Post 5: Strunk and White

Honestly, reading Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style equated to a few pretty dull hours of my Tuesday. I do think that the book is a valuable tool for writers. Any question that a writer could have about style is answered in this short little work. There were two particular elements that I found to be really helpful. In Chapter 1, the Elementary Rules of Usage, point number 8, use a dash to set off an abrupt break or interruption and to announce a long appositive or summary, was informative for me. I like to use dashes but I have always wondered if I was doing it right. The book made me happy to see that I was doing it right most of the time. The example “his first thought on getting out of bed –if he had any thought at all-was to get back in again” (9), seemed like a way that I would use the dash. The second example was a way that I would have been too scared to use the dash: “the rear axle began to make a noise-grinding, chattering, teeth-gritting rasp” (9). It totally makes sense, but I wouldn’t have though to use a dash in that sentence. Now I know that a dash is basically the same thing as a comma, but with more staying power.
I found the whole chapter on misused words and expressions to be helpful as well. I knew how to use a lot of the words that were mentioned properly, but not all of them. A phrase that I am pretty much ashamed to admit that I tend to use a lot of is “one of the most” (55). I guess Strunk and White consider it to be “feeble,” but sometimes it just comes out of my fingertips as I type a paper; I can’t help it! I tend to mix up the words nauseous and nauseated as well. Hopefully I will never do that again! Strunk and White give a clear distinction between the two. I never knew that the former meant “sickening to contemplate” (53).
There were a few things that were dated in this manual, though. Point one in the first chapter is so not necessary! Who doesn’t know to “form the possessive singular of nouns by adding ‘s?” (1) I think they teach us that one in about first grade. That definitely wasn’t the best way to start off the book. Many people may look at that and think that the whole book would be as useless as that bit of information. The second element listed, in a series of three or more terms with a single conjunction, use a comma after each term except the last, was not very helpful either (2). Once again, this is a rule that I have been taught since I started writing. If I don’t have it down by now, chances are I will never get it right! This book may not have been the most exciting read ever, but, even though not everything was helpful, I’m glad that I know it exists. I will probably use it as a reference in the future.

Post 4: Peer Review Recap 1

When we started our introduction to Google Docs, I was a little apprehensive at first. I usually tend to prefer doing things hands on and speaking with people face to face more than utilizing any means of technology, but this assignment changed my mind. Google Docs made it easy to say things that I wouldn't normally have felt as comfortable saying to someones face. I never would have told someone that something sounded redundant if I was looking at them directly. Redundant insist really a mean word, but I still would have felt bad about it.
When I first began using the program, I couldn't understand why the highlighter color wouldn't change for me, which frustrated me to no end. Once I realized that I needed to highlight the text first, it was smooth sailing from there! I said everything that I wanted to say. Brittany and Nick have my complete, honest opinion to view and take into consideration. I would totally use Google Docs for my students when I become a teacher. It made the editing process a lot easier once I figured out was doing.

Post 3: My Writing Technologies

The writing tools I use on a regular basis are pretty standard; either a pen or pencil and paper or a computer. When taking notes or trying to actually learn something, I use pen and paper. For some reason, when I actually write information down, I retain more of it. I think that might be because it requires more thought to hand write than it does to type. There's just something about actually shaping the letters. If a piece of writing needs to be more lengthy, a computer is perfect. It allows me to get my thought out as quickly as possible and edit them with ease. Unfortunately, I hardly retain anything that I type.
I avoid using typewriters at all costs. I absolutely hate using them. If you make a mistake, it requires so much effort to fix it. I don't have time for all of that. I really hate fountain pens, too. My handwriting is not the neatest to begin with, but when I use a fountain pen, it looks even more messy than it usually does. I would even call it chicken scratch at that point. I also avoid any other writing technology that isn't really conventional. I don't use paint, human excrement, or any other weird things that people may write with.

Post 2: What is Style?

To be honest, when I hear the word style, I automatically think of the way someone dresses. Words like punky, preppy, or skater come to mind. Since this is an English class, I'm pretty sure that the word style is being used in a different way. When being taken into this context, the word style has to do with describing the way a person writes.
There are many different types of writing styles: historical, journal writing, narrative, etc. I don't think one is better than the other, but there are certain times when each is appropriate. Style can also describe the flow of a person's work. Some people tend to write in short, choppy sentences while others like to carry on and on in the smallest number of sentences possible. Some people change writing styles just as often as they may change the style of the clothes they wear, but others, like some of the really great authors, have a distinct style that they hold onto forever.

First day of class

I am having trouble digesting the fact that my summer is coming to a close. I am not a miserable person, but I am almost certain that I am being perceived as such today. Just give me a week and I should be back to my normal, cheerful self.