The link to my best blog post is:
http://alanasreading.blogspot.com/2015/04/finding-beauty-one-thousand-gifts.html
The blog post I chose best exemplifies my ability to cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support text analysis. In this post, I talked about seeking the beauty that surrounds you. The textual evidence I used helped me explain my feelings about what the author is saying in the book.
"Ann Voskamp goes on to say, 'Why? To say that I've had reason to bow low? To say that I've seen beauty? To say that I've been arrested by wonder? Isn't it here? Can't I find it here?' (Voskamp 30). This part of the quote had me questioning my own thoughts about Ohio. As much as I would rather be on a beach in Florida or climbing a mountain in North Carolina, there is beauty right here in Ohio. I just need to open my eyes to see it. Once I do, I think I will be a lot more thankful and happy for what all I am surrounded by."
This above section of my blog includes a quote from the story. I cited this textual evidence correctly in MLA format by using parenthesis and punctuation in the correct places, as well as including the author's last name and the page I found the quote on. After stating Voskamp's quote, I talked about my change in perspective with the topic of seeking beauty and being thankful. The analysis of her quote allowed me to think about why she was writing this and what she really meant for readers to get out of the topic. That is the reason my view changed. Along with talking about my change in perspective, I wrote how this can apply to my life. I was able to find true meaning in what the author was saying, and that is how I could make a complete analysis about this part of my book.
These reading blogs helped me keep up with my reading throughout the year. I made sure I read enough every week, so that I would have plenty to talk about in my blog. One goal that I have for myself is to read a certain amount of pages each week. This will help me gain more knowledge and help become a better reader. Another goal that I have for myself is to read different genres. This will help me become more well-rounded with reading. I think that writing about what I read was very helpful. It makes me feel more connected to the text and in some ways, I think it helps me have a better understanding. A goal that I have for myself is to continue writing about what I read. If I do not write after each time I read, I will try to keep it consistent and write after each chapter. Some areas of improvement that I want to work towards next year for writing is my syntax. I want to make sure that I am breaking down my sentences and not making them run-on. I also want to work on my diction. I want to find more words in the books I read and use them in my writing. This can help me improve in areas of both reading and writing. Also an area of improvement that I want to work towards next year for reading is my capability and confidence in reading out loud. I will work on this by reading aloud to myself when I am reading. I will also volunteer to read more things out loud when I am with a group of people. I might struggle at first, but after having more practice, I think that it will become an easier thing for me to do. I think that these goals will help me maintain a regular schedule for reading and writing over the summer. I am excited to start achieving these goals and to see how much I improve by the end of the summer.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
Finding Beauty - One Thousand Gifts
I am someone who is not a big fan of Ohio. I do not think that it is a very exciting place to live, and I really do not like the cold winters that come with living in Ohio. However, as I read my book this week, I found a quote that stood out to me. It starts by talking about a book that the author notices. It says, "1000 Places to See Before You Die. Is that it? Are there physical places that simply must be seen before I stop breathing within time, before I inhale eternity?" (Voskamp 30). This is only the first part of the quote I wanted to share, but it really drew me into what Voskamp was actually saying. I realized that I also agree with her. There may be things that you want to see and explore before you leave this earth, but there are no rules saying that you have to go see them.
Ann Voskamp goes on to say, "Why? To say that I've had reason to bow low? To say that I've seen beauty? To say that I've been arrested by wonder? Isn't it here? Can't I find it here?" (Voskamp 30). This part of the quote had me questioning my own thoughts about Ohio. As much as I would rather be on a beach in Florida or climbing a mountain in North Carolina, there is beauty right here in Ohio. I just need to open my eyes to see it. Once I do, I think I will be a lot more thankful and happy for what all I am surrounded by.
As I go on to read this book, I think that Voskamp will keep teaching me things, even if it is small, like finding the beauty in everything around you. I am not done with the book, but she has already taught me things that can really make a big impact. She has a way with making the reader feel connected ad I really like that about this book. I'm excited to keep reading and learn about what she will teach me next!
The beauty in Ohio can definitely be seen by this gorgeous sunset shown below:
The link below is to an Ohio website that displays different pictures taken in different parts of Ohio:
http://www.planetware.com/pictures/ohio-usoh.htm
Ann Voskamp goes on to say, "Why? To say that I've had reason to bow low? To say that I've seen beauty? To say that I've been arrested by wonder? Isn't it here? Can't I find it here?" (Voskamp 30). This part of the quote had me questioning my own thoughts about Ohio. As much as I would rather be on a beach in Florida or climbing a mountain in North Carolina, there is beauty right here in Ohio. I just need to open my eyes to see it. Once I do, I think I will be a lot more thankful and happy for what all I am surrounded by.
As I go on to read this book, I think that Voskamp will keep teaching me things, even if it is small, like finding the beauty in everything around you. I am not done with the book, but she has already taught me things that can really make a big impact. She has a way with making the reader feel connected ad I really like that about this book. I'm excited to keep reading and learn about what she will teach me next!
