AOW #15- "Rules to Stop Teachers and Students From Getting Too Social Online"

"Rules to Stop Teachers and Students From Getting Too Social Online"
by Jennifer Preston for New York Times (Dec. 17, 2011)
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/18/business/media/rules-to-limit-how-teachers-and-students-interact-online.html?_r=1&hpw

This article was about limitations regarding social networking sites and school. It talks about boundaries that are/have been set and their effectiveness. It also brings up cases of abuse and success of social networking sites in schools in order to support both sides of the argument.

The context of this piece is how popular social networking sites are and how controversial the subject of their use in education is.

The purpose of this piece is to give an unbiased explanation of the pros and cons of social networking sites and their use in schools and education.

The audience for whom this is intended is all students, teachers, parents, and faculty members, especially those who are concerned about the use of these sites in schools. It can also appeal to anyone interested in social networking sites and their role in society.

Rhetorical devies of this article include:

• They Say, I say- Rather then disproving the "they say" part, each piece of both sides of the argument is supported with facts, statistics, court cases, etc. 
• Appeal to Logos- This article uses many facts, statistics, court cases, etc. in order to support their argument and create a balance between the pros and cons of the situation.

I think that the author accomplished her purpose because this article gives a very thorough, in depth look at the impact of social networking sites in education and what boundaries work and don't work.

AOW #14- IRB- "Holidays on Ice"

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

David Sedaris comes from North Carolina, raised in a family with 6 siblings. He began his career in comedy after dropping out of Kent State University to travel around the United States and read excerpts from his diaries at local clubs. He then went on to reading these hilarious stories on the local radio station, eventually publishing these stories into several books.

This section was composed of 3 short stories about the holiday season. He describes events in past holiday seasons that he finds humorous and can effectively describe in order to make his audience laugh. Out of the 3 stories in this section, my favorite was the first, which described his short-lived career as an elf in SantaLand of Macy's in New York. His portrayal of his time working as an elf was funny and entertaining to read about.

The context of this book is David Sedaris' holiday tales as told by him to his fan-base.

The purpose for which this book was written is to tell readers about the hilarious stories of Sedaris' holiday seasons.

The audience for whom this book is intended is those interested in Christmas and the holiday season. Also, it is mainly written for fans of Sedaris and his writing style.

Rhetorical elements of this book include:

• satire- Sedaris consistently creates humor out of every situation he describes. He describes in detail very funny stories that have actually happened in his life.
• syntax- Sedaris uses extreme punctuation such as repetitive exclamation marks (!!!) to express emotion in his writing. He uses them to show excitement and loudness.

So far, I think Sedaris semi-accomplished his purpose. I am not fully satisfied with his sense of humor as I sometimes find him offensive, though that clearly is just his style. I think that certain parts of his stories are funny though and have made me laugh out loud.

AOW #13- "It's their world..."

"It's their world...(We're just keeping up with it)"
by David Keeps for Lucky Magazine (November 2011)

This is a credible source because it is a popular, well-established magazine.

This article was about the Kardashian family, their fame, and their television show. It talks about the author's meeting with the 3 sisters and what they were like. It also discusses their personal opinions on their fame and television show.

The context of this piece is the current immense fame and popularity of the Kardashians and their extensive impact on today's media. Also, their show is currently a huge hit that many people watch.

The purpose for this piece is to tell the readers about the Kardashian family and how they became the phenomenons they are today. Also, it informs fans about their favorite Hollywood family, and what their past, present, and future look like.

The audience for whom this piece was intended is fans of the Kardashians or anyone interested in their life.

Rhetorical devices in this piece include:

• testimony: This article is based on an interview with the Kardashian sisters were they each shared their personal thoughts, and then was formed into an article.
• syntax: The author uses syntax to express how the Karshasians actually talked/acted. For example, "Oh. Meh. Goh." 

I don't think the author accomplished their purpose effectively. The piece was pretty boring and not very informational. The author could have delved deeper into the lives of the Kardashians or focused on more interesting topics in their lives, rather then being so general and boring.

AOW #12- Advertisement: Sharpie Commercial

Sharpie Commercial- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OaH7m1vii0&feature=related

This is a credible source because Sharpie is a well-established company that has been around for many years. The commercial is also presented on many well-known and credible television stations.

