Friday, November 27, 2009

D#13 HW#2 Paragraph Analysis

1.)
*intro, define, establish point of view.
*defines the topic.
*intro.
*nothing above.
*introduces topic that will be further discussed.
*nothing above.
*not so sure just jumps right into it (is that bad?).
2.)
*define from other view that is the same backs up my beliefs.
*credible source. point from a young person.
*my own similar/different experience.
*again jumped right into the next source.
*i used however to transition to my own thought and opinions.
3.)
*explain my own point, credibility, and experience.
*same
*same
*similar/different than Jessica's experience
*same overall opinion
*opposite side of the argument
*however to start my personal thoughts
*differing views no real solid transition
4.0
*discuss opposite points in the source above
*credible source
*credible source
*yet another side of the spectrum
*bi transition just raw facts
5.)
*government role
*solid source reliable facts
*solid source reliable facts
*opposite theory
*sane idea on a different level
*bi solid transition just fact
*sane idea different level
6.)
*local government
*hit people close to home
*hot people close to home
*same idea different level
*discuss more liberal views
*none
*in addition
7.)
*discuss liberal views
*well known person
*well known person
*opposite view
*leads to conclusion
*In addition
*leads to conclusion
8.)
*conclusion
*sums up thoughts and ideas
*sums up thoughts and ideas
*sums up thoughts
*nothing below
*no transition
*nothing below

Saturday, November 14, 2009

D#12 HW#10 reflect and comment

http://summer-english102blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/d12-hw3-develop-outline.html
http://summer-english102blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/d12-hw4-draft-effective-introduction.html
http://summer-english102blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/d12-hw6-identify-possible-frames.html
this weeks assignments have helped me with the competencies by writing introductions and conclusion with a specific rhetorical situation in mind. I feel like i didn't reach my personal goal of getting my rough draft in on time..i was really upset but then i noticed no one else has a draft up yet so at least I'm not alone. i held off writing this, summer was the only other person as far along as i am, so there has been no one else to respond to this week. hope i pass this class can't imagine going through all of this again. hope to get caught up this week =/

D#12 HW#8 draft of WP#3

Should Sex Education Be Required In Schools?

