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.

A Case Study in Ethics : Cell Phone Subterfuge

          I'm definitely certain that in our lifetime we have used a cell phone in order to find ways out of a sticky situation or even an annoying one if anything. Although through technology we have been able to grasp our communication skills we should also use them in an appropriate manner. Regardless of this, human beings should learn to better themselves in which they use technology in a more effective approach. Much of the young generation is responsible for such disregard to virtues which should be practiced on a daily basis. When we treat another individual with respect we contribute to the development of a stronger community through our actions. Regardless much of cell phone subterfuge such as staged phone calls, and fake noises contribute to communication in which it becomes more engaging to say the least. Yet at the end of the day we have to think back and wonder if this is indeed ethical because with such actions we can spare an individuals feelings through our white lies or the other way around (vice versa).

The Basics of College Textbook Reading

          College happens to be one of the biggest steps a student will take towards their future. Organization skills are key in improving ones strategies, and comprehension towards learning. Strategies to help advance your understanding of a subject is just as important as learning the subject or being in the classroom its self. Yet the will power to start on improving not just organization strategies but also ones ability to become a better student overall takes devotion. When you improve upon such strategies you are also grasping yours lessons with a different perspective in which you will gain the fundamentals and foundation of what it is to learn. Once you fully know how to understand your textbooks, have organization skills, and keep yourself committed to your word these skills will help you read, review, and study in a more efficient manner.

What Your Mother Never Told You About College

          College means serious business and so some advice to you can be of extraordinary help. With this advice you will most likely be the last to jump ship and actually take it for the ride. At first everything appears to be a blur and usually we will feel out of place. Yet with some advice we learn that college isn't as bad as we have expected it to be. Once you become more familiar with your surroundings then everything you do in college will become more consistent and less of a confusion.We always try to find ways to improve ourselves as individuals and still there are everyday challenges that college provides for us. College is indeed annoying and not at all as stressful as it is portrayed to be. None the less take in the advice you receive about college because in the end this advice can and most likely will be words of wisdom.

Mastery Reading Selection

          Before reading this article I was aware of the seriousness behind the discussion concerning ones major. Many college students tend to suffer because they are unsure of their path in life. They feel the need to be successful yet they strive for something far past their interest or on the other hand they lose themselves in their own wishes and dreams pertaining to their field of interest. This is most likely to occur when being under stress or pressure from ones social circle. Not only does the fear of being unsuccessful dawn on them but the thought of moving back into a parents home can and possibly could discourage ones motivation. It is extremely important to pick your major based upon your interests in life because no major is worth your time unless you are willing to invest in it. Thinking back to ones childhood, always remember that you can grow up to be whatever you want to be in life. Time is a vertue therefore constant investing into ones dreams and desires will play a big role in the end.

Successful Attitudes Toward Reading and Learning

         After reading this chapter I learned that ones ability to comprehend will serve to improve ones concentration skills. Therefore this ability to comprehend has an effect on our learning ability as well as style. Our ability to comprehend will allow many of us to identify complex ideas, and it is an important skill to improve on a daily basis. On another note, im sure many of us have stumbled upon the realization of how we learn through this chapter. For instance I was almost certain that my learning style had been built around independent work and quite atmospheres. Yet through this reading I have learned that I am not only a Visual, Social,  but also Creative Learner. Regardless of this new outcome and or discovery, I will take into consideration that different forms of learning can be achieved in much grander forms that I had not been open to in the past.