This commercial is of a bunch of sticky notes that a guy writes on in Sharpie pen. On each sticky note, he writes something he loves that relates to a girl. He then sticks them to the wall to spell out "Will you marry me?".

The context of this piece is a young man who wants to propose to his girlfriend by telling her everything he loves about her and their relationship. It also used to introduce the Sharpie brand pen, when everyone is currently used to Sharpie making mainly permanent markers and highlighters.

The purpose for this commercial is to introduce the Sharpie pen and highlight its uses.

The audience that this advertisement is intended for is anyone who is uses pens or likes the Sharpie brand.  It strongly appeals to anyone who has a soft spot for love, marriage, or proposals.

Some rhetorical devices from this advertisement include:

• appeal to pathos: The commercial strongly appeals to the emotions of anyone who has a soft spot for love, marriage, or proposals. It is so romantic and cute that it makes the viewer say "awww!" and hope that the girl says yes!! 
• arrangement: The commercial starts out with a sticky note saying "I love..." and then goes on to show several sticky notes with the things he loves written on them with little pictures. After flashing through a bunch, the camera pans back and you see the guy sticking the final sticky note on the wall and they spell out "will you marry me?" and he stands back. 

This advertisement semi-accomplished its purpose. It was an extremely cute commercial and I liked it a lot, but I was more focused of the sticky notes and the proposal than the pen. It would have been a better commercial for Post-its than Sharpie pens. 

Unit 2 Reflection

Thomas Hobbes carefully explains his views on mankind and government in his work, Leviathan. In this piece, Hobbes describes the state of mankind as everyone being at war with everyone. He goes on to describe how each individual follows the Law of Nature, which is to seek peace, and follow whatever means possible to defend oneself. I agree with Hobbes' claim that each individual follows this Law of Nature and that they must do so since everyone fights against everyone for the common goal of peace and contentment.

Hobbes describes the state of mankind as everyone being at constant war with everyone else. He explains that each individual has the same basic wants and needs, including food, water, shelter, and everything else needed for basic survival. In this case, he goes on to explain, everyone must compete with everyone else to have enough of these things for themselves to survive. I agree with this claim because it is very true that everyone has these same basic needs. It is obvious that people will do whatever it takes to meet these needs, no matter what or who is in their way. An example of this in current society is seen by homeless people and homeless shelters. Those who are homeless are struggling to meet the basic needs that those who are wealthy so easily have and take advantage of. They are constantly at war with the world of those who are more privileged than they because they need these things to survive. This is why there are constantly beggers out on the street, who only want someone whose needs are taken care of to sacrifice a bit of money or food to help them survive. And yet, every day, there are people who walk right past these beggers without offering even a penny, sometimes because they chose to ignore those less fortunate than them, but also because they might subconsciously fear themselves eventually being forced to do the same. This example confirms Hobbes' claim that everyone is at war with everyone because the less fortunate people are constantly at war with those who are more fortunate, yet those who are fortunate live in constant fear of losing their privilege. 

Hobbes also claims that everyone human follows the Law of Nature, which states that each individual must seek peace and follow it, and by all means defend oneself. By this, Hobbes explains that every person strives for the common goal of peace, happiness, and contentment. Every individual strives to meet their basic needs, at which point they can be at peace. But, along with seeking peace, every individual must do all that they can to protect themselves. An example of Hobbes' Law of Nature can be seen in strikes. In a strike, employees refuse to work until their demands are met. In most cases, this involves money or a raise in salary. Those who go on strike are demanding to be better compensated for the work that they do. This shows the Law of Nature because every person who goes on strike is seeking peace, in that they want to be making enough money to meet their basic needs. Strikes show personal defense because those who go on strike are defending themselves against inadequate compensation by employers. 

In Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes describes how mankind is constantly at war with one another and how every individual follows the Law of Nature. This claim is very true and evident in today's society. Hobbes correctly identifies the state of mankind, and his claim holds prevalence and truth even today. 

AOW #11- "A Shopping Guernica Captures the Moment"

"A Shopping Guernica Captures the Moment"
by Peter S. Goodman for The New York Times (Nov. 29, 2008)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/30/weekinreview/30goodman.html?ref=blackfriday

This is a credible source because it is in the New York Times, which is a well-known and well-established news source.

