Table Of Contents

Table of Contents Dear Reader Introduction to Simplifying Use of the “I” Voice Opposition of the Twilight Saga Introduction to Definition Essay Decoding Human Sexuality Introduction to Inventory of Being Inventory of Being Introduction to Seminar Seminar Five

Dear Reader Letter

Dear Reader,



I am just a nineteen year old, small town girl with a big personality. Born and raised in Washington State I am a true Washingtonian. I am from a small family of four including my father, mother, sister and myself. I love working with children and teaching, so my current ambition is becoming an elementary school teacher. I am currently enrolled in Everett Community College, and my Intro to College Writing class has taught me a how to become a more superior writer.



Writing has always been my best subject in school, but it still confuses me from time to time. Strengths I posses in writing are my vivid descriptions and my ability to grab my reader. However with strengths come weakness and my weakness are my voice and ability to get carried away in my papers. Through my ten weeks in my Intro to College Writing class I have been taught to visualize my paper through my peers eyes in peer response groups, minimize the “I” voice to create an intelligent sounding essay, analyze and relate effectively in novel reading and use vivid descriptions to create a visual illustration for my reader.



Peer response is a gathering of students analyzing and offering of advice for improvement in one another’s papers. Peer Response has helped me write more effective essays by taking the advice offered to me and putting that advice into action. Elimination of the “I” voice has helped me write at college level and sound more knowledgeable. Analyzing novels through group seminars has helped me relate to my peers and understand our reading as we discuss passages that held meaning to us. Along with these three lessons using vivid descriptions has taught me a great way to keep your readers attention in your paper and helps illustrate a picture for them. All in all i have taken in a large amount of knowledge from my Intro to College Writing class. I really, truly feel it has made write well. I am Samantha and this is my personal display of my strengths a writer.

Introduction to Simplifying Use of the "I" Voice

Throughout the entire quarter it was pounded into our heads to avoid excessive use of the “I” voice, because it greatly weakens the strength of voice in your paper. The first essay we wrote was a compare and contrast essay. I chose to persuade my reader that the Twilight novel was better than the “Twilight” film. I felt very strongly about this subject but realize that I abused the “I” voice in my paper a little to much. Heres an example of my abuse of the "i" voice in my first draft,"Through my countless efforts to enjoy the Twilight Movie as much as I enjoyed the book I have come to the conclusion that I enjoyed the book undoubtedly more. " Looking back at the assignment it has become apparent to me just how unknowledgeable I sounded when I used the “I” voice excessively. I chose the this essay because it demonstrates my growth in minimal use of the “I” voice. Here is my revised example " Although through countless efforts to enjoy the Twilight movie as much as the book, I have concluded I enjoy the book undoubtedly more." This revision makes my voice in my paper sound more intelligent.

Opposition of the Twilight Saga

Opposition of the Twilight Saga

I have fallen victim to the Twilight book series my infatuation with beautiful, romantic vampires keeps me yearning for more. This teenage love story has had me more consumed in a book then I have ever been in my entire life. The author Stephanie Meyer has such an enticing way of writing great stories that it keeps me reading until 3:00 in the morning. I enjoyed the Twilight series so much that I rejoiced when I found out the movies were coming to the big screen. Both the film and the novel have a slightly different effect on how the story is interpreted. Along with interpretation many indiviuals have different reason for weather they would pick the novel over the film or both. Although through countless efforts to enjoy the Twilight movie as much as the book, I have concluded I enjoy the book undoubtedly more.

The novel Twilight, offers the reader a lively description of the events in the storyline. Twilight is a story about Bella Swan and her move to the gloomy town of Forks Washington. Soon after arrival she falls in love with the alluring, mysterious Edward Cullen, a vampire, and Bella narrates how their relationship evolves. As Bella guides the readers through the novel they’ll genuinely feel her emotions, of falling in love and the hardships she and Edward experience. For example, “Blood boiled under my skin, and burned in my lips. My breath came into a wild gasp. My fingers knotted in his hair, clutching him to me.” As the audience reads this quote they can feel the excitement, and even relate to how Bella feels toward Edward as they share their first kiss.

The idea of a movie isn’t to guide a reader through narrations and detailed descriptions, but to perform the novel or script, for the viewer to visualize. Movies heavily rely on the communication and actions of actors, for viewers interpret the storyline. In the movie "Twilight" there is very little narration to tell the story. The audience is left to their imagination to try and discover what the complications are between Bella and Edward. Bella’s character is very modest and she withholds a majority of her thoughts to herself. As the narrator of the story everything is from Bella’s perspective. The movie struggles to capture just how complicated the relationship between Edward and Bella really is. Along with most films this film tries to deliver the story by revolving around the acting skills of the performers, and since there isn’t an extreme amount of interaction with the characters in the book, it makes for a challenge to portray the book into a motion picture.

