1. What was one idea that the writer gave in the Wide Range of Topics section that you can use as you start deciding on a topic?
One idea was to write about something that not only you are passionate about, but something that you can make a person passionate about through what experiences you have had.
2. What was one idea the writer gave in the Opinions Pieces section that you should remember as you are writing your piece?
One idea a writer gave was to always have factual information to back up your opinion. If there is not fact, there is not meaning for the reader
3. List three suggestions the writer makes in the Personal Essays and Crafts section that you will use as you write.
- Writing essays in a great way to get your opinions off your chest, but avoid philosophical rants which make no connection to your reader’s experience. Again, keep it personal while relating to a wider world.
- Make connections. If you’re writing about a global theme (poverty, unemployment, child abuse) bring the subject closer to home by relating it to specific, individual examples. If you’re writing about more mundane subjects (left-hand turn signals, the search for the best French Fries, your daughter’s graduation) again, set your views against a wider backdrop or perspective so the reader can relate to it.
- No extra points for the number of facts you include. Academic essays contain more facts than opinion, personal essays contain more opinion than facts. But ensure the facts you use are accurate. Check names, spellings, numbers. Two sources of confirmation are better than one.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Options Writing Preview Activity
Story No. 1
1. Who wrote the story?
Editorial, Author not stated.
2. What is their story about?
The story was about how the change in political leaders has caused immigration laws to become overwhelming and an excuse for bigotry.
3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
"The United States is the "melting pot" of the world. We should be doing everything that we can to reach out to the world's immigrants in an effort to continue to the the world leader that we have been for so many years"
4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
They mentioned it, but then quickly shut down the concept of them being correct like a persuasive essay.
5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
I think they they were very clear on their motivations and their ideas. There was not a time where they considered the other side of the topic to be correct.
6. Are there any quotes in the story?
There were some indirect quotes, but not stated as an actual quote.
7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
They wrote the news story in first person point of view.
Story No. 2
1. Who wrote the story?
Ian Miller.
2. What is their story about?
The story was about the importance of saving the Bowie Campus Tree.
3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
"This tree really is worth saving, even if it will cost our school some money. It holds the memories of many past-graduates, and so many people are working hard to make sure this tree gets well again. It's everyone's best benefits is our tree is saved."
4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Yes he did, but he then quickly stated the benefits of saving the tree.
5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No, his opinion was always clear and very easily understood.
6. Are there any quotes in the story?
No, there are no quotes in the story.
7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
He wrote in first person point of view.
Story No. 3
1. Who wrote the story?
Reagan Wallace.
2. What is their story about?
Her reasons on why she thinks that Betsy DeVos is unfit to serve as a conservative in politics.
3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
"As a conservative woman in politics, DeVos will need to assert her views in order to be heard. She will need to take a stance on important issues in order to be heard. she will need to take a stance on important issues in order to be taken seriously by those that oppose her. She is an influential woman, but she has to be given an opportunity to leas a sector of politics she is unqualified to lead."
4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Yes, but she quickly provided a counter argument successfully.
5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No, her opinion was clearly stated and backed up by important facts and information.
6. Are there any quotes in the story?
No, but there are indirect quotes.
7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
She wrote in first person point of view.
Story No. 4
1. Who wrote the story?
Jake Brian.
2. What is their story about?
The importance of having physics as a credit shown on college applications.
3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
"It's not about starting to study the night before a test; it's about self-perseverance and a determination to succeed beyond the norm."
4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
No he did not.
5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
I personally think they were very direct with their opinion and backed it up very well with accurate facts and information.
6. Are there any quotes in the story?
No quotes.
7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
He wrote in first or second person point of view.
Story No. 5
1. Who wrote the story?
Abby Ong.
2. What is their story about?
Her story was written about the importance of having physics for college
3. What is their direct opinion about that topic? Please quote it directly from the story or do a really good job of paraphrasing.
"...but don't brush off physics just because you don't want to do the work. It may not be a required class anymore, but students should still consider it."
4. Did they address what the other side might think about their topic?
Yes she did, but quickly showed the positive side to taking physics.
5. Were they wishy-washy with their opinion? By this I mean did they every go back and say well maybe if this were to happen, then their opinion wouldn't be valid. Support your opinion.