This article was about a Wal-Mart employee who was trampled to death attempting to police crowds at the Wal-Mart opening on Black Friday. The article briefly describes the incident, then goes on to talk about how it was practically inevitable due to the current economical status of our country, which is the reason that there is such frenzy on Black Friday. It discusses how because our economy is so poor at the moment, it is easy for stores to create a demand for items and make them seem like they must be purchased immediately for the best deal, when in fact that is not the case. This has become the central reason that Black Friday is such an ordeal these days.

The context of this piece is the current economic situation that our country is in. Also, the current hype that is Black Friday, and its affect on people.

The purpose for this piece is to explain why Black Friday is in fact such a rip-off and how the extremity of it is actually absurd, unnecessary, and in this particular case, deadly.

The audience for whom this piece was intended is anyone who went or plans on going out on Black Friday. It is meant to teach those people how unnecessary it actually is.

Some rhetorical elements in this piece include:

• arrangement- In this article, they start off discussing a few tragic incidents in history and comparing them to the Wal-Mart employee killed on Black Friday. They discuss this incident for only a second, then go on to explain why Black Friday has become what it is today, and how absurd it actually is.
• diction- The diction in this article is extremely dry and blunt. It basically very harshly accuses every person who goes out on Black Friday of being ridiculous and falling for the sales techniques of the stores. It leaves no room for debate and never discusses the opposing views.

I do not think the author accomplished their point. I initially thought this article would talk about the Wal-Mart incident, which I had never heard of before and was interested in learning about how such a tragedy could possibly occur. I think that the author used way too much of his own opinion and much too harshly generalized every person who goes out on Black Friday.

IRB Assignment Preview #2

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

3 Sections:

• SantaLand Diaries; Season's Greetings to Our Friends and Family!!!; Front Row Center with Thaddeus Bristol pg. 3-76
• Based Upon a True Story; Christmas Means Giving; Dinah, the Christmas Whore; Jesus Shaves pg. 77-130
• Us and Them; Let It Snow; Six to Eight Black Men; The Monster Mash; The Cow and the Turkey pg. 131- 166

I chose this book because the cover immediately attracted me to it. I absolutely love Christmastime; it is by far the greatest time of year! I am already so excited for the holiday season and can't wait to start blasting Christmas music in the car! As soon as I saw this book, it made me smile to see the Christmas images on the cover. I talked to Ms. Pronko who recommended the author and told me about other stories of his that she has read, though she hasn't read this one. This book seems funny and entertaining, plus it will absolutely help get me in the mood, even more than I already am, for the holiday season. 

AOW #10- "A Silicon Valley School That Doesn't Compute"

"A Silicon Valley School That Doesn't Compute"
by Matt Richtel for The New York Times (Oct. 22, 2011)

This is a credible source because it was featured in the New York Times, which is a widespread well-known news source.

This article is about a chain of schools that refuse to use technology. The parents of most of the students who attend the schools work for high-tech companies such as Apple and Google. The organization believes that technology is distracting and unproductive, opposed to the popular belief that it greatly assists in the educational process. The schools use alternative techniques such as knitting and the old-school pen and paper to teach the students. The Waldorf chain of technology-less schools is spreading across the country.

The context of this piece is in a nation that is highly reliant on technology and incorporates technology greatly into schools and education. It is written in a time where most people own and frequently use computers and other technology.

The purpose of this article is to inform readers about an alternative type of learning and that not everyone needs to rely on technology. It proves that technology is not completely taking over our country.

The audience for whom this article was written is anyone interested in technology, especially its place in education. It also targets schools who are so hung up on having the most current and popular technology, to show them that it is not necessary.

Rhetorical elements in this piece include:

• appeal to logos- The article has many facts about the graduation rates and statistics regarding the students who attend these schools. It greatly adds to the argument that these schools are successful and a good idea.
• visuals- There is a slideshow of pictures linked to the article. It shows the schools and what the classrooms and students look like. This enhances the article because it allows the reader to perfectly imagine what these schools are like.

I think that the author accomplished their purpose because this article made me think about alternative learning and that we do not need to be so dependent on technology, especially in our schools. 