The taboo topic that rules our very world. Parents are often embarrassed to have “the talk” with their kids. This fact is undeniable, you see it advertised on commercials on popular networks such as MTV; about sites you can go to for tips on how to talk to your teen about sex. People are all too often living with eyes wide closed, filling their heads with thoughts like, “yeah, but that won’t happen to me” or “not my kid”. Sex education should be required in schools, because it would decrease the spread of disease and unplanned pregnancy. It's hard to say whether or not someone who has received sex education will then use that knowledge and power to make educated decisions later in life, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. This type of education could mean decreases in unplanned pregnancies and the spread of STD's. Even if parents are teaching their kids what they feel is proper effective sex education, it is important as a young person to receive the reiterated version at school.
“My school's definition of sex education is a half semester of teaching us the process of child birth and that the only way to prevent it is to refrain from having sex. I find this a bit questionable judging by the fact that our school handbook says that comprehensive sex ed is to be implemented in my school.” (Ann, Jessica, 2008) Jessica was a senior in high school when she write a blog titled “Define Sex Education”. She expresses her thoughts on the lack of safe sex education. In her opinion schools are more focused on scare tactics to convince you not to have sex as opposed to teaching what ways you can protect yourself and practice safe sex. She brings up a very valid point, that there are very few people in high school who haven’t had sex, however there is an even smaller number of people who have received sex education. Not a good mix.
On there other hand, my own personal experience with sex education was somewhat different than Jessica’s. I was personally fortunate enough to receive sex education since the fourth grade. I personally think it was a great time, and perfect age to introduce the topic in general. The teaching was focused on personal hygiene and emphasis on anatomical changes, that would soon be happening in all of our pre-teen bodies. Parents had to sign a permission slip in order for you to be part of the class, and surprisingly many parents did not grant their student permission. Through the years this section of education stayed the same, changing only slightly in middle school when you watched the birth of a baby in science. At the time my peers and I all thought the scene was quite disturbing and long off in terms of direct relation to our lives. The funny truth is, that not more than two years later, that far fetched situation turned into a life changing reality for some my very age. I sat next to a pregnant girl in Spanish my sophomore year of high school. I thought of how hard it must have been for her. While the rest of us were thinking about the superficial, she had to think about future childcare arrangements, if she would be able to go to college, and if the father of her child would stick around to help her. There are high schools that actually have on site child care because so many of the students have babies. My senior year was no less educational when one of my very close friends contracted herpes. She just so happened to be one of those people who did not receive sex education, and sadly her parents never talked her about the risks. Now she has an incurable disease to deal with for the rest of her life, a totally preventable situation. Her ignorance, and many others is to blame for the spread of STDs’ in young people. This can mainly be contributed to the fact that I chose to take classes that included sex education in the curriculum. There was a mix of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students in my class (Family Life/Child Development). Once the teacher broke the ice on the “sex” topic in general, you could tell that the majority of the class was embarrassed and curious at the same time. The teacher would have everyone take turns reading out of the text book aloud, which never ceased to included at least one of the following words; sex, vagina, penis, or intercourse. It was unimaginable how uncomfortable my peers were to use those terms when it was well known that the majority of the class was sexually active. How unbelievable that sexually active individuals are comfortable enough to partake in the action but not comfortable enough to discuss the topic in an educated manner. This is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. It’s no wonder unplanned pregnancy and the spread of STD’s are on the rise.
There are so many differing views based and personal opinions, experiences, and moral values. For example, “When Leslee Unruh talks to young people, she uncoils a nest of rubber vipers: Herbie Herpes, Wally Wart, Hester Hepatitis, Albert AIDS and Lucy Loss of Reputation. And don't forget poor Pregnant Peggy Sue. Unruh isn't selling souvenirs, she's using the snakes and other props to teach young people about the risks of sex before marriage. What she won't show kids, however, is how to protect themselves if they choose to ignore the lessons she and Herbie Herpes have to teach.” (Sternberg, Steve, USA Today, Sex education stirs controversy, 2002) Unruh is the founder of a taxpayer funded organization called the National Abstinence Clearing House, she believes that sex after marriage is the only message that should be taught. This whole article focuses on abstinence only education, explaining that it is the only way to stop the spread of STDs.
However there is a portion dedicate to the opposing argument; “We firmly believe that abstinence is the foundation on which every teen pregnancy prevention program should be built. Ask any parent of a teenager; that would be their preference. But if you look at the studies, the data is going to tell you that it isn't necessarily realistic.” These opposing opinions come from Catherine Camacho, who is the deputy director of family health in the California Department of Health Services. The more logical opinion is Catherine’s, who believes that abstinence, life skills, and contraception should be taught in an effort to delay teens from having sex, and practicing safe sex when they choose to do so.
“Abstinence is the only surefire way to avoid getting pregnant.” The US government has spent $1.3 billion dollars delivering that very message between 2001-2009. However, president Obama is proposing to eliminate all funding for abstinence only sex education. Instead he is proposing a $178 million dollar program aimed at preventing teen pregnancy. Congress will have to approve and being such a controversial issue it is hard to say if the bill will pass, but supports are hopeful. There are supporters who feel the program proposed should be more school-based, rather than community based, in an effort to extend the education to more individuals. This program could not come at a more pivotal time, teen birth rates are on the rise from a 14 year decline. Also, demand is increasing for assistance provided by Planned Parenthood, and ACESS. There is no better way to sum up the views of this article than this quote released from planned parenthood; “We uphold a positive, holistic vision that aims to empower people in all aspects of sexuality -- including justice and equality issues at the societal level as well as each individual’s ability to celebrate their sexuality with respect, openness and mutuality.” (Melby, Todd, aasect, 2009)
The issue is present in local government as well. “While we all support ‘abstinence only’ and don’t believe that teenagers ought to be engaging in sexual relations of that sort, the fact of the matter is, some do,” Napolitano was quoted as saying at the time. “they need to have complete information for their own health, for their own bodies.” In April, Jan Brewer, whom succeeded Napolitano as Arizona State governor , revised Napolitano’s decision to prevent the Arizona Department of Health Services from accepting federal funding for abstinence only sex education. This article goes on to tell of educators frustrations with abstinence only education not preparing young adults with reality. This is evidence of an issue here and now. (June 2009 Vol. 43, 6 ww.aasect.org)
In addition to conservative views there are the completely irrational liberal views as well. “Recently, Oprah Winfrey drew attention to the subject when her show's resident sexpert, Dr. Laura Berman -- a staunch pleasure proponent -- introduced her audience to the idea of "cradle to grave" sex education. By Grade 2, she said, kids should know the truth about where babies come from. By Grade 5, masturbation, orgasm and the mechanics of sex should be covered, and by Grade 6, kids should know about "safer-sex" options. Perhaps most controversially, Berman told the audience of aghast moms that when their daughters hit 15 or 16, they might want to consider buying them a clitoral vibrator to teach them the joys of exploring their own bodies. The rationale, she says, is that it's an opportunity to boost self-esteem: "You're teaching them about pleasuring themselves and taking the reins of their own sexuality so that they don't ever have to depend on any teenage boy to do it for them." (As outrageous a birthday gift as it may seem, some parents are listening. In recent years, Jensen has started to notice more mothers coming into Good For Her with their daughters, ages 13 to 16, for precisely this purpose.)” (George, Lianne, Maclean’s, 2009, Vol. 122 Issue 35, p50-53, 4p)
Safe-sex should be taught in schools from a young age. It would breed less curiosity, and effectively arm young people with the information necessary to practice safe-sex, know the risks, and be responsible. With this powerful knowledge how could our youth go wrong? There would without a doubt be a decrease in teen pregnancy and spread of STDs’. I am approaching this topic as one of these young people whose life has indirectly been affected by these very issues. It is vital to arm societies young men and women with the knowledge to protect themselves and make smart decisions. Making an uneducated decision in this matter could cost them their future health and well being. Also, it would be beneficial to take chance out of the scenario that parents will educate their children on sex education. I hope for a healthier future for tomorrows youth.

