First Part: I decided to choose from the section Bad Ideas About What Good Writing is and the one-piece I read was “Writing Knowledge Transfer is Easily” by Ellen C. Carillo. She states that the very notion of writing instruction is based on a myth. Ellen states that research corroborates that students don’t automatically transfer what they have learned about writing from one class into the next. The bad idea is that the curriculum for students is to first be enrolled in an introductory course and then it’s followed by an advanced writing course. This is supposed to make students automatically apply or transfer what they learned from the lower-level writing courses to more advanced ones but it’s simply not true. This is a bad idea because the instructors of the courses rely on these writing programs. After all, it works for their curriculum but the students will continue to be unprepared. I don’t agree with this because, in high school, all of my English classes had a specific book we were supposed to read so every year there was a book and an essay aligned together. I used what I was taught in my previous classes in my writing and the mistakes from previous essays to fix the errors I’ve made in the past. Ellen states that there are experiments done in the 1901 which found that transfer is rare and only successful when they were identical elements in the situation or contexts. This is probably why I was able to transfer what I’ve learned from previous classes to more advanced ones because it was always about reading a book and writing an essay about it. I chose this specific piece of writing in the bad ideas about what good writing is because there was another section called “Bad Ideas About who Good Writers are” and I believe that everyone is a good writer in their own way, it just takes time to perfect their own style of writing. I wasn’t very gravitated to that section but to instead to “Bad Ideas About What Good Writing is” because I wanted to know the critiques of authors on what’s considered good writing.

Second Part: For the Unit 2 essay, I will be doing a continuation on the discourse community that I chose from unit 1 which was the Catholic Church community. I will be researching on problem/issue that is miss understood in my discourse community. The problem I will talk about is that many people called themselves “Catholics” but are not informed of the actual beliefs we have or what we do in the church and these misconceptions are believed by the entire world because of what uninformed Catholics represent/show. By what these people say and spread, makes many other religions or just individuals not fully understand what we represent and it leads to further false information. This designated problem is very important to my community because many individuals will think we believe in something we don’t because of what one uninformed person who is part of our community says or does. This problem is probably faced with many other religions and it’s upsetting because people critique harshly on topics they’re not fully aware of.

I chose to read “How Coronavirus stress may scramble our brains” by Laura Sanders because based on the title it sounded like something I could relate to. Having our lives do a 180 in this pandemic has for sure caused an upheaval of stress in many of our lives. Reading the article reminded me a lot of my last semester’s psychology course. It’s honestly one of my favorite subjects in school and it really does capture my full attention. The article mentioned different experiments putting to the test how stress impacts our prefrontal cortex, one of the brain’s important functions for thinking and planning. An interesting thing that caught my eye was how stress impacted medical students taking exams. As Mrs. Sanders states “One memorable example comes from 20 panicky medical students facing licensing exams. After a month of high-stress test prep, the students performed worse on an attention test than they did after exams were over.” This makes me think of my own experience because when I take exams even though I’m confident in the material I never perform to my satisfactory level because I feel so rushed and stressed. Sander does mention “ People who believe stress can be an enhancing part of life do a better job of handling challenges”. I will admit that being stressed about school and exams has pushed me to do better at handling all the assignments and putting time aside for studying. Even though the article was informative it felt a little repetitive. Nonetheless, I think the ideas that were trying to get across were perfectly executed. Specifically, Mrs. Sanders referring to many different psychologists to back up claims. Relating to Dirk I did actually pick this article based on my interest in genre: the science of psychology. Based on the article I read, I concluded it was a research paper. Dirk mentions “If you already have some idea of what a research paper looks like, you do not have to learn an entirely new genre. Instead, you just have to figure out how to change that particular genre to fit with the situation” I have previously written a research paper similar to this article but with a completely different topic. It contained the same outline including quoting research. My experience with reading this research paper and having written my own really helped me understand what Dirk means when saying I don’t have to change the genre just work my way around it to match the topic.

• Kerry Dirk writes about how style is nothing more than a category in his essay “Navigating Genres,” and how genres go far beyond simply fitting into a particular class or style. Each genre has distinct characteristics that distinguish works from one another. In the article, Dirk introduced us to the genre as a response to the relevant situation. Dirk makes light of these conditions with satire in order to emphasize the importance of considering rhetorical circumstances. The importance of context in understanding the genre is demonstrated in this example. Dirk claims that knowing different genres rather than being an expert in all genres will help us develop our writing skills. In my opinion, he does an outstanding job of teaching about genres and how to write about them effectively. He provides excellent examples and references, also backs up his claims with accurate quotes. Kerry Dirk highlights the importance of providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter. It is important for a writer to understand what a genre is and how to portray it effectively.
• This post, which was recently published in Science News, explains how stress affects the brain and why it impairs decision-making and concentration. However, simply attempting to follow healthier behaviors and believing that stress might not be as bad as it appears are not the antidotes I recommend. Using real-time neuroscience techniques can help the brain turn off the pressure switch and get through the current life storm. You cannot always put down your work and meditate or practice yoga. When you are overwhelmed, you may not even be able to think of solutions. It is best to consider how stress travels through the nervous system and how sensory techniques can help you reduce stress without having to breathe or worry about it. In fact, only a slight activation of the pressure switch can breathe and sense functions. Because of the global pandemic and its uncertain path, most of us are experiencing higher default Stress Switch modes right now, which means our normal go-to strategies may fail. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to assist yourself.

