Elliot English Blog

  Prompt:  Describe a real moment in your life that felt like the beginning of a powerful story. Tell what happened, and why it felt like a turning point in your life? Response: The first time that I went to a punk show was a turning point in my life. I had just recently gotten out of a relationship beforehand and I was able to do something that I've always wanted to do. I went with a group of old friends and when we went to the show, it was inspiring. Ever since then I've loved the culture of finding like minded people and being able to enjoy live music. It was also a moment of new found independence and being able to express myself in ways that I don't normally show in other social interactions. It also broke me out of my shell and helped me learn to be confident.  Summary:  Today we wrote a rhetorical analysis on MLK's speech.  Reflection:  I reflected on if I would use a rhetorical analysis in college. 

  Prompt:  If you had to write a poem about your life RIGHT NOW, what would it be about? Explain your answer in at least 4 to 5 sentences.  Response: I would write about the constant events that happen in my life. There are a lot of things that happen in a week for me personally, whether it's chaotic or good. I also think that this plays a big part in who I am. I would use a line like "I don't know what a balanced life feels like" because I feel like there's something always going on. Summary: In class we took notes on rhetorical analysis's. Reflection: I thought about getting more paper to take notes in class.  

  Prompt:  When you are in a mood that you do not like, what are some strategies that you use to change your mood?  Response: When I feel upset, I try to find an activity to distract me. The majority of the time, I play a video game since it's engaging and lets my brain focus on something else. Another thing I like to do is paint because it's time consuming and requires focus. I try not to dwell on what's making me upset because it will only worsen my feelings. Having a distraction can also give me the opportunity to turn an upsetting moment into something productive.  Summary:  We completed a newsELA assignment. Response:  I thought about reading more again.

  Prompt:  Describe your personal approach to creativity. What steps do you follow when you’re working on a project. Tell me about a project you created that you were most proud of.  Response: My view on creativity is that it's the process of bringing ideas to life. When I make art or a project, I like to think about my ideas and then think of the steps I can take to create them. After that, I gather my materials and work on what I want to work on and come up with other ideas as I go. Something that I created that I was proud of was when I made my own lamp shade. I wanted a zebra print lamp shade but it was too expensive online, so instead I painted one myself.  Summary : We completed a vocabulary lesson on Writable. Reflection:  I thought about how often I would use the words we learned. 

Prompt:  After two weeks of studying rhetorical devices, types of rhetoric, and methods for identifying rhetorical techniques, which rhetorical device do you find most effective or compelling, and why? Response: I think that pathos is the most effective rhetorical device. Appealing to someone's emotions can persuade or change how they think easily, regardless if it's logical or not. Emotional factors play a big part in what someone thinks. You can also use a lot of techniques to make a pathos appeal. It also gives the audience a connection with the speaker.  Summary: In class we took the post test. Reflection:  I reflected on what rhetorical device I use the most.

  Prompt:  Choose a vocabulary word that resonates with you personally. Write a blog post explaining why this word is significant to you, including any personal memories or experiences that link you to the word. Response: A vocabulary word that resonates with me personally is "persevere". This word is significant to me because I always manage to persevere in any situation. I keep going during rough moments in life, when I work out, or if there's an unpleasant experience. I think that persevering through life is an important skill to have and it helps you get through stressful situations. One personal memory was when I couldn't be picked up from my friends house because the roads were icy, so I persevered through the cold snowy weather by walking home. Summary: In class we learned more vocabulary words. Reflection: I reflected on powerful phrases to use during the protest being held for signs and chants. 

  Prompt:  Write about a time you didn’t feel like yourself. Response: There was a period of time where I got really sick during Christmas. I had what felt like the flu and because of that my body was really sore and my face was very puffy. I was irritable during this time and I hated how I looked while being sick. During those days I didn't feel like the most pleasant person to be around. I felt much better the day after. Summary: We searched for rhetorical devices and analyzed MLK's speech.  Reflection: I reflected on the current events involving ICE and how it relates to MLK's speech.