D#12 HW#7 Decide Which Presentation Mode Is Appropriate

PURPOSE
*Are there requirements you must confider regarding the presentation of your research? If so, what are they?
I think there is a length requirement of about 7 pages =( Also that APA format is required for all annotations.

What will your presentation need to do in order to fulfill the original purpose of your research? Is there a presentation mode that will best meet those needs?
My presentation will need to display the facts in order to fulfill the original purpose of my research. The best presentation mode would be an academic essay.

AUDIENCE
*What expectations does your audience have for the presentation of your research?
I believe my audience has the expectation that I will give them reliable and interesting facts.

*What media will your audience have access to?
What kind won't they have access to???

*What presentation form will reach your audience? What will they be most receptive to, and where would they be looking for your argument?

Essay form...(i think) That is what they will be most receptive to since that is what they will be doing as well. In my paper where else...

*When would your audience be interested in and/or open to hearing about your research? How would you reach your audience at that time?

I believe everyone can relate so at all times the audience could be interested in hearing about my research. I'm not going to worry about reaching them at any given time.

*Who might be interested in your research that might not yet know about it? How would you reach that potential audience?

Come on now everyone is interested in my research, and what better way to reach them then this blog right here =)

TOPIC
*What presentation format is most appropriate for your topic?
Essay

*What presentation format is most appropriate for the argument you are making about your topic?
Essay

*Are there aspects of your research that might be difficult to understand in an exclusively text based presentation? How might you explain those parts of your research in a different way?
No. There are aspects that might be nice to have a visual for, like statistics and graphs really giving people the visual idea of whats going on. Not a prob though.

AUTHOR
*What media are you most familiar with? Is there a presentation format that you are unfamiliar with that you would like to learn more about?
All types, and not really.

*Would a combination of media present your research most effectively? Do you already know how to use them or could you enlist someone to help you use them?
I think a combination of media would present my research wonderfully! I would go for like a video documentary and i have done something like that before, I'm friends with the IT guy at work so if i ran into any trouble I'm sure i could get some help from him.

D#12 HW#6 Identify Possible Frames

Since i still have NOT fully developed an introduction or conclusion this is not really possible. However i understand the idea of referencing your main point in you intro and conclusion. Not only is it a good idea to let the reader know you are wrapping things up, they also will remember your main idea.

D#12 HW#5 Develop Closure

*What issues raised in your argument need to be repeated for your audience? Is there any support offered in your argument that bears repeating?

The issues of rising unplanned pregnancies and spreading STD's will need repeating. As well as the point that parents are obviously not getting the point across. There is plenty of support to go along with these ideas, but at the moment none that seem worth repeating.



*What will happen if the current situation continues as it is? What effects might impact your audience, and what effects might impact others that your audience will be concerned about? How could you demonstrate the importance of these effects?

if the current situation continues there will be a steady rise of unplanned pregnancies and spread of STDs. The effects on the audience are obvious. I will give present day examples to demonstrate the importance of these effects.

*How could you demonstrate that the current problem violates the shared values of a community?

Ummm really unsure what this is asking..

*Is this present issue parallel in any way to a previous situation? Are there circumstances or effects from a previous parallel situation that might spur your audience to action (perhaps because they want to avoid those effects or because a previous situation was resolved well and you'd like to see a similar resolution)?

I don't think the present issue is parallel to any previous situation....So i think the rest of the question is a mute point.

