Close Reading 11/18

http://www.studentpulse.com/articles/414/using-online-forums-in-language-learning-and-education

It has been studied that the use of Technology enhances the learning of students. This day and age, technology is being developed rapidly, and this article explains just that. Its use of diction, syntax, and detail help to define the use of technology for learning.

The author of "Using Online Forums in Language Learning and Education", Manprit Kaur, uses diction to show the importance of technology for students. "A key reason" is used to point out the idea that forums improve learning and teaching. He used the phrase "rapid development" to help readers determine the actual effect of these online uses, and it helps with the understanding of the main point. The phrase "face-to-face discussion" is used to determine the fact that online assignments help with in class activities because the ideas have already been portrayed on line.

Syntax is used in the structure of the article. For instance, the author organized the article into parts. This makes the article easier to interpret be cause he is answering four main questions in different sections. His sections consist of "What are the benefits of online forums?", "What are the characteristics of a good online forum?", "Do online forums improve students' writing skills", and "Do online forums improve students' communication skills?". He goes on to answer each of these important questions individually.

The detail within the article also falls under the different sections. When he is describing the benefits of online forums, he describes that students are "found to be in favor of the self-paced, self-regulated...discussions". He proves that the online forums are just a different form of discussion where you can get your thoughts down in words and communicate through the internet.

Prompt 11/11

1975 Also. Unlike the novelist, the writer of a play does not use his own voice and only rarely uses a narrator's voice to guide the audience's responses to character and action. Select a play you have read and write an essay in which you explain the techniques the playwright uses to guide his audience's responses to the central characters and the action. You might consider the effect on the audience of things like setting, the use of comparable and contrasting characters, and the characters' responses to each other. Support your argument with specific references to the play. Do not give a plot summary.

Edward Albee wrote the famous play, "The American Dream". He portrays a little American family that is greatly concerned with materialism, consumerism, and sexuality. The use of his characters and text creates a message and a voice that was meant to show his ideas of the real american dream. The setting, and characteristics of the characters shows the idea of Albee's writing.

The setting takes place in the home of Mommy, Daddy, and Grandma. Grandma is a kind character, and she represents the old American dream by the way she is being pushed away from the family. When the young man shows up, he is representing the new american dream. He is young, fresh, and attractive, which is exactly what Mommy and Daddy are searching for, for themselves. The way that Mommy is obsessed with materials shows the idea that America is caught up in materialism and consumerism. Mommy ensures that Daddy is listening to her story about "buying a new hat yesterday" (58). The home and the people living in the home interact with each other in a way that represents society. 

Albee is attempting to give a new perspective to the way society is changing and what people are now accepting as "The American Dream".

Course Material 11/04

We went over "The American Dream" extensively, and at first, it seemed tedious but it really helped understand the meaning (or meanings) of the play. Of course, having discussions everyday about the different elements of the play was not all that exciting; however, it began to make sense. I never would have figured out the hidden ideas that Edward Albee was trying to get through if it wasn't for our discussions. It all connects! Who knew? Along with the play, I was able to get a better grip on DIDLS because we certainly looked for each technique throughout the play, especially during our close reading. DIDLS keeps returning, and it is a reoccurring subject that I am improving on.

Now, how about that terms test? It was killer. However, I think it was a college level analysis, and it was kind of a reality check. I thought I was making good connections with the vocabulary in class activities, but it was not easy to pick out different techniques used in such..unique..pieces of literature on the test. It was just difficult for me. Extra credit? I need it!

As for our blogs, it has been interesting to create my own posts and then read a few others. I never really realized the different writing techniques that people use, and it is good to take a look at what my peers are writing. However, I don't quite like hearing my peers' comments on my blogs; I understand how it is helpful for both parties, though. It can be discouraging when a classmate points out a mistake that seems so silly, but that is also why it is helpful. Otherwise, it is probably beneficial to hear the criticism not matter how much I dislike it. No offense to whoever is responding this time!

Overall, AP Lit is giving me good experience so far, and the material is definitely what I need to be learning in order to prepare for college, even though it is not easy. We are just starting "Death of a Salesman", can't wait to see what is in store this time!