No the entire story she had a direct and clear opinion stated in all statements.
6. Are there any quotes in the story?
Yes, one quote.
7. What point of view did they write in (1st, 2nd or 3rd)?
She wrote in first person point of view.
A. What do you think the major differences between a hard news story and an opinions piece? Come up with at least three.
- hard news has quotes
- hard news has more facts
- hard news does not state any based opinions
B. Why do you think there aren't very many photos on this page?
Because photos are not needed in this type of journalism.
C. What are three topics you think would be good to write an opinions piece on?
- politics
- stories that cause emotion
- stories that are closely related to the area the audience is in.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Peer Review SoM
Ashton's Photo Journalism blog
Paragraphs - 45pts
5 Quotes - 25pts
Inverted Pyramid - 10pts
Extra Credit - 5pts
TOTAL = 85pts
Paragraphs - 45pts
5 Quotes - 25pts
Inverted Pyramid - 10pts
Extra Credit - 5pts
TOTAL = 85pts
Student of the Month Story
The Student of the Month title is a new addition to Bowie's student body competitions as of April 20th of 2017. This competition is decided by the administrators and faculty. A former Bowie Principal was interviewed April 20th to share the information about the title.
"The Student of the Month is a student that shows effort and care towards the school and other students." says former Principal Leos. This concept has been spread across the Bowie campus as a firm expectation from administrators, but how will a student who follows this idea be seen from the rest? The massive student body is so diverse, how will the administrators decide what singular student in the student of the month?
"faculty members recommend one student from one of their classes and then share reasons why they think they should win. Afterwords administrators get together and decide the final person." said the former Principal. When asked what qualities are looked for in a student, she stated that "This student [should show] overwhelmingly good grades while still being involved in after school activities."
Unfortunately this award cannot motivate those who struggle in school. When Mrs. Leos was asked if students had to have good grades, she stated "There is a bias that goes towards students with higher grades when choosing students for this title.", so sadly this friendly competition will not "benefit the students and motivate them." This competition will be yet another one of Bowie's over complicated amazing ideas to motivate the student body.
In conclusion this title might be successful to a school with a smaller student body, but in the context of the competition being enforced in Bowie High School, it fails completely. Bowie as a whole fails to notice what motivates the student body, and resort to out dated forms of suppressing a large percentile of the school population. Not all forms of "good" come from spectacular grades. The real motivation should come from individuality of such a diverse and unappreciated group of people.
"The Student of the Month is a student that shows effort and care towards the school and other students." says former Principal Leos. This concept has been spread across the Bowie campus as a firm expectation from administrators, but how will a student who follows this idea be seen from the rest? The massive student body is so diverse, how will the administrators decide what singular student in the student of the month?
"faculty members recommend one student from one of their classes and then share reasons why they think they should win. Afterwords administrators get together and decide the final person." said the former Principal. When asked what qualities are looked for in a student, she stated that "This student [should show] overwhelmingly good grades while still being involved in after school activities."
Unfortunately this award cannot motivate those who struggle in school. When Mrs. Leos was asked if students had to have good grades, she stated "There is a bias that goes towards students with higher grades when choosing students for this title.", so sadly this friendly competition will not "benefit the students and motivate them." This competition will be yet another one of Bowie's over complicated amazing ideas to motivate the student body.
In conclusion this title might be successful to a school with a smaller student body, but in the context of the competition being enforced in Bowie High School, it fails completely. Bowie as a whole fails to notice what motivates the student body, and resort to out dated forms of suppressing a large percentile of the school population. Not all forms of "good" come from spectacular grades. The real motivation should come from individuality of such a diverse and unappreciated group of people.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
SLO Practice
1. In the following, which news value is most clearly represented in the caption below?
Caption: Courtney Suel (left) and Lesia Bridges navigate a flooded Aquarena Springs Drive in San Marcos on Tuesday. One gauge in the city recorded nearly seven inches of rain.
A. Conflict
B. Human Interest
C. Impact
D. Proximity
2. In the following, which news value is most clearly represented in the caption below?
Caption: Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday in Nogales, Ariz: "This is a new era. This is the Trump era. The lawlessness, the abdication of the duty to enforce our immigration laws....are over."