*To which person, or group of people, should your readers address their concerns? How might you encourage them to share those concerns?

I don't know who they should address their concerns to, maybe their government officials who make the decision on whether or not to mandate sex education. i would suggest that they become more involved in general.

*Will this situation continue if nothing is done? If so, how will the audience be impacted?

Yes. The audience may be impacted inn several different ways. It is possible that they could contract HIV/AIDS and loose their life, or the life of a loved one. They or someone they know could experience an unplanned pregnancy.


***If the current situation continues, there is nothing to say that there will not be a stead rise of unplanned pregnancies. With this comes rising rates of abortion and abandonment. Also, there will be a wider spread of STD's. The effects will be nothing less than devastation to the future health of society. The only way to prevent and decrease these types of happenings is to make sex education a requirement in schools. This way there is no question about whether young people have the knowledge or power to protect themselves in these different types of situations.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

D#12 HW#4 Draft An Effective Introduction

*Why is this topic important? How does it affect the audience? The community? The world?

This topic is important because it affects everyone. Anyone receiving/not receiving sex education will affected in one way or another. Peoples future health and situation depend upon proper sex education.



*What is the audience's stand on the issue? How does it differ from yours? If their perspective is different from yours, how might you show respect for their perspective so that they might read yours?

Every ones opinion is different, I know that some people are going to disagree with me. I'm going to give examples and opinions of the opposing views and gently explain and prove why it's wrong, hopefully in such a way that they are not offended enough to stop reading my paper.



*What is your authority on this topic? Who are other major "players" that write or talk about this topic? What are their strengths and points of authority? Their weaknesses?

My authority is that i have now been researching this topic for quite a few weeks now, i know so much about i don't even want to write about it any more. The major "players" on this topic would be sex ed teachers, education gov officials, and the people receiving the education. They are all involved in some way or another which gives them authority on how the feel on whether or not sex ed should be required in schools or not. Their strengths all very, of course they are all going to be very opinionated based on their personal biases and points of view which can be viewed as a weakness as well.

*Does your audience know the topic, or its history, well? What do they already know? What do they need to know to understand your perspective?

I'm sure my audience is familiar with the topic, not so much it's history. They already know that it affects them and the people the know. The most likely realize how important the topic is. They need to understand my personal experience with the topic in order to understand my perspective.

*How long will your paper be? How complex will your argument be? Do you need to give the audience a road map to prepare them for your argument?

I'm going for a length that will me the requirement for WP#3 other than that as short and to the point as possible. I had thought about going for a complex argument but then realized something more focused and simple would suffice and probably be more effective. I think road maps are always a good idea.

This idea stood out the most to me.
***This topic is important because it affects everyone. Anyone receiving/not receiving sex education will affected in one way or another. Peoples future health and situation depend upon proper sex education.
It's hard to say whether or not someone who has received sex education will then use that knowledge and power to make educated decisions later in life, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. This type of education could mean decreases in unplanned pregnancies and the spread of STD's. Even if parents are teaching their kids what they feel is proper effective sex education, it is important as a young person to receive the reiterated version at school.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

D#12 HW#3 Develop An Outline

I am choosing to do a scratch outline. It seems fast, easy, and effective. I'm going to list subtopics in order of importance.

Sex education in Schools
types of sex education
Lots of different opinions
controversial
important to the community
personal experiences
others experiences
teachers perspective
student perspective
parent perspective
government involvement
statistics on teen pregnancy
statistics on the spread of STD's
summarize and conclude

....yo, yo, yo....tell me what you think!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

D#11 HW#8 Reflect On Your Learning

http://summer-english102blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/d11-hw3-develop-evaluate-criteria.html
http://summer-english102blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/d11-hw4-evaluate-types-of-resources.html
http://aprb13.blogspot.com/2009/11/develop-evaluative-criteria-d11hw3.html
http://aprb13.blogspot.com/2009/11/evaluate-types-of-resources-d11-hw4.html

I completed all of the assignments for this deadline so I'm way proud of myself, it has been awhile since i have been able to say that. This weeks assignments have helped me better understand the competencies by helping support a central idea coherently. Identify and maintain a certain citation style. over all a good week.

D#11 HW#7 Grammar Assignment #5

None of those grammar web sites are too much of a help. I just reviewed my writing and made corrections where i thought necessary. Please let me know if you see anything else that needs to be corrected, or if you think my corrections are wrong. Thanks!