The beauty in Ohio can definitely be seen by this gorgeous sunset shown below:
The link below is to an Ohio website that displays different pictures taken in different parts of Ohio:
http://www.planetware.com/pictures/ohio-usoh.htm
Sunday, April 5, 2015
About the Author
As I continued reading One Thousand Gifts over break, I began to wonder more about the author. So, I decided to research and share some of it on my blog. Ann Voskamp is a mother of six children, and a wife to a farmer. She is a homeschool teacher for her children, she speaks at different events each year, and she attends interviews every once and awhile. This author is a busy woman. However, Voskamp still finds time to relax from her active life to sit down and write.
I have noticed that Ann Voskamp's writing is very unique. I think that this is because of her amazing personality. I haven't been reading her book for that long, but from what I've read in the book and from what I read on Voskamp's website, I can see a part of who she truly is. She is so kind with her words. Her writing is also very inviting. Her writing makes me feel like she is reading aloud right next to me and encouraging me to read on.
While I read One Thousand Gifts this week, I learned something about Ann Voskamp. I learned that she always tries to stay positive, even through tough situations. As she is talking about dealing with difficult times, Ann states, "With memories of gravestones, of combing fingers through tangled hair, I wonder too...if the rent in the canvas of our life backdrop, the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see. To see through to God" (Voskamp 22). Yes, Voskamp talks about losses, but she still makes her writing positive. She goes on to talk about seeing God. She is saying that finding God through these losses only make a loss a win. A win that is greater than any loss.
I wrote a few questions below that I would like to ask Ann:
1. Have you ever written a fictional book?
2. How did you start writing?
3. When did you know you wanted to write books and share your story to readers?
Below is a link to Ann Voskamp's website. I enjoyed reading things on it and learning more about her.
http://www.aholyexperience.com/ann-voskamp/
I have noticed that Ann Voskamp's writing is very unique. I think that this is because of her amazing personality. I haven't been reading her book for that long, but from what I've read in the book and from what I read on Voskamp's website, I can see a part of who she truly is. She is so kind with her words. Her writing is also very inviting. Her writing makes me feel like she is reading aloud right next to me and encouraging me to read on.
While I read One Thousand Gifts this week, I learned something about Ann Voskamp. I learned that she always tries to stay positive, even through tough situations. As she is talking about dealing with difficult times, Ann states, "With memories of gravestones, of combing fingers through tangled hair, I wonder too...if the rent in the canvas of our life backdrop, the losses that puncture our world, our own emptiness, might actually become places to see. To see through to God" (Voskamp 22). Yes, Voskamp talks about losses, but she still makes her writing positive. She goes on to talk about seeing God. She is saying that finding God through these losses only make a loss a win. A win that is greater than any loss.
I wrote a few questions below that I would like to ask Ann:
1. Have you ever written a fictional book?
2. How did you start writing?
3. When did you know you wanted to write books and share your story to readers?
Below is a link to Ann Voskamp's website. I enjoyed reading things on it and learning more about her.
http://www.aholyexperience.com/ann-voskamp/
Sunday, March 22, 2015
One Thousand Gifts
This weekend, I started reading the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. This book is a nonfiction and religious book. The author begins the book by telling you the story of how her younger sister was killed as a child. She goes on to question why God lets bad things happen to good people. This is only a few pages into the book, and I already can connect with Voskamp, because I have also asked that myself. And I think that many people have asked questions like that one and like these ones written here: why did they die? why do they have cancer? why aren't they friends anymore?
Although she talks about the killing of her sister, Voskamp's book is about seeking gratitude. She is using this tough situation of dealing with her sister dying to start off the book by telling readers that you still can find peace out of something so tragic. I predict that she will use other stories and situations that readers can relate to throughout the book to teach us how to find gratitude and happiness. I also predict that I will find myself asking more questions like the ones from before. However, I think what she writes and teaches me as I read this book will help me be content with not having all the answers. I think that this book will impact how I deal with certain situations in my life and I am excited to continue reading!
Although she talks about the killing of her sister, Voskamp's book is about seeking gratitude. She is using this tough situation of dealing with her sister dying to start off the book by telling readers that you still can find peace out of something so tragic. I predict that she will use other stories and situations that readers can relate to throughout the book to teach us how to find gratitude and happiness. I also predict that I will find myself asking more questions like the ones from before. However, I think what she writes and teaches me as I read this book will help me be content with not having all the answers. I think that this book will impact how I deal with certain situations in my life and I am excited to continue reading!
Below is a link to the Goodreads site telling you about the author, Ann Voskamp:
Sunday, March 15, 2015
The cartoon above is an example of Horatian satire. This cartoon is saying that to reduce American Health Care costs, the elderly must die. It makes fun of both the government and the American Health Care Industry. I know that this cartoon is satire because it disapproves the American Health Care Industry and it has the intention to encourage reform. I also know that it is Horatian satire because the cartoon is supposed to be amusing to the viewers and it ridicules the foolishness of the government. An element of satire the author uses in the cartoon is the hyperbole "Drop Dead!" to over exaggerate about the health care topic.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Krista Ramsey
Krista Ramsey's column is about how parents teach their kids to shoot for the stars and explore the world. Only when they do, parents realize how much they want them back at home.
