Chapter 9 : Reading Graphics and Electronic Sources

          Visuals in the forms of Tables, Graphs, Charts, Diagrams, Maps, and Photographs are seen throughout our lives. They serve to be rather useful in which they help to evaluate, comprehend, and bring information across. Each have their own purpose, some very similar some very different. They help in reading, speaking, and writing. While serving to provide information for you to grasp and acknowledge.
          The graphics listed prior help to organize information. Tables arrange facts, graphs help to compare and contrast. While charts organize information in a more attractive visual display. Diagrams show relationships between parts, and maps describe location and direction, while photographs spark interest and draw out the viewers emotion. All of these graphics are considered to be visual aids and they serve a great purpose. By engaging both the speaker and view in the conversation, or display of information. With visual aids you are able to get your point across in a simpler and perhaps even quicker manner. They provide evidence and give reason to the meaning of what you are trying to bring across in speech.

Chapter 8 : Following the Author's Thought Patterns

          Thought patterns allow you to explain something in various ways. There are six common thought patterns and they are recognized as such:  (1) illustration/example, (2) definition, (3) comparison/contrast , (4) cause/effect, (5) classification, and (6) chronological order/process. The first thought process allows you to give an example such as a specific event that can illustrate what you the writer is trying to say. The second thought process is used to explain or describing an object/idea and their distinguishing characteristics/features. The third pattern explains similarities and differences, and the fourth pattern connects between events and show the result of what has occurred. The firth pattern explains an object and or idea while describing/explaining it by dividing it up into sections/categories. The final pattern puts events and procedures to be made in order from beginning to end.
          As a writer thought patterns can be extremely useful in which they help to state, and clarify what we want to explain. They help to summarize, and add information while maintaining a functional and orderly fashion of writing. Some or all can be used within our day to day writing. Once we have been able to grasp the concepts of each writing pattern we will then be able to organize our ideas more effectively. Transitional words also play a strong role within each thought pattern and can be of great use when emphasizing an idea in your writing.

Chapter 7: Understanding Paragraphs: Supporting Details and Transitions

          Anything and everything in life requires a procedure, example, facts, reasons; the whole package. This is when transitions come into play and they play a strong role in which we build up our understanding of paragraphs to tie our topic,main idea, and supporting details together. Whenever you being writing its important to understand what you have within your arsenal. Do you have examples, facts or statistics , reasons, descriptions, perhaps even a procedure? This will in fact help to guide you in your understanding of how to develop a paragraph that is focused upon your main idea. Once you have figured it out you can tackle and create a piece that has demonstrated the full potential of your writing ability.
          In addition, once you have figured out how to structure your writing this is when transitions come into play. They are indeed helpful and handy when you want the words to flow smoothly and in unison. Types of transitions are : Time/Sequence, Example, Enumeration, Continuation, Contrast, Comparison, Cause/Effect, and Summation. Each of this transitions are best known for a specific use, some similar then others but nonetheless they are quite helpful when organizing the structure of your paragraph. Paraphrasing is also very important  in which we need  to learn how to word things differently in our own words so that we are not shunned upon for copying someones work. Nevertheless, learning to support yourself, and transition properly,while paraphrasing well will allow you to create the best results whenever you write.

Body Piercing and Tattooing : Risk to Health

          Body Piercing and Tattooing is a risk to ones health but regardless of this fact the world continues to go with the flow. Body art has indeed become more popular then it was back then, in which it allows one to express themselves. By expressing ones self this serves to attract attention, and provide evidence of self - and - cultural expression. Body piercings and Tattoos are indeed self fulfilling but the health risks behind such actions serve to be of interest to you if you ever plan to go forth with body modifications. Health related problems associated include skin reactions, infections, and also scarring. Even unsterile needles used during a piercing or creation of a tattoo can enable you to be exposed to the transmission of dangerous pathogens and can possibly transmit HIV, hepatitis B, and many other diseases. Due to these results most people who receive body modifications are not able to donate blood for one whole year. So next time whenever you think about getting a tattoo or piercing, think twice about the health related risks behind it.

Reading as Thinking

          Reading and thinking inevitably work hand in hand in which previewing becomes the result of such actions combined. Previewing is an even quicker way of familiarizing yourself with the material in an organized and effective manner. There are also various strategies that allow you to better your previewing skills in order to find important ideas, and to dig deeper into the meaning that it pertains to. All forms of conversation such as feedback can allow you to preview and comprehend something with a new point of view. Once you have discovered what you know then you will be able to readily look for answers to broaden your knowledge. When you preview you not only gain a background to assess your knowledge but also an understanding of what key aspects are brought across to you as a reader. As said prior when reading and thinking work hand in hand, previewing becomes the heir to our knowledge and how we are to comprehend it along the way.

Using Context Clues

          Ever seen a missing word within a sentence? Well the use of context clues will help you decipher what that missing word is. There are five types of context clues and they are : definition, synonyms, example, contrast and inference. Definition clues are given or brought up through the use of the word in the sentence. Punctuation also helps to separate the meaning of the word from the sentence with the use of commas, parenthesis, and dashes. Synonym clues are words that come close to the meaning of the words definition. Example clues help to explain or comprehend a word as it is being used in the sentence. Contrast clues pertain to a word or perhaps a phrase that is the opposite meaning. Inference clues force you to use your reasoning inorder to figure out the meaning of a word. Overall context clues provide somewhat of a definition but not a complete one and sometimes they are not always given to you. Yet with context clues you are able to figure out unknown words, and phrases within your everyday reading.

Using Word Parts and Learning New Words

          Finding new ways to expand upon your vocabulary in an efficient and also faster approach can help to build your learning comprehension. It is highly recommend that you build your vocabulary on a daily basis. Learning the meaning and parts of a word will also help you to figure out its meaning as a whole. Many words within the English language are made up of prefixes, roots and also suffixes. Prefixes are usually at the beginning, roots represent the words basic meaning, and suffixes end it off with future or past tense endings. Start building your vocabulary with words you are unfamiliar with and change them into words you are familiar to. Begin to notice more words, try to remember their meanings, take note of it, and even use them in your speech and writing. Even a dictionary can be of great use and will help to expand your vocabulary with through every use. With a dictionary you can look for pronunciation, grammatical information, meaning, synonyms, and much more to help you expand your comprehension of a word.Finding the correct meaning of a word is not at all easy. Try to use strategies to enhance or build your knowledge of a word. Pronouncing unfamiliar words can be a hassle so divide the word up to form compound words based upon the use of prefixes, syllables, consonants, and also vowels within the word. Learning words will require time and a daily regime to help strengthen ones vocabulary.