AOW #9- End of IRB

Bossypants by Tina Fey (autobiography)

Tina Fey is a wildly funny actress, comedian, writer, and producer. She is extensively famous for her well-rounded accomplishments and of course, her witty humor. Ms. Fey published an autobiography called Bossypants in April 2011. In this book, Tina Fey comically sums up her life, focusing solely on the main events and accomplishments that make her who she is today.

In this book, Tina Fey discusses every aspect of her life that is vitally important to the person she has become. She acknowledges such aspects in her life as a brief overview of her childhood, zeroing in on her relationship with her father, her introduction into acting, her marriage and the birth of her daughter, her run on the hit show Saturday Night Live and the start of her own show, 30 Rock, as well as many other funny tales that make her who she is today. Through the sharing of several short stories that seem random and irrelevant at times, Tina Fey is able to accurately portray the life she has lived in just some 275 pages.

The context of this piece is the well-established fame of Tina Fey and increasing popularity of Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. In writing this book at the time that she did, Ms. Fey had already established a quite extensive fan-base and a continually increasing popularity.

The purpose in which Tina Fey wrote her autobiography is to share with the world, her fans in particular, her life story and what exactly made her who she is today. She is able to tell the world of the events and accomplishments that mean so much to her and the impact that they have had on her life.

The audience for this autobiography is all of Tina Fey's fans, as well as her family, friends, and coworkers.

Some rhetorical elements that were effectively used in this autobiography are: (DIDLS)

• Diction- Tina uses comical phrasing and random word choice. She strongly uses humor and satire, which demonstrates her personality and passion for comedy. In her diction, she relies heavily on basic, common language that the average person is could easily define.
• Imagery- In this book, Tina uses a ton of description, in particular of the places she has been and people she has met. She describes in great detail her father and the summer theater camp, as well as the lifelong friends she met there.
• Details- Throughout the book, many somewhat random details are included, which seem irrelevant individually, but come together to express a much greater picture. In describing each event in her life, Tina Fey accurately uses detail to show the reader what she noticed the most in the experience and what was most important about that particular event.
• Language- As stated above, Tina Fey uses basic, humorous diction often in this book. She also indiscreetly uses curse words and inappropriate language. This usage impacts her story because it shows her personality and straightforwardness. It also adds greatly to the humor.
• Syntax- For the most part, the syntax in this book is pretty basic and simple. Tina Fey tends to use very similar punctuation and sentence structure throughout the book. There is a bit of variation, involving frequent lists and inserted pictures with captions, but for the most part syntax is very basic.

Tina Fey absolutely accomplished her purpose in writing this autobiography. After finishing this book, I have a new respect for Ms. Fey, whom I already loved. I have a better insight into her life and what made her who she is today. In reading her book, I have a better understanding of her humor as well, which just makes her even more funny!!

AOW #8- Editorial: "Wild animals aren't pets"

Editorial: "Wild animals aren't pets"
(October 20, 2011)
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/story/2011-10-20/wild-animals-pets-Zanesville/50846378/1

This is a credible source because it came from USA Today which is a very well-known news source that has been around for a while and established its credibility. Anyone who is featured on this website can be trusted because it would not be published in such a credible source if it was not trustworthy.

This editorial was about the idea of wild animals being kept as pets. The author held the view that wild animals should not be used as pets. They supported this point with examples such as the recent release of caged wild cats before a man committed suicide. The author held a very strong opinion about this and even brought up the idea of laws restricting this as such a reachable possibility.

The context of this editorial is within the recent popular news story of the man who released his pet wild animals before committing suicide. With this story as a popular, talked-about news story, an editorial on the concept of having wild animals as pets was relevant and intriguing.

The purpose that this piece was written is to express the authors ideas that wild animals should not be kept as pets, and laws should be enforced restricting this. It is meant to get this point across and back it up with relevant, supporting details. Also, its purpose is to ptersuade readers to feel this way as well.

The audience for this piece is obviously anyone reading USA Today. It appeals largely to those who have wild animals as pets, are interested in having wild animals as pets, or who are intrigued by the recent news stories of instances involving wild animals as pets.

