Chapter 46

   Chapter 46 Writing about texts.  This chapter tells the reader to read actively.  By taking notes in the margin, underlining and rereading the text, the reader can better understand what the author was tring to convey. This style of reading can be used on other types of media as well, photographs or other visual media. By underling key points, and writing in the margin you can write an outline or summary of key points. Later in the chapter the author suggests that by writing an summary in outline form with all of the topics in your own wordsit will be easier to understand.
    The author states that by summarizing the work you will have a better understanding of what you have read. By using critical thinking in your summary you are taking apart what you have read and studing the pieces.  The author shows the reader different analitical guidlines for visual text.  What stands out about the image, color , shape or size.  Or is it the media,does it include words and is it an advertisment.  At the end of the chapter it talks about how all the different styles of text share guidlines for analysis.
   I can't wait to apply these ideas in my writing.  I don't remeber ever being told that it was ok to write in a text book when I was in school.  I think that having my ideas in the marigin the second time I read something would help me to better understand what Ihave read.  I never thought of taking something I read  and take it apart, and reword it in outline form.  Maybe I didn't pay attention in High School.  This is definently going to help me.
Benjamin 

Freewrite

Hi


     A freewrite is a tool for a writer to get ideas on to paper.  The idea is that he/she can put many thoughts down quickly.  Then the writer can go over these thoughts and streamline into another freewrite .  By doing this, you can end up with some great material about the subject.  There are no rules in the freewrite.  The writer jots/types as many ideas as possible on a subject.  Sometimes the subject will change, or alter after the writer starts to brainstorm.

     Me, on the otherhand found that my first freewrite was strange.  I cought myself totally thinking , "did I spell that right"? Or was my grammar correct..  Too funny.  I also found that I digressed many times.  I had no idea that freewriting will help you to become a better writer.  It seems that if you pratice bad puncuation, that it will be hard to implement it when you need to.  I seemed to have problems putting myself back on task, but will continue to try to do this to help refine my writing. 
    
    I thought that the freewrite would be easy.  My first attempt,  got caught up in watching the time and hit somtething that exited the widow.  My second attemtp I could not seem to focus on the subject. I am hoping that this will get easier for me.  I am sure I wasnt the only one that had this happen? 
                                                        Benjamin

Benjamin

          My name is Benjamin Dillingham.  I decided to go back to school after a 20 year break.  The last time I was in school paraachute pants were cool.  Now my priorities have changed, and I want to grow mentally.  I have an understanding wife and a nine and half year old daughter who are my suppoort team.  I work in construction in Marin County for an underground company. My goal is to receive a degree in enviro science with some concentraion in construction management.  I consider myself as a self starter, and can't stand waiting for the last minute.  I hope that I can bring that same mentality to my school work.  I am very excited to begin with class work, and to learn (relearn) study habits.