Nicole+Wilke+6-L.H.

Roosevelt Student: 6-L.H.


 * Letters of Introduction ( **due 01.21.11 **) **

Hi, I’m Nicole. I’m a senior English major at Drake, and this semester I’ll be offering you feedback on your writing. In the last four years, I’ve found that having someone else read your writing can be immensely helpful, no matter their skill level or who they are. Hopefully, I’ll be able to give you some suggestions and advice to help you learn a little bit about your own writing. When I was in high school, I took AP Language classes, and I really enjoyed it. I always thought that I learned as much from the other kids in class as I did from the teachers. I’m looking forward to getting to know you over the course of this semester, and am happy to be a resource for you when it comes to school, writing, college or anything else! Nicole

I am a juinor at Roosevelt and I also have a large interest in English as a minor, with an interest of my major being in Journalism and Mass Communications. I find my class also a little overwhelming at times, but very enjoyable overall. In my free time, I enjoy writing, playing soccer, reading, spending time with friends, and I also am on my fourth year of being apart of Dream Team which is a biking team that participates in RAGBRAI each year.

I feel that my strengths in writing would be my passion for each topic I write about and the power I attempt to include in all that I write. I would like to work more on stronger introductions and conclusions and also my word choice and the fluency in my writing. My writing from this year on is something that is highly important to me due to my passionate interest in persuing a career in writing for large newspapers.

I hope to soak in all your feedback and help so that my writing my writing will become stronger and a little more clear.

Good to hear from you! I am also looking forward to working with you this semester! Talk to you soon!

Thank you, Lucy


 * Rough Draft - Definition ( ****RHS** due 01.27.11; **171** due 01.28.11 **) **

The dictionary gives the definition of “Love” as, ‘a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person’. This definition may stand true to most cases of love, but love is something that is more defined personally by someone on their own. Love has a large history making it have many different backgrounds to look into. Love is something almost always personally defined and not just a mere term the dictionary that can soon be understood and felt. **Maybe you want to address how people have attempted to define and understand love for a long time; so much literature and writing is based or driven by "love."** Although the many definitions stated in many different sources may act as liable sources to attempt to understand the meaning of a word, but //love// is not something that can soon be achieved by reading a few definitions written by many people who have their own feelings about love. It can be felt in different forms whether as friends or more. It can also be characterized in several ways for every person especially when it comes down to the levels of love and how heavy it can be felt. **Since you're talking about different types of love, I wonder if you might want to give a few examples of different kinds of love (maybe the difference between romantic love, or the love for family members or friends) and how those types are both different and similar. How have you personally experienced this type of love, and do you think it has shaped your personal way of defining "love" in a different manner than someone else?** Different feelings back up the superior feeling of love within a person. For most, in order to actually say they //love// someone, they must have a high sense of care for the other person, also they should have a lot in common, especially within the persons personality. **Is this only for romantic love, or for all kinds?** Another large characteristic of love would be the fact that it cannot be immediately felt for another person from the first time they meet, as some movies and books may at times portray to the world as a possibility for all. To achieve the feeling of love for someone, it takes time that is spent together; learning all there is to learn about each other and to also begin to feel love for one another. **That's an interesting point. Are there any other "pop culture" portrayals of love that you think are untrue, or don't match up with your definition of love?** Another large characteristic of love would be the fact that it cannot be immediately felt for another person from the first time they meet, as some movies and books may at times portray to the world as a possibility for all. To achieve the feeling of love for someone, it takes time that is spent together; learning all there is to learn about each other and to also begin to feel love for one another
 * I like that you began your writing with a dictionary definition, and then went on to say how "love" is more complicated and complex than what can be defined in a few sentences. I think what could make this even stronger is simply using a few more examples/anecdotes to back up the points you're making. You have good organization, grammar and sentence structure!**