Rhetorical elements of this piece include:

• definite appeal to pathos- This editorial even features a side picture of these beautiful wild animals lying dead on the side of the road after being killed because they were recklessly released into the public. It made me as the reader say "awww" and absolutely tugged on my heart strings. It also appeals to pathos in the story of the 2 year old little girl being killed by a pet boa constrictor. This story was heartbreaking and truly horrid to read about, especially since I had never heard that story before.
• appeal to logos- The author uses straightforward facts about this topic and supports their point with well-known present day examples. It uses this facts to show a clear understanding of the top. This also helps make the author credible.

I think the author absolutely accomplished their purpose. Since I had recently heard of the news about the animals being released before the suicide and was intrigued by this incident, it was very interesting to read more in-depth into the topic of wild animals as pets. The author absolutely got their point across that wild animals should not be kept as pets, an issue I had never really considered before. Also, coming from someone who loves animals and finds animals such as monkeys, tigers, etc. to be extremely cute, it was interesting to put aside this fact and think about having such cute but wild creatures as pets, and how this can do much more harm than good.

AOW #7- "touched by an angel"

"touched by an angel" by Alyssa Wasko; edited by Leigh Bellz
Teen Vogue Magazine (November 2011)

This is a credible source because Teen Vogue magazine is a popular, distinguished magazine that has been around for years.

This article was about a young girl whose father died when she was in college. She had always been interested in fashion, and her dad's death inspired her to pursue it further. She started her own company designing scarves with charms on them. The company, Donni Charm, was named after her father's nickname (Donny) and his nickname for her (Charm). Since then, the business has sky-rocketed, to the point where even celebrities are featuring her products.

The context of this piece is in a mostly fashion-related magazine that targets teenage girls. The article is appropriate in this situation because it talks about a teenage girl who takes a complete tragedy in her life and turns it into something positive.

The purpose for this article is to educate readers about this amazing young girl who turned her dreams into reality and overcame such a tragedy. It is also somewhat of an advertisement for her product because the article attracts readers to her product, established its popularity by saying celebrities wear it and showing pictures of those celebrities, and provides information on the product and sales.

The audience that this piece is written for is largely teenage girls. Specifically, it is for teenage girls looking to pursue a career in fashion or trying to overcome an immense tragedy in their lives. It provides tons of support and encouragement and especially hope for these young readers who are in a similar situation.

Some rhetorical elements of this piece are:

• appeal to pathos- The tragic story of her father's death makes the reader feel sympathy toward the aspiring designer and hope that she would make something of herself. It also makes the reader feel so much more joy and respect for her success.
• arrangement- There is a large picture of her wearing one of her designs at the start of the article. At the bottom of the first page, there is a picture of her as a young girl with her father. This page features an introduction and the story of the death of her father, so the pictures are extremely appropriate and add to the tone of the article, especially the photo of her as a kid with her dad. On the next page, there are picture of a few well-known celebrities wearing her designs. This adds to the elements of advertisement in the piece.

The author accomplished their purpose because I was introduced to a brand I was previously unaware of and intrigued to visit the website of the company. The product interested me because it is similar to my style, and her story drew me in even more to want to check it out.

AOW #6- "Animals 'shrinking' due to climate change"

"Animals 'shrinking' due to climate change"
by Nick Collins for The Telegraph (Sun. October 16, 2011)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/climatechange/8830023/Animals-shrinking-due-to-climate-change.html

This is a credible source because it is a well-established world-wide news source. It has earned the respect of its audience over the years. The author works for this well-rounded company, so clearly he must be reliable.

This article is about how all different species worldwide are increasingly becoming smaller generation to generation. Scientists predict that this is due to the massive climate changes that are occurring in the present day. Because of these climate changes, species are not able to get enough food, and this causes their smaller size as well as fewer offspring and increased susceptibility to harmful disease. This is a growing issue in today's world.

The context of this piece is at a time where global warming is a major, worldwide issue that needs to be addressed immediately. The human race as a global whole is becoming more and more aware and concerned with the situation.

The purpose of this article is to inform the audience about the dangerous, lasting effects of the environmental state our world is currently in. It addresses an issue that many people may not be fully educated about (global warming) and goes more in depth to one side of the problem (shrinking animal sizes).

The audience that this is piece is written for is really the general public. It is an issue that all people should be informed of and well-educated concerning. The article is specifically directed at those who are interested in the issue of global warming and want to know what is going on with our planet.