Stephanie Meyer, the author, clearly demonstrates how to capture the reader. It is believed that reading books increase knowledge and improves writing skills. A reader develops writing skills by observing dialogue and examining the way a novelist writes. For example, the opening statement in the Twilight book states, “I never given much thought to how I would die, though I had reason enough in the last few months, but even if I had, I wouldn’t have imagined it like this.” This quote does a fantastic job of drawing in the reader. This quote will leave readers curious for what is to come. Furthermore, Twilight is a very riveting and elegantly written book that readers can absorb, comprehend, and mimic the flow and vivid description demonstrated in the novel Twilight in their everyday writing. However the movie does convey some of the elegant manuscript through the lines of the actors, and the few narrations. However in comparison the movie gives a vague, but decent interpretation to the book,by cutting out many parts of the novel and changing the storyline slighty. Even so to clearly understand the story Twilight it is best to read the eloquent text.

However, one discouraging element of the movie is how the script is altered from the book. For example, the opening scene in the movie is very different to how the novel begins. The opening scene shows Edward hunting and capturing a deer and then goes into the introduction of the characters. One other example is the ongoing problem of people being murdered around Forks. The story is the nomadic vampires that do feast on humans are hunting them down throughout the entire movie, which in the book does not become a controversy until the very end. The way the film portrays the book in scenes will give the viewer false accusations to how the book was really written.

Many people would argue the movie is better because of the commitment it takes to read the novel versus the length to view the movie. A typical movie has the span of about an hour and a half as for a novel it takes several hours to finish. Although it is common in the film industry to condense books into a much shorter story by removing parts of the manuscript, it will give the viewer a general idea of what the storyline was about. The movie "Twilight," however, does have a fairly well written script, which does give the audience a decent overall impression of how the book is foretold.

Another argument that might be presented is the fact that movies are a superior visual representation of the novel, especially for those people who may be imaginably challenged. Frequently movies can intensify scenes through music and scenery. For example in the book it describes the first kissing experience between Bella and Edward. In the novel the kissing scene is a much anticipated event that is summarized in one simple paragraph. From the perspective of the reader a scene so passionate and sensual demands a more desirable description and imaginative picture. Fortunately the film intensifies the kissing scene by delicate, low ,sensual music and going in with more detailed kissing including an abundance of close ups, for edge-of- the seat excitement.

In theory both the Twilight movie and book are both great representations of Stephanie Meyer’s ingenuity. All the while the Twilight book offers the reader intellect, vivid descriptions as well as a well-written descriptive story. The novel's downfall may be the time devoted to reading the story, and difficulty imagining the characters or specific scenes. In comparison the Twilight movie offers the viewer a visual representation a shorter story and increased intensity through music. However, the movie lacks a full entire story, and specific actions of the actors may confuse the viewer if they didn’t read the story. Both representations are enjoyable and either way will tell the general story. As for enjoying the Twilight book series more than enjoying the movie, I am in favor of the books. Nevertheless, as long as Stephanie Meyer keeps producing movies and writing novels, I will continually enjoy each one.

Introduction to the Definition Essay

Near the middle of the quarter we were assigned to write an essay on the definition of a word. The word I chose was “sex” and it has many different meanings. I chose to use this essay because I felt that I wrote this essay well and had a very detailed description. My first draft was off topic of the assignment and didn’t hit the definition but more the history.An example from my first draft is "In order to have children two people must reproduce; if they don’t then there will be no continuing generations of life. Additionally in the very distant past husbands and wives were to only have intercourse to create children." The history of sex was not the assignment it was to define the word sex. Through peer response it was brought to my attention my miscommunication of the assignment. This essay shows my improvement of staying focused on the subject and not getting carried away and off topic. My example of defining the word correctly is "In theory the idea of procreation is to engage in sexual intercourse to create an offspring (Wikipedia.com)."

Definition Essay

Decoding Human Sexuality

What is human sexuality and how does a human interpret the term? The word sexuality has many interpretations but the Webster Dictionary, defines human sexuality as, “An organism's preparedness for engaging in sexual activity.” However the meaning of human sexuality may be interpreted differently based upon who is asked. Perhaps when asked, the most common responses would be reproduction, pleasure, and attraction to another human. Human sexuality is just human nature and a volentary act that effects everyone in the universe.