 * Revision - Definition ( ****RHS** due 01.31.11; **171** due 02.01.11 **) **

The dictionary gives the definition of “Love” as, ‘a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person’. This definition may stand true to most cases of love, but love is something that is more defined personally by someone on their own. Love has a large history making it have many different backgrounds to look into. Love is something almost always personally defined and not just a mere term the dictionary that can soon be understood and felt. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Although the many definitions stated in many different sources may act as liable sources to attempt to understand the meaning of a word, but //love// is not something that can soon be achieved by reading a few definitions written by many people who have their own feelings about love. It can be felt in different forms whether as friends or more. It can also be characterized in several ways for every person especially when it comes down to the levels of love and how heavy it can be felt. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Different feelings back up the superior feeling of love within a person. For most, in order to actually say they //love// someone, they must have a high sense of care for the other person, also they should have a lot in common, especially within the persons personality. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Another large characteristic of love would be the fact that it cannot be immediately felt for another person from the first time they meet, as some movies and books may at times portray to the world as a possibility for all. To achieve the feeling of love for someone, it takes time that is spent together; learning all there is to learn about each other and to also begin to feel love for one another.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">FINAL - Definition ( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 02.02.11; **171** due 02.04.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The dictionary gives the definition of “Love” as, ‘a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person’. This definition may stand true to most cases of love, but love is something that is more defined personally by someone on their own whether in literature or just their overall ‘belief’. Love has a large history making it have many different backgrounds to look into. Love is something almost always personally defined and not just a mere term the dictionary that can soon be understood and felt. This also stands true in most pieces of writing for all are based on love in one way or another. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Although the many definitions stated in many different sources may act as liable sources to attempt to understand the meaning of a word, but love is not something that can soon be achieved by reading a few definitions written by many people who have their own feelings about love. None can define love for someone even in the friend sense. Which it can be felt within friends, family, or in relationships that are developed due to the love. It can also be characterized in several ways for every person especially when it comes down to the levels of love and how heavy it can be felt and how confusing it may be. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Different feelings back up the superior feeling of love within a person. For most, in order to actually say they //love// someone, they must have a high sense of care for the other person; also they should have a lot in common, especially within the person’s personality. This can also be determined on how society affects the feelings of love, and that deal with love and how it is personally characterized. Is this only for romantic love, or for all kinds? <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Another large characteristic of love would be the fact that it cannot be immediately felt for another person from the first time they meet, as some movies and books may at times portray to the world as a possibility for all. To achieve the feeling of love for someone, it takes time that is spent together; learning all there is to learn about each other and to also begin to feel love for one another.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">REFLECTION #1 ****<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 02.08.11; **171** due 02.11.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **

I feel that this has helped me improve on my understanding on what to write exactly for this paper with what is required/needed, that will also help with papers to come. I also think that the different views are something I should work on with all my writing. Working with you has shown me a different way of writing and saying what I want. I hope to use knowledge that you have shared with me in all my papers to come to help improve on any difficulties that may come up in my writing and also the topics I may choose for them. I think that I need help on Improving my word choice and also help with staying on topic throughout my paragraphs. Thank you for your advice and help on my paper.

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Your final draft turned out great! I hope my questions/responses helped you to develop your ideas more. You clearly have a good grasp on grammar/sentence structure, which makes it easier for us to focus on the content of your writing. Please let me know if you have any questions about my responses to your writing in the future. Also, I'd love to know what you struggle with during your writing process. I know I personally am // always // struggling with word choice, and what would be the //best// word to use to accurately portray what I want to. I look forward to seeing more of your writing, and I'll do my best to making writing and rewriting easier for you!


 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Rough Draft - Classification/Division ( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 02.16.11; **171** due 02.18.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **

Love is something that constantly comes and goes, now whether it stays, it depends on the actions made by each person or others in their lives; with family this applies but usually differs for it is love that is everlasting whether showed or not. Love comes in so many different forms because of how it is given within certain relationships (esp. family, friends, and objects). With different forms also comes different levels of love that one person feels for another. Love is not really an emotion, more so a commitment- when in love with someone, you just know it in your heart. Love and infatuation are two different things that are easily confused with each other and can cause hurt and confusion at times in relationships. For my personal experience, I have had this confusion a few times and it never ends well. But with this said there are still many different types of love in this world; all with their own feelings and importance. ** Companionate Love: ** As for all, I can most relate to this type and how in-depth I can relate to it due to how I care about all in my life. Those being friends. This kind of love is when one feels such warmth towards a close friend who they love to spend time with. This could be due to how they look up to the person or it could even be how they are jealous of the other person. But the largest thing that makes it capable for many to relate to this kind is because of how much a friend cares about another friend, how they admire them, how they have a lot of fun when they spend time together, and just how they relate to each other and all that they have in common with one another. ** Unconditional Love: ** This is the type of love where one person has such high emotions of love and deep, passionate caring feelings for the other no matter what they may do to them, whether it affects their life lightly or deeply. This is a kind that only few can relate to this type for many cannot stand it because of the stress and hurt that it may build in a relationship or a person. This is the love that a lot of movie storylines use for it comes with much drama where the victim does not give up on their love for the other. ** Paternal Love: ** Both relatable to unconditional and maternal love, paternal love is the kind that works to prepare a child for entering the world; or someone who works to guide an immature (in certain cases) person who has not experienced what the other has and needs personal advice in order to structure a good life. This kind of love also shows a little authority within a relationship because of the standards in which each stand in situations that come up throughout their time together. One learns while the other teaches and then it switches depending on what happens. ** Self-Love: ** This is personal love for one’s self. It is the kind of love that is positive in how you feel about who you are and what you think you deserve for all that you do and attempt. To achieve this kind of love, one must themselves well, respect your own self, picture and make yourself happy in any way able, and also expecting others to respect who you are without acting selfish, but not being a pushover at the same time.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Revision - Classification/Division ( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 02.23.11; **171** due 02.25.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **

Love is something that constantly comes and goes, now whether it stays, it depends on the actions made by each person or others in their lives; with family this applies but usually differs for it is love that is everlasting whether showed or not. This first sentence seems a little convoluted to me. I would maybe end your first clause, "Love is something that constantly comes and goes," with just a period and make that your intro sentence. It is a good, straightforward sentence. I'm not sure you really need the sentence, "With family this applies..." Perhaps instead, include this in the paragraph on Familial Love. I think that the sentence ending, "...made by each person or others in their lives" transitions really well into this next part. Love comes in so many different forms because of how it is given within certain relationships (esp. family, friends, and objects). With different forms also comes different levels of love that one person feels for another. Love is not really an emotion, more so a commitment -- when in love with someone, you just know it in your heart. Love and infatuation are two different things that are easily confused with each other and can cause hurt and confusion at times in relationships. In my personal experience, I have had this confusion a few times and it never ends well. But with this said there are still many different types of love in this world; all with their own feelings and importance. ** Companionate Love: ** As for all, I can most relate to this type and how deeply﻿ I can relate to it is due to how I care about those in my life. Those being friends. This kind of love is when one feels such warmth towards a close friend who they love to spend time with. This could be due to how they look up to the person or it could even be how they are jealous of the other person. But the largest thing that makes it capable for many to relate to this kind is because of how much a friend cares about another friend, how they admire them, how they have a lot of fun when they spend time together, and just how they relate to each other and all that they have in common with one another. What is something that can make this type of love come and go, or fade? Can this friendship/companionate love be "everlasting" or "unconditional" as well? Does this love change over time? **Unconditional Love:** ﻿ I might make this title "Romantic Love." Below, that seems to be the kind of love that you're describing. I believe that this "unconditional love" is something that you could address, but "unconditional" seems like it could overlap with things like "companionate" or "paternal" love. "Unconditional" seems to me to be more than romantic love. This is the type of love where one person has such high emotions of love and deep, passionate caring feelings for the other no matter what they may do to them, whether it affects their life lightly or deeply. This is a kind that only few can relate to this type for many cannot stand it because of the stress and hurt that it may build in a relationship or a person. This is the love that a lot of movie storylines use for it comes with much drama where the victim does not give up on their love for the other. ** Paternal Love: ** Maybe "Familial Love"? "Paternal Love" seems to imply that it can only be felt by a man towards his children. Is that what you want it to mean? But I suppose you are talking about a different kind of love when you're discussing love between a parent and a child, and a brother and sister for example. Do you want to address those different things, or do you want to solely address the love for a child? Both relatable to unconditional and maternal love, paternal love is the kind that works to prepare a child for entering the world; or someone who works to guide an immature (in certain cases) person who has not experienced what the other has and needs personal advice in order to structure a good life. This kind of love also shows a little authority within a relationship because of the standards in which each stand in situations that come up throughout their time together. One learns while the other teaches and then it switches depending on what happens. I think this is a great paragraph though. I like how you touch on the imbalance of power between this love relationship. Do you think other types of love relationships have any imbalance of power? Maybe you want to talk about your relationship with your parents. Is the sort of love you feel for them different from the love you perceive they have for you? ** Self-Love: ** This is personal love for one’s self. It is the kind of love that is positive in how you feel about who you are and what you think you deserve for all that you do and attempt. To achieve this kind of love, one must themselves well, respect your self, picture and make yourself happy in any way able, and also expecting others to respect who you are without acting selfish, but not being a pushover at the same time. What happens if you don't have "Self Love"? Does it make the other types of love more difficult, or impossible? Do people lose the ability to love you? ** Infatuation-Love: ** These are two different words that are the exact same thing, meaning that they are more than just a mere definition to those who fall under this type; it is almost as though a belief. Instead of using past experiences to decide what feelings are being felt between two, this feeling comes from ideals and what a person wants and dreams about when it comes to love. It is a feeling that is only within the two people, showing one another that they are completely obsessed and in love with each other, the kind of love shown in movies and dreamt about throughout most everyone’s life. Okay, so here is where you are talking about more romantic love. To me, "infatuation" seems to have a different connotation. I see it as something more short-lived and inspired by a more superficial relationship or knowing of the person. When I'm infatuated with someone or something, it doesn't really last a long time. It's really not the same thing to me as "being in love" because I know it's not "real."