Some rhetorical elements in this piece include:

• strong appeal to pathos- This article plays on the emotions of the audience. It makes the reader imagine these poor little animals who are dying from lack of nutrition and have no way to care for themselves. It installs a sense of pity in the reader and a need to do something to help.
• diction- Since this article revolves quite a bit around a scientific topic, some of the diction is advanced and scientific. The author does a good job of attempting to use language that the general public can easily understand, but at times it gets very scientific.
• appeal to logos- This article consists of many statistics and numerical information. At times, it is hard to follow, but it adds to the ethos of the author since he must know what he is talking about to be able to add such straight facts.

I think that the author accomplished his purpose. As the reader, I took a lot out of this article. I am not very educated about the topic of global warming, though I know it is an issue I should be concerned with. In reading this article, I was able to understand it a little bit better.

Argument Prompt

Read the following passage about books bound in human skin. An idea mentioned in the excerpt is that "making leather from human skin seems bizarre and cruel today, it was not uncommon in centuries past". In a well written essay, develop a position on the morality of this topic in centuries past compared to how it is today. Support your position with evidence from your reading, observation, and/or experience. 




Carly D'Aquila, Jae Choi, & Dave Hong

Unit 1- Assignment Question Reflection

So far, the most helpful assignment has been working with Tim O'Brien's "How to Tell a True War Story". I have never read anything like that before, and it required a different level of thinking than I am used to. While reading and note-making it, I found myself being drawn more and more into the piece and becoming increasingly interested in the topic of war, which was previously boring and a complete drag in my opinion. I was suddenly intrigued by the stories and interested to try to figure out O'Brien's true purpose in writing the piece and what I, as the reader, should take out of it. Through the Socratic Seminar and all the other work we did with the piece (since it seemed to connect or be tied back to most other assignments), I understood the piece more and more. By reading this, it was also the first time I truly understood what rhetorical devices were and how they can be used effectively. This piece and everything it taught me will absolutely help me through the rest of the course.

Unit 1- Essential Question Reflection

How do speakers & writers use Rhetorical devices to communicate their ideas?


From Unit 1, I have learned a lot about how rhetors use rhetorical devices to communicate their ideas. There are so many rhetorical devices such as diction, syntax, arrangement, imagery, comparison/contrast, and plenty more. In using devices such as these, rhetors can greater enforce their point to their audience and make their work more effective. For example, Tim O'Brien uses diction such as "cooze" and other unfamiliar phrases and slang in "How to Tell a True War Story" to better express his point and emphasize the things he is saying or implying. Another example is the way O'Brien uses arrangement. He incorporates a pattern of short stories followed by informational paragraphs that explain how all the stories are true. This pattern continues throughout the piece to emphasize the fact that all the stories are true, and also his point that there is never any real truth in war stories. In these specific ways, as well as countless others, speakers & writers use Rhetorical devices to communicate their ideas.

AOW #5- "A Rare Pair"

"A Rare Pair"
by Gloria Hochman for the Philadelphia Inquirer (Sun. June 19, 2011)
http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/20110619_A_Rare_Pair.html

This is a credible source because it is an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer, a very well-known newspaper with a long history as a trustworthy source of information. The author can be trusted because she works for the newspaper and is being published by them.

This article is about a set of twins who are conjoined by their heads. They have all separate limbs and organs, but they share a circulatory system. The article talks about the twins birth and what it was like to grow up conjoined. The parents are interviewed and talk about their sons and how their life has changed because of it. The twins are also autistic. This adds even further limitation to their lives, though they push through all limitations and exceed all expectations.

The context of this piece is the first ever interview about the twins. They are now 19 years old and have never before been featured in any public media. The parents chose to keep the news about their sons private until now. They finally decided to share their sons' story.

The purpose of this article is to tell the story of these conjoined twins and how they are so successful though they have such strong limitations as being conjoined and having autism. The author wants to share their story and show readers how anyone can get through hardships in their life and succeed.

The audience that this piece is written for is very general. It is obviously for all readers of the Philadelphia Inquirer. It more specifically targets those who are interested in health or the subject area of conjoined twins. It is an article that can be of interest to most all people.