However in order to discuss sexuality one must discuss its main purpose, which is reproduction. Reproduction is a key branch of sexuality. The idea of procreation is to engage in sexual intercourse to create an offspring (Wikipedia.com).Procreation is established to produce a continuing generation and to pass life on from person to person. Whenever one engages in sex, whether for procreation or for pleasure, they face a possible consequence and that consequence is the possible creation of a child. Among a large amount of civilians living in the world, the act of reproduction is strictly left to the interaction of husband and wife. In most religious practices sexual intercourse is to be saved until marriage. Once you are married, according to most religious beliefs, it is accepted to engage in sexual intercourse, to participate in the practice in conceiving a child. Moreover, if it weren’t for the establishment of sex, then no one would be alive. In conclusion, reproduction has been the basis of everyone living in the world as of today and throughout history.

Another contributing aspect to human sexuality is fornication. Fornication is voluntary sexual intercourse between two unmarried individuals (dictionary.com). To fornicate is more strictly limited to the enjoyment and pleasure of sex shared between two partners. For example, when one is experiencing the act our bodies release the feel good endorphin called oxytocin. When oxytocin is released, our body feels increased sensitivity, increased intimacy and a series of events that leads to a rush of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers. The endorphin oxytocin then heightens the warm fuzzy bonding feeling between partners, concluding in the desire to be touched by the person more frequently. Furthermore fornication encourages repetitive intercourse and results in building a bonding and intimate relationship (http://www.filly.ca/health/body/sexual_health/Oxytocin.asp). +

However one other contributor of human sexuality is sex appeal. Sex appeal, is immediate appeal or obvious potential to interest or excite others, as by appearance, style, or charm (dictionary.com). How one person appeals to another varies on personal preference. As humans we judge the potential of a possible match based of appearance. It’s the idea of how sexually attracted we are to another person. Considering someone sexy is to define that person as being excitingly appealing to an individual. However, what makes a person send signals of sex appeal to the public? Some proven theories of what makes a person sexy are wardrobe, skin, personal hygiene, hair care, and physique. Take a woman for example, a woman who wears form-fitting, flattering attire, maintains healthy skin, smells delightful, maintains healthy hair along with a healthy physique would be considerably attractive. Sex appeal is a huge factor in human sexuality because in order to ever participate in sexual activity a person’s connectivity, and overall attractiveness to one another will be the judge of how far a potential relationship will go. Although sex may not be a be a first priority of one getting into a relationship, physical attractiveness will be the key at first, as well as the potential of engaging in sexual activity later (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/).

Human sexuality maintains many different interpretations. Although reproduction, fornication, and sex appeal are major aspects they aren’t the only branches of the human sexuality tree. Equally, human sexuality is the purpose for human existence. If it weren’t for the act of reproduction then no humans would be alive. Meanwhile if it weren’t for physical attractiveness and connectivity between two individuals, then reproduction wouldn’t even be an option, and in conclusion if it weren’t for voluntary sexual intercourse either within marriage or without marriage, sexual bonding ties and intimacy in a relationship may as well be forgotten. However, how one interprets human sexuality there is one point stands true; life would be non-existent if it weren’t for the engagement in sex.

Introduction to Inventory of Being

When this quarter first started we were assigned an assignment called” Inventory of Being.” This assignment was a poetic form of introducing ourselves to the class and our professor. I picked this assignment because I feel it shows my strength of descriptive dialogue in my writing. This short sentence helps show my descriptive techniques, “When the sun tans my skin the freckles on my face come out of hiding.”

Inventory of Being

I am Samantha.

I am 19 years old.

I am a young optimist.

I stand slender at 68 inches tall.
I have hazel eye that reflect more green.
I have glossy mahogany hair that sits at my shoulders.
When the sun tans my skin the freckles on my face come out of hiding.

I am a stylist.
I am determined.
I am extrovert.

I love to laugh.

My grandmother is my source of wisdom.
My sister is my best friend.
My boyfriend is my perfect companion.
My mother and father are my constant suppliers of encouragement and praise.

I like hot pink nail polish and stilettos.
I love warm, breezy days and roller coasters.
I hope to one day be a dedicated mother and wife.
I hope one day I’ll be able to do something that holds dear meaning for those who have given so much to me.

I believe in karma and that everything happens for a reason.

I know that you must care about your own personal well being before you can truly care for another.
I know that life is a roller coaster and you must anticipate the bumps and thrills.

I don’t understand how it seems one person can never be fully satisfied your always left wishing for more.