I think this looks like a good draft! Feel free to use my revisions/questions/suggestions at your leisure; like I said I'm certainly not always right! I think you've covered the most generally accepted types of love, and offered a good understanding of how they differ. This is a hard topic to discuss, because different types of love can mean so many types of things to different people.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">FINAL - Classification/Division ( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 03.01.11; **171** due 03.04.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">REFLECTION #2 ****<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 03.22.11; **171** due 03.25.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Rough Draft - Argument ( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 03.30.11; **171** due 04.01.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">They have always said that you cannot judge a book by its cover, so what gives them the right to ban them due to their relatable content? Schools nationwide have extensive lists of what books are allowed to be taught in classes, and books that have been ruled out because of their content. I believe, as many teachers do also, that schools should not be allowed to do this for most that is considered ‘inappropriate’ we all can say we have been through once in our lives or relate to it in some other way. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Not only are these books content relatable, but also educational and meaningful, making reasons as to why the books should be banned in the first place extraneous. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">An obvious reason as to why books should not be debated on whether the content is appropriate or not is that within history much has happened having to do with racial issues, which many books include which are almost all on this list. Not only in history, but in modern day many things happen whether we want them to or not, bad language is used by many and heard by all, and tragic things happen such as kidnapping, rape, theft, and other unfortunate happenings which all go into plots of almost every great book that all should read in their life and that teachers want to share with their students but cannot, because of the list that is blocking them from doing this. Though they really are pushed not to, some teachers push the rules of the list and teach some books that are on the brink of being banned. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Banning books from schools heavily hurts the education in some parts and certain subjects for many classes learn of certain aspects that many have to deal with and would help teach students more about the subject. Education is one of the factors that hurts the schools when books are banned. It also hurts teachers and makes it hard to find books pertaining to what is being taught in their classes as they usually have a book in mind that would perfectly fit but is on the banned list. When this happens, teachers sometimes turn to list of recommended books, some teachers not realizing that the books on this list have no value or impact to the students what so ever or even fit with the topic. When students receive the opportunity to choose their own books for classes, almost all choose one of the books included on the list making the teacher have to say no and find a book for them instead, again, heavily effecting their personal education. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">The banned list is backed up on mere points already stated and overall relatable; language, racial issues, theft, sexual assault of forms, and other real world things that most students, and parents, would be fine reading as it goes along with stories that are educational and real, meaning that they really did happen and some still does. Few teachers may be fine with the list but most become irate when they find that their favorite book that would fit wonderfully with their topic is not able to be taught in their classroom because of what is included in it. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Having very few reasons as to why schools should be allowed to ban books, it is clearly relevant that there are more than enough reasons to not allow them to do this. In the end, this list hurts feelings, the education of students and what they are able to relate to and what they have been through, and also awareness of real issues and loss of knowledge within important history events.