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/krista-ramsey/2014/03/06/krista-ramsey-young-adults/6144909/
Below is the best written line in this column that displays exceptional syntax and good diction:
"All of which is why, several times a year, we stand biting our lip and trying to look fine as they wind their way through security on an exodus we set in motion when they were six years old" (Ramsey).
Ramsey makes the sentence above a long sentence by using commas. It impacts the readers by making them gradually think about the words and what Ramsey is truly saying. Ramsey also uses strong word choice to draw the readers into her writing. If they are curious about a word, they can look it up and find a definition to fully understand how Ramsey uses it in her writing. Three strong words that are used in the sentence above are "biting," "wind" and "exodus." These words give a clear visual of what parents see and do when they say goodbye to their children. Also, many of Ramsey's lines that she writes show diction and syntax.
Krista Ramsey's writing style is very straightforward. Her writing can be long, but everything she says is right to the point of what she has to say. In Ramsey's column, "For better vision, kids need time outdoors," she describes, "You see it all the time. Your teenager at the dinner table, waiting for his checkup at the orthodontist's office, sauntering to his car - continually hunched over his smartphone or iPad" (Ramsey). Ramsey gets right to her point in the first paragraph of this column. She informs what the column will be talking about, and persuades them to keep reading by writing it in a long descriptive sentence. Ramsey's column, "Super Bowl QBs score points for great style," is a column that depicts how people present themselves by what they wear in public, as to how people should present themselves by what they wear in public. It's clear that she is very particular on her choice of words, and she'll choose the right words that will make readers want to read more. Ramsey expresses, "After watching New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick slouch off the field in his cutoff hoodie, it's been heartening to see players like Wilson show up perfectly groom for a post-game interview" (Ramsey). In Ramsey's third column (talked about in the previous paragraph), her short style of writing is shown. This style is shown in many of her columns, but her short writing style in this one is very noticeable. Ramsey mentions, "They picked a college in a different time zone. Then they studied abroad. Took an East Coast internship. Spent Thanksgiving with their boyfriend's family" (Ramsey). She is only writing small details, but her forthright sentences make a big impact to the readers.
I listed three questions that I would like to ask Krista Ramsey below:
1. When did you know you wanted to become a writer?
2. Who is one of your favorite writers?
3. Where did you go to college?
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/opinion/columnists/krista-ramsey/2014/03/06/krista-ramsey-young-adults/6144909/
Below is the best written line in this column that displays exceptional syntax and good diction:
"All of which is why, several times a year, we stand biting our lip and trying to look fine as they wind their way through security on an exodus we set in motion when they were six years old" (Ramsey).
Ramsey makes the sentence above a long sentence by using commas. It impacts the readers by making them gradually think about the words and what Ramsey is truly saying. Ramsey also uses strong word choice to draw the readers into her writing. If they are curious about a word, they can look it up and find a definition to fully understand how Ramsey uses it in her writing. Three strong words that are used in the sentence above are "biting," "wind" and "exodus." These words give a clear visual of what parents see and do when they say goodbye to their children. Also, many of Ramsey's lines that she writes show diction and syntax.
Krista Ramsey's writing style is very straightforward. Her writing can be long, but everything she says is right to the point of what she has to say. In Ramsey's column, "For better vision, kids need time outdoors," she describes, "You see it all the time. Your teenager at the dinner table, waiting for his checkup at the orthodontist's office, sauntering to his car - continually hunched over his smartphone or iPad" (Ramsey). Ramsey gets right to her point in the first paragraph of this column. She informs what the column will be talking about, and persuades them to keep reading by writing it in a long descriptive sentence. Ramsey's column, "Super Bowl QBs score points for great style," is a column that depicts how people present themselves by what they wear in public, as to how people should present themselves by what they wear in public. It's clear that she is very particular on her choice of words, and she'll choose the right words that will make readers want to read more. Ramsey expresses, "After watching New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick slouch off the field in his cutoff hoodie, it's been heartening to see players like Wilson show up perfectly groom for a post-game interview" (Ramsey). In Ramsey's third column (talked about in the previous paragraph), her short style of writing is shown. This style is shown in many of her columns, but her short writing style in this one is very noticeable. Ramsey mentions, "They picked a college in a different time zone. Then they studied abroad. Took an East Coast internship. Spent Thanksgiving with their boyfriend's family" (Ramsey). She is only writing small details, but her forthright sentences make a big impact to the readers.
I listed three questions that I would like to ask Krista Ramsey below:
1. When did you know you wanted to become a writer?
2. Who is one of your favorite writers?
3. Where did you go to college?
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