Connection to Dirk,

• Kerry Dirk explains rhetorical genres in amusing layman’s terms in his essay “Navigating Genres,” which piqued my interest and made me want to learn more. Dirk notes the obvious: we are all familiar with various rhetorical genres because we meet and use them on a daily basis. We may not realize it, but we are exposed to different rhetorical genres every time we listen to a certain type of music, see a TV commercial for a product we use, or hear a political commentator on the radio. When we watch a horror film, we are introduced to a different genre. When we “share” on Facebook or Instagram, we are participating in a relatively new genre that arose out of the modern age. Dirk is implying that certain places or circumstances lend themselves to a specific genre, and that we do not have to create a new one every time we come across the same circumstance. This idea helps us to communicate more effectively because we know what to expect in response to any given circumstance.

In “Navigating Genres”, the author Kerry Dirk wrote about how genre is important  to the relevance of how the text is conveyed to readers. As readers we see genres as boundaries to follow certain texts we want to read. One could be looking into romantic novels or one could be looking into romantic research. These choices the writer makes affect relevance to us readers as Dirk wrote , “… by studying the genres that we find familiar, we can start to see how specific choices that writers make result in specific actions on the part of readers…”. Dirk continues, “it only follows that our own writing must be purposefully written”. Dirk’s statement is true as fellow writers we tend to look at others writers  work style  to inspire our own work’s style and be a purposeful writer. As a writer one must reflect and be self critical of how they portray their work. Sara Morrisson, a reporter from Vox, wrote an article called “The Year We Gave Up On Privacy” . In the article Morrison brought up the issue about privacy and collected data of the masses as we all transition into the quarantine lifestyle of online work, school and socializing. Morrison introduced the issue as an individual who also fell into the masses of giving up privacy and personal data to use the internet especially since covid. People accepted because they needed to do work, school and other social needs. Morrison evaluates how our information is invaded and what it is used for without our discretion as well as show how there is a lack of necessary government regulations on the internet as our information era invades individual information. The way Morrison wrote her article was well portrayed, as she conveyed the issue clearly and unbiased. Then continued to give more information about our private data being given away without realizing how much. Then evaluates what we can do, what has changed and should change for protecting privacy data. Morrison has stayed true to the genre of an information text. She has satiated her side which is to have more restrictions on accessing our private data. while also stating why some of our private data is helpful. The texts was well thought out and well written. This text was interesting as I knew about this issue and how there is lack of attention towards this issue. 

When reading Dirk’s “Navigating Genres.”, I immediately noticed how informal the essay was. I really like the fact that although he was talking about finding the right genre for the type on paper you are writing and the fact he was teaching us something, it still felt like it was a normal conversation that I would be able to have a back and forth with. I can not really say that I am confused about anything this essay has to offer anymore. I had read this last semester for my last English class and had to annotate it as well. Then we went over everything so everything is still pretty fresh for me.

The article I chose was “Is Marriage Obsolete?”. I thought the article was okay at best. I was not a big fan of some of the ways she described certain things. For example, when she was describing her husband she said ” zero depth perception, and a palsy that makes his right hand shake whenever he passes me, say, a porcelain creamer filled to the brim with liquid nitrogen.”. I am sure that sentence is structured beautifully with solid imagery. BUT my problem stems with me having to decipher what she is trying to say there. I am not the most quick witted fella when it comes to deciphering texts and when I read an article on something that is of some what importance to me, I do not want to have to waste time thinking what the author is trying to tell me. Other than that I did really enjoy the honesty that came along when she was describing the benefits of marriage in todays age. She gave good reasons in support of and against marriage.

As soon as I saw this article on the list my interests were piqued. I clicked on it right away. I am a 26 year old male and I have been with my girlfriend going on 5 years now. Every family or social gathering now a days is pretty much just people bombarding us with questions such as “when are you too going to get married?” and statements like “You know when I was your age I was married for 6 years already”. Well I am sorry Debra but you’ve been divorced 3 times since so I am not quite sure I should be taking marriage advice from you. But anyway, my girlfriend and I have no plans for marriage any time soon. My reasons are the severe social anxiety I feel when I think about having to stand at the altar and people watching me. She wants to finish school and be established before we rush into things. As Heather said 40-50% of all marriages in the USA end in divorce and I am not rushing to be another statistic.