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">**First Draft feedback:**

They have always said that you cannot judge a book by its cover, so what gives them the right to ban them due to their relatable content? **Who’s “they”?** Schools nationwide have extensive lists of what books are allowed to be taught in classes, and books that have been ruled out because of their content. I believe, as many teachers do also, that schools should not be allowed to do this for most that is considered ‘inappropriate’ we all can say we have been through once in our lives or relate to it in some other way. **Does it make the content useless if we haven’t been through that experience ourselves? It is easier for students to dismiss content if its not “relatable”?** Not only are these books content relatable, but also educational and meaningful, making reasons as to why the books should be banned in the first place extraneous. An obvious reason as to why books should not be debated on whether the content is appropriate or not is that within history much has happened having to do with racial issues, which many books include which are almost all on this list. **I like this point you have about racial issues within books. Why do you think that so many books reflect upon this issue? Why are people so quick to ban books that talk about racism? Does it have to do with racism in itself, or is it more about the use of the N-word? (Something that also strikes me as interesting is that it is often white people attempting to ban these books about racism, not black. Why do you think that is?)** Not only in history, but in modern day many things happen whether we want them to or not, bad language is used by many and heard by all, and tragic things happen such as kidnapping, rape, theft, and other unfortunate happenings which all go into plots of almost every great book that all should read in their life and that teachers want to share with their students but cannot, because of the list that is blocking them from doing this. **(This is a really long sentence with a lot of great points packed into it. Try going back and breaking it up a little so your readers don’t feel bombarded with all your info.)** Though they really are pushed not to, some teachers push the rules of the list and teach some books that are on the brink of being banned. **That’s true. Have you ever been in a classroom where a teacher specifically taught a book that they had been told not to, or a frequently banned book. How did they deal with the contentious content? Did they address the reasons why the book was banned in their teaching of the book? How can a teacher make things like the N-word or rape or bad language a “teachable” moment?** Banning books from schools heavily hurts the education in some parts and certain subjects for many classes learn of certain aspects that many have to deal with and would help teach students more about the subject. Education is one of the factors that hurts the schools when books are banned. It also hurts teachers and makes it hard to find books pertaining to what is being taught in their classes as they usually have a book in mind that would perfectly fit but is on the banned list. When this happens, teachers sometimes turn to list of recommended books, some teachers not realizing that the books on this list have no value or impact to the students what so ever or even fit with the topic. ** Ooooh like what? If you have any, I’d love to see an example of a recommended book that was nowhere near as useful as a banned book could have been .** When students receive the opportunity to choose their own books for classes, almost all choose one of the books included on the list making the teacher have to say no and find a book for them instead, again, heavily effecting their personal education. **I’m not sure what you mean by this. Do students pick banned books or books on the “less helpful” recommended list?** The banned list is backed up on mere points already stated and overall relatable; language, racial issues, theft, sexual assault of forms, and other real world things that most students, and parents, would be fine reading as it goes along with stories that are educational and real, meaning that they really did happen and some still does. ** What about in the cases of perhaps gratuitous swearing or instances in which parents might not find the material educational or helpful? Does that make the rest of the book disposable? What would you say to a parent or educator advocating (for example) blacking out the N-work in a book? What about only reading certain selections from a novel that leave out the controversial scenes? ** Few teachers may be fine with the list but most become irate when they find that their favorite book that would fit wonderfully with their topic is not able to be taught in their classroom because of what is included in it. Having very few reasons as to why schools should be allowed to ban books, it is clearly relevant that there are more than enough reasons to not allow them to do this. In the end, this list hurts feelings, the education of students and what they are able to relate to and what they have been through, and also awareness of real issues and loss of knowledge within important history events. **I think you have the start of a good argument here. One thing I think you should think about is this concept of “they.” Who is the “they” that are attempting to ban books? Old white guys? Moms? Administrators? What is their view on the banned books? //Why// are they wanting to ban them? If someone were to ask them why, for example, Huckleberry Finn should be banned, what would “they” say? Think about //their// argument as you present yours. ** ** Your main argument seems to be that banning books impairs teachers’ ability to properly teach their students. Do you have any examples? (You wouldn’t necessarily have to use the first person, or personal experience, but perhaps think of a hypothetical example.) Think more about the way that teachers will have to handle a book that some parents (and even students) might find problematic. How can the teacher use the frequent use of the N-word in Huckleberry Finn to teach their high school students? How can they use racism or rape in To Kill a Mockingbird? Would it be detrimental to the educational environment to black out swear words in books, or for students //not// to read certain scenes that have been deemed inappropriate? ** **Do you think that students may be distracted from learning by these inappropriate aspects of books? Or do you think that their ability to learn depends on the way the teacher handles it? What are the pro-book banning arguments? Do the learning benefits outweigh the costs?**