A. Prominence
B. Human Interest
C. Impact
D.Proximity
3. Which of the following is an example of a present tense action verb?
A. painted
B. gets painted
C. paints
D. getting paint
4. What is the most wrong with the following headline?
Headline: Big win
A. The date and the place
B. The background information
C. The lack of a verb
D. The lack of a subject
5. What information is missing from the first sentence of this caption:
Caption: On Wednesday, March 13 senior Sarah Smith captures the flag.
A. The date
B. The location
C. The name of the subject
D. A present tense verb
6. What information is missing from the second sentence of this caption:
Caption: On Wednesday, March 13 senior Sarah Smith captures the flag in the annual senior games event held at Bowie High School. Smith lives at 10405 Johnston St. in Austin.
A. The date of the event
B. A present tense verb
C. Background information about the senior games
D. The name of the subject
Caption Writing:
Please write a correct 2 sentence caption for the following photo - remember that you get to make up all the information, but you still need to follow the correct format as described above:
Photograph: Chris Wattie/Reuters
On March 16th, the Prime Minister of Canada, Christopher St. Sorry, accompanies the beautiful Camilla Huq down a political red carpet in Canada. She had always dreamed of becoming a respected politician ever since she was young.
Caption: Courtney Suel (left) and Lesia Bridges navigate a flooded Aquarena Springs Drive in San Marcos on Tuesday. One gauge in the city recorded nearly seven inches of rain.
B. Human Interest
C. Impact
D. Proximity
2. In the following, which news value is most clearly represented in the caption below?
Caption: Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday in Nogales, Ariz: "This is a new era. This is the Trump era. The lawlessness, the abdication of the duty to enforce our immigration laws....are over."
B. Human Interest
C. Impact
3. Which of the following is an example of a present tense action verb?
C. paints
4. What is the most wrong with the following headline?
Headline: Big win
C. The lack of a verb
5. What information is missing from the first sentence of this caption:
Caption: On Wednesday, March 13 senior Sarah Smith captures the flag.
B. The location
6. What information is missing from the second sentence of this caption:
Caption: On Wednesday, March 13 senior Sarah Smith captures the flag in the annual senior games event held at Bowie High School. Smith lives at 10405 Johnston St. in Austin.
C. Background information about the senior games
Caption Writing:
Please write a correct 2 sentence caption for the following photo - remember that you get to make up all the information, but you still need to follow the correct format as described above:
On March 16th, the Prime Minister of Canada, Christopher St. Sorry, accompanies the beautiful Camilla Huq down a political red carpet in Canada. She had always dreamed of becoming a respected politician ever since she was young.
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Friday, April 7, 2017
Archetecture Shoot
1. Details - Wide shots of the entire building often don't give you a full sense of the character of a structure. The best way is often to get close (either literally or with telephoto lens) and get nice shots of the little details that make a building special.
2. Light - The way that light interacts with and travels through a building is a big part of the mood of a building. By finding areas where natural and artificial light create dramatic scenes, and photographing these with a slow shutter speed (tripod is helpful) a photographer can capture the light as it defines the building.
3. Patterns - Repeated patterns often define the large interior and exterior spaces of a building. By framing a shot so as to maximize the effects of repeated lines, structures and shapes, a photographer can capture the visual rhythm of a building.
4. Angles and shapes- Anything other than a right angle or a rectangular shape is worth photographing, and right angles can even be interesting if photographed well. Buildings are a collection of shapes. Photographers should look at them that way and emphasize interesting geometry whenever possible.
5. Surroundings - Buildings exist in a setting, and that setting helps to define the story of the building. Is the building in harmony with its surroundings or does it stick out like a sore thumb. If your shooting a wide exterior shot of a building, try to show how it interacts with the surroundings. Consider framing the building with its surroundings
2. Light - The way that light interacts with and travels through a building is a big part of the mood of a building. By finding areas where natural and artificial light create dramatic scenes, and photographing these with a slow shutter speed (tripod is helpful) a photographer can capture the light as it defines the building.
