| 1. Analysis of ideas with considered personal response.
Write about one or two of the readings assigned today. Begin by identifying
what you think is the writer’s main point. What is it and where is
it stated (explicitly or implicitly) in the text? What do you know about
the writer’s background or perspective that helps you understand why s/he
writes about this subject in this way? What do you think about the points
made in the reading(s)? What connections do you make as you read—to other
ideas or knowledge in this course, for example? Consider your opinions
about this reading: what values, experiences, or ideas shape your thinking
and analysis? Which NCC competencies does this reading relate to in your
opinion? Why?
2. Rhetorical analysis: Rhetorical analysis (two pages):
Analyze the argument in one reading; discuss how the author makes this
argument. Speculate about what audience s/he is trying to reach: what clues
in the reading lead you to that opinion? Are you part of that audience?
What seems to be the "rhetorical situation"—that is, what seems to have
prompted this piece of writing? How does the author attempt to persuade
or appeal to the audience? What do you notice about the style of the writing
(for example, what kinds of metaphors does s/he use?) What does the writing
tell you about the author’s values? Describe the organization of ideas.
3. Abstract of one reading: There are several types of
abstracts, but in this particular assignment you’re asked to construct
a synopsis or precis of a reading by pulling phrases and sentences of the
author’s exact language from the text. This kind of abstract does not involve
paraphrasing or giving your own opinions about the author’s ideas. This
kind of abstract is probably the only kind of academic writing in which
you don’t need to use quotation marks when quoting someone’s exact words.
That’s because it is understood that the abstract communicates the main
ideas of a larger text in very condensed form, using the original author’s
own words. The abstract should represent an author’s points as accurately
and objectively as possible, so this writing assignment is also an assignment
in careful reading. (While you will be using the author’s words for the
most part, you may add your own words or phrases if needed, for example,
for transition from one point to another.) Cite the source
4. Compare and contrast: choose two essays or articles
and analyze them by comparing and contrasting main points, ideas, values,
style of language, etc. In particular, examine how each author structures
her message. What can you tell about the purpose of each piece of writing
and how do these purposes compare or contrast? How does each of the writers
use evidence in his writing? Which reading do you find most persuasive
and why?
5. Integrate what you’ve been reading/learning: What’s important
to you in the ideas you’ve encountered and why? What connects to what?
How do things fit together for you? Why? What competencies do you think
about as you consider these readings and why? Make connections between
and among ideas; reflect on at least three readings and cite specifically
from each. In addition, include some thinking about how at least two of
the workshops in the afternoon or "Phase" portion of the course connect
to these texts.
6. Write a log entry in which you analyze from one to
three "Phase" activities or ideas. What are the main ideas? What’s being
valued? Why? How do you see the skill(s) taught here applying to your life
as a student and beyond? What was most effective? What competency or competencies
are most involved?
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![[New Century College]](ncclogsm.gif){kind=small}
