What worked for me was making an outline. I usually
just dive into a paper, but I found that making an outline, where I put in
order what I want to say and get an idea of how I want to say it, helps me
avoid writer's block. It felt like a much more fluid process, and less
stressful. I also liked getting feedback from peers, as it was an opinion editorial,
and they were my audience, it gave me a better perspective of what engages
certain audiences. I used meme quotes to show that I’m not that out-of-the-loop
as far as social media goes, and to enhance my credibility. I tried to throw in
some humor to appeal to my audience, but I also shared more serious
information, like a local girl getting raped, and a quote from Elder Cook to
appeal to more emotion. For Logos, I used analogies to show how harmful the
website (YikYak) can be, actual quotes from the site, and the Elder Cook quote
could also fall under the category of logical appeal.
What didn’t work
for me was the 20 minute free-write. I don't think well under pressure, the
best ideas come at random moments. I ended up not using any of the possible
topics that I came up with in the portion of the writing process. After analyzing
my paper, what didn’t work for me in terms of the rhetorical triangle was that
I could have been more consistent with quoting memes to make the paper funnier.
Also, I had hoped to have the exact number of how many sexual harassment reports
are made weekly in the Provo area caused from online dating, but the officer
never got back to me. I think it would have strengthened the logos in the
paragraph regarding that subject.
As far as expectations go, I had never written an
opinion editorial before, and I liked the amount of freedom that it allowed. I
expected to learn more about how to persuade an audience with my words, and I
think being able to receive a lot of feedback, helped achieve that.
I really liked how your expectations matched mine as well. I learned a lot on how to use rhetoric and persuade.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree on the point that outlines are hard to do. I find it way better to dive into it, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is better for my paper. I also agree with the point that the paper really allows you a lot of freedom. More fun that way, right?
ReplyDeleteI also agree on your outline point. I realized that my paper was very unorganized and not fluid at all. With an outline, I think it will help you and I both!
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