Post # 4: Define with Specifics

Define with Specifics

Dictionary definitions are general, but you can also define with specific examples. For example, the dictionary says that a procrastinator is a person who puts things off to last minute. Go further. How does a procrastinator behave? What does she think when she realizes that her major project is due tomorrow? What is his first thought when he gets a writing assignment that isn't due for two weeks?

You can make excellent use of defining examples when you are exploring the meanings of words or ideas for which the dictionary gives little help. For example, the dictionary defines "beautiful" and "people," but it does not define the concept of "beautiful people." This combination of words suggests something which Webster's Dictionary ignores. Similarly, you can think if the "unsung hero."

In contrast to the standard denotative dictionary definition, a definition by example looks at the connotations that sometimes belong to words. Consider a subspecies you know about  and define this type by example, with specifics. Some suggestions:

• hacker
• slacker
• geek
• cynic
• showoff
• hotdog
• boor

Post #3: Look for the Reason

Working with a partner, brainstorm reasons for each of the following puzzling phenomena. Write a list of two or three for each. Then, on your own,  choose one topic and reason and write a paragraph illustrating your claim with explanations and examples.


1. Some people join cults because...
2. Some people fall in love with serial killers because...
3. People like to stare at fires because...
4. Children are more likely to laugh at slapstick comedy than adults because...
5. People collect things like beer mugs, ceramic dolls, and owls because...

Post # 2: Get Mad!

Look around for some of the little things that bother you. We're talking about major issues here. Things like hunger, poverty, inequality - these are the things that do (or should) anger us all. I'm talking about the small stuff. Look around for those things around us that have made the world just a little worse, and unleash your wrath!

Here's a list of some common irritants:

• Spirit/pep rallies
• Golden Oldies
• Reality TV
• People in the "10 items or less" checkout aisle with 20 items (but these 15 packages of cream cheese count as 1)
• My Child is an Honor Student bumper stickers
• YOLO!
• The "Paleo" diet
• Toothpaste squeezed from the middle

Make a list of your own, and then choose one for your rant!

Post # 1: Confession Time!

Confess to the Attraction of a Former Bad Habit

Remember when every other word out of your mouth seemed to be "yolo" or "cool" or "true dat," and you couldn't seem to stop? Remember when you would feel the uncontrollable urge to binge on Flamin' Hot Cheetos™ or "Real Housewives of New Jersey," or go shopping for things you didn't need, or spend countless hours collecting cards for "Magic: The Gathering"?

Write about your winning struggle against a minor vice that you decided you could do without. What was its appeal? How did you kick the habit?

(Adapted from The Writer's Workout Book by Art Peterson)

Welcome

Writing Yoga: Keep the Flow Going

Welcome to Ms. Braun's English 111 Blog. This semester you will be writing a blog for this class. This blog will be a place where you will "exercise" your writing muscles. Each week on Wednesday I will post a writing prompt. When you come to class, you should open my blog, check for the writing prompt, and then submit a new post in your personal blog. Follow the instructions of the prompt. You may be asked to work with a partner before writing your post. New prompts will be available each week on Wednesdays only. You will have the first 10 minutes of class to write. Your post should be about 250- 350 words, unless otherwise stated. If you do not finish during the class time, it is your responsibility to go back and finish it on your own time.

Good luck and happy writing!