Some rhetorical elements in this piece include:

• appeal to pathos: There is a very strong appeal to pathos in this article. The reader is left with a constant sense of sympathy towards the twins and their parents, though there is also a sense of hopefulness and pride from the parents. Though the subject is sad and unfortunate, the article is uplifting and hopeful which inflicts these emotions on the reader.
• tone- As stated above, the tone of this article is bright and optimistic. Though the content is so unhappy and ill-fated, the way that the article is written highlights a sense of hope and happiness to be taken away from the article.

The author accomplished their purpose in that I, as the reader, got a lot out of the article such as an insight into the lives of conjoined twins as well as autistic teenagers and information on a case I was previously unaware of. It was interesting and hopeful and left me with a sense of respect towards the parents and the twins. 

AOW #4- IRB #1

Bossypants by Tina Fey (an autobiography)

    Tina Fey is a well-known actress and comedian who has starred in many popular television shows and movies. These include: Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, Baby Mama, and many more. She is now married with a young daughter and wrote this book to give insight into her life for her fans.
     In this section (pg. 1-56) Tina talks about her childhood. She talks about why she decided to write an autobiography in the Introduction. She then goes on to talk about how she grew up in Philadelphia and explains what her childhood was like through a series of short stories. She talks about first "becoming a woman" and other experiences that made her who she is today. She even includes an entire chapter devoted to her dad and the impact he made on her life.
     The context of this book is at a time where Tina Fey is very popular and admired. She is at a point in her career where she has had enough valid experience that is significant enough to share with her fans. She has become a sensational actress and comedian and the world has greatly recognized her accomplishments. In writing this autobiography, she is able to better explain her experiences and how she got to where she is today.
     The purpose for Tina Fey writing this autobiography is to inform her fans about her life and how she got to where she is today. It provides insight into how she grew up and each step that got her to this point in her career and this level of fame.
     The audience that this book is written for is mostly fans of Tina Fey. It could also be for people who know her or have met her throughout the years and want a deeper understanding of who she is and what she has been through and experienced.
     Some rhetorical elements in this piece include:

• satire/comedy- Tina constantly uses humor to get her point across. It is just a part of her personality, and it is greatly expressed through her writing in this book. Humor draws the audience in and holds there attention by making them laugh and not boring them.
• appeal to ethos- Tina establishes her credibility because she is such a well-rounded celebrity. She has so many accomplishments under her belt and has become so widely known and respected.
• appeal to pathos- Tina uses many appeals to the audience's emotions throughout her book. She uses pathos to make the audience feel the way she felt in certain situations from her past. The reader can then better understand her as a person.

     I think that Tina Fey accomplished her purpose, so far, in writing this book. She gives me a better understanding of who she is and how she got to this point in her life. It makes me respect her even more as a real person who is relatable and of course, absolutely hilarious.

AOW #3- Subaru Commercial

Subaru Commercial- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qf8OGLqE1s

     This commercial is from a credible source since it is for a well-know, well-established car company that has much success. Also, it is aired on popular television stations with many viewers.
     In this commercial, there is a little girl, about 5 years old, who is sitting in the driver's seat of a Subaru car. Her dad is talking to her through the open window and giving her rules on how to drive safely. They then flash back to her and she is now a teenager rather than a little girl, and she thanks her dad and pulls out of the driveway. The dad then says "we knew this day was coming, that's why we bought a Subaru."
     The context of this piece is a brand-new teenage driver going out on her own for the first time. Her father, like most would be, is nervous and lays down the rules for her to be safe. It is viewed in the current time period where teenage drivers are considered the most at risk people on the road.
     The purpose for this commercial is to get the viewer to buy a Subaru car. It sets the viewer up to think that their child will be safe if they are driving a Subaru.
     The audience that this was written for is parents of children who newly got their license or who are near to that age. It also is directed at those teenagers who have just begun driving and want a car, especially one that is safe and their parents approve of.
     Some rhetorical elements of this piece are:

• Pathos appeal- The care that the father has for his daughter and his protection over her is heart-warming. It is a relatable situation for most parents with children in their teenage years and tugs at their heart strings since they know the feeling.
• Arrangement- They set it up so that you see the younger girl in the driver's seat first, and the dad explaining the rules. It seems ridiculous that he is saying all this to a young girl, but then they flash back, and she is a teenager. This arrangement also plays on your emotions (pathos) because it makes you look at the teenage girl as the little girl they first showed, which is how the father looks at his daughter. 
• Diction- The word choice is very simple and straight to the point. I think that this is because they just want to get their point across that this car is the best, safest bet for a new driver. They show this more in the visuals than in the actual words that they use.