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">We have always said that you cannot judge a book by its cover, so what gives schools the right to ban books due to their content that some may find relatable? Schools nationwide have extensive lists of what books are allowed to be taught in classes, and books that have been ruled out due to their content. I believe, as do many teachers, that schools should not be allowed to do this for most of why the book is 'inappropriate' are all things that one can relate to or at least have knowledge of. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Even if some cannot relate, the content is usually still found tolerable. And not olnly are these books content relatable and familar, they are educational and meaningful, making reasons as to why the books should be banned in the first place, extraneous. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">An obvious reason as to why books should bot be debated on whether the content is appropriate or not is that within history much has happened having to do with racial issues, which many books included on this list, deal with. A lot of books deal with racial issues because it is an on going topic that is universal and almost all in the world know of and can relate to in some way. Not only in history, but in modern day many things happen whether we want them to or not, bad language is a givin, as it is used by many and heard by all, and tragic things happen such as kidnapping, rape, theft, and other unfortunate happenings which all go into plots of almost every great book written. These great books being ones that everyone should try and read in their life and books that teachers want to share with their students, but are unable to because the list is blocking them from doing so. Though they really are pushed not to, some teachers push the rules of the list and teach some of the books that are on the brink of being banned. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Banning books from schools heavily hurts the education in certain subjects for many classes learn of those certain aspects that many have to deal with and would help students learn more of the core subject. Education is one of the factors that hurt the schools when books are banned. It also hurts the teachers and makes it difficult to find books pertaining to what is being taught in their classes as they usually have the perfect book in mind, but are unable to take action with it as it is on the banned list. In personal experience, the well known book, //Of Mice and Men// was read in my English class, in forwarning, the teacher asked our classes perrmision to say the N-word when it came up in the text along with other words that may be found offensive. As schools are pushing this book to the banned list, our teacher was also pushing the line with this. When this happens, teachers may sometimes turn to lists' of reccomended books, some teachers not realizing that the books included on this list have no value or impact on their students what so ever or even fit with the topic they are trying to convey. An experience that I feel fits with this, is when the whole tenth grade was forced to endure a long semester of teachers teaching, //7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens//, this did not go well as there was no English benefit nor any impact upon any student undergoing the lesson plan or reading of it. When students recieve the opportunity to choose their own books for classes, almost all choose one of the books also included on the reccomended list, having the same issue or else choosing a book that is included on the banned list, this, heavily effecting their personal education. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">The banned list is backed up on mere points already stated and overall relatable to most; language, racial issues, theft, sexual assualts, and other real world things that most students, and parents, would be fine with reading as long as it goes along with stories that are educational and real, meaning that they really did happen and some of it still does. Worrying about parents is the least of high school students as many are close to being out of the minor age, with a little taste of the real world, not being harmful to them. If a student may feel very uncomfortable with some part of the story, it is not very hard for the teacher to skip the part because if a //student// feels it is not right, there is no way that the teacher does not either. Few teachers may be fine with the list but most become irate when they find that their favorite book that would fit wonderfully with their topic is not able to be taught in their own classroom due to some list. Excerpts in some classes are sometimes read that are from books that are on the banned list, as they completly skip most of the book and what made the book get banned in the first place. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Having very few reasons as to why schools should be allowed to ban books, it is clearly relevant that there are more than enough reasons to not allow them to do this. In the end, this list hurts feelings, but especially the education of almost all students. Lossing their attention to being aware of real isusses and losing knowledge within important historical events.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Revision (1) - Argument ( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 04.05.11; **171** due 04.08.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">Revision (2) - Argument ( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 04.13.11; **171** due 04.15.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **


 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">FINAL - Argument ( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 04.19.11; **171** due 04.22.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;">We have always said that you cannot judge a book by its cover, so what gives schools the right to ban books due to their content that some may find relatable? Schools nationwide have extensive lists of what books are allowed to be taught in classes, and books that have been ruled out due to their content. I believe, as do many teachers, that schools should not be allowed to do this for most of why the book is 'inappropriate' are all things that one can relate to or at least have knowledge of. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;">Even if some cannot relate, the content is usually still found tolerable. And not only are these books content relatable and familiar, they are educational and meaningful, making reasons as to why the books should be banned in the first place, extraneous. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;">An obvious reason as to why books should not be debated on whether the content is appropriate or not is that within history much has happened having to do with racial issues, which many books included on this list, deal with. A lot of books deal with racial issues because it is an ongoing topic that is universal and almost all in the world know of and can relate to in some way. Not only in history, but in modern day many things happen whether we want them to or not. Bad language is a given, as it is used by many and heard by all, and tragic things happen such as kidnapping, rape, theft, and other unfortunate or unhappy circumstances drive the plot of almost every great book written. These great books being ones that everyone should try and read in their life because of popularity and high importance of knowing these stories throughout their life, making these books ones that teachers want to share with their students even more, but are unable to because the list is blocking them from doing so. Though they really are pushed not to, some teachers push the rules of the list and teach some of the books that are on the brink of being banned. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;">Banning books from schools heavily hurts the education in certain subjects for many classes learn of those certain aspects that many have to deal with and would help students learn more of the core subject. Education is one of the factors that hurt the schools when books are banned. It also hurts the teachers and makes it difficult to find books pertaining to what is being taught in their classes as they usually have the perfect book in mind, but are unable to take action with it as it is on the banned list. In personal experience, the well-known book, // Of Mice and Men // was read in my English class, in forewarning, the teacher asked our classes permission to say the N-word when it came up in the text along with other words that may be found offensive. This book also came with a special importance to our class as most students would usually not participate in class discussions nor would they actually engage in reading, during the teaching of this book, these two aspects were key to our class as all took part in both. As schools are pushing this book to the banned list, our teacher was also pushing the line with this. When this happens, teachers may sometimes turn to lists' of recommended books, some teachers not realizing that the books included on this list have no value or impact on their students what so ever or even fit with the topic they are trying to convey. An experience that I feel fits with this, is when the whole tenth grade was forced to endure a long semester of teachers teaching, // 7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens //, this did not go well as there was no English benefit nor any impact upon any student undergoing the lesson plan or reading of it. Reading this interesting story not only took much of the year and came with no benefit, but strongly represents that good books with actual benefits are needed, but most are on the list. When students receive the opportunity to choose their own books for classes, almost all choose one of the books also included on the recommended list, having the same issue or else choosing a book that is included on the banned list, this, heavily effecting their personal education. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;">The banned list is backed up on mere points already stated and overall relatable to most; language, racial issues, theft, sexual assaults, and other real world things that most students, and parents, would be fine with reading as long as it goes along with stories that are educational and real, meaning that they really did happen and some of it still does. Worrying about parents is the least of high school students as many are close to being out of the minor age, with a little taste of the real world, not being harmful to them. If a student may feel very uncomfortable with some part of the story, it is not very hard for the teacher to skip the part because if a student feels it is not right, there is no way that the teacher does not either. Few teachers may be fine with the list but most become irate when they find that their favorite book that would fit wonderfully with their topic is not able to be taught in their own classroom due to some list. Excerpts in some classes are sometimes read that are from books that are on the banned list, as they completely skip most of the book and what made the book get banned in the first place. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 200%;">Having very few reasons as to why schools should be allowed to ban books, it is clearly relevant that there are more than enough reasons to not allow them to do this. In the end, this list hurts feelings, but especially the education of almost all students. Losing their attention to being aware of real issues and losing knowledge within important historical events.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">REFLECTION #3 ****<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">( **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">**RHS** due 04.25.11 **<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif;">) **