My role model is grandmother she seems to make the best out of every situation.
My hero is my little sister though she is younger then I she can always make me feel better.
My inspirational quote, “Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine they see all day.”

I hate waking up to the obnoxious ring or buzz of alarm clocks I prefer music instead.

I could not survive without a dog they love you no matter what.

I spend way too much money on hair products.

My favorite fictional hero is Beatrix Kiddo (Uma Thurman Kill Bill) she’s fighting for the one person she loves most in this world, her daughter.

If I were rich I would be a firm contributor in helping woman and children all over the world who deserve better opportunities.

I wish for a happy, healthy, long, and fulfilled life.

I can always improvise.
I will make you laugh.
I am easily amused.

I will be an elementary school teacher I love to work with children.

I am a lover but I will fight for the ones I hold dear.
I am stubborn and feel people should except that trait but put me in a room with someone as stubborn as me and I will get very frustrated.

My name is Samantha and this is 2009.

Introduction to Seminar Five

“Seminar Five” was our last discussion near the end of the quarter. In was an intense section of our book Three Cups of Tea, which took everyone on an emotional roller coaster, by showing the highs and lows of the Iraq War. Through this seminar I was taught how to look at novels more analytically to find the meaning behind the text. This reflection shows how I relate to the novel, “an observation I have is that war was beneficial in the past to select areas of the world but now it doesn't have quite the same meaning and whatever wars purpose is it's not being achieved because war keeps reoccurring over and over again.” I chose this seminar because I felt my reflections in this seminar showed growth in using my analysis to relate and understand novels.

Three Cups Of Tea Seminar Five

Theme: Change

Part I:

Words:

Parched: Dry, completely lacking in moisture because of hot conditions or lack of rainfall/very thirsty.

Humanitarian: committed to improving the lives of other people.

Gaudily: Brightly colored or showily decorated to an unpleasant or vulgar degree.

Fuselages: The body of an airplane containing the cockpit, passenger seating, and cargo hold but excluding the wings.

Quotes:

“But he knew that many of the civilians under American bomb sights were children who had attended CAI- sponsored classes in the Shamshatoo Camp near Peshwar before their families had tired of harsh refugee life and returned to Afghanistan .”(Relin 279)

This quote demonstrates what the “war on terrorism” is like on the other side of the woods. As an American living without playing witness to the Iraq war I know it’s not a good deed but I under estimate how serious it is. Children and members of their families are dying in massive amounts in the Middle East from the Americans their and also by members of the Taliban whom live in their own individual communities. It’s a harsh and depressing life if I were to witness these catastrophic events of dying children I would be scarred for life and sleep with nightmares every night.

“I told you my dream was to become a doctor one day and you said you would help, well that day is here. You must keep your promise to me. I’m ready to begin my medical training and I need twenty thousand rupees.”(Mortenson 299)

Jahan a young woman of the Korphe village has completed her schooling and is now going to pursue a career and be one of the first educated women in the Korphe village. Jahan has grown from her education she demonstrates Mortenson’s goal to educate the under privileged is going into cause and effect and now he is able to witness it for himself. This event shows how Mortenson has improved the village of Korphe.

“If we truly want a legacy of peace for our children, we need to understand that this is a war that will ultimately be won with books, not with bombs.” (Mortenson 301)

This quote is touching and very true. To educate the people of the world about world issues and religion could quite possibly bring understanding of different cultures. Threatening with violence may work because it hurts and scares people, but how effective is it? An observation I have is that war was beneficial in the past to select areas of the world but now it doesn't have quite the same meaning and whatever wars purpose is it's not being achieved because war keeps reoccurring over and over again.Educating everyone how to live harmoniously and acceptance of diversity may help and greatly improve the lives of individuals all over the universe.

Part II:
Snohomish Food Bank may not build schools and reach out as globally as Mortenson does but both the food bank and Mortenson share a few common similarities. Both share the idea of reaching out and making and impact as well as overcoming cultural divides. The food bank reaches out to anyone from any upbringing, culture, ages and families and so does Mortenson. In the novel “Three Cups of Tea” states, “To ignore them is to deny they ever existed, and there is no greater insult to the Islamic world.”(Mortenson 294) while this quote pertains to the Islamic world is pertaining to anyone in the world experiencing hostility to their culture. Mortenson makes a huge impact on the people of the Korphe village expanding their opportunities of education and creating the possibility of a better more privileged life, same with the food bank. The Snohomish Food bank make a huge impact on the people living in Snohomish County by feeding individuals and their families in return saving them money and ensuring their health.