3. Patterns - Repeated patterns often define the large interior and exterior spaces of a building. By framing a shot so as to maximize the effects of repeated lines, structures and shapes, a photographer can capture the visual rhythm of a building.
4. Angles and shapes- Anything other than a right angle or a rectangular shape is worth photographing, and right angles can even be interesting if photographed well. Buildings are a collection of shapes. Photographers should look at them that way and emphasize interesting geometry whenever possible.
5. Surroundings - Buildings exist in a setting, and that setting helps to define the story of the building. Is the building in harmony with its surroundings or does it stick out like a sore thumb. If your shooting a wide exterior shot of a building, try to show how it interacts with the surroundings. Consider framing the building with its surroundings
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Student of the Month Interview
20 Interview Questions
- What makes a student "The Student of the Month"?
"The Student of the Month is a student that shows effort and care towards the school and other students."
- What is the prize to winning this title?
"Right now there is no prize to the title, besides the title."
- Do you have to have above average grades to earn this?
"There is a bias that goes towards students with higher grades when choosing students for this title."
- Why was this tradition introduced?
"This tradition was introduced to give the students well deserved recognition."
- Do you have to be social to win this title?
"You need to be relatively involved in the social part of school to win the title."
- What separates this student from the rest?
"This student showed overwhelmingly good grades while still being involved in after school activities."
- Is this title recognized out side of Bowie?
"Sadly the students do not get this title recognized in applications for work or universities."
- Is this title worth mentioning on student applications?
"No, due to the title not being able to be recognized."
- Why was this title created?
"This title was created to benefit the students and motivate them."
- Who is the title for?
"The students of the school"
- What benefits does the title provide?
"This title at the moment only provides bragging rights."
- Who was the first student of the month winner?
"The first student of the month has not been decided yet due to this being the first time we are introducing this."
- Are the requirements the same as they were then
"Yes all requirements will most likely say the same."
- Why is this title important?
"This title should be important in the eyes of the students because all students should strive to be the student of the month.
- Should the title be important?
"This title should be important in the eyes of the students because all students should strive to be the student of the month.
- What do other students think about the title?
"I don't think all students would have the Student of the month title to be a common goal."
- Why should students try to receive the award?
"All students should strive for a more successful education experience."
- How does this title affect other students?
"I would imagine all students to respect the title"
- When is the person chosen?
"The person will be chosen at the end of every month."
- How is the person chosen?
"faculty members recommend one student from one of their classes and then share reasons why they think they should win. Afterwords administrators get together and decide the final person."
Who: The Bowie Admin.
What: Are deciding The Student of the Month
When: At the end of the month
Where: At Bowie HS
Why: To motivate students
How: By striving to win the title
Who: The Bowie Admin.
What: Are deciding The Student of the Month
When: At the end of the month
Where: At Bowie HS
Why: To motivate students
How: By striving to win the title
Learning How to Interview
Topic: School Uniforms
The school board has decided to create a district wide policy of enforcing school uniforms. Who would you need to interview to find out more information about this topic? What are some good questions to ask? (This is theoretical)
1. List three different sources you could interview for this topic.
The school board has decided to create a district wide policy of enforcing school uniforms. Who would you need to interview to find out more information about this topic? What are some good questions to ask? (This is theoretical)
1. List three different sources you could interview for this topic.
- Student council president
- faculty members
2. Create 20 questions you could ask each source and post them on your blog. It will be the same 20 questions for each, so you only have to think of 20 total questions.
- What are the rules regarding the uniform?
- Why are uniforms being issued now?
- What will the school uniforms accomplish?
- What will students need to do if they cannot afford school uniforms?
- Will teachers also need to follow a uniform rule?
- Are you expecting students to rebel against the rule?
- What precautions will be taken against rebelling students?
- What will be the punishment for not wearing a uniform?
- Will this rule carry on to other AISD students?
- How long do you think this rule will last?
- Can this rule be successful with so many students?
- Will a dress code be suspended?
- Will more people be hired to back up the rules?
- Will the amount of students create a problem with the rules?
- Why is this rule being created now?
- Does this affect self expression in Bowie?
- How will this affect AISD?
- Will students have a choice to vote against the rule?
- Will the uniform affect any students with religious uniforms?
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