Pathos

This puppy would be considered an example of Pathos because it appeals to emotions.

A2

Over the past 14 years since I've been in school, I think that my learning processes and study habits have developed accordingly. While in middle school, I was just starting to get used to doing serious school work and having important assignments. My grades were very good because my top priority was doing my homework and studying. As high school began, those same habits carried over during my freshmen and sophomore years. I was also starting to socialize more and get involved in sports and other activities. Balancing my schoolwork and play time was starting to get harder as the years progressed. My last 2 years in high school were the most fun because I was maturing and thinking about my future. I was definitely enjoying the social aspect of school and I was also starting to work more outside of school to make money. My priorities were a lot different than they were in the beginning of high school. I definitely wanted to get solid grades because I was starting to apply to colleges, but my school work was not done as diligently as it was when I was younger.

My experiences in the past with English courses have been very positive because of the teachers I had and my ability to write well. For some reason, writing papers and getting my point across has come easy to me in most of my English classes. Even though I don’t like spending hours writing papers, I usually can do it with ease as long as I focus on the task at hand. In middle school and high school, I've wrote countless papers about all of the different required books we read in class. It was normal for my teachers to have us read a book and then gives us prompts to choose from that related to the theme of the specific book. The one thing that I've noticed about my past experiences with English is that even though I usually do well in my courses, I never had a passion for writing. I didn't enjoy sitting at a desk for hours writing about a book that I most likely didn’t even read. In high school, I had to write a few research papers on different subjects based on my choice. I actually enjoyed writing those types of papers because there was something I had to prove and make a point about using facts. I think I liked research papers the most because I do like to argue once in a while, especially if I have facts to back me up. I think I can be quite convincing, which is why I'm good at arguing.

My writing process has changed a little bit over the years but it initially is still pretty lazy. When I have a paper due, I definitely will not start it until a day or two before it is due. I know it's not the best way to manage my time, but I like putting it off and having free time. When I actually get around to writing the paper, I like to start out by organizing my thoughts in a list or a web of some sort. This helps me visualize what exactly I am going to say in the paper and helps me check and make sure I have all the evidence I need. It also is beneficial because I can write the paper quicker since all of the information is right in front of me. I can usually write 3 or 4 paragraphs straight through because once I get started, my thoughts are flowing and I'm focused. The hardest part of writing a paper for me is the very beginning and the very end. In the beginning, its tough to jump right into the whole paper and expect it to make sense. By the end, I usually get really lazy because my brain is fried and I end up stressing about the final few sentences. It helps me to be in a quiet area where I know I cant get distracted by anything, especially the television or the computer. I will even go out of my way to write a rough draft on loose leaf paper and then type it up later because I know if I am on the computer I might go on the internet and waste time. When I finally finish the paper, I will sometimes not even go back and re-read it because I am so sick of looking at the computer screen. I just want to hand it in and hope for the best.

My use of technology has definitely changed over the years and it has depended a lot on what has been available to me. When my family got a computer awhile ago, I only used it to go on instant messanger or AOL. I now obviously use the internet daily because I have my own laptop and I need to check my email and blackboard all the time because of school. I've also noticed that almost every time I get on the internet, I end up checking my Facebook or the weather. It has turned into a habit and it is fun to do when you are bored. I also text a lot and I find it convenient when you just need to ask a friend one simple question and you want to avoid an awkward phone call.

A1 Interview

How often did I read when I was younger? Did I like to read?

You loved to read. You usually read at night before bed. Mom/Dad read to you 3-4 nights a week, sometimes more, when you were 2,3,4,5 years old.

What subjects was I interested in as a child?

Art, Social Studies, Spelling/English

Did you have to push me to do my homework?

Once in a while. The majority of the time, you did your homework by yourself (with some help from Mom and Dad once in a while).

Was I excited about going to school?

YES....All the way up until high school.

Did I turn things in on time?

Always! We cant remember any issues with turning assignments in late

What was I like as a student?

Very independent, didn't need much motivation or supervision from us. Always got good grades and good reports from teachers.

Did I manage my time well?

YES, you usually started large projects well in advance, not too many last minute fire drills.

What are some of the ways I learn best? (learning processes)

We would say visually and also by repetition/practice

How do I study? With music on? At the last minute?

In high school, yes, you would study with TV on and last minute, and sometimes with a group. When you were in grade school, you were a better at studying. You studied in your bedroom, no distractions.

What did I like to do outside of school when I was younger?

play outside with friends, sports, art stuff, watch movies/TV

Did it take me long to complete projects or long term assignments?

for the most part, NO. You usually started projects well in advance.

What career do you picture me in? What kind of jobs would I be good at?

something in the Science field, maybe Research, Teaching. You'd be good at any job that you set your mind to because you're smart and personable. You're an excellent writer and a good speaker in front of a group, hopefully you choose a career that you can utilize these skills.

What kind of person do you see me as?

independent, intelligent, even tempered, and very social