is the use of trackers in divorce is bad for both parties causing distress and other issues regarding the marriage. Although in the last paragraph the attorney does say “I’d be tempted”. The article points to many reasons it is being messed up. I think if Aarti were to put her credentials in the passage it would be better if she seems to have a great background in journalism. Overall this was a well-written passage with effective usage of rhetorical strategies.