     I think that they definitely got their point across. They clearly make the car out to be the safest choice for a new driver and greatly appeals to the pathos of the audience. It is a commercial that even I can relate to as a teenager who recently got their license. 

AOW #2- "I was held hostage in my school!"

"I was held hostage in my school!"
as told to Jane Bianchi of Seventeen Magazine (October 2011)

     I know this is a credible source because it came from Seventeen Magazine. This is a very well-known magazine that has been around for years. Every article that is published in this magazine must be legitimate. Also, it talks about a real event that can easily be further researched because of its publicity.
     This article is about a kid who brought a gun to school. He seemed like just an average kid, then one day he brought a gun to school and held his history class hostage. Finally, the SWAT team knocked down the door and got a hold of him before he could shoot anyone. He ended up killing himself.
     The context of this piece is the one-year anniversary of the event. The girl who is telling the story was in the class that he held hostage, and speaks of the event that occurred a year ago and how it is effecting her now.
     The purpose of this piece is to inform people about the event and give tips on what to do if you suspect someone of having a weapon in school or thinking of harming themselves or others.
     The audience that this piece was written for is teenage girls. Though anyone could read it and still get the same meanings out of it, the article is written in a magazine directed to an audience of teenage girls. Also, it is told through the point of view of a teenage girl who was in the class.
     Some rhetorical elements from this piece are:

• a definite use of the pathos appeal- The article is so sad and makes the reader feel the pain that the kids in the class must have felt. It also makes the reader feel pain for the kid who held them hostage since he was in such a terrible place that no one even knew to help him
• diction- The words used are general, easy to understand words that make it clear that the words are coming from a kid and are what she was really saying.

     I think the author accomplished their purpose because I took out of the article a better understanding of what it is actually like to be involved in a school shooting type situation. Also, I was informed of an event that I knew nothing about and had not even heard of before. 

IRB Assignment Preview

Bossypants by Tina Fey
My 4 sections are split into about 4 chapters per section and about 70 pages per section. The page numbers are as follows: 3-56, 57-118, 119-196, 197-275.
I chose this book because non-fiction isn't usually my favorite genre to read. So, when picking my independent reading book, I went for a biography of someone I like. I love Saturday Night Live so Tina Fey has always been a favorite of mine. One of my best friends recommended this book because she loved it so much and let me borrow it for this assignment. I'm really looking forward to reading this book and enjoying the many laughs that I am sure will come along with it.

AOW #1- Hot Topic: Immature Parents

Hot Topic: Immature Parents
Written by Ginger Rue & edited by Leigh Belz of Teen Vogue Magazine (September 2011)
     I know this is a credible source because it is in a well-know, well-established magazine that already has a great reputation. The article features the names of both the author and the editor. It also contains quotes from skilled professionals who know are well-informed about the situation.
     This article was about how in today's generation there is an increasing number of parents who are not fulfilling their duties as a parent. More and more responsibility is being left on the children to take care of themselves and their siblings while parents experience somewhat of a second adolescence.
     The context of this piece is in a magazine that mainly teenage girls read. It is written at a time where this problem is rapidly increasing and even the media have started to portray this issue. The article is written to inform people of the situation and give advice to those going through it.
     The purpose of this piece is for teenagers who are going through this situation to know that they are not alone. It gives advice to these girls so that they can get help and improve their situations to live a better and happier life.
     The audience of this article is mainly teenage girls. Specifically, the article targets teenage girls who have parents who are not acting in their parental roles, or girls who are aware of this from the media. Also, it provides information about the situation to girls who don't even know the problem exists.
     Some rhetorical elements of this piece are a definite use of the appeal of pathos. The article definitely plays on emotions and makes the reader feel sympathetic towards the kids in this situation. It also uses appeals of both logos and ethos because it quotes professionals with real facts. It also uses real life examples sent in from readers.
     I think that the author absolutely accomplished her purpose because the article really made me realize what an issue this is nowadays. It made me think about people I know who may be in this situation and how I can help them. Also, I realized the connection to the television shows I watch that portray this. Since I took so much out of the article, the author definitely accomplished her purpose.