The topic is not to be taken lightly, there are so many differing views based and personal opinions, experiences, and moral values.(first of all i think my first sentence sucks, honestly doesn't flow very well. If i were to rewrite it i would phrase it something like "There are so many differing views on the topic based on personal opinions, experiences, and moral vales, none of which should be taken lightly.) “When Leslee Unruh talks to young people, she uncoils a nest of rubber vipers: Herbie Herpes, Wally Wart, Hester Hepatitis, Albert AIDS and Lucy Loss of Reputation. And don't forget poor Pregnant Peggy Sue.
Unruh isn't selling souvenirs, she's using the snakes and other props to teach young people about the risks of sex before marriage. What she won't show kids, however, is how to protect themselves if they choose to ignore the lessons she and Herbie Herpes have to teach.” (Sternberg, Steve, USA Today, Sex education stirs controversy, 2002) Unruh is the founder of a taxpayer funded organization called the National Abstinence Clearing House,(I'm not positive, but i think i need a semi colon here) she believes that sex after marriage is the only message to put out. This whole article focuses on abstinence only education, explaining that it is the only way to stop the spread of STDs. (I think with this transition word "however" that i could let these ideas be part on its own paragraph.)However there is a portion dedicate to the opposing argument; “We firmly believe that abstinence is the foundation on which every teen pregnancy prevention program should be built. Ask any parent of a teenager; that would be their preference. But if you look at the studies, the data is going to tell you that it isn't necessarily realistic.” These opposing opinions come from Catherine Camacho, who is the deputy director of family health in the California Department of Health Services. The more logical opinion is Catherine’s, who believes that abstinence, life skills, and contraception should be taught in an effort to delay teens from having sex, and practicing safe sex when they choose to do so.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

D#11 HW#6 Find Additional Resources

the two areas I'm concerned about with my cluster mess, is just that, over all it's a mess. I really need to focus on how to bring it all together in a coherent way. Also i think I'm lacking in my thesis statement. It needs to have more meat to it. but i will attempt to answer these questions even though i feel like they don't apply.

1. more info on people who don't agree with the topic in general, maybe info from parents bad experiences with sex education in schools...
2. Shared my cluster mess with my sis, she is pretty smart and she thinks it's fine.
.....

D#11 HW#5 Create Cluters on The Computer

D#11 HW#4 Evaluate Types of Resources

http://www.amplifyyourvoice.org/u/jessica_anne/2008/12/8/define-sex-education
i think this blog would be considered static and self published

How would your audience react to this type of resource? Would they find this to be a reliable source? Why or why not? If not, what information do you need to provide to persuade them? For example could you emphasize the credentials of the author or perhaps the time lines of the information?
I think my different audiences will react differently. I think younger more liberal thinkers will agree with what is discussed in this high school seniors blog, while more conservative judgemental adults may think it's just a teen girls opinion. Those who agree with think it is reliable others can't deny her opinion. I think more opinions need to be added to show that its more than one persons thoughts. It is very significant since it is recent and one of my key audiences.

What types of information would your audience need to know about this resource? Is that information already included in the full bibliographic citation? What information do you need to provide for them to locate that exact resource you looked at or worked with?
my audience will need to know who the author is. Maybe where she is from. That info is included in the bib. I could include the link for the girls blog so they could check it out for themselves.

How critical is this resource to your research? Does your rhetorical situation demand that you incorporate this resource into your project?
I think this resource is so very critical to my research. The rhetorical situation does demand that i incorporate this resource, like i said before, she is the perfect age and situation for a valid opinion.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

D#11 HW#3 Develop evaluative Criteria

1. Who is/are the audience/s for this topic research project? What do they want to know? what do they need to know?
The audience is my peers, teenagers, teacher, and parents. They want to know what is relevant about the topic, statistics and other facts. They need to know how this is affecting everyday life for people just like themselves.

2. What is the purpose of this research project? What must be conveyed for that purpose to be achieved?
The purpose of this research is to prove that sex education should be required in schools. The fact that there is a high spread of std's and unplanned pregnancy going on must be conveyed.

3. How timely is this research project? What types of contemporary information must you address? What types of historical information must you address? How recent must information be to be relevant and persuasive?
This research project has proven to be very timely =( i guess the contemporary information would be free thinking and pro choice on just about everything and historical info would be more about conservative views regarding religion and moral values. I believe the information needs to be very recent to be relevant (at least within the last 10 years).

4. How did you continue to narrow and focus your research question? What type of information must you find to fit within that scope? What information may be only tangentially relevant?
I narrowed my research question by doing all of these types of hw assignments, there was far too many to list, but that's what got me to where i am at now. I have to fit in info on statistics, real life experiences, and opposing views. I don't know about the last part of the question.