An article, where I went in expecting little from, has left an impression on me. I did not know how informative the article would be as I clicked on it, and as I began reading the first-person-written text. Why did I click on it? I was intrigued by another topic, initially. However, I decided I’d choose the article, ” ‘Why I’m Behind the Athletes’ Bill of Rights’ ” from Sports Illustrated. I don’t watch sports on a regular, I enjoy watching soccer matches, but definitely, I prioritize other thing before sports. However, I was drawn to this sports-related article because I was curious to see how much I could learn. I had never heard of the Athletes’ Bill of Rights. “What kind of article will this be?,” I asked myself. The subtle use of pathos really got me. Mix that in with the logical mentions to studies and their significance, the article sold. Cory Booker, the author of the article, is a Senator working to change something that’s been going on for way to long: college athletes’ exploitation. I was so extremely upset when I read about a college athlete that helped his team win, at the expense of his own health. He would go to bed hungry because he couldn’t afford a meal! Those in the power to take action and help their athletes have not taken action- in decades. Therefore, the author’s purpose is to garner attention and support to help the athletes, as a former athlete himself, now that he has the power to do so.

Senator Booker referenced NCAA’s own statistics. I understood from context that the NCAA was responsible of the college athletes, although the acronym was not explained, assuming the reader is familiar with the NCAA. I would say that the explanation of NCAA and it’s specific role is something notably absent in the article, however it does not take away from the statement the author is making, considering who his target audience is.  Apart from these details, Senator Booker’s article surpasses my expectations, for it was simple, straightforward, and appeals to both your logic and emotions.

This sports-genre article seemed to work pretty well. I think this because of something Dirk cited in his essay, “In sum, “too much choice is as debilitating of meaning as is too little choice. In language, too much variation results eventually in lack of meaning: mutual unintelligibility” (Devitt, “Genre” 53).” What this means to me is that the further you try to deviate from your genre, the less understandable your writing will be, and in effect, it will also be less appealing. Booker’s article is, on the contrary, focused on its thesis and maintains its focus all throughout the article.

Do we always pay attention to the title of the article?  I am always reading headline, sometimes I will get into authors mode and continue reading and amuse myself, but sometimes I just get tidies after reading few sentences as a result I move to other article. After reviewing all articles to read of them briefly I was hooked with the title “is marriage obsolete?” I started reading carefully, as I was getting more into story my interest grew and I was eager to find out what she had to share with the reader. I like her style of writing because she is not boring writer. I loved how she used an example of animal’s love life as a couple and how they care about each other, it was amazing to read. I believe she is using narrative genre of writing. In the beginning I thought she would start stating various reasons why should be marriage to be considered as an obsolete, but as a good writer she was ambiguous until the end. She is bringing out all the pros and cons of marriage. It is beautiful to read how she describes her marriage details and she is honest about obstacles in marriage and she uses her marriage as an example. The author is trying to make a point that new generation is perceives the marriage absolutely in other way than is was before. Woman is independent and powerful today.  woman is able to earn enough money to pay all her bills, travel, buy house and be able to survive without man. From the history, she brings the fact that woman was not allowed to owe anything. she uses research, while she is telling us the story. I was little confused with her daughter.  She was in one moment blaming herself. She believed that her daughter was against getting married or build a family because of them. The author is explaining that her daughter was witnessing how boring and tidies their marriage was after 12 years of living together. I don’t agree with the author. I believe living together even if you live with your own parents becomes tidies and one is looking for better place. We just have to help each other to make our everyday life more interesting and don’t blame each other. In conclusion she is stating that, When you are couple it is  important to acknowledge the issues and stand by each-others side.

The article I chose to read was  “The Year We gave Up on Privacy” because just by reading the title It grabbed my attention and I was curious about what I will be reading about. From the title, I can tell it was going to be about people’s privacy being invaded by someone or something and I was too curious to know. After reading the article I also agree how a lot of information and data is being exposed online, due to pandemic people are now using technology to communicate with friends, family, employers and instead of commuting to work or work, zoom, google classroom and other apps are being used to stay connected. Even just grocery shopping, online shopping, and buying other necessities are all done online. Everything changed because of the pandemic, so has our privacy, people are now having to give up their privacy to keep up with their new lifestyle and it’s scary because we do not have control over where our data goes and how it is being used.

The author, Sara Morrison shared her own experience with how she used to avoid sites and services that could possibly collect her data but that changed when quarantine started. Morrison expressed how she gave away tons of her personal data online from delivery services, online shopping platforms, and virtual meetings. She decided to download a digital contact tracing tool to see where her data could be released, who wouldn’t want to know where their own information goes to, who could take this and how can they use it. People should learn more about this and be more aware of what’s behind the use of giving away data because today, technology is evolving quickly and fast, but there’s also a bad side to this too, such as exposing credit cards, personal phone numbers, etc. It’s crazy that just by a single tap or a click you can have your information put out into the web without knowing or understanding what could happen.

Lastly, “Navigating Genres” by Kerry Dirk talks about genre awareness can benefit us as writers because It “starts to see how specific choices that writers make result in specific actions on the part of readers”. I can connect this to why I picked to read “The Year We gave Up on Privacy” is because I gravitated to the title because I think that the title reflected the genre of the political blog or maybe lifestyle blog where she also included her own experience.